You have probably seen a towering lifted truck thundering down the highway before and thought to yourself, “Sure, it looks great… but can a lifted truck be a daily driver?” But while they look comfortable cruising along the open road, do they hold up for parking downtown and local errands?
It’s a fair question. After all, lifted trucks are not an uncommon sight these days, with people of all ages and interests drawn to their appeal. But if you’re thinking about buying one – or maybe lifting your current ride – you will naturally wonder about how practical they are.
Is a Lifted Truck Practical for Everyday Use?
It’s a question we are asked almost daily here at Ultimate Rides; potential customers who are intrigued by lifted trucks but hesitant about making the jump as they are unsure about day-to-day usage.
So, we figured it was time to answer the question through a short blog post. Throughout it, we will cover the realities of daily driving a lifted truck, starting with why people lift their trucks, before addressing real-world factors like fuel economy and parking.
Let’s go ahead and lay out the lifted truck pros and cons so you can decide if one fits your daily routine.
Why Lift Your Truck?
Before we look at the realities of daily driving, let’s quickly go over why people lift their trucks in the first place. There are usually three main motivating factors behind the decision:
- Aesthetics and Style: The most common reason for most people is that lifted trucks simply look amazing. With such a commanding presence on the road, the extra height and larger tires give them an instant head-turning look.
Many owners just love that aggressive style, which is a perfectly good enough reason to indulge. In an age where many vehicles look quite similar in terms of style, shape, and size, it definitely sets your truck apart from the rest.
- Off-Road Performance: For off-road lovers, lifting a truck is about function as much as form. The extra ground clearance makes it easier to handle rough trails, deep ruts, or rocky terrain without scraping the underside. Those amazing knobby tires also help maintain traction in tough conditions. A proper lift turns a stock pickup into an instant off-road machine ready for the sketchiest trails.
- Practical Needs: If you live in an area prone to heavy snow or flooding, the added height can be a massive advantage. Other people might lift a truck to fit specialized equipment or simply because they like sitting up higher with better visibility.
Types of Lift Kits and Their Impact on Daily Driving
The three main types of lift kits are body lifts and suspension lifts, with leveling kits the least common of the three. Either way, each type affects daily driving a lifted truck a little differently:
Body Lift Kits
This type of lift kit raises the truck’s body off the frame by one to three inches using blocks or spacers. A body lift is mostly for looks or to fit slightly larger tires, as it doesn’t actually change the suspension.
That means ride comfort and handling stay close to the original stock. For daily use, a mild body lift has little effect on drivability aside from a higher step up into the truck and a slightly higher center of gravity (so maybe a bit leaner in turns).
Suspension Lift Kits
As the name implies, a suspension lift raises the entire vehicle (both frame and body) by swapping out suspension components like springs and shocks. These types of lifts always have a bigger effect on how the truck drives.
A quality kit can preserve much of the ride comfort, while a budget or very tall lift might make it stiff or bouncy. You might need extra mods (like longer brake lines) with a big lift. Big tires mean big clearance – which is perfect if you’re hitting trails. But honestly, driving in traffic will feel a touch looser than you’re probably used to.
Leveling Kits
Another great option is a leveling kit, which lifts only the front end to even out your truck’s stance. It won’t drastically change handling or performance, but it’s pretty much the ideal type of lifted truck for everyday use, especially with a few subtle upgrades (without the cost or modifications involved with full lift kits).
Daily Driving a Lifted Truck
Using a lifted truck for everyday use means thinking about comfort and practicality as well as looks. Here are a few key factors that are worth considering:
Ride Comfort and Handling
Because of the higher center of gravity, a lifted truck can feel more top-heavy when cornering. You may need to take turns a little slower and be mindful of sudden maneuvers, as lifted truck handling won’t be as nimble as a stock truck. Good quality shocks and suspension parts can help keep it stable and reduce body roll.
As for comfort, a well-tuned lifted truck kit can ride nearly as smoothly as a factory setup, but a cheap or very tall lift may make the truck bounce or ride rough over bumps. If you want to daily drive a lifted truck, it pays to invest in a suspension that balances off-road capability with on-road comfort.
Fuel Economy
A lift and big tires will almost always reduce your truck’s fuel economy. The extra weight and wind resistance mean the engine works harder and burns more fuel. Simply put, the lifted truck fuel economy is always going to be lower. You might lose a few MPG after lifting.
For example, if your pickup got around 18 MPG before, it might drop to roughly 14–15 MPG with a moderate lift and larger tires. City driving will see a bigger drop than highway driving. If you use a lifted truck every day, be prepared for more frequent fill-ups and a higher fuel bill.
Parking and Maneuverability
Daily driving a lifted truck can be a little challenging in city and general urban settings. Low-ceiling parking garages or drive-thrus might be off-limits due to the truck’s height. Fitting into narrow parking spots or driving through tight streets requires extra care — you may need to take wider turns and do more multi-point maneuvers.
Even getting into the truck is different; you might end up adding side steps or running boards to make climbing in and out easier for daily use. A bonus with side steps and boards is that they only add to the gnarly look, though.
Legal and Insurance Factors
It’s not really an issue, but you should be mindful of laws and insurance when you daily-drive a lifted truck. Some areas have rules on how high you can lift a vehicle or require certain equipment (like mud flaps or headlight adjustments) once a truck is lifted beyond a certain point. A moderate lift usually won’t cause trouble, but an extreme lift might not be street-legal.
Also, always inform your insurer about the lift. Lifted truck insurance can cost a bit more, and you want to be sure any claims will be fully covered without any legal dramas to contend with. It’s better to know the regulations and insurance details upfront than to get an unpleasant surprise later.
Lifted Truck Maintenance
A lifted truck that’s driven every day will need a bit of extra TLC if you want to avoid unnecessary issues and stay in great shape. Here are some important lifted truck maintenance tips for everyday use:
Tires & Alignment
Keep your tires properly inflated and rotate them regularly. Big off-road tires can wear unevenly, especially if the alignment is off. After a lift (and periodically afterward), get a lifted truck alignment to make sure your truck tracks straight, and your tires wear evenly.
Suspension & Steering
Check on your suspension parts from time to time. Nuts and bolts can loosen up after lots of driving (especially if you go off-road), so have a shop inspect your lift components periodically for wear or loose hardware. Ultimate Rides offers lifted truck alignment services and suspension check-ups to help keep your modified truck driving smoothly.
| Need to tighten things up? Get in touch for expert lifted truck alignment services and suspension check-ups to help keep your modified truck driving smoothly. |
Brakes & Basics
With those larger wheels and tires, your brakes are probably going to have extra work to do. With that in mind, check your brake pads and rotors more frequently and replace them as needed so you always have strong stopping power. Some drivers upgrade brake components to better handle the added strain.
Also, at risk of stating the obvious, always keep up with routine maintenance like oil changes and fluid checks. A lifted truck is still a truck, after all — it needs the same care, just with a little more attention to certain areas.
Stay on top of lift truck repair, service, and general maintenance, and you can daily drive a lifted truck for years with relatively few issues. It’s all about being proactive and fixing small problems before they become big ones – the same as any vehicle, really.
Lifted Truck Pros and Cons
Is a lifted truck practical for everyday life? Like many things in life, there is a trade-off. Ultimately, what you gain in style or capability might come at the expense of convenience in various situations. Here are a few of those factors weighed against each other:
Pros & Cons |
|
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| High driving position (better visibility). | Lower fuel economy (you’ll use more gas). |
| Off-road ability for adventures. | Harder to park in tight spaces. |
| Unique, eye-catching look and style. | Higher step-in height (less convenient entry). |
| Better clearance for rough roads | More maintenance is needed. |
There are some great benefits to using a lifted truck every day, but there are a few subtle drawbacks as well. It comes down to which factors matter most to you. For the majority of people, those drawbacks are quite minor – and easily worth it for the sheer outrageous joy that comes with owning a lifted truck.
Bottom Line
So, can a lifted truck be a daily driver? Of course it can. However, it might not be ideal for everyone. Ultimately, it depends entirely on your priorities. If you love having a commanding view of the road, enjoy the off-road capability on weekends, and don’t mind the extra gas or a stiffer ride, then you might be perfectly happy driving a lifted truck every day.
By the same token, if you have a long city commute, worry about fuel costs, or prefer a softer ride and easy parking, a lifted truck for everyday use might be a little cumbersome.
Plenty of people drive lifted trucks every day, so it’s doable. Just think about the lifted truck’s pros and cons and how much the benefits mean to you versus the compromises. Simple!
Looking for a lifted truck that turns heads? Ultimate Rides has a lineup you won’t find just anywhere… custom builds, rare finds, and the best quality rides ready to roll.
Check out our lifted trucks for sale and find something that stands out!
FAQs
Where Can I Get My Truck Lifted
Ultimate Rides specializes in professionally installed lift kits. Our technicians are experienced with a wide range of truck lifts and modifications that are safe and reliable. Contact our service team to discuss your options and find the best setup for your truck.
How Much Does a Lift Kit Cost
Lift kit prices vary widely, from $200–$1,500 for leveling or body kits and from $1,000 to over $5,000 for premium suspension lifts. Installation adds extra costs. For a precise figure, Ultimate Rides can give you a quote based on your truck and preferred lift style.
What’s the Difference Between Lift Kits vs. Leveling Kits
Leveling kits slightly raise the front of your truck to match the rear, correcting the factory rake or counteracting additional front-end weight. Lift kits raise the entire truck higher, improving clearance, off-road performance, and appearance. Choose a leveling kit for subtle height or a lift kit for noticeable changes.
What Size Lift is Best for Everyday Driving
Moderate lift heights (2–4 inches) balance good road handling with off-road capability, making them ideal for daily use. Taller lifts (6 inches and up) offer more extreme styling and off-road benefits but can reduce comfort and practicality for regular driving, parking, and maneuvering around town.
Does Lifting a Truck Void the Warranty
Lifting your truck doesn’t automatically void its warranty, but any related issues (like suspension or drivetrain problems) may not be covered. Manufacturer warranties usually remain valid for unrelated parts, but it’s always good to discuss your plans with your dealer first to understand any potential impacts clearly.
Is It Harder to Maintain a Lifted Truck
Lifted trucks require slightly more regular maintenance. Tire rotations, alignments, and suspension checks become increasingly important due to additional stress from modifications. Stick to recommended service intervals and regularly inspect suspension and steering components to keep your lifted truck in prime condition.
