How to Tell My 1500 Chevy From a 2500

by Marysia Walcerz

Chevy trucks are designated by a number of factors --- size, capacity for towing, weight, and so on. The 1500 and 2500, in reference in Chevy trucks, designates the amount of weight they can respectively carry, which is the biggest difference between them. So, for example, a 1500 Chevy is rated to carry 1/2 ton, and a 2500 Chevy is rated to carry 3/4 ton. When trying to discern between a 1500 and a 2500, there are a few easy things to check to tell them apart, including the VIN number and the bolt pattern in the wheels.

Step 1

Check the VIN number of both vehicles. The easiest way to tell the difference between a 1500 and 2500 Chevy truck is to look at the VIN numbers of both, and check the sixth digit. If the sixth digit is a "1", the truck is a 1500, if it is a "2", the truck is a 2500.

Step 2

Check the lug bolt pattern on the wheels. 1500 Chevy trucks have a bolt pattern with either 5 or 6 bolts, whereas 2500 Chevy trucks feature an 8 bolt pattern.

Step 3

Compare the cabs. A 1500 Chevy truck offers options for the regular, extended, and crew cabs. A 2500 Chevy truck only offers the crew cab. If your truck has a regular or extended cab, you can identify it as a 1500.

Step 4

Refer to the user's manual for each truck. The users manual should have information about the truck that includes whether it's a 1500 or 2500.

Step 5

Contact the person or company you purchased it from originally and inquire as it whether the truck is a 1500 or 2500.

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