Truck Types

Trucks are vehicles used for carrying loads in the space provide in the back. The first gasoline-driven trucks were called motor trucks to distinguish them from the term used for the large wheels used on wagons, which were also called trucks. There are various types of trucks, such as pickup trucks, SUV’s, ½ ton, ¾ ton, 1 ton, 5 ton, dual wheels, sports trucks and big rigs, often called eighteen wheelers.

The engine in the truck determines the load it can carry. Most SUV’s and pickups have either V-4 or V-8 gasoline engines. They have either manual or automatic transmissions, but most of the larger trucks have manual transmissions without synchronizers. These are called crash boxes because the driver doesn’t have to use the clutch to change gears. The chassis is constructed of two beams, usually shaped like the letter C, and held together with crossmembers.

The differences in the various types of trucks are:

Pickup truck. This truck can have a single cab or a double cab. The box on the back can range from 5 to 8 feet in length. Large trucks of this type can carry heavier loads when they have heavier springs.
SUV’s are utility sport vehicles that look somewhat like a jeep, they do not have a pan, but the seats can fold down in the back allowing more carrying space inside.
A 5-ton truck is a commercial vehicle used to carry heavy loads. The back of the truck can be attached to the cab or it may be possible to take it off. It is usually shaped like a rectangular box.
A transport truck is a large truck with eighteen wheels. These trucks are used for carrying extremely heavy loads over long distances. There is usually a sleeping compartment for the driver located above or behind the cab.