Last Updated on March 19, 2023
Are you looking to improve your RV truck or SUVs off-road performance and overall appearance? You may be considering a lift kit but don’t know what size to choose. The most common sizes are 3 inches and 6 inches. But what’s the significance of these two sizes?
A 3″ lift kit is a great option if you want to get a small boost with minimal cost. On the other hand, a 6″ lift kit will drastically raise your vehicle and increase the overall stability while on tougher terrains. But a 6″ one usually comes at an extra cost and can be more difficult to install.
While both kits will raise the vehicle, there are other key differences between the two in terms of height, stability, the center of gravity, tire size, off-road performance, cost, installation difficulty, ride quality, fuel economy, and Safety that should be considered when choosing which one is best for you.
Let’s figure it out.
3″ Vs 6″ Lift Kit : For RV Trucks, SUVs & Jeeps
Selecting the right lift kit is indispensable for RV owners looking to maximize the off-road performance of their truck, SUV, or Jeep. These eight major differences between 3″ and 6″ lift kits will help you figure out which is best for your vehicle:
01: Height
The amount of lift achieved by installing a 3- or 6 inches lift kit varies depending on the vehicle. Generally, a 3″ lift kit will add approximately 2.8 to 3 inches of height, while a 6″ lift kit will add approximately 5 to 6 inches.
This can be enough for RV trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps to clear larger tires and improve off-road performance. A higher lift will also provide better ground clearance and make navigating rocky terrain or dunes easier.
It is important to note that the exact amount of lift gained by each kit may vary depending on the type of vehicle and its specific suspension setup.
02: Stability
Generally speaking, a 6″ lift kit will provide more stability than a 3″ kit due to its increased shock length and suspension travel.
The longer shocks help keep the vehicle level when driving over rough terrain, making it less likely to experience body roll or fishtailing in turns. Also, with more suspension travel comes greater articulation which helps reduce impact from large bumps or sudden changes in road conditions.
03: Center of Gravity
When adding any additional height with a lift kit, it is essential to remember that the vehicle’s center of gravity (CoG) is also raised. Installing a 6″ lift kit will raise the CoG significantly more than a 3″ kit which can cause instability during fast driving or sharp turns on uneven surfaces.
To combat this potential issue, some manufacturers offer adjustable airbag kits which allow users to adjust their ride height accordingly. This can help bring down the CoG and reduce the potential risk associated with higher lifts.
04: Tire Size
For RV trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs, the difference between a 3 and 6 inches lift kit primarily comes down to tire size. A 6″ lift kit will allow for larger tires than its 3″ counterpart, typically up to 35 inches in diameter.
This can benefit off-roading or other activities requiring higher ground clearance or extra traction control. Larger tires also provide a more aggressive look, so those looking for a more rugged aesthetic may opt for the 6” lift kit.
05: Off-Road Performance
A 6” lift kit will typically provide better off-road performance than a 3″ lift kit due to the larger tires that can be installed. Larger tires provide more ground clearance and traction, allowing for greater control in challenging terrain.
This makes driving on unpaved roads easier and improves the vehicle’s abilities when climbing hills or crossing rivers. Also, 6″ lift kits often include additional upgrades to suspension components, such as stiffer springs or sway bars, which can further enhance off-road performance.
06: Cost
In terms of cost, a 6” lift kit typically requires more components and labor to install than a 3” lift kit. It is often considered an investment as it increases your vehicle’s performance and adds cosmetic appeal.
The cost of additional parts and installation costs can be quite expensive. But these costs are often offset by resale value or future savings on repairs due to improved functionality.
07: Installation Difficulty
A 6” lift kit is generally more complicated to install than a 3” due to its increased complexity and needs for extensive modifications to the vehicle. The installation process requires specialized tools and knowledge of suspension systems and may require alterations to the vehicle’s frame.
As such, installing a 6” lift kit is usually best left to professional mechanics with experience in this type of work.
08: Ride Quality
A 3″ lift kit is generally recommended for RV trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps that are used on paved roads due to its smoother ride. This is because the smaller components of a 3″ lift kit have a more flexible suspension system, creating less jarring of the vehicle on uneven surfaces.
The lower center of gravity also helps to create a smoother ride while cornering or making sharp turns. Also, the smaller tires installed with a 3″ lift kit provide greater clearance than larger tires and reduce road noise.
Conversely, a 6″ lift kit can provide improved performance off-road and greater clearance from obstacles. But, the higher center of gravity created by the larger components can cause instability when traveling at high speeds or cornering on uneven surfaces. A larger tire also produces more road noise.
09: Fuel Economy
The increased weight and tire size required with a 6″ lift kit can hurt fuel economy. The larger components needed to support the higher center of gravity require extra fuel to compensate for the power lost in acceleration.
Also, the larger tires create more drag on the road, which causes additional fuel consumption compared to smaller tires from a 3″ lift kit.
It’s important to remember that manufacturers may rate vehicles differently depending on their size and type. The ratings of vehicles equipped with a 6″ lift kit are usually lower than those with 3″ lifts.
10: Safety
Since 6″ lift kits require more extensive modifications to the vehicle than 3″ lift kits, there is an increased risk of improper installation leading to uncontrolled steering or handling problems at high speeds or under heavy loads.
And, the larger tires used in 6″ lifts may reduce braking distance when driving on wet surfaces or loose soil. Thus, it is vital for drivers of vehicles with a 6” lift kit to thoroughly inspect their vehicle before use and exercise caution when driving on unfamiliar roads or in difficult terrain.
Differences between Ford F150 3 Inch Lift Kit Vs 6 Inch Lift Kit
The main differences between a Ford F150 3-inch lift kit and a 6-inch lift kit are related to their height increase, cost, and performance.
Height Increase
The 3-inch lift kit will raise the front suspension of your Ford F150 by three inches, while the 6-inch lift kit will raise it by six inches. This gives the truck a more aggressive, taller look and better ground clearance when off-roading.
Also, the larger size of the 6-inch lift kit allows larger tires to be installed with deeper treads, providing more traction and stability when going over uneven terrain.
Cost
The cost of installing a 3-inch lift kit is much less than that of a 6-inch one because it requires fewer parts and modifications. For instance, some components, such as track bars or control arms, may not need to be changed with the 3-inch version since they’re still compatible with the new height.
But these same items must be changed if you opt for the larger size. Furthermore, since more components are required for the 6-inch version, it also means that labor costs would be higher.
Performance
One significant difference is their effect on your vehicle’s performance on and off-road driving experiences. Since the 6-inch version raises your F150 higher than a 3-inch lift kit, it provides more significant ground clearance, making navigating tough terrain much easier.
And, although there may be limitations on what kind of terrain you can traverse with a 3-inch lift (due to its lower clearance), bigger tires can still provide good levels of traction even on wet surfaces due to their deeper treads.
With this being said, larger lift kits negatively affect the steering feel due to increased suspension angles and could lead to tire rub if too many wheels are installed.
Will a 6 Inch Lift Kit Affect Towing?
A six-inch lift kit can give your truck an aggressive, imposing look while on the road. In terms of actual impact on towing capabilities, these types of kits typically only affect the aesthetics of your vehicle.
Generally speaking, they do not provide any extra power or performance that would change their towing capacity. On the contrary, it will likely improve ride comfort and handling since it will raise the height of your vehicle by 6 inches.
Is a 3 Inch Lift Actually 3 Inches?
A 3-inch lift does add 3 inches of additional clearance for larger tires and a higher ride height. But, it’s important to note that this type of lift also requires additional suspension modifications such as longer shock absorbers and stiffer springs to maintain stability during turns and over bumps in the road.
Also, installing an anti-sway bar and other components designed specifically for lifted trucks is recommended to ensure proper handling and safety.
Deciding Between a 3 Inch Lift Kit Vs. 6 Inch Lift Kit for Your Vehicle
When deciding between a 3″ or 6″ lift kit for your RV truck, SUV, or Jeep, there are important factors to consider, such as height difference, stability, and center of gravity. Also, it’s important to note the differences in tire size, installation cost, and fuel economy depending on the chosen lift kit.
If you find yourself desiring a lifted vehicle but don’t want to invest too much money into the process, a 3” lift kit may be just what you’re looking for. But, if you require further clearance and stability, then a 6” lift kit may be better suited for your wants and needs.
Either way, it is important to understand all the potential consequences of making such an investment before diving into the deep end. Doing so will ensure that whatever lift you choose is ultimately in step with your style and budget.