When you reach the one-ton class, you’re not talking about ordinary pickups anymore — you’re talking about rolling legends. These are the rigs that tow construction sites, conquer mountain passes, and still look like works of art sitting in your driveway. Every truck in this class — the Ford F-350 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, Ram 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500HD — represents the absolute peak of power, capability, and presence.
And when they’re lifted, fine-tuned, and dressed to impress by Lifted Trucks, they transform from heavy-duty workhorses into luxury off-road warriors that define what it means to stand above the rest.
Powertrain & Torque: The Pinnacle of Diesel Engineering
In this class, numbers tell the story — and they’re staggering.
The Ford F-350 Super Duty sets the standard for brute force. With its 6.7L High Output Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel, Ford delivers 500 horsepower and an incredible 1,200 lb-ft of torque — enough to tow just about anything with a VIN. It’s paired with a 10-speed TorqShift automatic that keeps the powerband tight and smooth.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD both wield the same legendary 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel. Producing 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque, it’s engineered for refinement and confidence under load. The Allison 10-speed transmission makes this combination a favorite for those who want consistent performance and proven dependability mile after mile.
Then there’s the Ram 3500, armed with the famous 6.7L Cummins High Output turbo diesel producing 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. It’s the truck that built the Cummins legend — delivering low-end grunt and longevity that fleet operators swear by.
Winner? Ford takes the crown for raw power, but Duramax and Cummins remain titans of reliability and long-term performance.
Towing & Payload: King of Capability
If there’s one area where the one-ton class separates itself, it’s here. These trucks can handle jobs that would make lesser rigs crumble.
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F-350 Super Duty: Up to 40,000 lbs gooseneck towing and 8,000+ lbs payload (when properly equipped)
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Silverado 3500HD: Up to 36,000 lbs gooseneck towing and 7,200 lbs payload
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Sierra 3500HD: Virtually identical to the Silverado, with a more refined edge in Denali and Denali Ultimate trims
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Ram 3500: Up to 37,100 lbs towing and 7,680 lbs payload with the High Output Cummins
These numbers are astonishing. Every truck in this group can out-tow small RVs, trailers, and even commercial equipment. When lifted correctly, using performance-tuned suspension systems from trusted brands, they retain that capability while gaining the aggressive stance and clearance to handle rugged job sites and off-road terrain.
Winner? Ford leads in sheer numbers, but in real-world towing stability and comfort, Ram and GM hold their own.
Chassis, Suspension & Lift Readiness
These trucks are built to handle abuse — and to handle lifts better than ever before.
The F-350 uses a high-strength, military-grade aluminum body over a boxed steel frame. Its twin I-beam front suspension and rear leaf springs offer a strong foundation for 4–8 inch lift kits without compromising towing geometry.
The Silverado 3500HD and Sierra 3500HD rely on GM’s ultra-rigid ladder frame and independent front suspension, which keeps steering tight and predictable, even when lifted. The added bonus? They maintain better road manners than most solid-axle competitors.
The Ram 3500, with its solid front axle and optional air suspension, is a dream to lift properly. The air ride system automatically adjusts under load, allowing a lifted Ram 3500 to maintain both comfort and capability no matter the payload.
Winner? A three-way tie: Ford for ultimate strength, GM for refined ride control, and Ram for lift versatility.
Ride Comfort & Drive Feel
Let’s be honest — one-ton trucks are not built to be soft. But the modern era of heavy-duty pickups has changed that perception.
The Ram 3500 wins for comfort thanks to its available rear air suspension, soaking up bumps while remaining stable when towing heavy loads. The Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate takes a luxurious approach with its adaptive dampers and plush interior, while the F-350 Tremor package adds off-road capability without turning it into a punishment chamber on the freeway.
Winner? Ram for comfort, GMC for luxury, Ford for off-road composure.
Interior & Technology: Command Centers on Wheels
Gone are the days of bare-bones HD trucks. These are rolling command centers — perfect for both work and play.
The F-350 Super Duty offers a tech-forward layout with a massive touchscreen, built-in trailer apps, and the optional Pro Power Onboard system that doubles as a job-site generator.
The Ram 3500’s interior is a masterclass in refinement. From the Limited Longhorn’s stitched leather to the 12-inch Uconnect display, it’s where ranch luxury meets real-world usability.
The Silverado 3500HD features a redesigned cabin with a modern layout, intuitive infotainment, and best-in-class visibility. Meanwhile, the Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate pushes luxury further than any heavy-duty truck before it — open-pore wood, massaging seats, and a 13.4-inch center display that feels more luxury SUV than work truck.
Winner? Ram for premium comfort, GMC for pure luxury, and Ford for the best tech integration.
Visual Presence: The Lifted Trucks Effect
A lifted one-ton truck is the automotive equivalent of a suit of armor — commanding, confident, and impossible to ignore.
A Lifted F-350 makes a statement the moment it rolls up — with its massive proportions, bold grille, and unmistakable Super Duty stance. The Lifted Silverado 3500HD channels American muscle energy, looking equally at home pulling a trailer or stealing the spotlight at a show. The Lifted Ram 3500 exudes presence — broad-shouldered, powerful, and elegant. And the Lifted Sierra 3500HD Denali Ultimate? It’s sophistication on steroids.
Each one speaks to a different kind of strength, and every one of them becomes unforgettable once it bears the Lifted Trucks badge.
Reliability, Resale, & Ownership Value
Every brand in this segment builds their one-ton trucks for endurance, but the reputations run deep:
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Cummins (Ram 3500): Known for simplicity, longevity, and easily hitting 300K+ miles with proper maintenance.
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Duramax (Silverado/Sierra 3500HD): Smooth, powerful, and remarkably consistent across model years.
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Power Stroke (F-350): Constant innovation, record-breaking torque, and an expanding reputation for reliability.
When it comes to resale, Ford and Ram tend to hold the highest values due to strong demand across commercial and enthusiast buyers, while GMC’s Denali Ultimate retains impressive value for buyers seeking luxury with utility.
Winner? Ram for longevity, Ford for market demand, GMC for luxury resale strength.
Tax Benefits & Commercial Utility
For business owners, the one-ton class offers a massive advantage under Section 179 of the IRS tax code. Most lifted one-ton trucks, due to their GVWR exceeding 6,000 lbs, qualify for significant business write-offs when purchased for work use. That means you can add power and presence to your business fleet while leveraging real tax value — something many Lifted Trucks customers have already taken advantage of.
Pro Tip: Always confirm current deduction limits with your accountant — but rest assured, when it comes to Section 179, these heavyweights deliver both muscle and money back.
The Verdict
The one-ton class isn’t about compromise — it’s about dominance. Each contender brings something exceptional to the table:
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Ford F-350: The undisputed king of towing and torque, perfect for those who demand everything.
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Chevy Silverado 3500HD: A no-nonsense workhorse with classic American grit.
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Ram 3500: The balance of power, comfort, and timeless diesel reliability.
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GMC Sierra 3500HD: The luxury benchmark of heavy-duty trucking.
But when they’re lifted by Lifted Trucks, they transcend categories. These are more than tools — they’re symbols of mastery, of achievement, and of pride. Each one is built to do it all, look good doing it, and last for years of adventure.
Call to Action
If you’re ready to experience the ultimate in strength, performance, and luxury, explore our lineup of professionally lifted one-ton trucks — including F-350s, Silverado 3500HDs, Ram 3500s, and Sierra 3500HDs. Every truck is hand-selected, expertly upfitted, and ready to drive off the lot with zero compromises.
Lifted Trucks doesn’t just sell trucks — we build icons. Step up to the top of the food chain and discover what real power feels like.
