Jumping off the Diesel Bandwagon - UPDATED
Well, after two Cummins diesels that I thoroughly enjoyed, I am going to place a factory order for a RAM 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi, 4.10 gears, rear air suspension, Laramie and plenty of added options. ...
Forum Discussion
BenK,
I agree with most of what you say except for some of the air bag comments. I have 8 inches of travel in the air bags I have on my truck. The size of the air bag will determine the spring rate. Accumulators can also be added to slow the spring rate down. There is so many variations in the way an air system can be set up also. To give you an idea to this I will explain how I have mine set up.
My bags are 8" in diameter and when completely compressed to the internal bump stop they are 4" tall. When extended to the max they are 12".
I have 2-half gallon tanks that I use for accumulators. One for each bag. This adds volume to the system which slows down the spring rate for unloaded cruising. Also I have a valve to where I can open the system to and open loop so that when I am on uneven ground air will travel from one bag to the other equalizing the pressure to keep both tires making equal contact pressure. Using 1/2" line in all of this ensures that the air has no restriction in it's movement. It is instantaneous. When loaded and or towing I turn the equalizing valve off and the accumulators off to where the bags have maximum spring rate and also with the high spring rate it acts as a sway bar. Way less body roll and sway.
Remember, I went from towing my current rig with the factory leaf springs to towing it with a 4 link suspension with air bags on the same exact tow vehicle and there is night and day difference in the handling and the ride comfort.
Another plus is that I have on board air to run tools, air up tires and I don't have to use the slow landing gear on my 5er to level at the camp site. I just use the truck's suspension.
I agree with most of what you say except for some of the air bag comments. I have 8 inches of travel in the air bags I have on my truck. The size of the air bag will determine the spring rate. Accumulators can also be added to slow the spring rate down. There is so many variations in the way an air system can be set up also. To give you an idea to this I will explain how I have mine set up.
My bags are 8" in diameter and when completely compressed to the internal bump stop they are 4" tall. When extended to the max they are 12".
I have 2-half gallon tanks that I use for accumulators. One for each bag. This adds volume to the system which slows down the spring rate for unloaded cruising. Also I have a valve to where I can open the system to and open loop so that when I am on uneven ground air will travel from one bag to the other equalizing the pressure to keep both tires making equal contact pressure. Using 1/2" line in all of this ensures that the air has no restriction in it's movement. It is instantaneous. When loaded and or towing I turn the equalizing valve off and the accumulators off to where the bags have maximum spring rate and also with the high spring rate it acts as a sway bar. Way less body roll and sway.
Remember, I went from towing my current rig with the factory leaf springs to towing it with a 4 link suspension with air bags on the same exact tow vehicle and there is night and day difference in the handling and the ride comfort.
Another plus is that I have on board air to run tools, air up tires and I don't have to use the slow landing gear on my 5er to level at the camp site. I just use the truck's suspension.
