Forum Discussion

DesertDogs's avatar
DesertDogs
Explorer
Nov 27, 2019

Adding air bags: can that increase payload capacity?

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....???
Tow Vehicles

98 Replies

Show More
  • harmanrk's avatar
    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.
  • cavie's avatar
    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.
  • 2112's avatar
    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.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    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.
  • bikendan's avatar
    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.
  • ACZL's avatar
    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.
  • DesertDogs's avatar
    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?
  • romore's avatar
    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.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,051 PostsLatest Activity: Oct 02, 2025