I'm thinking of putting a 2" or 2 1/2" lift on my truck. I also have a large travel trailer that weighs about 10,500 lbs. loaded. Is lifting my truck a good idea knowing I tow that much weight? Could I potentially damage anything by lifting the truck (gears, etc.)? Thanks!

 

There are lifts that are designed for towing. ICON has some. I know Darren32 tows more than that with his Carli Suspension (4.5"), the same suspension I have. Don't skimp out on a lift is my best advise. You get what you pay for.

 

I'm in about the same scenario as you except my camper trailer is a 5th wheel. I've thought of going with bags because of height issues when towing but don't know if I will. I know there are lifts designed for towing often like mentioned. Let us know what you decide.

 

Yes I have the same Carli 4.5" pintop king 2.5 lift as sgt93.
Any lift will increase the angle of the u joints and add a bit of stress but even H&S tuned and lifted I have not had any problems.

The Carli kit improved ride and handling in all situations, on road, off road and towing. IMHO, lifting a truck is always a good idea (just kidding).

Towing is greatly improved for me, handling is a lot better and bucking is way down. I tow a 35' 5th wheel toy hauler that is 9,000 lb dry and between 11 - 13,000 depending on what is in there. I towed about 4,000 miles this summer with no issues at all.

It really depends what kit you are looking at....
Most kits also level the truck. The Carli kit for the 350 is 4.5" lift front and 2.5" back which makes the truck level (on the 250 you need to put 350 blocks in the back so it lifts a bit more in the back than the 350 but ends up level as well).

The only drawback is what I call the Clampett look.....
Before the lift the truck was about 2" higher in the back so with the trailer on it was close to level or slight sag. Now that it is level without the trailer, guess what, there is noticible sag in the back with the trailer hooked up. At least 2" (go figure). I really hate this look, but it tows fine. I could correct with air bags I suppose but I don't think I will unless I get a bigger trailer. It handles just fine, way better than stock, just looks stupid. Also, because my box is now higher, I had to extend my pin box so the box rails cleared the underside of the trailer. This made the front of the trailer even higher. So there is also noticable slope on the trailer backwards now which further enhances the Clampett look.
I wish I had a pic of the thing hooked up but I don't and it's not going to be hooked up again until next year now.

But I go by people SO FAST they don't have time to make fun of me!

Hope this helps, bottom line is a good lift will improve everything.
I don't even like to call it a lift, call it a "suspension system" cuz that's what it is.

Thanks

 

"I go by people so fast they don't have time to make fun of me". LMAO!!

 

I have been thinking about doing the same.... a 2" - 2.5" lift and I will be towing between 10k(unloaded) or 15k(loaded) lbs 5th wheel toy hauler. Since it is a 5th wheel toyhauler I don't want to get too much lift.

I was thinking about swapping rear F250 blocks for a set of F350 blocks and then do a leveling kit on the front. This should give me 2" of lift and not effect towing capacity (if my thinking is correct).

I also plan on adding a set of airbags to help with squat in the rear when loaded.

I have also thought about going to a larger tire which would provide abit more ground clearance. I am not sure if a 35" tire will fit but, if it will, it would also raise the vehicle about an inch.

 

35's will fit with a 2.5".