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BaseCamper · 09-30-2017, 10:23 AM

I'm evaluating tow vehicles for my first RV which will be an Outdoors RV Mfg. (ORV) Black Rock 23BKS which has a max weight rating of 8000 lbs. I looked at a REAL NICE, clean, low mileage 2015 Ford F250 XLT 4x4 yesterday, but it has a 4" lift. Being a newb, I'm not sure how this will affect towing.

I will be full-timing and plan to spend most of my time boondocking with the trailer as a base camp for kayaking and mountain biking adventures. I'm 60 years old, though, so I won't be trying to get to real extreme locations. In other words, while 4WD will be needed, I probably don't "need" a lifted truck for radical terrain or heavy mud. I've only test driven the truck unhooked, and definitely did notice a rougher ride than others I have driven.

Any suggestions or insights regarding the pluses and minuses of using a truck with a lifted suspension for my purposes will be very much appreciated.

BFlinn181 · 09-30-2017, 11:34 AM

You'd have to use a drop hitch, which might be an issue on some driveway entrances/exits. The drop hitch also isn't as strong as a straight receiver.

Is the 4" lift needed for wheel and tire choice, or added on by the previous owner? If the price was good, you might check what it would take to remove the lift kit. It would make it a bit easier to get in and out of it, and perhaps ride could be addressed when being modified.

BaseCamper · 09-30-2017, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Is the 4" lift needed for wheel and tire choice, or added on by the previous owner? If the price was good, you might check what it would take to remove the lift kit.

Thanks for the welcome.

275/70 R18 Michelin LTX A/T-2s on stock 18" wheels, I believe. The dealer sold the truck to the original owner (an "old guy") and can't imagine that he would have added a lift kit ... but it has one. I've not seen OEM lift kit options.

They don't seem to be interested in removing the lift kit, sighting that they'll sell it the way it is. I don't doubt that they will sell it, but it won't be to me if I conclude that the drawbacks outweigh the value and any benefits (which is the way I'm leaning so far).

Parks · 09-30-2017, 10:08 PM

Unless the price is just too good to pass up I'd say pass on the truck and look for another that is stock. I think there is upside with the 4" lift for your needs and only downside to have the truck with it. That being said may 3/4 and 1 ton stock trucks these days can fit up to a 35" tire with little to no rubbing.

I have a nice set of Cooper ST Max ATs in 295/70/18 on my stock Ram 2500. They look great and should be all I ever need beyond a stock tire. IF you need to, upgrade the rubber to a more aggressive tire since you will be boon docking.

Here is my setup.

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Earl E · 09-30-2017, 10:31 PM

It will certainly work but will take a drop hitch. I had to use one of those on another truck it sure did drag all the time going into service stations, etc. My experience is also that most lifted trucks are definitely rougher riding and harder to get up into and out. Plus if that is where your bike is going it's going to get more tiring lifting it in and out. Keep looking and you will find the right one. Congrats on your trailer. That is a nice one and well built.

keymastr · 09-30-2017, 11:53 PM

There are plenty of stock trucks out there. I would pass just based on the hight to get in the truck. I have a 2016 F-250 4x4 and even stock it is a climb. That doesn't get any easier with age.
I love the truck. It tows fantastically and with just a couple hundred pounds in the bed the ride smooths out. Really like the way it rides with the trailer hooked up.

24shofast · 10-03-2017, 03:32 PM

There are no issues with a lifted truck towing a TT. Smaller lifts such as the 4" typically retain the stock suspension parts so your towing load ratings aren't affected. As long as you are running a drop hitch and your trailer is level all is well. Good luck on your search.

cfowler55 · 10-03-2017, 04:30 PM

Some lift kits are well engineered and professionally installed. Then there are the others. This leaves a bit of a question mark as to quality / durability of the particular product on the truck in question. Personally I would pass and find a stock vehicle. Good luck either way you go.

BaseCamper · 10-27-2017, 07:24 PM

Thanks for all the advice. I did pass on the lifted F-250 and found an almost-as-clean 2015 Ram 2500 which, as a bonus, has a backup camera and locking tonneau cover which the Ford didn't have. Plus, it has a set of those sweet Cooper ST Max ATs in 295/70/18 that Parks has. Thankfully the tires still have 11/32" because at ~$1200/set, I don't want to have to replace those for awhile.