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2017 Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota RAV4

Dec 28, 2017
2017 Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota RAV4

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Compact crossovers are selling big right now, with new models coming to the market all the time.Competition is fiercer than ever, so let’s see how two of the most popular models compare. How will the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox match up against the Toyota RAV4?

2017 Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota RAV4

Styling: Chevrolet Equinox

How an SUV looks matters to buyers–and if buyers are looking for the look of a full-size SUV, the Chevrolet Traverse will ring their bell. The Equinox may not have the capability of a full-size ladder-frame SUV, but the styling is clearly derived from that genre. The Equinox looks a lot like a scaled-down version of the larger Traverse, with a chunkier and more truck-like vibe than the Traverse. The Equinox looks like it can handle whatever life throws at you.

Last year, Toyota worked hard to upgrade the interior of the RAV4, but they probably should have taken a look at the exterior a little more at the same time. The Toyota RAV4 is wildly popular, but we’re going to go out on a limb and say those sales are not a result of its overall design. The RAV4 is a little awkward and, honestly, a bit odd–nothing like you would expect a confident, powerful SUV to look.

Engines and Performance: Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevy’s standard engine is a 182 horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four, which incorporates direct injection and variable valve timing, making it pretty advanced for this class. This 2.4L is a capable performer, and it’s pretty frugal on gas too. But what sets the Chevy apart from many of its rivals is the available 3.6-liter V-6, offering 301 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque.

A powerful, engaging driving experience isn’t among the RAV4’s headline attributes. The base engine is still the aging 2.5-liter inline-four that puts out 176 horsepower. The engine is entirely adequate, but it can struggle when it’s asked to haul a full load of passengers and cargo. The RAV4 hybrid option is actually more powerful, but the V-6 of the Equinox makes it our winner in this section.

Fuel Economy: Chevrolet Equinox

In its base inline-four guise, the EPA rates the Equinox at 21 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. That puts it close to the top of its class for a non-hybrid, although adding the extra capability of all-wheel drive does cost a bit, bringing those numbers down to 20/28/23 mpg.

Front-wheel drive versions of the RAV4 are rated at 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg combined, while all-wheel drive sees those figures change to 22/28/25 mpg. That’s just barely better than the Chevy at first glance, but top trims of the RAV4 take away the advantage.

Features and Equipment: Toyota RAV4

The standard features you get with the Equinox are hard to fault, and most of the stuff you’d expect to be available is in the range somewhere, even if you have to pay extra at times. All models get a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and Chevy’s in-car Wi-Fi hotspot is also impressively standard across all models. That alone makes road trips and working on the go infinitely easier.

Standard equipment in the RAV4 at all levels includes alloy wheels, power features, air conditioning, cruise control, LED interior lighting, a 12-volt power outlet, a pretty good infotainment system and plenty more. The RAV4 does offer more trim levels to choose from, which may make it easier to get the features you want without spending more on top of the base price.

Learn More about the Chevrolet Equinox

2017 Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota RAV4

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It’s hard to criticize the Toyota RAV4, since it’s still the biggest-selling SUV/crossover in America. So many buyers can’t all be wrong, especially over such a long period of time. But when you look at things a little closer, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox clearly demonstrates that it’s actually the better buy, especially when you consider its smaller price tag.

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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

Dec 28, 2017

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

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Did you know the most reliable pickup truck also has the best fuel economy and great handling?

Why Buy a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD?

The Silverado’s claim to fame is its durability. The Silverado 2500 isn’t the flashiest or even strongest truck on the market, but it lasts year after year. Chevrolet has a fiercely loyal group of truck enthusiasts who keep returning to this model whenever the one in their driveway has finally handled its last payload.

Other benefits of a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD include fuel economy at the top of its class, a powerful diesel engine, and surprising handling and agility. The rear-wheel drive Silverado gets 18 city and 24 highway miles. That’s comparable to the gas mileage on sports cars, minivans, and jeeps, not other pickup trucks. That’s coming from a brawny V-8 engine that can be upgraded to the Duramax diesel. With all that power, the Silverado still has responsive steering, a quiet and comfortable cabin, and unbeatable acceleration.

Which Chevy Silverado 2500 Should I Buy?

The Silverado 2500HD has four models and three cab configurations. To figure out which to get, ask yourself how important interior features are to you. The base trim WT (work truck) is perfectly serviceable but, while comfortable, doesn’t have many tech features beyond AC, AM/FM radio, and a rearview camera. The LT adds satellite radio, keyless entry, and heated mirrors. The LTZ replaces cloth seats with leather and adds fog lights, heated seats, and dual-zone air conditioning. The top trim, High Country, gives you navigation and parking assist.

You can get, in order of size, regular cab, double cab, or crew cab, depending on how much cabin room you want for passengers or interior cargo space. Your decision depends on what matters most to you and, of course, what you’ll be using your truck for most often. At Burlington Chevrolet, we can help you decide which trim will work best for your needs.

What’s the Towing Capacity of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500?

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD tows up to 14,500 pounds. That’s more than enough for large recreational boats and nearly any camping trailer. If you need more towing capacity, consider the Silverado 3500HD that musters 23,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly configured.

Is the Chevy Silverado 2500 a Good Truck?

The Silverado has the best of both worlds. Like a stern grandparent, its outside is rugged but inside is a heart of gold. You’ll love the no nonsense, boxy exterior and the beefy engine under the hood. But step inside and you’ll find a cabin that wants to spoil you with creature comforts.

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2018 Chevrolet Trax

Dec 28, 2017

2018 Chevrolet Trax

2018 Chevrolet Trax

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A miniature SUV with all the tech you might need. Standard.

Why Buy a 2018 Chevrolet Trax?

The Trax is a subcompact SUV that turns on a dime and sports tons of tech features that all come standard. Looking very much like an infant SUV with wide hips, the Trax’s small wheels have a surprising turn radius. Swoop in and back out of tight parking spots with ease, turn corners downtown with next to no body roll, and climb switchbacks like a pro. The performance isn’t anything to write home about, but the handling makes you feel like you’re driving a much smaller vehicle.

Do you like a vehicle loaded with the latest technology? How about Wi-Fi hotspot? On the Trax, it comes standard. Do you want a responsive, easily-navigable infotainment system on a large display? Standard. Keyless entry? Standard. Rearview camera? Standard. Bluetooth? Android Auto? Apple CarPlay? All standard. These features will keep your crew of five connected and content no matter the congestion.

Which Chevy Trax Should I Buy?

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax has three trims: LS, LT, and Premier. The primary difference is technology and interior swag. Even the base trim has plenty of tech features that almost never come standard on other models. But we recommend the LT trim, which, for a small step up in price, adds remote start, satellite radio and the option to throw in a package or two with features like leatherette upholstery, additional safety features, or a sunroof.

The Premier trim adds all the bells and whistles of lower trims and all packages. It includes every available safety feature, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and a Bose audio system.The major advantage of any Chevrolet Trax is its perfect five-star government crash rating. Grab some of the optional active safety features on the upper trims and you will feel confident in the safety of your SUV, which should give you some peace of mind as you strap in the little ones.

Are Chevrolet Trax 4-Wheel Drive?

Front-wheel drive comes standard on the 2018 Chevrolet Trax. If you want superior traction at the expense of a heavier SUV, all-wheel drive is optional on any trim for $1,500 more.

What is the Chevrolet Trax’s Towing Capacity?

The owner’s manual actually warns you not to use the Chevy Trax for towing a trailer. It just wasn’t designed for towing. If you want an SUV to which you can attack a trailer, consider the Chevrolet Tahoe that can tow 6,600 pounds or 8,600 with the trailer package.

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2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

Dec 28, 2017

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

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Haul the soccer team and keep them entertained in this full-size SUV that won’t disappoint.

Why Buy a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe?

If you need to haul a soccer-team-sized group from here to there, the Chevy Tahoe has you covered. With seating for at least seven, you’ll rise above the concrete canopy on your lofty perch. Since you’re considering a full-size sport utility vehicle, you probably don’t want to be a wilting flower. You want the power and handling of an urban explorer and the Tahoe delivers. It’s strong enough to road trip to the hills but easy enough to navigate a grocery store parking lot.

Inside you’ll find a cavernous, comfortable space for you and all your followers. Because its seating doesn’t fold down flat, the Tahoe isn’t great for cargo space. But the Tahoe does what it was built to do: be passenger-friendly. With the all-bench seats option, you can fit up to nine passengers inside. Drivers will be thrilled to find an intuitive and responsive infotainment system in the Chevy MyLink, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 10-speaker surround system, and wireless smartphone charging. The Tahoe is a hotbed of wireless connection and entertainment, making even the most congested commute or longest road trip bearable for all involved.

Is the Chevy Tahoe Reliable?

Last year, JD Power and Associates rated the Chevy Tahoe as better than most in reliability. That puts it above or on par with every full-size SUV except the Ford Expedition.

How Much Can the Chevy Tahoe Tow?

If you really want to put the tow in Tahoe, consider the Tahoe Custom, which is ideal for boating, camping, or off-roading. This trime loses the third row of seats and a lot of the tech features, in exchange for a cheaper, lighter, and more outdoorsy Tahoe. The Custom’s towing capacity is 6,600 pounds (or 8,600 with the optional trailer package), more than capable of hauling a few ATVs or a waterski boat.

Are the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon the Same?

These two full-size SUVs certainly have many similar features and seat the same number of passengers, which makes sense since they’re built on the same platform. But they target different customers and their features show it. The Yukon is pricier and is marketed as a more upscale option. As a result, its cabin is more luxurious, with premium wood grain trim and soft-touch materials. The Yukon offers a more powerful engine option as well. Still, the Tahoe has a better infotainment system, better reliability score, and a surprising amount of tech for its price tag. The decision is up to you, but in our opinion, the Chevy Tahoe gives you more bang for your buck.

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2018 Chevrolet Suburban

Dec 28, 2017

2018 Chevrolet Suburban

2018 Chevrolet Suburban

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Whether you are hauling the whole band’s equipment to the gig or the entire basket ball team to the game, the Chevrolet Suburban has your back.

Why Should I Buy the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban?

Chevrolet Suburbans are one of the best-selling full-size SUVs in the country, and it is easy to see why. If you are looking for a versatile, spacious vehicle that also has style, the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban could be the perfect fit for you. The 2018 model is sleeker than ever, with a modern exterior design that’s easy on the eyes. This SUV is not the Suburban of the past–the 2018 combines the spacious utility of a truck with the versatile comfort of an SUV. Seating 7 or 8, depending on configuration, the Suburban is a full-size SUV is perfect for families who need extra seats or just extra room to spread out or haul life’s large cargo. The towing capacity on a basic model is around 6,000 lbs, which is likely enough to handle what life throws at you. The 2018 models comes with best-in-class fuel economy with a 22 mpg rating on the highway.

Convenience features make the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban a good choice for on-the-go drivers who want simplicity and flexibility. The first area you see this is in the cargo capacity. Need more room to haul larger-than-expected items? No problem–the seats can be easily put down on the second and third row using power-folding technology to expand the cargo section. Since most drivers want to stay safely connected, even on the go, the touchscreen display is bound to be a hit. Equipped with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, the system allows easy access to texts, phone calls, podcasts, and whatever else you might want to access while on the road. Bonus? You won’t have to take your phone or other device with you on short trips out of the car, since the Suburban offers a hidden, lockable compartment on the dashboard with a convenient USB port.

Do Chevy Suburbans Have Wi-Fi?

The 2018 Chevy Suburban is equipped with many modern features to make your life easier, including the optional 4G LTE Wi-Fi from OnStar. Not available on all vehicles, this feature creates a hot spot in your vehicle, allowing passengers to use your data plan and not their own. It can also make working on the go much easier, without the worry of toting your cell plan’s hot spot equipment with you.

Is the Chevy Suburban 4×4?

The 2018 Chevy Suburban does not come with a 4-wheel drive option. The standard option for this model is rear-wheel drive, but that seems to be powerful enough for most drivers. The Suburban does offer 355 horsepower and a towing capacity of up to 8,300 lbs when the max trailering package is added.

Are Chevy Suburbans Reliable?

Reliability has not always been the Suburban’s strong suit–2017 models got below average ratings. Some of that is the nature of the full-size SUV market–vehicles this large meet specific needs that something like a mid-size sedan can’t. That said, we are impressed by Chevrolet’s class-leading fuel efficiency numbers, especially given the size of the SUV–these numbers are better than some minivans, which is surprising. We’re also impressed by the smaller details, like triple-sealed doors, that speak to the care and quality of Chevrolet’s flagship SUV. We’ll have to wait and see how the 2018 model performs, but we’re confident that buyers in the market for a full-size SUV will find the Chevy Suburban meets their needs.

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2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Dec 28, 2017

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

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The Malibu is a safe, affordable, reliable, family-friendly car with plenty of cool add-ons.

Why Should I Buy the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

Known as a dependable family car, the Malibu has great fuel economy, a spacious backseat, and excellent crash test ratings. The Malibu is a traditional four-door sedan, currently in its ninth generation and with over 10 million sold over the history of its line. Relatively lightweight and boasting new fuel injector technology, the car runs 27/36 mpg, one of the best averages for its size. For a little more money, the new hybrid option easily beats out competitors in fuel efficiency. The 2018 Malibu has changed its design very little over previous years’, except for its larger fuel tank that will keep drivers on the road even longer. The cabin is spacious and comfortably seats five, though the trunk may not hold larger suitcases. The Malibu earned a perfect rating on its crash and safety tests, making it one of the safest cars to drive.

The Malibu is one of the most affordable cars in its class, but owners might want to spring for more. While the base car has few coveted features, for as little as $1500 more, owners get an infotainment system, smartphone integration, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more to keep passengers entertained on the road. In addition, parents will appreciate the new teen driver feature that allows them to actually see their kids’ driving stats.

How Does the Malibu Rate?

While it may not be the absolute best midsize car that money can buy, the Malibu is probably the most bang for your buck in its class. The 2018 Ford Fusion, for example, may perform better and hold more but in terms of safety, reliability, and affordability, the Malibu has it beat. Those looking for a sportier option may want a Fusion, Camry, or Optima, but the Malibu beats them in most other categories that count.

Is the Malibu All-Wheel Drive?

No. Since the model’s relaunch in 1997, the Malibu has strictly been a front-wheel drive sedan. In fact, not one of the midsize cars in Chevrolet’s popular lineup offers all-wheel drive. Buyers looking for AWD options should like at Chevy’s sport utility vehicle options, such as the Traverse, or look at sedan competitors with an AWD option, like the Ford Fusion or Subaru Legacy.

How do Malibus Hold Up?

One advantage to changing little in the last two years is being able to judge the 2018 by looking at previous years’ models. The Malibu ninth generation is holding up well and earned a “Better than Most” score from JD Power in predicted reliability. In addition, 2016 and 2017 Malibus are reselling very near their MSRP. To top it off, new Malibus come with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Malibus are one of the most reliable four-door sedans.

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2018 Chevrolet Corvette

Dec 28, 2017

2018 Chevrolet Corvette

2018 Chevrolet Corvette

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Now in its 65th year, the wickedly fun Corvette won’t be retiring anytime soon.

Why Buy a 2018 Chevrolet Corvette?

There are really only two reasons to buy a 2018 Corvette: fulfilling your need for speed and owning a car with looks to match that kind of performance. With 455 horsepower and 460 torque, the Corvette goes 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds and viciously hugs the turns. All that speed would be squandered if it had poor handling and braking. But have no fear: the 2018 Corvette is responsive to the touch at the wheel and underfoot, steering and stopping with catlike agility.

The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette looks nothing like its age. It has a svelte yet commanding presence on the road that’ll turn heads almost as fast as it turns corners. The Corvette’s low grille, narrow headlights, and side vents all scream power. All 2018 Corvettes can put the top down, with a conventional convertible or a coupe with a removable carbon-fiber roof. A lucky 650 buyers can own the limited-run Corvette Carbon 65, with a new carbon-fiber rear spoiler and quarter ducts and Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior paint.

Is the Corvette a Muscle Car?

If you define muscle car as a small car with a large, powerful engine, then yes! The Corvette has an 6.2-liter, eight-cylinder engine that supplies all the power you might need. And we don’t mean to say that the Corvette is by any means small for its class. It’s longer and wider than most two-seaters, lending it that imposing presence.

Which is the Fastest Corvette?

Without a doubt, the fastest Corvette is the upcoming 2019 Corvette ZR1 with top speeds of over 210 miles per hour. That’s more speed than you’ll likely ever (legally) need. You just have to wait until next spring for that model to start hitting dealerships. Coming in just below the ZR1 is the Z06, which can easily do 200 miles per hour. If you can’t wait until 2019, and we can’t blame you, the Z06 will in no way feel like settling.

What is the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1?

Critics are hailing the 2018 Corvette ZR1, a premium trim of the popular model, as the best ‘Vette ever. What makes it so good? How about 750 horsepower? Or some serious hardware, like an adjustable spoiler wide enough to do some ironing on? The ZR1 hasn’t yet officially debuted so what we know is still rumor, but we do know it’ll be fast, it’ll be powerful, and, if leaked video is to be believed, it’ll be loud.

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Chevy Reaper

Dec 14, 2017

Chevrolet Silverado Reaper (FCA Black Widow)

The Chevy Silverado Reaper (for 2022 is now the FCA Black Widow) it isn’t just the answer to Ford’s off-road-ready F-150 Raptor – it leaves the competition in the proverbial dust. A joint venture between Lingenfelter Performance Engineering and Southern Comfort Conversions, the Reaper starts with a classic Silverado and reworks it from the ground up. The Reaper isn’t just an off-road beast – it’s an off-road beast with rugged style.

 

Chevy Silverado Reaper Power and Performance

Choose from two engine options, both of which underscore the Reaper’s capable off-road performance with blazing horsepower. The options are: a 5.3-liter Lingenfelter-tuned TVS1900 Magnuson supercharger package: 475 HP and a 6.2-liter Lingenfelter-tuned TVS1900 Magnuson supercharger package: 550 HP. To achieve this high output, these engines use Lingenfelter’s proprietary software and a CORSA Performance exhaust system. Whichever engine you select, your Silverado Reaper will never lack for muscle.

Chevrolet Silverado Reaper Features

Reaper Standard Features

The Silverado Reaper upgrades cover everything from rugged suspension gear to stylish exterior trim. For suspension, you’ll get: 20-inch General Grabber Tires, 3-inch Lift Long-Travel Off-Road Suspension, Brushed Stainless Skid Plate, Exclusive Reaper Wheels, and Fox Racing Shocks.

The exterior options include: Exterior Reaper Badging, Fender Marker Lights, High Clearance Front Bumper Replacement, Integrated LED Driving Lights, Integrated LED Off-Road Lighting, Lingenfelter Exhaust Package, Painted Interior Accent Pieces, Reaper Door Panel Accents, Reaper Embroidered Headrest, Reaper Gauge Package, Restyled Front Clip with Reaper Hood, Wheel-to-Wheel Rock Guard, and Wide Body Fender Flares.If anything, this long list of features – which add to both the Silverado’s performance and rugged style – shows that the Reaper package covers all the bases.

Optional Upgrades

Chevrolet Silverado Reaper Interior

The standard Reaper features get you off to a good start. But some Chevy drivers are thirstier. Luckily, Southern Comfort and Lingenfelter saw these drivers coming. Here’s what else is on offer: 17-inch Beadlock Performance Wheels, Frozen Matte Paint Finish, Grabber Red Letter Tire Package, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering-Tuned, and Magnuson TSV1900 Supercharger available on 5.3L or 6.2L Engines along with the Reaper Graphics package.

Take the High Road

The Reaper’s Fox Racing suspension gear provides an extra 3 inches of lift, so you can traverse higher ground with the best of them. Whether your preferred adventure consists of sand, mud, rocks, or snow, you’ll be able to clear new heights. The Fox Racing 3.0 factory series shocks provides 9.2 inches of front travel and 11.2 inches of rear travel. With that kind of clearance, there’s basically nothing the off-road-ready Reaper can’t handle.

Moreover, the skid plates and another 8 inches of front clearance from the overbite make the Reaper invincible in mountainous territory. Drivers can hurtle over fields of boulders and roadside curbs without a second thought.

Be Wild and Free

Since the Reaper exists to be Chevy’s answer to the infamous Ford Raptor, it almost can’t help but reference it a little bit. (“We love to stoke the Ford guys a little bit,” Ken Lingenfelter said at the Chicago Auto Show.) For example, you’ll find Reaper badging splashed across the rear quarter panel, an obvious allusion to an earlier version of Ford’s off-road ride.

But the Chevy Reaper isn’t exactly a laughing matter. It’s quite the opposite, in fact – this truck’s off-road capabilities are 100 percent real. On desert trails, you can push the Reaper to 60 mph, and the suspension can take some serious punishment as you plunge over hills and into dry streambeds.

How Much Is the Chevy Silverado Reaper?

There are three versions of the Reaper available from select Chevy dealers. Prices start in the mid $50,000s, climbing another $10,000 or so for the fully optioned, supercharged Reaper. Contact us at Burlington Chevy to learn more about the Reaper, a custom-built package from Southern Comfort Conversions and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.

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Monster Trucks vs Lifted Trucks

Dec 14, 2017
Monster Trucks vs Lifted Trucks

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The term “monster truck” is sometimes used interchangeably with “lifted truck,” but there are some key differences between them.

Monster Trucks vs Lifted Trucks

Monster Trucks

Both kinds of trucks require similar modifications. A monster truck builds on a standard 4×4 truck such as a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the best looking Chevy monster truck and a popular truck to convert. The truck receives extensive modifications to the suspension, which allows it to accommodate 66 inch tires. Changes to the brakes, transmission, and driveshaft are necessary for safety and drivability. Lifted trucks commonly accommodate tires no larger than 38-42 inches.

For example, brakes on monster trucks use larger calipers and rotors because the tires are so big. The transmission uses a set of heavy-duty gears. A spacer for the driveshaft aligns it properly and keeps it from breaking. Four-wheel steering increases the vehicle’s maneuverability at high speed and decreases it’s turning radius at slower speeds.

Monster trucks specifically built for show and competition use custom fiberglass bodies and custom-designed frames. They are not street-legal vehicles in Burlington, New Jersey. Monster trucks use haulers for transportation between events. Haulers can be modified tractor-trailers and open trailers. Finished trucks are about 11 feet tall and weigh a minimum of 9,000 pounds. The largest weigh in at 12,500 pounds.

In competition, monster truck engines are supercharged, methanol-injected, and consume a very large amount of fuel. However, if the truck is built or modified, the motor should be no larger than 575 cubic feet, due to United States Hot Rod Association guidelines. During an annual show circuit, a monster truck can power through as many as five motors.

Lifted Trucks

In New Jersey, a lifted truck can be up to four inches above stock height. Anything higher than that is classified as a high-rise vehicle, making annual state inspections mandatory. The highest legal limit for lifted trucks is eleven inches. A Chevrolet Tahoe or Chevrolet S10 are perfect for installing a lift kit. Both trucks perform well and look amazing.

To pass an inspection, lifted trucks must conform to specs that help ensure vehicle safety. Tires for lifted trucks must be the smallest of a maximum of 38 inches, or 6 inches over stock and should be the same size. Mounts for hoses and brake lines will be checked for safety and wear. Headlights and taillights need to be mounted within heights. Steering gears will be checked and fenders or mud flaps are required. The truck must also pass a tilt test.

The GVWR, or gross vehicle weight rating, determines exactly how high the lift can be. This is more than the curb weight. If your truck weighs 4,500 pounds with a cargo capacity of 2,000 pounds, the GVWR is 6,000 pounds.

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Lifted Truck Buying Tips

Dec 14, 2017

Lifted Truck Buying Tips

Need some lifted truck buying tips? We get it. There’s a lot more to a lifted truck than an extra 6 inches of ride height (though, of course, those 6 inches are a big part of the draw). Check out our buying guide for a few things you need to consider as you shop around for your perfect lifted truck.

Wheels

The specialty wheels on your lifted truck, like those from lifted-truck specialists Southern Comfort, tend to create more offset than factory wheels. On the plus side, these big specialty wheels give your lifted truck a seriously wide, rugged stance. But the bigger the wheels, the more the tires are pushed out. And the more the tires are pushed out from the truck, the more the tire has to swing during a turn to give you a precise performance.

As the wheels on a lifted truck grow larger, you’ll notice a big difference in turning performance-even between 20- and 22-inch wheels. The closer the offset is to the factory settings, the more your lifted truck will drive like the factory truck. But smaller wheels take away from your lifted truck’s wide stance, so there’s some compromise involved.

Big Lifted Truck Wheels

Tires

Tires affect your lifted truck’s handling in a big way. On lifted trucks with big, 20-inch wheels (or bigger) and 35-inch tires, the tires are often BF Goodrich brand. These span the gap between excellent on-road drivability-keeping the noise to a minimum-and world-class off-road performance. (You’ll sling mud with the best of them.)

However, if you plan to tow heavy loads on a regular basis, you should keep in mind that these big BFG tires won’t last as long as they would otherwise. Luckily, lifted truck tires come in all shapes and sizes. With enough experimenting, you can create a lifted truck that’s also a tow-friendly workhorse. We’re happy to test-drive any number of tire options with you.

Lifted Truck

Suspension

Buying a used lifted truck? Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to re-torque the suspension after every 5,000 miles. Over time, everyday driving is enough to un-torque the suspension. Some aftermarket suspension kits, such as Southern Comfort lifted trucks, will re-torque your lifted truck suspension at no extra cost.

Gear Ratio

We don’t want to get too technical on you, but gear ratio is an important aspect of any truck’s daily drive, lifted or not. Gear ratio affects performance, giving you more (or less) pep when it’s time to accelerate or tow heavy machinery. Getting the right gear ratio also means balancing power with fuel economy. A more aggressive gear ratio equals more power, but it also keeps your rpms higher, costing you more at the pump.

For the best possible final drive ratio, you need to consider your lifted truck’s unique engine and transmission. The right gear ratio for your lifted truck also depends on what you’re doing every day. (Are you towing a 3,000-lb. Airstream or a 10,000-lb. Bobcat? Or maybe you never tow anything.) You want a gear ratio that’s aggressive enough but that doesn’t cost you in terms of fuel economy.

Lifted Truck on the Road

Your Perfect Lift Kit

Not every aftermarket lift kit is built the same. For example, some may have more aggressive steering stops (to keep the tires from rubbing the suspension), which affect a truck’s turning radius. As you shop around, make sure to note how a lift kit is affecting the truck’s performance. That way, you’ll drive home with a lifted truck that can make a tight enough turn to get up your narrow driveway.

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