How Does a Lift Kit Affect Towing?

Updated 08/27/2020 | Published 09/08/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(108)

$199.38

Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 10-3/4" Rise, 12" Drop - 7,000 lbs

(1354)

$122.54

Lift Spacers for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Vehicles w/ 6" Lift

(6)

$133.23

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3008)

$565.82

Question:

Wondering how much a body lift affects towing capacity How much can my Ford F-150 lariat FX4 with a 5.0 with a 6-in Pro Comp lift tow?

asked by: Jeffery G

Expert Reply:

A body lift does not affect towing since it's only the body of your vehicle that's being raised; the stock suspension and wheels remain at their original height.

With that being said, from what I was able to research online, your 6 inch Pro Comp Lift Kit may actually be a suspension lift. As far as the actual towing weight capacity is concerned, I am not able to tell you if and how much your 6 inch lift would affect it. I recommend reaching out to the manufacturer (Pro Comp) since they are the ones that would have the information assuming they have done all the testings. Note that even if your lift doesn't affect the towing capacity, it will affect the quality of towing a trailer.

A suspension lifted truck typically does not make a good tow vehicle for a couple of reasons.

First, they tend to have height issues when it comes to finding an appropriate ball mount with enough of a drop to allow the truck to be level with the trailer. Our Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches # AMSC12 is going to offer the highest drop available in a standard, non-adjustable ball mount at 12 inches with a 7,000 lb capacity.

Sag is another big issue, but that can potentially be reduced by using suspension enhancement like Firestone's Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs like # F2582 which fits 2015-2018 Ford F-150 with at least 8 inches of distance between the outside of the frame to the inside of the tire. A lift spacer kit like # F2375 allows you to install the air bags on vehicle's with a 6 inch lift kit like yours. Without suspension enhancement the extreme sag on lifted trucks will wear out your stock suspension much faster, making it less effective. If you have a different model year than the ones listed above, please let me know and I will gladly make the correct recommendation.

expert reply by: Carla M

Sami

8/13/2020

Hi there I have a 2014 d40 attached with a bull bar and a winch to it I want to fit in a 2 inch suspension kit both front and back followed by a 1inch lift kit only in the front making 3inch total in the front and 2inch in the back My question is can I still tow 3ton full towing capacity of the car Thanks

Jon G.

8/27/2020

That would be a better question for your local Nissan dealer. Obviously adjusting the height in different areas can affect your vehicle performance but I'm not sure if the 2" - 3" is enough for you to lose any weight capacity.