lifted truck?

[Buzzardcheater]

Hey all - soon to be making the shift to a TC, and that starts with upgrading my truck. I'm looking a getting a used dually, and one I'm checking out is lifted by several inches. It's running 18 inch wheels.

So - question for the assembled wisdom here: Does the lift pose any structural, suspension, or comfort issues when I put a large TC on the back of it? For the record, I'm trending toward a Lance 1172 (so,yeah, heavy)

Thoughts?

[d3500ram]

Buzzardcheater wrote:
... , ... I'll keep hunting for a non-lifted truck.

Good decision.

[WNYBob]

Also consider the overall height! This may be a deal breaker if you store indoors.

[mkirsch]

In a word, yes.

Keep in mind that the large TCs put the rig at 12'6" to 13' high with factory suspension. With a 6" lift and oversize tires, you're pushing the height limit in many states.

They probably won't pull you over for it, but hey, if you don't mind cleaving off your air conditioner on an unmarked bridge that had one layer of pavement too many run underneath it, that's your prerogative.

[rcmiller32]

A few things to look at with the way the lift was done.
Did they cut or modify the factory mounting points on the frame or steering? Any cutting of the frame will void any warranty, and most likely allow the manufacture a way out for any claims or injuries.
Did they lift via blocks between the springs and axles? Mostly found on older leaf spring vehicles.
Did they replace the factory springs and shocks, etc. with after market? May or may not have the same load ratings as OEM parts.
Did they just lift the body with spacer blocks? Ok for 1 or 2 inches of lift in most cases.
Was the modifications done by a factory approved vehicle modifier or a local garage? You some times see units at new car dealers that are done with the blessing of the vehicle manufacture, and will still carry a new vehicle warranty.
Will the lift kit supplier provide the load capacities in a letter? This way you can make sure you have the needed capacities you need.
By the way what make of vehicle was it?

[Buzzardcheater]

... and this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I dig these forums. Quick responses to my question with a lot of good insight. y'all confirmed some of my concerns and I'll keep hunting for a non-lifted truck.

[Terryallan]

Yep. Being raised will increase the rollover potential.

[donn0128]

Suspension lift kits generally use much softer springs. So it is likely the truck has far less load carrying capacity than you need. I would RUN away from any late model modified truck as fast as poasible.

[Golden_HVAC]

Lifted how far?

There are suspension lift kits from 2" to 6" to lift the frame higher off the ground for increased ground clearance and larger tires, and body lift kits that would leave the frame the same distance from the ground, but raise the cab and bed say 2" or 4" above the frame rails. This allows for much larger tires, without as much change in the driveline angles, and not changing the center of gravity by as much, because while the lighter body is raised, the heavy engine stays with the frame, lower to the ground.

Installing a camper increases the center of gravity on your truck. While a 7,700 pound crewcab truck might have a 30" tall from the ground center of gravity, jack it up by say 6" and the center of gravity will also go up nearly 6" to 36".

Install a 3,000 pound camper that is say 36" off the ground (COG of the camper itself) and you have put a 3,000 pound load 36" off the ground, and increased the truck/camper COG to say 36 or 42" respectively. Get it high enough, and in a hard right turn where the ground dips away, or the right front tire goes into the dirt, you might go over, instead of staying upright. . .

You will also be a little higher in cross winds, but also there will be more space for air to pass right under the truck, so that might be a wash. ..

The dually will really help in the stability factor.

Good luck,

Fred.

[Artum_Snowbird]

A couple of things to start.. Likely your jacks will be at full extension, or even up on blocks in order to remove or remount your camper. That can be OK when on pavement, but if you plan to remove the rig at your destination in a campground, you have to be extra careful with having a stable flat surface to put the jacks on.

The other item is your steps in. Some use platforms to put the lower step on, but even then, getting the scissor steps to work well when there is a lower back end to put the steps on is really difficult and dangerous at times. Family and dogs coming up and down sloping steps is not fun.