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2022 Ram 3500 DRW with Factory Air Leveling - Truck Camper Loading and Height Adjustment

mflobigsky

mflobigsky

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The factory air bags on this truck doesn't allow any adjustment except for the Alt Height which will only work with 700+lbs in the bed of the truck. My problem is that I have a slide in truck camper and, at stock ride height, the rear sits 1.5-2" higher than the front. I would prefer to load the camper in the truck when it is closer to level and, as I lower the camper down, the bags engage and lift it even more as I am lowering it. Are there any options for an override for the factory bags? My other option is to install a leveling kit. Has anyone installed a leveling kit with the factory bags? What kit and what is your experience?
 
You can enable bed lowering mode while you are sliding in your camper, it will Inhibit any height adjustment and will deflate the bags. After that once the camper is in use alt trailer height to level the truck
 
superjoe83 said:
You can enable bed lowering mode while you are sliding in your camper, it will Inhibit any height adjustment and will deflate the bags. After that once the camper is in use alt trailer height to level the truck
Click to expand...
I don't believe that I have "bed lowering mode", only alt trailer height or full on.
 
Look in the radio settings. There are a couple of modes that will disable the system temporarily. At least there is on my 2021. Look under "Air Suspension Modes". Transport mode, tire jack mode and alignment mode. Engine has to be running when turning it on. Once enable, pretty sure you can turn the truck off.
 
The Air suspension modes operate as follows:

  • Normal Ride Height = truck will auto-level as needed
  • Alternate Trailer Height = lowers 1" to a level bed, will auto-level from there as needed

The system is disabled using any of the other modes:
  • Bed Lowering Mode = dumps air to lower bed. Not much on a 3500, maybe 1" if you have weight in the bed.
The following modes can only be enabled with the engine running.
  • Tire Jack mode = locks air in current setting (pressure) to prevent sudden and unexpected movement.
  • Transport mode = lowers (dumps) all air from bags and locks out system
  • Alignment mode = locks system in normal ride height.
 
mflobigsky said:
The factory air bags on this truck doesn't allow any adjustment except for the Alt Height which will only work with 700+lbs in the bed of the truck. My problem is that I have a slide in truck camper and, at stock ride height, the rear sits 1.5-2" higher than the front. I would prefer to load the camper in the truck when it is closer to level and, as I lower the camper down, the bags engage and lift it even more as I am lowering it. Are there any options for an override for the factory bags? My other option is to install a leveling kit. Has anyone installed a leveling kit with the factory bags? What kit and what is your experience?
Click to expand...

You definitely should have bed lowering mode as well. If not transport mode does the same thing, it’s just a few more menu options to engage.

1.5-2” higher in the rear is unusual for an auto level truck. Have you measured it. Most of them sit ~1” higher in the rear and are dead level when alternate ride height is engaged. If your truck is that much higher in the rear you might be able to adjust the ride height sensors and get it a little lower in normal.
 
AH64ID said:
You definitely should have bed lowering mode as well. If not transport mode does the same thing, it’s just a few more menu options to engage.

1.5-2” higher in the rear is unusual for an auto level truck. Have you measured it. Most of them sit ~1” higher in the rear and are dead level when alternate ride height is engaged. If your truck is that much higher in the rear you might be able to adjust the ride height sensors and get it a little lower in normal.
Click to expand...
I do not have lowering mode that I can find but transport mode should do what I am needing. Thanks for the responses.
 
mflobigsky said:
I do not have lowering mode that I can find but transport mode should do what I am needing. Thanks for the responses.
Click to expand...

Bed lowering mode should be there (if it’s your avatar truck and 4x4), but I think it’s in a different menu than the other suspension options . It might be its own app button. I traded my truck so I can’t go verify.

As far as a leaving kit, I wouldn’t do that with a slide in camper. You don’t want the CG any higher.

Between adjusting the level sensors and bed lowering/transport mode you should get what you need.
 
AH64ID said:
Bed lowering mode should be there (if it’s your avatar truck and 4x4), but I think it’s in a different menu than the other suspension options . It might be its own app button. I traded my truck so I can’t go verify.

As far as a leaving kit, I wouldn’t do that with a slide in camper. You don’t want the CG any higher.

Between adjusting the level sensors and bed lowering/transport mode you should get what you need.
Click to expand...

I'd have to go check, but believe you're right bed lowering is a separate button. So much so because I put it on the bottom menu of my UC screen for quick access as I use it every time I hook up. @mflobigsky
 
Is it ok to pull a 9000 lb 5th wheel in the alt level position? I cant raise the trailer height and I am too close between the front of the trailer and the bed sides.
 
Slink said:
Is it ok to pull a 9000 lb 5th wheel in the alt level position? I cant raise the trailer height and I am too close between the front of the trailer and the bed sides.
Click to expand...

Not only can you do it, it’s recommended to tow in alt… especially on a 3500.

The angle does change a little, but as @CdnHO said it won’t change the clearance much and then only slightly towards the tailgate.
 
Slink said:
Is it ok to pull a 9000 lb 5th wheel in the alt level position? I cant raise the trailer height and I am too close between the front of the trailer and the bed sides.
Click to expand...

If you're implying that you would like to raise the trailer higher by moving the pinbox, and then use Alt Trailer Height to effectively put the total trailer height (or level) back to the same, yes.

It's intended to lower the rear of the truck 1" to a more level stance and also puts the overload springs closer to or in contact with the pads to help smooth the ride. Recommended for towing, I wouldn't tow without using it.

How much gap do you have now and are you having issues crossing aprons/drive or off-highway?
 
Brutal_HO said:
The Air suspension modes operate as follows:

  • Normal Ride Height = truck will auto-level as needed
  • Alternate Trailer Height = lowers 1" to a level bed, will auto-level from there as needed

The system is disabled using any of the other modes:
  • Bed Lowering Mode = dumps air to lower bed. Not much on a 3500, maybe 1" if you have weight in the bed.
The following modes can only be enabled with the engine running.
  • Tire Jack mode = locks air in current setting (pressure) to prevent sudden and unexpected movement.
  • Transport mode = lowers (dumps) all air from bags and locks out system
  • Alignment mode = locks system in normal ride height.
Click to expand...

I hadn't seen your description before, but am super happy to read it now. Much better than the owner's manual.

Can you elaborate on the difference between "Bed Lowering Mode" and "Transport Mode"?
 
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