Lifts with towing (Fabtech vs BDS)

SqueakyBoot · July 4, 2019

Hello,

I've searched the forum and have been reading for a bit tonight about this and wondering if I'm missing something. I'll make this as short as possible. I'd like to lift my truck. I've owned a lot of trucks, but only ever gone with leveling kits. I want to put some 33" tires on for the more aggressive look and feel like I should move to a lift instead of just leveling this time.

We want to get a travel trailer, purchasing around January. I'm aware the lift/bigger tires will hurt the towing ability slightly, which is one of the reasons I would stop at 33" tires, instead of 35". I will also do air bags to level it out when towing. Here's my main question, which I haven't really seen compared before. I'm currently focused on two different lifts.

The first is the Fabtech 3.5" shown here: https://www.cjponyparts.com/fabtech-lift-system-3-1-2-inch-with-stealth-shocks-chevrolet-silverado-1500-gmc-sierra-1500-2019/p/K1126M/

It seems like there really isn't anything to this lift kit and it's quite cheap at $694.

The other is the BDS 4" shown here: http://bds-suspension.com/kit-customizer?kid=748H

This kit is quite a bit more than the other at about $2k.

It seems like the BDS kit is better overall because it also moves the CV angle and adds some skid protection and stronger crossmembers. Is this worth the $1,300 difference? On to my biggest question, will one offer better towing stability over the other, or would they be about the same? I feel like I'm missing something here with the big price difference.

Thanks for any and all input!

Edited to add: I don't think it really matters, but I kind of like my stock wheels, so I'm planning on sticking with them at this point.

Edited July 4, 2019 by SqueakyBoot

SqueakyBoot · July 4, 2019

Even if you don't have a comment on the towing comparison, is what I'm seeing as the difference between the two lifts accurate? Is that really worth the extra $1,300? Thanks.

Passivaggressor · July 8, 2019

I don't think one will tow better than the other. They will tow pretty similar. The only thing that will affect your towing here is the front end being level with the rear so when your truck squats from the weight of your camper the front end will be sky high. Your air bags should help with that issue though.

When comparing lift vs lift however I would not put that Fabtech lift on. 3.5" is a lot of lift in the front of our trucks for just a spacer. Yes it has upper control arms designed for it so your upper ball joints will be ok but CV angle will probably be severe and it will probably ride like trash. The reason that BDS kit is more expensive is because the brackets that lower your differential so your axles don't grenade themselves as soon as you pull out the driveway.

I don't know how high you'd like to go but there are other brands besides BDS. BDS is probably the top brand though. Here is a kit from a reputable manufacturer http://zoneoffroad.com/zone-offroad-products-6in-suspension-lift-kit-chevy-gmc-pickup/c41n

SqueakyBoot · July 8, 2019

This is great info. Thank you very much! I knew there had to be a good reason for the price difference. I’m thinking around 4” lift and 33”-34” tires should be good. I don’t want to go too big, for towing especially.

Thanks again!

Ezekiel2517 · September 10, 2019

I'm curious, what us your stock tire height. My 19 ltz max trailering came with 33" tires stock. I think it needs a lift but 4" seems like a lot for 33. I'm considering the rough country 3" kit as it does 3" in the front and 1.5 rear. I plan to add bags to mine as well for our RV. Air lift has two different bags depending on if your lifted or not. I'd love to see photos if you've already added the kit. Thanks.