Magazine
Buying advice and fitting knowledge for US trucks and SUVs. Short, verifiable and without promises we cannot keep.
Lifting a vehicle in Germany: what to consider
Parts certificate under § 19 (3) StVZO or individual approval under § 21: the procedure, the paperwork and what makes the inspection easier.
Speedometer after a lift
When the rolling circumference changes the speedometer reads low. What that means for speed cameras, the odometer and the transmission.
Running boards for US trucks: which type suits what
Fixed boards, nerf bars or powered steps – how to tell which type fits your use and what matters about mounting.
Replacing the grille: what to watch on a US truck
Replacement grille or overlay, room for radar sensor and camera, emblem and number plate: what to think about before buying.
Question not answered here? Write to us or call +49 4131 242526.
RC MAGAZIN
Install know-how, buying advice and truck inspiration — straight from the official Rough Country partner for Germany.
LEVELING KIT ODER LIFT KIT — WHAT DOES YOUR TRUCK NEED?
Die Kurzfassung: A leveling kit compensates for the factory front-axle lowering (usually 1–2.5"), a lift kit raises the whole vehicle (from 2" upwards). Which route is right depends on what you want to do with your truck.
Leveling Kit — der Einstieg
US trucks sit lower at the front than the rear from the factory (“rake”) so they sit level when loaded. A leveling kit raises the front only: the truck sits even, larger tyres fit up front and the look becomes much more balanced. Benefits: affordable, quick install, driving behaviour stays close to stock.
Lift kit — more ground clearance, more options
A lift kit raises the front and rear. This allows significantly larger wheel/tyre combinations, ground clearance grows noticeably and the look changes completely. Depending on the kit (2" to 6"+), new shocks, control arms or axle correction brackets are added — keeping the suspension geometry clean even when lifted.
Unsere Faustregel
Everyday + looks → leveling kit. Off-road, big tyres, the real US look → lift kit. And if you're unsure: Select your vehicle in the finder — we show you only kits that truly fit and advise you personally before buying.
LIFT KIT & EINTRAGUNG IN DEUTSCHLAND — DIE BASICS
Das Wichtigste vorweg: Suspension changes in Germany generally require registration. Exactly what is needed depends on the vehicle, kit height and wheel/tyre combination — and is ultimately decided by the inspection organization (e.g. TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ).
Womit du rechnen solltest
Smaller lifts can often be registered via individual approval. Larger kits may involve additional checks: braking behaviour, headlight height, tyre coverage, speedometer correction for bigger tyres. Plan the approval as a fixed part of your project — in terms of both time and budget.
How we support you
Before you buy, we tell you honestly what's realistic for your vehicle, install in our Workshop in Lüneburg properly, and prepare your vehicle so that presentation to the inspection organization runs as smoothly as possible. Wichtig: The binding information on registration always comes from your inspection body — talk to them before buying if in doubt, and we'll help with the paperwork.
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