Towing a Camper with a Lifted Truck: What You Need to Know

If you own a Black Widow Lifted Truck, you already know it’s built to turn heads and tackle off-road adventures with ease. But when it comes to towing a camper, the game changes. A lifted truck brings unique challenges like hitch height mismatches, suspension differences, and added strain on your drivetrain. Whether you’re hauling a travel trailer for a weekend getaway or setting out on a rugged overland trip, understanding how to properly set up your lifted truck for towing is crucial for a safe and smooth ride.

Challenges of Towing with a Lifted Truck

1. Hitch Height and Leveling Issues

One of the biggest concerns when towing with a lifted truck is hitch height. Most campers and trailers are designed to be towed by trucks with factory ride heights. A significant lift can make it difficult to tow your trailer level, which can lead to poor weight distribution, increased sway, and even dangerous handling at highway speeds.

Solution:

• Use an adjustable drop hitch to bring the connection point down to a safe level.
• Make sure your trailer is as level as possible when hitched up.
• If needed, consider a weight distribution hitch to help with balance.

2. Suspension Modifications & Stability

Lifted trucks often have softer suspension setups for off-road performance, which can lead to increased sway and instability when towing. Some lift kits also alter steering geometry, making it harder to control your rig at high speeds.

Solution:

• Upgrade to heavy-duty shocks or airbags to improve stability.
• Consider a steering stabilizer if your truck experiences wandering or bump steer.
• Ensure your trailer has sway control, especially for highway towing.

3. Drivetrain Stress and Performance

Larger tires and a lifted stance put extra strain on your truck’s engine, transmission, and braking system. Your gearing may also be affected, reducing towing power and fuel efficiency.

Solution:

• Regear your truck if you’ve installed significantly larger tires (e.g., 35s or 37s).
• Use a tuner to adjust shift points and optimize towing performance.
• Upgrade your brakes if necessary, especially for heavy trailers.

4. Reduced Fuel Economy

Let’s face it—lifted trucks aren’t exactly fuel-efficient to begin with, and towing a camper will only make that worse. Wind resistance, weight, and larger tires can all contribute to lower MPG.

Solution:

• Plan your fuel stops ahead of time, especially in remote areas.
• Drive at moderate speeds to reduce drag and improve efficiency.
• Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking to conserve fuel.

Best Campers for Lifted Trucks

While you can tow just about any trailer with the right setup, some campers are better suited for lifted trucks.

• Overland-style trailers: Built for off-road use, these often sit higher and match the stance of a lifted truck.
• Toy haulers: Designed for heavier loads, these often come with weight distribution hitches and beefy suspensions.
• Fifth-wheel campers: If your truck has a high enough payload and the right hitch setup, a lifted dually can handle a fifth-wheel trailer with the right drop hitch modifications.

Final Thoughts

Towing with a lifted truck takes a little extra preparation, but it’s absolutely doable with the right adjustments. By addressing hitch height, suspension, gearing, and stability, you can safely tow your camper and enjoy the best of both worlds—off-road capability and comfortable camping.

Are you towing with a lifted truck? What setup are you running? Let us know in the comments!