Any lift worsens towing as it raises COG. I find it pretty funny that anyone would think their changes somehow have no effect. It has compromised the ability of the truck to do work. Period. Not in braking and not in handlingis it equal. Never in resisting the trailer forces against the TV.
And I've used these in the oilfield. 2WD works out better down here. Or the driver needs to find another kind of hauling.
The worst RVer on the highway is the typical lifted 4WD yanking a toyhauler. The same arrogance. And the same lack of understanding anything resembling common sense in separation distances and vehicle dynamics.
Longevity and reliability have to do with lessening the load on the TV where weight is a given. Fuel burn is the usual marker.
The OP should check engine hours against vehicle miles. And ask a dealer to interrogate the computer as I'm told a more accurate picture of fuel consumption, percent idle hours, etc, can be obtained.
For me I'd avoid anything with a lift, off-road tires ( not traction tires), a tuner and evidence of a gooseneck hitch. 2WD makes a better choice in this as well. If a Dodge Cummins, choose the manual transmission models as it makes the best combination ever available in any light duty truck. Stay away from the second hand now third hand abused trucks.
