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Air Suspension - Ram vs Aftermarket

HDChiefs

HDChiefs

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Ok, ordered 2022 Ram 2500 Limited but did not include the factory installed air suspension as the plan was to buy a 25' pull trailer. Well I now have a 32' 5th wheel RV and while I am waiting for the 2500 I am considering adding air suspension (along with 5th wheel prep package) to truck upon arrival. Have not decided on dealer or Truck Aftermarket install as of now. I have researched a few aftermarket air suspension kits -- main purpose is to level 5th wheel, secondary is ride comfort. I do NOT drive off road, unless I have to. Thanks for your feedback in advance.
 
I wish I had used Timber Grove they are a small veteran owned company that looks like better quality then air lift 7500.
I have airlift 7500 on my 3500 HO and had to modify slightly to fit properly (with no cooperation from air lift).
90 degree points straight into axle tube and bolt holes needed to be elongated for bags to be straight up and down.
 
What is the weight of that 5er? Since your 2500 hasn't shown up yet I'd strongly consider upgrading to a 3500. Leaf is going to be more stable, have more legal payload, and you don't have to worry about bags most likely. You can do it with a 2500 for sure, but seems like a a non ideal plan.

As for the bags, depending on the weight of the trailer I'd recommend the 7500 airlift as well. It's a pretty solid complete package.

EDIT: Forgot my main point, doh!

As for aftermarket vs OEM. This is a bit personal preference considering the OEM bags are better integrated and have auto-leveling. The three reasons I always advise against OEM bags though.

#1 - OEM bags replace the coils. Because of this, if a bag blows or goes out, so does that side of the suspension. Aftermarket bags are in addition, so even if one blows, you still have some amount of suspension holding the bed, and trailer, up. Do they go out often? Probably not. Are the OEM bags better than aftermarket? Maybe, no clue who makes the bags for Ram.

#2 - Sensor for auto-level on OEM air may nag you for being over weight. That would get on my nerves quick.

#3 - Aftermarket bags are placed inline/slightly outside the frame rail. That will help give you extra stability from side to side movement and overall make it feel more planted.

For me personally, it's not even close which way I'd go.
 
I don’t have my truck yet but after my experience with my Ram 1500 with the air suspension I’m sold on it. I ordered the factory air suspension on my 2500 because I can lower the bed probably a good 3 inches to help with loading things in the bed. The ride quality on the factory air suspension is going to be nicer and the load leveling under load is great to keep the headlights from blinding oncoming traffic. I don’t plan on a giant 5th wheel so a 3500 was over kill for my needs.
 
UglyViking said:
What is the weight of that 5er? Since your 2500 hasn't shown up yet I'd strongly consider upgrading to a 3500. Leaf is going to be more stable, have more legal payload, and you don't have to worry about bags most likely. You can do it with a 2500 for sure, but seems like a a non ideal plan.

As for the bags, depending on the weight of the trailer I'd recommend the 7500 airlift as well. It's a pretty solid complete package.

EDIT: Forgot my main point, doh!

As for aftermarket vs OEM. This is a bit personal preference considering the OEM bags are better integrated and have auto-leveling. The three reasons I always advise against OEM bags though.

#1 - OEM bags replace the coils. Because of this, if a bag blows or goes out, so does that side of the suspension. Aftermarket bags are in addition, so even if one blows, you still have some amount of suspension holding the bed, and trailer, up. Do they go out often? Probably not. Are the OEM bags better than aftermarket? Maybe, no clue who makes the bags for Ram.

#2 - Sensor for auto-level on OEM air may nag you for being over weight. That would get on my nerves quick.

#3 - Aftermarket bags are placed inline/slightly outside the frame rail. That will help give you extra stability from side to side movement and overall make it feel more planted.

For me personally, it's not even close which way I'd go.
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Thanks. The 5th wheel is 9,500 empty and 11,900 max. Already 6 weeks in on 2500 order and have an estimated ship date of mid-June so am not looking to start that process over. Based on the feedback received so far I plan to pick up truck and take it to truck accessories shop for airlift bags and B&W gooseneck mount so I can mount B&W Companion hitch in the truck.
 
HDChiefs said:
Thanks. The 5th wheel is 9,500 empty and 11,900 max. Already 6 weeks in on 2500 order and have an estimated ship date of mid-June so am not looking to start that process over. Based on the feedback received so far I plan to pick up truck and take it to truck accessories shop for airlift bags and B&W gooseneck mount so I can mount B&W Companion hitch in the truck.
Click to expand...
Pin weight should be about 2400lbs give or take at max weight then? My truck went across the scales at 3300lbs rear, RGAWR is 6k, so if you're is about the same you're looking at 5700lbs in the rear. Assuming a full cab, full fuel, etc. you'll be close to hitting that max RGAWR, prob still within it though.

I feel the desire to just get the truck, so I can't say I blame you there, but if you decide to upgrade to a larger 5er in the future you're likely going to need a truck upgrade as well. Just something to consider.

Assuming you keep everything as stated you'll be close to max but prob have a little to play with. I'm not a tow cop, not gonna say a word about payload, but I personally try and keep everything under the axle ratings. I'm sure you'll be fine though.

That B&W hitch is really the way to go. You can get the offset mount to give you a bit extra clearance between the cab and the 5er as well, which is nice with a short bed.

Let us know how it goes!

EDIT: Also just noticed your sig, that's a lot of trailer for the HEMI. Also let us know how it is towing longer distances, curious how much these new 8 speeds help with that!
 
UglyViking said:
Pin weight should be about 2400lbs give or take at max weight then? My truck went across the scales at 3300lbs rear, RGAWR is 6k, so if you're is about the same you're looking at 5700lbs in the rear. Assuming a full cab, full fuel, etc. you'll be close to hitting that max RGAWR, prob still within it though.

I feel the desire to just get the truck, so I can't say I blame you there, but if you decide to upgrade to a larger 5er in the future you're likely going to need a truck upgrade as well. Just something to consider.

Assuming you keep everything as stated you'll be close to max but prob have a little to play with. I'm not a tow cop, not gonna say a word about payload, but I personally try and keep everything under the axle ratings. I'm sure you'll be fine though.

That B&W hitch is really the way to go. You can get the offset mount to give you a bit extra clearance between the cab and the 5er as well, which is nice with a short bed.

Let us know how it goes!

EDIT: Also just noticed your sig, that's a lot of trailer for the HEMI. Also let us know how it is towing longer distances, curious how much these new 8 speeds help with that!
Click to expand...
I appreciate the honest feedback and details. We are not retired yet and only expect to pull the trailer a few times a year, mostly to the beach. Also as it is just my wife & I and we are pretty simple KS farm kids I do not expect to be near max weight on the RV. If we take a couple grandkids with us that is only a couple hundred pounds.
 
Sounds good man, hope it treats you well! These trucks are something else, I'm sure you'll love it!
 
Not sure if this helps any but here’s a pic of my rig fully fueled, family loaded and right around 10k total trailer, about 1,800 lbs on the pin. Truck is completely stock, no bags.

Full disclosure, this rig is light for a 5v’r…………
 

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Thanks for sharing. I believe my 2500 Hemi will be fine pulling our Grand Design 303RLS. I am interested in the airbags to help with leveling RV and the ride w & w/o RV
 
HDChiefs said:
Thanks for sharing. I believe my 2500 Hemi will be fine pulling our Grand Design 303RLS. I am interested in the airbags to help with leveling RV and the ride w & w/o RV
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My 303 is around 2100-2200 loaded for a week.

Since you have a Hemi, your payload should be good. The 2500 diesel trucks are where it gets sketchy without adding aftermarket air springs.
 
Jsboening said:
I don’t have my truck yet but after my experience with my Ram 1500 with the air suspension I’m sold on it. I ordered the factory air suspension on my 2500 because I can lower the bed probably a good 3 inches to help with loading things in the bed. The ride quality on the factory air suspension is going to be nicer and the load leveling under load is great to keep the headlights from blinding oncoming traffic. I don’t plan on a giant 5th wheel so a 3500 was over kill for my needs.
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On the HD trucks, the "alternate ride height" is only an inch lower. And maybe not even that on the 3500's, unless they have a load on. Otherwise, I agree with you. Great ride in my current Ram (18 2500) with the factory air. And I follow a couple of Ram forums closely. Rare to read of an air bag issue on an HD truck.
 
Brutal_HO said:
My 303 is around 2100-2200 loaded for a week.

Since you have a Hemi, your payload should be good. The 2500 diesel trucks are where it gets sketchy without adding aftermarket air springs.
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Hemi def has more payload, but doesn't change the GAWRs. Taking a few hundred lbs off the front won't have much effect on the rear.
 
jebruns said:
On the HD trucks, the "alternate ride height" is only an inch lower. And maybe not even that on the 3500's, unless they have a load on. Otherwise, I agree with you. Great ride in my current Ram (18 2500) with the factory air. And I follow a couple of Ram forums closely. Rare to read of an air bag issue on an HD truck.
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Isn’t there also a bed lowering option in the screen that you can drop the bed even lower while parked? On the 2500’s at least.
 
Jsboening said:
Isn’t there also a bed lowering option in the screen that you can drop the bed even lower while parked? On the 2500’s at least.
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There's two bed adjustment options.

  • Bed lowering is for hooking up, etc. while parked
    • Activated with a radio button (can be put on the menu bar)
    • Most 3500 (air overload) won't lower much at all and none more than 1"
      • mine does ~3/4" with 50 gal tank and crossover box and gear, doesn't seem to matter if the hitch is in or not
    • 2500 is full air and can lower 2-3" depending on bed load.
  • Alt Trailer Height will only activate if there's a load >~600 lbs (includes other existing bed "stuff")
    • Activated with a switch
    • Lowers the truck 1" to level
 
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