I pull a 28ft. Airstream with the 2022 RAM 3500 with OEM spring suspension. I am considering converting to Air suspension for an improved ride, particularly on 2-lane highways. From those that have converted, what questions should I be asking? Is the ride noticeably more comfortable? Did the conversion require adjustment to your trailer set up? Any particular brands of conversion kits to consider?
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Possible conversion to Air suspension -
- Thread starter RGRauch
- Start date
gprguy
Well-Known Member
I'm a fan of Kelderman, I have a full kit on my truck and have used them in the past as well.
I've also previously had a 2018 3500 DRW with the factory air ride. The integration into the dash was nice, but it was also occasionally unreliable (had to have the compressor unit replaced) and frustrating. I prefer a setup like the Kelderman which - worst case - I can swap a schrader valve on the bag(s) in a few minutes and pump them up manually even if my whole control system decides it no longer wants to work.
I've also previously had a 2018 3500 DRW with the factory air ride. The integration into the dash was nice, but it was also occasionally unreliable (had to have the compressor unit replaced) and frustrating. I prefer a setup like the Kelderman which - worst case - I can swap a schrader valve on the bag(s) in a few minutes and pump them up manually even if my whole control system decides it no longer wants to work.
Thanks! Do you pull a travel trailer? Do you have the auto leveling Kelderman? (I’m still learning about their products).
gprguy
Well-Known Member
Kind of? 
I do have the auto level, the 4 link rear and front bags with the height/pressure auto system.
It's on this, which is still a work in progress (build thread in my signature):
Here is what we tow (you can also see it in the background of the picture above), attached to our old truck. It's empty in this photo, but when it is full (and it was never full when the camper was on the 3500) it weighs around 20k.
The 3500 above had the auto level factory air, and it was usually but not entirely reliable.
I do have the auto level, the 4 link rear and front bags with the height/pressure auto system.It's on this, which is still a work in progress (build thread in my signature):
Here is what we tow (you can also see it in the background of the picture above), attached to our old truck. It's empty in this photo, but when it is full (and it was never full when the camper was on the 3500) it weighs around 20k.
The 3500 above had the auto level factory air, and it was usually but not entirely reliable.
Lerker
Member
I find the ride with my 3500 dually with air suspension SIGNIFICANTLY better than my previous truck, a 2500 regular cab. Haven't owned it long enough to speak to reliability, but so far towing our heavy fiver it's performed fantastic.
Thanks. Do you have factory installed air suspension or aftermarket?
Lerker
Member
Factory.
How many miles on OEM compressor and was it under warranty? Did you ever submerge the truck's breather valve hose or use high pressure washer pointed up the breather tube? The OEM compressor is robust and used for years on Iveco trucks in Europe with no issues.
gprguy
Well-Known Member
Roughly 30,000 miles and yes it was under warranty. No, nothing ever like that. I don’t think the actual compressor failed, it was the control unit and it’s all one package.