Are you thinking about lifting your truck? There's no denying that a lifted truck makes your ride stand out, but do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of making this change? One of the things you'll need to consider is the impact lifting your truck will have on its fuel economy.
Here's why lifting your truck will reduce your vehicle's fuel efficiency and how to determine whether this is a price worth paying for the benefits of a truck lift. Our pickup experts here at Gibson Truck World in Sanford, Florida, are always on hand to answer your questions about truck lifts or anything else, so feel free to contact us.
Why Does Lifting Your Truck Decrease Fuel Efficiency?
A truck lift usually involves increasing the height of the vehicle's suspension and adding larger wheels and tires to create a higher ground clearance under your pickup. The adjustments made to your truck in this process will reduce its fuel economy. One reason for this is that you'll be driving with larger tires, which require more energy from the engine. Another reason is that your truck will sit higher on the road, producing more resistance from oncoming air when it's traveling at high speeds. Compensating for this resistance will require the engine to work harder.
A further factor working against your fuel economy is that the truck lift will make your vehicle heavier. Larger tires and wheels, along with the equipment added to your suspension system during the lift, all increase the curb weight of your pickup. Moving a heavier vehicle along a road or trail requires more power, which in turn needs more fuel to produce it.
Is It Worth Lifting Your Truck?
To answer this question, you should consider whether the benefits of a truck lift are more important than the drawback of a lower fuel economy. A lifted truck allows you to achieve much better performance from your truck when tackling rough terrain. The added 4-6 inches of ground clearance can make all the difference when you're avoiding rocks or other obstacles on your favorite off-roading route. Your truck's added height can also help all four tires to remain in contact with the ground, improving your traction and control.
Your lift also makes it possible to install larger wheels and tires for improved performance. Whether you choose all-terrain tires to get a combination of off-roading performance with decent on-road capabilities or go all-out for mud tires, you have the freedom to configure your vehicle as you please.
Another benefit of lifting your truck is that you'll experience better visibility when you're on the road. The additional height will provide you with a broader overview of the road up ahead, making it easier to spot oncoming traffic or upcoming obstacles on a trail.
Ultimately, if you're a big off-roading fan, you'll probably find that the modest reduction in fuel economy is a price worth paying to gain access to the benefits of a lifted truck. If you're still unsure, you could consider a compromise, such as conducting a smaller truck lift. For example, if you've been considering lifting your truck 6 inches but you could install larger tires with a 4-inch lift, opting for the smaller lift may not have such a significant impact on your fuel economy.
How Can You Limit Your Truck Lift's Impact on Its MPG?
In addition to choosing a smaller lift, there are some things you can do to lessen the impact of your truck lift on your pickup's fuel efficiency. One of the most important things is to opt for a high-quality lift kit. Spending the extra money will pay off because you'll get components designed with lighter materials. For example, if you choose components built with lightweight aluminum rather than steel, the additions to your truck's suspension won't have such a big impact on your vehicle's weight.
It's a similar story with your truck's wheels. You could opt for alloy instead of steel wheels, which will significantly reduce their weight. If you have to spend money on larger wheels due to the lift, it's well worth searching for a lighter alternative to standard steel wheels.
What Are Some Other Ways To Improve Your MPG?
Once your lift is complete, you can still take steps to improve your truck's fuel efficiency. One simple thing you can do is remove any unnecessary equipment from your truck. For instance, you may keep a large toolbox in your cargo box for the job site. You could leave this at home during your weekend drives or off-roading adventures to reduce your truck's weight. Alternatively, if you drive long distances and you keep a sleeping box in the back of your truck, you could remove it when you're taking shorter journeys and don't intend to use it.
You should also give careful consideration to the type of tires you put on your lifted truck. If you mainly use your truck for off-roading, tires specifically designed for trails and rough terrain may be appropriate. However, if your truck doubles as an off-roading adventurer and your vehicle for the daily commute, all-terrain tires could be a better bet. They'll improve your fuel economy on the road while still offering better performance than standard tires when the pavement ends.
Another useful tip is to change your driving habits. Simple steps, such as accelerating slowly after a stop and using cruise control as much as possible on the highway, can reduce the amount of fuel your engine needs. In addition, you should follow your truck's recommended maintenance schedule to get the most out of your vehicle. Regular oil changes and tire rotations can help achieve the best gas mileage possible because well-maintained engines and other parts will operate more efficiently.
If you still have questions about lifting your truck or you'd like advice about purchasing a lift kit, don't hesitate to reach out to our experts here at Gibson Truck World. In addition to helping you order the equipment for your lift, our auto mechanics at our professional service center can conduct truck lifts to a high standard. Why not stop by our Sanford dealership today to learn more?
2015 GMC Canyon SLT by Dan Petreikis is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0