Does adding airbags to a pickup truck tow vehicle increase the payload capacity of the truck?For example, take a pickup with 3500 lbs. of payload capacity. If one were to add air bags to such a pickup, could that realistically increase the payload capacity from 3500 lbs. to 4000 lbs.?Also, does adding airbags improve ride quality in the truck?We're thinking of going with a 2019 3/4 ton RAM or 1 ton RAM as our every day driver and also as a tow vehicle for a fairly short 5th wheel.I'm trying to decide which would be the best route to follow when buying a truck that will serve mostly as a daily driver, with occasional use to tow a 5th wheel.3/4 ton with air bags added?1 ton without air bags?1 ton with air bags added? Or....???

No. Air bags and other mods add to the stability but do nothing for load capacity. The tires, brakes, frame and other components remain unchanged. The door sticker remains the guide in the event of a police check or worse yet an accident.

OK... thank you. I've been hearing and reading conflicting views on this subject.Sounds like I will need to go with a 1 ton. And perhaps add bags for extra stability?

Tho I'm a Ford nut, do believe that Ram has airbags as standard equipment for rear suspension. Honestly, am surprised all 3 don't have air bags/susp. Semis do. Lincoln Town Car did. You can add all sorts of suspense devices, but ALL they do is aid in keeping the truck level. As above posts have already said, they do NOT increase payload.

DesertDogs wrote:Does adding airbags to a pickup truck tow vehicle increase the payload capacity of the truck?NO. they just help with leveling the rear and maybe ride quality.

Another...NoOf course, what model 5th wheel? Most "fairly short 5th wheels" can easily be handled with a newer 3/4 ton...let alone 1 ton. Unless it's "fairly short" but "unusually heavy", you are solving a non-existent problem.

Adding air bags: can that increase payload capacity?

romore
Explorer II
Nov 27, 2019
No. Air bags and other mods add to the stability but do nothing for load capacity. The tires, brakes, frame and other components remain unchanged. The door sticker remains the guide in the event of a police check or worse yet an accident.
DesertDogs
Explorer
Nov 27, 2019
OK... thank you. I've been hearing and reading conflicting views on this subject.

Sounds like I will need to go with a 1 ton. And perhaps add bags for extra stability?
ACZL
Explorer
Nov 27, 2019
Tho I'm a Ford nut, do believe that Ram has airbags as standard equipment for rear suspension. Honestly, am surprised all 3 don't have air bags/susp. Semis do. Lincoln Town Car did. You can add all sorts of suspense devices, but ALL they do is aid in keeping the truck level. As above posts have already said, they do NOT increase payload.
bikendan
Explorer
Nov 27, 2019
DesertDogs wrote:
Does adding airbags to a pickup truck tow vehicle increase the payload capacity of the truck?

NO. they just help with leveling the rear and maybe ride quality.
valhalla360
Navigator
Nov 27, 2019
Another...No

Of course, what model 5th wheel? Most "fairly short 5th wheels" can easily be handled with a newer 3/4 ton...let alone 1 ton. Unless it's "fairly short" but "unusually heavy", you are solving a non-existent problem.
2112
Explorer II
Nov 27, 2019
Actually, airbags subtract payload by the amount of the weight of the airbags and compressor. You are adding weight to the vehicle.
cavie
Explorer
Nov 27, 2019
You must match the TV GVW to the RV being towed. Decide on the RV first then add the Proper size truck. Air bags are for ride comfort.

If you already own the truck then you are limited as to what you can tow. There is no add on fix.
harmanrk
Explorer
Nov 27, 2019
Actually they take away from your payload. Payload is GVWR - Curb Weight (Technically this would be the payload remaining, as any permanent modification of the truck takes away from the payload on the door sticker). Add airbags, and you have removed 5-10 pounds of payload from the truck, by making that weight a permanent (semi-permanent) part of the truck.
MFL
Nomad II
Nov 27, 2019
While many 3/4 ton trucks can handle nearly the same load as a 1 ton SRW, by using after market devices to level the load, it is best to just get the 3500 to start with, if needed, when buying new. In your case, the FW you are considering, on your profile, you need the 3500.

Jerry
rhagfo
Explorer III
Nov 27, 2019
MFL wrote:
While many 3/4 ton trucks can handle nearly the same load as a 1 ton SRW, by using after market devices to level the load, it is best to just get the 3500 to start with, if needed, when buying new. In your case, the FW you are considering, on your profile, you need the 3500.

Jerry

X2
36' 5er is not really short, and the one the OP is looking at has a GVWR of 16,000#, the only thing that will help you stick with a 3500 SRW is that this 5er has a payload of 3,600#.

320 GK Specs
GVWR : 16,000
Dry Weight : 12,400*
Cargo Carrying : 3,600
Hitch Weight : 2,600 (21% of dry)

Starting from dry weight if you only add 2,000# of stuff now the 5er's GVW is 14,400# X 21% = 3,024, I would expect the pin percentage to be more like 23% to 25% so up to 3,600# just for the 5er on the TV.
Best be looking at the 3500, and might even consider a DRW.