Experience with 2500 and factory air ride

[Jsboening]

I’ve seen 1700lbs on mine while loading my backhoe tractor on my trailer. That’s if my weightsafe scale is correct. Truck leveled it without any problems. I adjusted it back on the trailer before I hit the road for the safety police here.

 

[BlueOx2500]

At the risk of sounding really dumb...

If you have a 2500 with factory air and one or both of the airbags gives out, how screwed are you on the road (especially towing)? Is there any kind of mechanical support inside the bag, or does it just flop down onto the frame? Similar to when you use bed-lowering and it lowers it to the frame?

How reliable would you say this system and these bags are? I have 24k on it and no problems yet.

Thanks

 

[LegendaryLawman]

Can’t tow sorry on 2500s

I haven’t seen a lot of negative posts about the system. It’s really cool to be able to adjust on the fly. I didn’t order it since the initial cost IMO is too high and post warranty down the road, replacements will be extremely expensive if it’s the bags or the pump. I’d rather just deal with a generic system for longevity and cost.

 

[BlueOx2500]

I’m sure you can still tow the springs are the same as non air ride models

I haven’t seen a lot of negative posts about the system. It’s really cool to be able to adjust on the fly. I didn’t order it since the initial cost IMO is too high and post warranty down the road, replacements will be extremely expensive if it’s the bags or the pump. I’d rather just deal with a generic system for longevity and cost.

The way some are talking here it makes me think there isn't even a metal spring inside the air bag and it's just air. (yep, this is how little I know about this)

 

[LegendaryLawman]

The way some are talking here it makes me think there isn't even a metal spring inside the air bag and it's just air. (yep, this is how little I know about this)

Looks like a standard rubber air bag and a pump system. Will only cost you $3,000 to replace all 3 plus the initial $1800 upfront option. I think you can get the stainless hose version with pump from the aftermarket outfits for $1,000. Or half without pump. And dodge will discontinue these in 12 years anyway, lol

 

[Pearce]

On a 2500 there is no backup support. You will be riding on the bump stops. 3500 still have a leaf spring. 2500 air ride is just the airbag, no coil spring.

 

[BlueOx2500]

On a 2500 there is no backup support. You will be riding on the bump stops. 3500 still have a leaf spring. 2500 air ride is just the airbag, no coil spring.

Things I wish I knew beforehand...

 

[LegendaryLawman]

On a 2500 there is no backup support. You will be riding on the bump stops. 3500 still have a leaf spring. 2500 air ride is just the airbag, no coil spring.

Ouch I’ve only seen them on 3500s in person. I wouldn’t order this on a 2500, terrible item reminds me of the old Mercedes SLS or the GM air rides. The 2500 with the added aftermarket airbags works excellent.

 

[Dave01]

Things I wish I knew beforehand...

I have not seen posts with complaints about failures, in my experience bag failures are pretty rare. I'm glad I have the option on my 2500, really enjoy it, don't worry about it a bit.

I had a Tahoe with air ride, the bags never had any issues, the pump did fail. I bought a replacement pump, I don't remember the price but wasn't all that bad, and installed myself, it worked perfectly after that until I sold it. And, as the pump was failing it just ran a lot, it wasn't like the rear end sagged, I knew I was on borrowed time and so replaced it while still pumping enough to maintain ride height.

 

[Ram25002021]

I will jump in and say that I ordered it with my 2021 2500 and have really liked it. The fact that the truck levels itself is nice. Of course it would be a bummer if it failed, but no different then any other component going bad on a vehicle. One of the reasons I purchased is because of the slightly smoother ride on a day to day basis vs the stiff rear end without air ride. Just my opinion!

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Things I wish I knew beforehand...

Transports have been running the same way as the 2500s for over 20 years air bag blowouts are rare but they do happen i would not loose sleep over it

 

[jebruns]

Things I wish I knew beforehand...

Unless you badly overload it, you should have no worries. The HD air bag system is very reliable. I've had 2 -2500's with them. Nary an issue.

 

[BlueOx2500]

Thanks all for the thoughts on the 2500 factory air suspension.

 

[ammdrew]

My air ride 2500 is excellent. Never a issue with any of our Air ride trucks and I would trust them as much as any mechanical spring. Anything and everything can fail but I would say in our experience the bags are very reliable and the ride is terrific.. as a bonus you never have the back of the truck sagging under load. I will not not buy another without. Even the 3500 is better with the bag /hybrid option, actually the best if you need the capacity.

 

[BlueOx2500]

My air ride 2500 is excellent. Never a issue with any of our Air ride trucks and I would trust them as much as any mechanical spring. Anything and everything can fail but I would say in our experience the bags are very reliable and the ride is terrific.. as a bonus you never have the back of the truck sagging under load. I will not not buy another without. Even the 3500 is better with the bag /hybrid option, actually the best if you need the capacity.

Thanks for those thoughts.