Opinions on air bag suspension
Hi all, just got a new 2015 Keystone Montana 3100RL Fifth Wheel. Its 1200 pounds heavier than our 2002 29TS Cardinal Fifth Wheel. The front stabilizers seem to sit to close to the ground when were p...
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TCI - Like don0128, I am concerned that you are focusing on what your truck can pull rather than what it can carry. Much like your truck, I have a 2008 Ram 2500 diesel truck. My fiver is about 12,000 lbs. I am over GVWR a few percent, but about 500-600 lbs under both the FAWR and the RAWR. I know my RAWR is based on the weakest link, which in my case is tire rating. The 2 rear tires are rated at a combined 6,400 lbs. In no case do you want to exceed your wheel/tire ratings IMO.
Your fiver is about 3,000 lbs heavier than mine. Based on 20% pin weight, you are probably a little over both your GVWR and, IMO more importantly your RAWR and tire capacity. I suggest you weigh ready to camp at a CAT scale and make sure you are not over rear axle and tire capacity. Unless you have upgraded wheels and tires, you may be over both RAWR and tire capacity.
In addition to air bags, you can always upgrade wheels/tires with 19.5 inch wheels and tires like the truck camper folks often do. It's not cheap ($2,500-$3,500), but the commercial 19.5 inch wheels and tires are often rated at over 4,500 lbs per tire.
Hope this helps. Keith
Your fiver is about 3,000 lbs heavier than mine. Based on 20% pin weight, you are probably a little over both your GVWR and, IMO more importantly your RAWR and tire capacity. I suggest you weigh ready to camp at a CAT scale and make sure you are not over rear axle and tire capacity. Unless you have upgraded wheels and tires, you may be over both RAWR and tire capacity.
In addition to air bags, you can always upgrade wheels/tires with 19.5 inch wheels and tires like the truck camper folks often do. It's not cheap ($2,500-$3,500), but the commercial 19.5 inch wheels and tires are often rated at over 4,500 lbs per tire.
Hope this helps. Keith
