Questions on towing with a lifted truck
First off, this is such a great site. I did a ton of reading and research and it totally Influenced me to go out and buy a brand new GMC 3500HD and a 35ft travel trailer. I've never owned or even towe...
Forum Discussion
Powts wrote:VintageRacer wrote:
Everyone knows the obvious drawbacks to lifted trucks, and many with 3500's actually look to lower them for towing, so I won't go there. Once you get the lift sorted the way you want it, you need to fully and completely adjust the weight distributing hitch. You may need to find a real high quality dropped hitch head, mine is adjusted to it's lowest point to fit my stock height F250 so a 4" lift on a 3500 is probably 6" or more difference to mine. As said, watch the weight ratings on the tires and wheels so you get ones that match your usage.
Other than that, it's going to handle a bit worse, brake worse, and probably ride worse so adjust your driving style. Lots of people tow with lifted trucks and do just fine, you probably will too.
Brian
Good points, thanks for this. Tires are the Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs. E ply with a load rating of 126. Should be fine with that as they're a step up in all categories from the OEM's. I'll shop around for a quality hitch head - any suggestions on what/where to buy?
Replace receiver on truck with Torklift SuperHitch Magnum, Torklift adjustable shank with double stinger, Reese Trunnion Bar WDH.
The receiver is good for 20,000lb weight carrying, 30,000lb weight distributing, the shank good for 20,000lbs. Even if you derate it when using it in the drop position, it is still stout enough to handle most travel trailers.
