I'm looking at some possibilities for shuffling our cars around. I'm looking to get back into a Lightning. I had a 99 and it's one of the very few vehicles I miss and regret selling.

My question is towing. I know they are rated for 5k. How do they do with 4500 lbs or so? I have a 24' Pathfinder boat that I'd put between 4000 and 4500 lbs. I know they have plenty of HP and braking ability, but my concern would be the rear suspension. I have rear airbags on my current truck ('10 Sierra CC) and they help keep the rearend up alot. I wouldn't mind using them again if needed. My typical tow to the ramp is under a mile round trip, but so have longer drives sometimes with the occasional vacation of a few hundred miles towing the boat.

I've found a few nice 03-04 I like, but need to get some towing feedback first.

Thanks!

 

If you put helper bags I wouldn't see a problem. I don't know but I would guess the lack of towing capability is due to squating more than anything.

 

I'm not going to lie to you, the wheel base is a lil' short, have you considered an '02-'03 Harley truck???


I'm sure my Lightning would tow just fine (people do it all the time, including one of my best friends)

I'm sure my Harley truck would tow just fine (people do it all the time in trucks just like it)


my green truck, it tows just fine but I miss the F-250 I traded in for the F-150...

 

I remember the wheelbase being on the short side, especially now that I've been towing with crew cabs for a while now. I think it will be OK. I'm going to order some airbags this weekend. I think they will help keep the rear end off the ground and keep the bouncing down a bit. Since 90% of my towing is under a mile, I think it'll be OK.
The truck is being shipped down from OH next week. I'm excited to be back in a Lightning again. I found an '03 DSG with 55k on it in great shape.