Everything You Need to Know About Lifted Trucks and RV Towing

Towing an RV is like taking your home on the road—and there’s no better way to haul your adventure palace than behind a properly equipped lifted truck. Whether you’re a full-time nomad, a weekend wanderer, or just looking to turn heads at the KOA campground, a lifted truck offers power, performance, and undeniable presence.



​But if you’re new to the towing scene—or considering adding a lift to your existing truck—you’ve probably got some questions. Can a lifted truck tow an RV safely? Will it affect handling, weight capacity, or braking? Do you need extra equipment? Don’t worry—we’re covering it all.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about towing an RV with a lifted truck—from hitches to horsepower, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes a Truck Good for Towing an RV?

2. Can Lifted Trucks Tow Safely?

3. How a Suspension Lift Affects Towing Dynamics

4. Choosing the Right Lift Kit for RV Towing

5. Hitch Setup and Compatibility for Lifted Trucks

6. Upgrades That Improve RV Towing with a Lifted Truck

7. Diesel vs. Gas for Towing RVs

8. Gear Ratios, Axles, and Transmissions: What You Need to Know

9. Payload and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

10. Best Lifted Trucks for RV Towing

11. Real-World RV Towing Scenarios and Lessons

12. Tips for Towing an RV with a Lifted Truck

13. Common Mistakes to Avoid

14. Final Thoughts: Is a Lifted Truck the Right Choice?

1. What Makes a Truck Good for Towing an RV?

Before we lift it, let’s talk basics.

A great tow vehicle for an RV is one that can handle your trailer’s weight confidently and safely. Key factors include:

• Towing capacity (usually 8,000–20,000+ lbs depending on truck)

• Payload capacity (so you’re not squatting under the tongue weight)

• Braking performance

• Engine torque—especially at low RPMs

• Stability and suspension quality

Whether it’s stock or lifted, your truck needs to be purpose-built for your RV’s weight, length, and tongue load.

2. Can Lifted Trucks Tow Safely?

The short answer: Yes—if done right.

A properly lifted truck can tow an RV just as safely and effectively as a stock-height truck. But the key word here is properly. That means:

• Using a high-quality lift kit from a reputable brand

• Having it professionally installed and aligned

• Ensuring your suspension geometry, driveshaft angles, and brakes are all tuned for the new height and load

• Making any necessary upgrades to hitch equipment and rear suspension

At Lifted Trucks, every build is engineered with performance and safety in mind—even when hauling a 35-foot fifth wheel across the Rockies.

3. How a Suspension Lift Affects Towing Dynamics

Lifting a truck changes its center of gravity—and that matters for towing. Here’s how:

• Higher center of gravity can lead to more body roll under heavy loads

• Rear squat becomes more noticeable under tongue weight unless corrected

• Aerodynamics are affected—expect some decrease in fuel economy when combined with a large RV

• Visibility and mirror angles may need adjusting with trailer towing mirrors

But none of these are deal-breakers. With proper equipment and setup, you’ll barely notice the difference—aside from all the attention your rig will get at the gas station.

4. Choosing the Right Lift Kit for RV Towing

Not all lift kits are created equal—especially when you’re planning to tow.

Look for:

• 3–6” suspension lifts for balance between clearance and stability

• Heavy-duty rear springs or add-a-leafs to handle extra tongue weight

• Adjustable shocks (like Fox, Bilstein, or King) to dial in the ride

• Dual-rate coilovers if you want to go full send with control under load

Avoid:

• Extreme lifts over 8” unless you’re purely show or off-road

• Budget kits with weak geometry correction or poor alignment tolerances

• Blocks only (for towing, leaf spring upgrades are more effective)

5. Hitch Setup and Compatibility for Lifted Trucks

With a lift, you’ll need to adapt your hitch height to match your trailer tongue. This is critical for safety and towing geometry.

What you’ll need:

• Drop hitches (adjustable, heavy-duty rated for your trailer weight)

• Weight distribution hitch (WDH) for travel trailers

• Fifth-wheel or gooseneck adapters if your bed height has changed

• Extended safety chains and wiring harnesses if the lift stretches connection points

Always make sure your hitch is level when connected—nose-up or nose-down towing causes sway, tire wear, and risk.

6. Upgrades That Improve RV Towing with a Lifted Truck

To enhance both ride quality and control, consider these upgrades:

• Rear airbags (like AirLift or Firestone) to level load and prevent squat

• Heavy-duty rear sway bar for stability

• Upgraded brakes or rotors to help handle the extra mass

• Tow mirrors or clip-on extensions

• Auxiliary transmission cooler—especially for long hauls or mountain climbs

• Tuning for torque curves suited to towing (available for many diesel and gas trucks)

7. Diesel vs. Gas for Towing RVs

Diesel Pros:

• More torque at lower RPMs

• Better fuel economy under load

• Longer engine life (in most cases)

• Easier to tow large fifth wheels or toy haulers

Gas Pros:

• Lower initial cost

• Easier maintenance

• Better performance unloaded or on short trips

Our take: If you’re towing an RV over 8,000 lbs frequently, go diesel. For smaller RVs or occasional travel, a gas truck will do the trick—especially a V8 with proper gearing.

8. Gear Ratios, Axles, and Transmissions: What You Need to Know

Towing isn’t just about power—it’s about how that power gets to the ground.

• 3.73 or 4.10 gear ratios are ideal for towing with lifted trucks

• Upgraded axles (like Dana 60 or 70s) can handle big torque and weight

• Transmission tuning and upgraded torque converters help prevent overheating and gear hunting

• Some modern trucks (like the Ram 2500 or Ford Super Duty) offer factory tow modes and built-in trailer brakes—huge plus

9. Payload and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

Payload = everything in the bed + tongue weight
GCWR = the max weight of your truck + RV + passengers + gear

Before towing:

• Check your truck’s door jamb sticker or manual for ratings

• Factor in aftermarket wheels, tires, and gear

• Don’t rely on “bro science”—know your numbers

Lifted Trucks provides these specs on every build sheet, so you know exactly what your custom rig is capable of.

10. Best Lifted Trucks for RV Towing

Here are some real-world favorites among our customers:

1. Ford F-250 / F-350 Super Duty (Diesel)

2. Ram 2500 / 3500 with Cummins

3. Chevy Silverado 2500HD / 3500HD

4. GMC Sierra HD Denali (Lifted with Tow Package)

5. Toyota Tundra (for lighter campers)

6. Ford F-150 (EcoBoost or 5.0L with mild lifts)

7. Ram 1500 Classic with Hemi V8 and reinforced rear suspension

We lift each of these models without compromising towing integrity—because performance matters more than just looks when you’re dragging 10,000 lbs through the desert.

11. Real-World RV Towing Scenarios and Lessons

Scenario: Mountain Towing in a Lifted F-350

Customer: Towing a 34’ fifth wheel from Arizona to Colorado
Setup: 6” lift, airbags, rear sway bar, 4.10 gears
Outcome: “Stable even on I-70 switchbacks. Never missed a beat.”

Scenario: Cross-country road trip in a lifted Silverado 2500

Customer: Family of 4 towing 29’ travel trailer from Texas to North Carolina
Setup: 4” lift, drop hitch, transmission tune
Outcome: “Handled better than my buddy’s stock Ram. And looked way cooler.”

12. Tips for Towing an RV with a Lifted Truck

• Do a dry run before hitting the highway

• Use tow haul mode if your truck has it

• Keep speed in check—especially downhill

• Check tire pressure on both truck and trailer

• Practice turns and reverse maneuvers

• Carry spare fluids, a tire repair kit, and leveling blocks

And remember—your truck’s not just for looks. It’s built to work.

13. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring tongue weight limits

• Towing without a brake controller

• Using the wrong hitch drop height

• Not adjusting mirrors

• Assuming stock gears can handle 35s and an RV

• Skipping professional lift installation (just don’t)

• Not knowing your vehicle's height clearance

We’ve fixed plenty of DIY disasters—save yourself the headache and come to the pros.

14. Final Thoughts: Is a Lifted Truck the Right Choice?

If you want to tow an RV and make a statement wherever you go, there’s no question:
A lifted truck is the move.

You get:

• Killer looks

• Exceptional visibility

• Increased ground clearance

• Confidence on every terrain

• Endless campsite compliments

And if you buy from Lifted Trucks, you also get:

• Professionally lifted, road-ready trucks

• Full towing specs and support

• Extended warranty options

• A sales team that knows the difference between GVWR and Instagram clout

Ready to Tow in Style?

Whether you’re hauling a camper across the country or backing into a lakeside RV spot for the weekend, a custom truck from Lifted Trucks can do it all—and look damn good doing it.

Shop online at LiftedTrucks.com or visit one of our locations to find the perfect truck for your towing dreams.

Let’s get your new rig hooked up, lifted up, and headed out.