Lift Kit Towing Capabilities

oldredhat6 · December 29, 2004

I have been looking for a true answer to this question and wanted to know if anyone here has an answer. I heve been considering lifting my 01 2500HD 6 inches but I tow a 9000 pound travel trailer. Does the lift affect the trailer towing capability of the truck? I can realign my hitch, I use a weight distributing hook up, but need to be able to tow the weight for camping.

Thanks.

number9 · December 30, 2004

Don't know, but keep i mind that with that 6" lift I am sure you will be using larger tires (33-35?) and that will effectively raise your gear ratio and decrease braking performance. Both issue will realate to your truck working harder to pull and stop the truck and/or trailer.

Also, most lifts use rear lift blocks to achieve some or all of the lift height. While it is true that Dodge 2500 trucks come with factory lift blocks and are rated to tow heavy - is this taken into account in the rear suspension design? Is it taken into account in lift kit design? I don't know, but I would give a call to the lift manufacturer and ask about it, BUT out of a lawyer-proof attitude they may tell you not to tow with their lift.

Shaners · December 31, 2004

A 6" lift with big tires sounds like a good looking ride!!!

However, like was mentioned before, a gear swap would be a necessity.

I would be a little nervous about towing a trailer that heavy with a lifted vehicle. You would have significantly altered the center of gravity of the tow vehicle, and in an emergency situation things could get ugly.

chadlyt · December 31, 2004

yep, gear swap for sure....

Now, this is only personal opinion, so dont take it to heart. I dont think i have seen a long box with a lift before. I would go for a 4" lift...even with the distribution, your back end will be sinking in the rear when your towing. I get a little leary about towing 9000lbs with a 6"lift...hopefully more people respond

Bgdsub72 · December 31, 2004

I have owned two lifted trucks and both tow fine with the lifts... A mild lift should not be a big deal with wieght distribution, but if you are going with a crazy 12" lift and some 44" tires then you may have a problem....