In our last blog, we touched on the history of lifted trucks and how they gained popularity. From lifting vehicles for war time use to monster trucks, the concept of lifted trucks has been trending up in popularity for many decades. Out of this growth sprouted full fledge off-road communities and clubs, truck shows and a boom in the aftermarket industry. Knowing all of this, what makes lifted trucks so appealing?
What are Lifted Trucks?
To unpack the appeal, it's important to be clear on what it means to have a lifted truck. Whether the owner decides on the suspension lift or body lift method, the goal remains the same.
Lift kits increase ground clearance, alter the suspension geometry, and allow for capacity for a larger tire. The reason for this could be practical for more off-road clearance, or cosmetic purposes to achieve an aggressive look. Options for customization are practically limitless from the mildest 2-inch lifts to the extreme height often showcased at truck shows.
Bigger is Better
For fans of lifted trucks, sometimes the reason for building a truck like this is simply because it looks good. It can make a person feel a sense of power being higher up, seeing lanes ahead before anyone else. Perhaps it's a boost of confidence and an expression of the owner's individuality that challenges the status quo.
In any case, it's hard to ignore the lifted truck scenes impact on the automotive culture. We often see them depicted in the media, movies, car/truck shows and throughout the automotive community. The community only gets more niche from there, from rock crawling and trail hopping to local truck shows and large-scale conventions.
Beyond Looks
Besides the visual appeal of lifted trucks, they’re handy when it comes to off-road adventuring. With the vehicle stature higher off the ground, it makes rough rides over dirt roads effortless with better handling over obstacles. Upgrading to a suspension lift allows accommodation for a larger tire, which can be helpful for more grip and stability on unpredictable, off-road conditions. For the tradesman, such as in agriculture or construction, larger lifted trucks make working and hauling material much more enjoyable.
For the outdoorsman or woman, lifting your truck suspension may be a matter of simple utility, assisting with outdoor activities such as towing a side by side, hunting or even camping.
In talking about utilitarian reasons for lifting your truck, it’s important to consider some pros and cons.
Pros:
- Enhanced off-road abilities
- Improved looks and resale value
- Customizable
Cons:
- Cost of installing and maintaining modifications
- Fuel efficiency and possible handling concerns
- Legal regulations (Some states have height limits)
While the cons may not seem like dealbreakers for most, they’re worthy of considering. Those who drive lifted trucks have a wide range of reasons for doing what they do from the love for customizing to professionals with demanding jobs. The strong community wrapped around the automotive community is enough to keep anyone coming back from the thousands of clubs, online groups and meetups that form all over the country and the world.
The Future of Lifted Trucks
Whether we like it or not, EVs and hybrids are the next set of vehicles to get the lift treatment. Many manufacturers, like Rivian, are already embracing aftermarket options or offering OEM lift options to get people going on their next adventures.
The rise of 3D printing has expanded what’s possible from both the manufacturing side and the enthusiast side offering customizability and recreation of new or old parts. Especially in terms of the nostalgic truck market, some of these older vehicles have very few if any manufacturers left in existence that carry parts for them. With 3D printing, smaller parts can often be recreated (or at least prototyped and fitted) to solve a big problem for the struggling tinkerer.
A Culture Built to Last
Lifted trucks are far more than just a trend—they represent a lifestyle, a community and freedom of expression. Whether it’s nostalgia for classic builds, pushing boundaries or simply the passion for standing, the future of lifted trucks will continue to thrive for years to come.
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