Gottlieb Daimler – a German automotive pioneer who invented the very first motorcycle and the world’s first taxi – built the first ever-motorized truck back in 1896. It consisted of a four-horsepower engine, a belt drive, one reverse speed, and two speeds for going forward.
In early times, the intended purpose of a truck was for industrial reasons. They were used to haul things from place to place – and as new needs developed, so did new types of trucks. During wartime, trucks were used to move ammunition and troops from one location to another, as well as to transport the injured soldiers back to their military base.
Trucks that could be used for commercial purposes such as logging, farming, and mixing materials were also invented, and later, huge trucks were created for the sole purpose of hauling other trucks and vehicles from their place of manufacture to sales centres all over the world.
Today, trucks are used for a myriad of reasons, and many different types of people own and drive them. For example, farmers everywhere use trucks to haul hay and small farm equipment, and to move cattle and other farm supplies.
But perhaps the most fun type of truck is the mighty lifted truck!
Learning About Lifted Trucks
Most popular with men who are in their twenties or younger, lifted trucks are a lot of fun but can be very expensive to acquire and maintain. Plus, before lifting your truck, be sure to check if there are any legal restrictions in your area on how high you can raise your truck.
Experienced truck lifting professionals will likely know what the legal limit in your territory is, but it is wise to research this yourself too before spending a lot of money on lifting a truck, as your funds will have gone to waste if you later find out that your vehicle is at an illegal height.
You should also be an experienced driver to drive lifted trucks. This is because they are so far off the ground that they can be difficult to drive properly.
They can also be a hazard for other road users, and because the truck is so heavy and far off the ground, the angle of impact can do a lot of damage to any vehicles or people who are hit.
In addition, lifted trucks take longer to stop, are more difficult to control, have a higher risk of rollover, and have a bumper height that is level with the windows of many vehicles – making them extra dangerous to others.
And if that’s not enough, as Schumacher Used point out, lifting a truck raises its centre of gravity, making it less stable when travelling around corners or carrying out manoeuvres. This is why when younger and/or less experienced drivers are behind the wheel of a lifted truck, they can be very unsafe!
Lifting a truck is not cheap either, so be sure to shop around.
Truck lifts can be carried out at a body shop or by a mechanic who is skilled at making this kind of vehicle modification. Always get several quotes before deciding where to go and ask how long it will take for the process to be completed.
How To Buy A Lifted Truck
Alternatively, instead of lifting your own truck, you can buy one that’s already been lifted. If this is the option you choose to pursue, ask the seller these questions before making your purchase:
1. Does the lifted truck come with any type of warranty?
2. What kind of inspection process do you carry out on the trucks that come into your stock?
3. Who owned the truck before you acquired it?
4. Can I have the truck inspected before I purchase it?
Note: It is always a good idea to have another pair of eyes look at the truck before you purchase it.
5. What are the exact specifications of the truck?
Note: The seller should double-check the trucks and make sure the specifications are correct and will meet the requirements you’re looking for.
6. Does the truck have any damage?
Note: If possible, ask an expert to check the truck for things such as non-factory rivets, frame straightness, and other body shop repairs. This should help you to determine what the truck’s true value is and what work will likely need to be done to it in future.
7. How many miles has the truck done?
8. Are there any mechanical issues that I should be aware of?
Note: Do a test drive and use your senses as best as possible to detect any potential problems.
For example, are there any vibrations while driving? Does the engine sound right? What does the exhaust smoke look like, and is it the correct colour after the engine has warmed up? How does the clutch feel to use?