The Hidden Problem with Lifted Pickup Trucks Explained

🚚Larger tires on lifted trucks may improve looks and proportion, but they come with a cost.

💪Increased leverage on axles and components can affect towing ability and put stress on the suspension.

🌡️Lifting a truck impairs aerodynamics and cooling, which affects its gross vehicle weight rating.

🔧Aftermarket modifications like bumpers and recovery points require careful consideration and testing.

🚛Increasing tire size should lead to a reduction in gross vehicle weight rating to maintain safety and reliability.

Why do people lift their pickup trucks and add bigger tires?

—Lifting trucks and adding larger tires is done to enhance the looks, proportion, and off-road capabilities of the vehicle.

Is it safe to lift a pickup truck and add larger tires?

—Lifting a truck and adding larger tires can impact safety, payload, and towability. It is important to make sure the modifications are performed correctly and don't exceed the vehicle's capabilities.

Do manufacturers test pickup trucks specifically for payload and gross vehicle weight rating?

—Manufacturers conduct various tests to determine payload and gross vehicle weight rating, including government-mandated tests and internal testing to ensure safety and reliability.

Can airbags help prevent sag when lifting a truck?

—While airbags can help with sag, they can also change the frequency of the suspension and lead to other issues. Proper engineering and consideration of weight ratings are necessary when modifying a truck.

Does increasing tire size affect towing capacity?

—Increasing tire size increases leverage on axles and components, affecting towing capacity. A rule of thumb is to reduce the gross vehicle weight rating proportionally to the increase in tire size.

00:00There is a problem with lifted pickup trucks with larger tires that affects payload, towability, and gross vehicle weight rating.

01:19Dave Heron, CEO of American Expedition Vehicles, discusses how manufacturers test for payload and gross vehicle weight rating.

06:42Lifting a truck affects aerodynamics and cooling, which play a role in gross vehicle weight rating and payload.

09:59Adding larger tires increases leverage on axles and components, impacting towing capacity and requiring weight rating adjustments.

12:42Sam explains that engineering a vehicle with high power and torque involves compromises in design and performance.