If you\u2019ve been following the latest trends in the trucking world, then you surely have heard about \u201csquatted trucks\u201d. These modified vehicles have been popping up everywhere and capturing the attention of truck enthusiasts and social media. But what exactly is a squatted truck? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A squatted truck is a modified pickup with a lowered rear end and raised front. It has a sloped appearance achieved by adjusting the suspension. While some find it visually appealing, it can compromise handling and safety by disrupting the truck’s intended design and engineering.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While it might look cool to some, it has sparked controversy and debates among truck enthusiasts, vehicle safety advocates, and lawmakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The one major concern is that squatted trucks pose a significant safety risk on roads. Because the suspension is imbalanced, with the center of gravity shifted to the rear. This makes squatted trucks more prone to rollovers and loss of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into the world of squatted trucks to understand what they are, how they came to be, and whether they are legal or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A squatted truck, also known as a Carolina squat<\/a>, Tennessee Tilt, Cali Lean, or Florida lean, is a truck with a lifted front end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is achieved by adding a lift kit to only the front suspension, and keeping the rear suspension at stock ride height. In some cases, owners lower the rear suspension to maximize the squatted appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal of the modification is to create a slope from the front to the back of the truck, giving it a \u201ctough\u201d and aggressive appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the squatted truck modification trend doesn’t just stop at the front suspension. They also typically featured oversized tires, flashy rims, LED rock lights, and a loud exhaust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squatted trucks have been around for several decades. In the past, they were mostly used by off-roaders who wanted to improve their trucks’ ground clearance for navigating tough terrains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These vehicles were modified to raise the front for increased suspension travel and traction. Naturally, these lifts were done for performance reasons and not for aesthetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, starting in the 1990’s, squatted trucks became popular among a subgroup of truck enthusiasts. They sought to make their vehicles stand out and look more aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But the modifications were done purely for cosmetic purposes. And often accompanied by giant wheels and tires, and other flashy accessories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This trend has gained the most notoriety in the southern states. However, squatted trucks is most popular in Louisiana, Georgia, North and South Dakota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s quite simple, many drivers perceive their vehicles as works of art and use them as a means to express their individuality through customization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than settling for a run-of-the-mill truck that resembles countless others straight from the assembly line, these drivers aim to make their vehicles truly distinctive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As one can imagine, driving a squatted truck instantly grabs attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lifting only the front suspension is the most basic modification required to get that squat look. In most cases, truck owners lift their front suspension just a few inches to get that squat look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But diehard squatters will take it to the next level, opting for an eight or even ten inch lift in the front and removing the factory suspension blocks in back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To really get that true squat theme going, the addition of some fancy wheels and bigger, more beefy tires<\/a> is a requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As one can imagine, the modifications made to squatted trucks are not just limited to the suspension and wheels. Many truck owners also add decorative upgrades such as light bars, LED Underglow lighting<\/a>, aftermarket grilles, and custom paint jobs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, these mods can come at a steep price, and many squatted truck owners have spent thousands of dollars getting the perfect look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can lead to poor handling, wear suspension parts faster, and reduce towing capacity. Truth be told, squatting your truck may seem cool, but it can cause problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply put, uneven weight distribution leads to an elevation in rolling resistance (commonly referred to as rolling friction), resulting in a decrease in engine efficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, improper weight distribution can cause disproportionate wear on tires and brake pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the popularity of squatted trucks among truck enthusiasts, these modified vehicles have drawn controversy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lawmakers argue that due to their uneven weight distribution, squatted trucks can be hazardous on the road. The lack of balance can also cause issues with steering and braking, increasing the risk of accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because the suspension is imbalanced, with the center of gravity shifted to the rear, squatted trucks are more prone to rollovers and loss of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, the lowered rear end can impair the driver’s visibility<\/a>, especially in rearview mirrors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, squatted truck owners often face visibility challenges at night<\/a> due to their headlights being angled upwards, rather than directed towards the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course the main issue that arises with driving a squatted truck is the potential for legal troubles. Depending on the state you live in, it may be illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina have laws prohibiting squatted trucks. In fact, just recently South Carolina officials passed legislation<\/a> that bans this vehicle modification as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A closer inspection of South Carolina’s bill states that a truck or SUV where the front fender is raised four or more inches<\/strong> above the height of the rear fender is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Exactly Are Squatted Trucks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Long Have Squatted Trucks Been a Trend?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Do People Drive Squatted Trucks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Modifications Are Required to Squat a Truck?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Happens if You Squat Your Truck?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Are Some Lawmakers Against Squatted Trucks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What States Are Squatted Trucks Illegal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n