When Elevation Meets Adventure
Jake had always dreamed of hitting the open road with his camper in tow and his truck riding high above the rest. After installing a 6-inch lift kit and some all-terrain 35s, his rig looked every bit the part. But when it came time to hitch up the trailer, he ran into a problem: the trailer was pitched at a steep angle, the weight was off, and the ride felt unstable. It turned out that lifting his truck had changed more than just the view—it had altered how safely and efficiently he could tow.
If you’re like Jake and have a lifted truck or are planning to lift one, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through the essentials of towing recreational vehicles (RVs, campers, trailers) with a modified suspension setup. Because with the right prep, your lifted life on the road doesn’t have to come at the cost of safety.
The High-Stakes of Height: What Changes When You Lift?
1. Altered Hitch Geometry
Lifting your truck changes the height of the hitch receiver, which can throw off the level of your trailer. A trailer that tilts nose-down or tail-down causes poor weight distribution and can lead to sway, uneven tire wear, and even brake imbalance.
Solution: Use a drop hitch rated for your vehicle’s towing capacity. Measure the new height of your hitch from the ground and subtract the trailer coupler height when level. This will tell you how much drop you need.
2. Suspension Dynamics and Towing Stability
A lift kit often includes stiffer springs or shocks meant for off-road performance, not towing. This can reduce the truck’s ability to handle tongue weight and increase body roll or bounce when towing.
Solution: Consider upgrading to heavy-duty shocks or airbags designed for towing. These can help manage sag and improve ride quality under load.
3. Drivetrain and Axle Stress
Larger tires and altered gear ratios can strain your drivetrain, especially when pulling a trailer uphill or on long hauls.
Solution: Re-gear your axles to match your tire size and towing demands. If your stock ratio was 3.73 and you’ve added 37” tires, moving to 4.56 or 4.88 can restore torque and fuel efficiency.
Hitching the Right Way: Practical Setups That Work
1. Use Weight Distribution Hitches
A weight distribution hitch helps level your trailer and distribute tongue weight evenly across all axles. This is especially important for lifted trucks because the rear end often sits higher than stock.
Tip: Make sure your weight distribution hitch is compatible with lifted setups. Some brands offer adjustable shanks designed for higher hitch receivers.
2. Install Extended Brake Controllers
Lifted trucks with oversized tires take longer to stop. A brake controller that syncs with your trailer’s brakes is essential for safety.
Tip: Choose a proportional brake controller that adjusts braking pressure based on how hard you apply the truck’s brakes. This leads to smoother stops and less wear.
3. Check Your Mirrors and Line of Sight
Larger tires and a higher cab mean reduced visibility, especially when towing a wide trailer.
Tip: Add extended towing mirrors or consider a wireless backup camera system that links to your phone or dash screen for better rear visibility.
Drive Smart: Handling and Maintenance Tips
1. Take Corners Wider and Slower
Your truck’s center of gravity is now higher, and with a trailer behind you, that means more sway and less control in tight turns.
Tip: Slow down before turns and accelerate gradually out of them. Never take curves at posted speeds designed for passenger cars.
2. Monitor Tire Pressure Religiously
Big tires can hide problems due to their size and volume. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce towing efficiency, while overinflated ones reduce traction.
Tip: Use a digital tire gauge and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for towing. Don’t forget the trailer tires too.
3. Regularly Inspect Suspension and Frame Components
The added stress of towing with a lift kit can loosen or wear suspension bolts and mounts faster than stock setups.
Tip: Check your U-bolts, control arms, and leaf springs before every long trip. Look for signs of rust, wear, or misalignment.
Further Reading & Resources
Learn the federal safety standards and best practices for towing all vehicle types.
Detailed guidance on choosing the right drop hitch based on your truck and trailer setup.
Explore airbag suspension kits designed specifically for lifted vehicles that tow.
Use this resource to calculate safe towing limits based on your truck’s modifications and trailer weight.
