2022 2500 - Off road package and after market airbags?

[Eson]

I am in the process of ordering a 2022 2500 Laramie. When building on the Ram website it will not allow the selection of air leveling option and the Off road package. Is there any mechanical interference or any other reason that I cannot add after market airbags to the Off road package from Ram?

 

[Deleted member 21465]

This is a guess but the biggest part of the off road package is the shocks. My guess would be since the shocks are designed to work with the spring suspension that would be the reason it isn't availble with the leveling system. My 2017 had the package and when I did the leveling I ended up using front shocks from the Powerwagon but believe they may have been too soft for the diesel. On my 2020 I also used the Carli leveling springs but knowing I was going to level it when I purchased it I didn't get the off road package and put on Carli 2.5 springs and ordered the correct Bilstein's to match the Carli springs.

"RAM has outfitted this version of the 2500 with Bilstein monotube shock absorbers to soak up bumps at all four corners, as well as distribute excess heat, which can be generated when driving on rough roads for extended periods. These performance shocks are tuned specifically for the weight of the RAM 2500, and work with the exclusive five-link coil rear suspension system to add greater control to the axle. Firestone LT on/off-road tires offer a crucial advantage over your typical on-road tires; they’re designed to “clean” themselves by allowing whatever debris finds its way into the tread to break free during rotation.

 

[Eson]

So possible negative ride quality with the addition of bags....?

 

[Deleted member 21465]

Agai9n this is a guess but the valving of the shocks make a huge difference depending on the suspension. So yes the Bilsteins that you would be paying extra for would not be compatible with the bags.

 

[CG_CWO4_Ret]

I don't know, but my guess is the loss of rear axle articulation with airbags. I figured that RAM didn't want to sell an off-road package and then limit the off-road capability with airbags.

 

[waveslayer]

Air bags and off roading aren't ideal together unless you're rocking a Funco with the Kings airbag coil overs. Pretty slick but almost no travel!

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[Eson]

Was hoping to have the best of both world...when toughing 5th wheel Travel Trailer use airbags for leveling.....when not toughing could deflat bags and let shocks do their thang.

 

[waveslayer]

Was hoping to have the best of both world...when toughing 5th wheel Travel Trailer use airbags for leveling.....when not toughing could deflat bags and let shocks do their thang.

That will be fine! When I think of off roading my definition is different. Unless you truly have bypass shocks, mono tubes are not dissipating heat, not near Bypass. For what you explained you should be good

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[CG_CWO4_Ret]

Was hoping to have the best of both world...when toughing 5th wheel Travel Trailer use airbags for leveling.....when not toughing could deflat bags and let shocks do their thang

Unless you are doing serious off roading, the articulation loss is not that significant and won't be noticed. I plan on putting Airlift 5000's on my 2500 with off road package. If I was worried about the loss of travel I would install Daystar cradles as well, but I feel they are not needed for my purposes.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Those considering aftermarket bags for serious off-road use, there are some threads here about a custom setup guys are putting on the Power Wagons that decouple the airbag from the axle to avoid any restrictions on articulation. It's probably in the Power Wagon forum somewhere.

 

[BroGo]

I just installed a Carli leveling kit and airbags this week and put in the Daystar cradles. I just finished today so I can’t give much of a review on them, but the idea is that they are not attached to the axle allowing the suspension to use its full range of motion. When you do need to tow, they act as they normally would. Here’s a couple pics showing how when I jacked up the truck from the hitch, the airbag comes out of the cradle. When I lowered it, it went into the cradle.

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[matemike]

Was hoping to have the best of both world...when toughing 5th wheel Travel Trailer use airbags for leveling.....when not toughing could deflat bags and let shocks do their thang

Amazon and etrailer sell aftermarket air bag kits for the 2022 2500's. <$400 for a manual kit that will leave a air valve stem sticking out somewhere near you license plate. You can air them up with a bike pump when towing. They only take like 25-40 psi. Leave them empty or ~2-3psi when not towing.
Keep your off-road package as is

I did this on a 1500 GMC truck. If you can read directions and turn wrenches you can install them. Remove the spare tire for more room working under the rear end of the truck. you don't even need to jack the truck up.