Unless you’re a car enthusiast, you probably haven’t heard of the “squatting Carolina.” It is a popular truck modification where the suspension is lifted at the front and is often paired with larger tires and rims. The name suggests that this trend originated in the Carolinas, but that is not the case. So, where did you start?
ca connection
Interestingly, although squat trucks are often associated with North and South Carolina, they actually originated in California. This trend was born out of Baja California racing. Lowrider enthusiasts in Los Angeles during the 1990s developed this. They wanted to make their cars look more extreme by lowering them as close to the ground as possible (hence the term “lowrider”) with the front raised for off-road racing.
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Popular squat trucks
Social media helped fuel fuel across the country. Today, there are countless accounts on Instagram and other platforms, some with hundreds of thousands of followers, showcasing these modified vehicles. Owners post pictures of their trucks and share tips on how to get the perfect look.
Is Carolina squatting dangerous?
Yes, squat trucks can be dangerous. Tilting the front end up makes it difficult to see outward, which can lead to collisions. In addition, the slope prevents headlights from adequately illuminating the road and blinds oncoming drivers. The suspension can also wear out faster.
The legality and safety of the Carolina squat
Although very popular in my home state of the Carolinas due to safety concerns.
Under a South Carolina law, which was passed in 2022, “vehicles that are lowered or raised more than six inches in the front or rear will be considered illegal, in the states.” The modification is not helpful, particularly on the safety front, as it causes problems such as Vehicle weight imbalance, worn tyres, improper braking, and incorrect steering.”
. Safety concerns include an increased risk of rollover due to instability when cornering at high speeds.
Other states may follow suit with similar bans on squat trucks unless additional modifications include safety features such as suspension upgrades or sway bars and stabilizer bars.
Should you sit on your truck?
Think twice before sitting in your truck. Because of safety concerns, states have begun banning extreme squat Carolina modifications or requiring other changes before cars are allowed on public roads.
So research your local laws before squatting your truck. Or consider other upgrades, such as LED light bars, Specialized tires, running boards, and heavy-duty bumpers.
