Top 3 Reasons Why Pickups Aren’t Level From The Factory

You likely have seen it, a pickup truck’s nose is lower than the bed. It can look awkward and unsightly. However, there are some significant reasons why manufacturers do this from stock, even though making them level is a simple process.

Pickups are primarily not level from the factory because the bed will drop down slightly when towing; when this happens, it pushes the nose up and hurts visibility. Pickups also aren’t level to help with handling or aerodynamics.

1. Towing with a pickup that isn’t level

The primary reason pickups are lower in the front and higher in the back is towing. Any time a pickup truck is towing something, its level will change in the rear because the height of the hitch receiver has changed due to the weight. The more weight you tow behind your truck, the more the nose will rise and the rear will lower.

Because of this, if the truck is level to start off with, and you tow, then the nose starts to point upwards and gives you considerably less view of the road in front of you.

Manufacturers offset this issue by leaving the nose lower than the rear, and then the truck levels itself when towing, keeping you safe.

2. Aerodynamics of the pickup for gas mileage

While this isn’t quite as much of a reason, having the truck lower in the front helps with aerodynamics because the air flows past the truck more fluidly.

This not only saves you gas at the pump by getting you better gas mileage, but it also helps a company be able to build more, larger vehicles because they are required to keep to a particular gas mileage average for every car they sell.

The better gas mileage they can get, the more profitable vehicles they can sell.

3. Slightly better handling

While I don’t really have anything to prove this, it is something that I have heard is a good reason for trucks to be lower in the front and why manufacturers will do this. Handling is essential to a manufacturer, as it helps with the reviews. Still, it also makes their vehicles safer and more likely to be purchased.

Why do people want a truck to be different from the factory?

We have discussed why a manufacturer wouldn’t want their pickups to be level from the factory, but why would a consumer want one to be level instead?

It really comes down to styling. Pickups look slightly off when they aren’t level, and adding a leveling kit to a pickup makes it look just a bit better and uniform. There really isn’t any other reason other than that!

Should manufacturers level their pickups in stock form?

They really should not; while it may be best for reviews, it does lower the risk of the pickup getting into an accident while towing. It helps with gas mileage and even handling.

Many people will disagree with this statement and say that leveling kits should be added during the truck’s building. Still, a leveling kit doesn’t cost that much for those who want it, and I would prefer trucks on the road to be safer than better-looking.

Thankfully, you can add a leveling kit to your truck aftermarket! These are best for people who don’t plan on towing much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If you tow with a pickup that isn’t level, the aerodynamics will hurt your gas mileage. You’ll also get slightly better handling when it’s at stock height, and it helps you tow safer.

Many people want their trucks to be leveled from the factory because they prefer how it looks.

However, if you’re looking for a truck that is just a daily driver and doesn’t plan on towing much, then a leveling kit might be for you. If that sounds like you, click the button below to see some leveling kits you can buy!