A lifted truck isn’t just about style. For many owners, it’s a hard working tool that needs to tow trailers, boats, campers, and equipment with confidence. The good news: a properly built lifted truck can tow exceptionally well in real-world conditions. The key is understanding how suspension geometry, hitch alignment, tire selection, and load balance affect towing performance once a truck sits higher than factory height.
Whether you're a weekend warrior hauling your toys or a business owner moving equipment between job sites, the following real-world towing tips will help you tow safely and smoothly with your lifted truck.
Know Your True Tow Rating After Modifications
Every truck leaves the factory with an official tow rating, but once you add larger tires, different gear ratios, or a lift kit, the real-world towing dynamics change. A lift doesn’t automatically reduce what your truck can tow, but it can influence acceleration, braking feel, and overall stability. Larger tires increase rotational mass, which can make towing feel more demanding. If your truck has been re-geared or professionally aligned after lifting, towing performance often improves significantly. The most important step is to know your configuration and understand that the factory number is a starting point—not the entire story.
Use a Drop Hitch Designed for Lifted Trucks
Hitch height is one of the biggest adjustments lift owners need to address. After a lift, your truck’s receiver can sit several inches higher than your trailer coupler. Using the correct drop hitch ensures your trailer stays level, which improves stability, braking control, and weight distribution. Quality drop hitches rated well above your trailer’s loaded weight are essential. Many lifted truck owners use adjustable hitches to easily adapt between trailers, cargo loads, and tow heights.
Prioritize Weight Distribution and Trailer Balance
Proper tongue weight and trailer balance become even more important when towing with a taller vehicle. Too much weight on the rear of the trailer can create sway, and too much forward weight can overload the rear axle. Aim for 10 to 15 percent of total trailer weight on the hitch. For heavier loads, a weight-distribution hitch can help maintain front axle traction and improve steering feel, especially on trucks with larger tires.
Brake Performance Matters—Consider Upgrades
Bigger wheels and tires look incredible, but they can put more demand on your braking system while towing. Many lifted truck owners upgrade to slotted or drilled rotors, high-performance pads, or even big brake kits for improved stopping power. Trailer brakes should also be properly adjusted and tested before long hauls. A well-tuned trailer brake controller can make towing with a lifted truck feel smooth, predictable, and safe.
Watch Your Trailer Sway With Higher Ride Height
A higher center of gravity can increase the chance of trailer sway, especially at highway speeds or in windy conditions. Even though modern trucks include stability control systems, smart drivers use additional strategies: maintain proper tire pressure, load the trailer correctly, use sway control if needed, and avoid sudden lane changes. Lifted trucks with stable, well-matched suspension components tow extremely well when combined with proper loading and hitching.
Pay Attention to Tire Load Ratings
Bigger doesn’t always mean stronger. Off-road tires vary widely in load ratings, sidewall stiffness, and heat resistance. When towing, choose a tire with an appropriate load index for your trailer and cargo. Many drivers prefer E-load or F-load tires for heavy-duty towing, especially in warmer climates where heat buildup can be a factor. Proper tire pressure is equally critical—underinflated tires run hotter and reduce towing stability.
Upgrade Suspension Components for Towing Confidence
Many lifted trucks use aftermarket components that can actually improve towing performance, such as heavy-duty springs, upgraded shocks, sway bars, or airbags. Modern suspension systems like coilovers or monotube shocks often deliver better control than factory components. Airbag systems are especially beneficial for leveling the truck when towing heavy trailers, preventing rear squat, and improving steering feel.
Use Tow/Haul Mode and Monitor Transmission Temps
Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points to keep your truck in the optimal power band. This reduces strain on the transmission and enhances throttle response under load. Lifted trucks with larger tires benefit from Tow/Haul mode even more because the transmission may need help compensating for the increased rolling diameter. On long grades or hot days, keep an eye on transmission temperatures to protect long-term durability.
Practice Safe Highway and Mountain Towing Techniques
Real-world towing often involves uneven roads, steep inclines, sudden stops, and sharp curves. Lifted truck owners should: allow extra braking distance, use engine braking on long descents, reduce speed in strong wind or crosswinds, and avoid tailgating or aggressive throttle inputs. A confident tower always plans ahead and drives defensively. With the right setup, towing with a lifted truck feels stable, strong, and predictable.
Lifted Trucks Tow Exceptionally Well When Built Right
When properly equipped with the right lift, gearing, tires, hitch components, and suspension tuning, a lifted truck can tow with remarkable confidence. Many Lifted Trucks customers use their builds for RV towing, enclosed trailers, boats, and equipment hauling with excellent results. The key is matching your components to your towing needs and ensuring your setup is dialed-in by professionals who understand both off-road performance and real-world towing.
Tow With Confidence in a Lifted Truck From Lifted Trucks
Lifted Trucks specializes in building trucks that perform in the real world, including towing. Whether you need a half-ton, three-quarter-ton, or one-ton equipped for serious hauling, our team can match you with the perfect lifted truck and the right modifications for your lifestyle. We offer one of the nation’s largest selections of custom and lifted trucks, all inspected, perfected, and ready for work or adventure. Visit any Lifted Trucks store or browse our nationwide inventory to find your next towing-ready build. Your next journey starts with a truck built for capability and comfort.
