Why Choose Custom Lifted Trucks for Off-Road Adventures?
Our custom-lifted trucks are engineered to tackle the toughest terrains, from muddy trails to rocky hillsides and far beyond. We can transform your off-road experience, providing superior ground clearance, better visibility, and improved handling on rough terrains. Let’s explore why choosing Arctic Trucks could be the best decision for your off-road adventures.
What are custom lifted trucks?
We specialise in customising lifted trucks designed for extreme off-road performance and reliability. Our services include:
Custom Modifications
1. Suspension Systems
Our suspension system is designed to maximise travel and articulation, delivering exceptional handling and stability on challenging terrain. Maintaining a low centre of gravity enhances traction and minimises body roll for a smoother, more controlled ride.
2. Tyre Options
We provide tailored tyre solutions, including our Arctic Trucks Nokian Hakkapeliitta 44″ (475/70 R17) extreme winter tyres. They are optimised for snow performance and capable of operating at low pressures to enhance flotation on soft surfaces.
These modifications provide a more aggressive and rugged appearance whilst improving your truck’s balance for on-road and off-road driving.
What distinguishes them from regular trucks?
Our modifications make your Defender better suited for off-road conditions than its factory counterparts. You can enjoy enhanced durability, improved handling, and greater safety and mobility on challenging terrains. We can also include additional accessories like skid plates, lighting upgrades, reinforced suspension systems, and custom tyre solutions.
Types of Lifts
1. Suspension lifts vs. body lifts
Suspension lifts raise the truck by modifying the suspension components. This type of lift provides more ground clearance and better approach and departure angles. It also improves your truck’s ability to navigate difficult terrains by allowing for larger tyres and greater axle articulation.
Body lifts elevate the truck’s body away from the frame without altering the suspension. They are less expensive and easier to install. Nevertheless, body lifts without significant re-engineering of the frame, body and bodywork offer less additional ground clearance. This will also increase the vehicle’s centre of gravity and does not improve off-road performance as significantly as suspension lifts.
2. Benefits and drawbacks of each type
Suspension lifts offer benefits for serious off-roaders, including better ground clearance and the ability to handle more challenging terrains. However, they are generally more expensive and can still impact your truck’s centre of gravity and handling on paved roads when not undertaken correctly, in combination with other changes to the fabric of the vehicle.
Body lifts are more affordable and easier to install but have a more negative impact on the vehicle’s centre of gravity. They do not provide the same level of off-road or on-road capability. They are suitable for those who want a lifted look without the need for extreme off-road performance.
Benefits of Custom Lifted Trucks for Off-Roading
Increased Ground Clearance
1. Importance of ground clearance in off-road terrains
Ground clearance is crucial when you’re driving on uneven terrain. It helps prevent the underbody from scraping rocks, roots, and other obstacles. This also reduces the risk of damage to vital components like the oil pan, transmission, and exhaust and, therefore, through-life maintenance costs.
2. How lifted trucks provide better clearance
Elevating your truck’s suspension or body makes it easier for you to traverse rugged landscapes without the risk of underbody damage.
Improved Visibility
1. The advantage of a higher driving position
A higher driving position provides you with a better view of the road or trail ahead. It allows you to spot routes and obstacles earlier and choose the best path to navigate challenging terrains.
2. How visibility impacts off-road safety and navigation
Improved visibility gives you more time to react to unexpected changes in terrain or obstacles, such as rocks. It also aids in better navigation, helping you avoid potential hazards.
Better Off-Road Performance
1. Superior traction and stability
You can equip your trucks with larger, more aggressive tyres designed for off-road use, improving traction, flotation and suspension effect on loose or uneven surfaces, such as mud, sand, and rocks. This improves your truck’s comfort and stability, reducing occupant fatigue and the risk of getting stuck or losing control.
2. Capability to tackle diverse terrains
With improved traction, stability, and ground clearance, you’ll be able to handle various off-road conditions, from muddy trails to rocky inclines. This makes them versatile for any off-road adventure.
Customisation Options for Lifted Trucks
Tyre and Wheel Upgrades
1. Benefits of larger tyres for off-roading
Larger tyres increase your truck’s contact with the ground, providing superior traction and stability. They also contribute to increased ground clearance, which is essential for driving rough terrains without damaging the underbody.
2. Types of off-road tyres available
Off-road tyres come in various types, including all-terrain, trail-terrain, mud-terrain, and rock-crawling tyres. Each type is designed for specific conditions and characteristics, allowing you to choose the best balance for your on and off-roading needs.
Suspension Upgrades
1. Different suspension systems and their advantages
pgrading the suspension system can further boost your truck’s off-road performance. Options include shock absorbers, heavy-duty springs, and air suspensions, with and without adjustability, each offering different benefits in terms of ride comfort and off-road capability.
2. How suspension impacts off-road performance
A good suspension system absorbs shocks from rough terrains, maintaining tyre contact with the ground and providing better control and comfort. This is crucial for driving uneven trails and rocky paths safely and effectively.
Additional Accessories
1. Protective gear
Skid plates and underbody armour protect your truck’s underside and sides from damage when driving over obstacles. These accessories are essential for preserving your vehicle’s integrity during off-road adventures.
2. Lighting upgrades for night-time adventures
Enhanced lighting, such as LED bars and spotlights, is a huge advantage for both on and off-road driving in low-light conditions. They improve visibility and help you drive safely when the sun goes down.
3. Storage solutions
Storage space for equipment and gear allows you to carry everything you need for off-road trips without compromising cabin space.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
Cost Implications
1. Initial investment vs. long-term benefits
The initial cost can be high due to the price of parts and professional installation. Nevertheless, the long-term benefits, such as improved performance and durability, often outweigh these costs.
2. Ongoing maintenance and potential repairs
Customised trucks may require more frequent maintenance and potential repairs, especially if they are used extensively off-road. It’s important to budget for these costs and ensure access to skilled mechanics, such as our experienced teams at Arctic Trucks.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
1. Road legality of lifted trucks
Different regions have regulations regarding vehicle modifications, such as maximum lift heights and tyre sizes. Ensure your custom truck complies with these laws to avoid fines and penalties.
2. Modifications that may affect insurance and warranties
Custom modifications can impact your vehicle’s warranty and insurance coverage. It’s important to understand these implications and discuss them with your insurer to avoid surprises. Most Arctic Trucks versions and conversions are officially and fully aligned with manufacturer warranties and can be easily insured as vehicle models in their own right.
Conclusion
Custom lifted trucks offer you a range of benefits, from increased ground clearance and improved visibility to better performance on diverse terrains. However, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks, such as cost and legal implications. You also need to work with skilled professionals to make modifications.
If you’re ready to start transforming your pickup truck, we’re here to help. At Arctic Trucks, our experienced technicians are prepared to guide you through the customisation process. To learn more or to get started, fill out our contact form or give us a call. We look forward to helping you create your ultimate customised pickup truck.
