I was going to post this in the tow Vehicle forum but for me it is related to truck camper loads. Does anyone know if the Ram 3500 equipped with the same options has the same payload, camper load, and GVWR with either the standard rear spring suspension or the optional rear factory Air bag assist system? I am going to be ordering a new truck in the fall and would like the self leveling air system on the 3500 but can not find out if the numbers are the same for either of the suspensions and of course I want to order the max load numbers that I can in the configuration I want. The Ram website used to show the GVWR at 14000, camper payload at 5980 and a payload of I think 6900 in a crew cab DRW gas but never made any statement about the optional rear suspension. I have not been to the dealer yet this time around but went through the motions last fall but did not buy at that time but the dealers I shopped did not know much about the capacities ,got most of the numbers from the 2017 ram camper guide and the website payload numbers. thanks for any help Mike

So you are asking the question "how it WILL be build later this year" ?My crystal ball went blank, but find regional representative, or try to call Ford directly. I doubt you will find dealer salesman who knows much about those trucks beside window stickers.

Except for a few pounds loss for the airbag components, the payload capacity should be the same. Reason I say this is you aren't changing the springs which actually carry the load, just adding airbags to better carry the load. Plus, the GVWR of the truck is already maximized, so wouldn't expect that to be raised.What I would be more worried about is the factory airbag system interfering with the addition of the Roadmaster or Hellwig rear sway bar and/or with the Torklift mounts. I know you are going to want both for handling the Mammoth.

No complains about sway bars on my new F350 and rear tie-downs go into hitch cross beam, not even close to suspension.I would believe 2018 Ram can be only better.

Air bags don't add payload capacity. All they do is level the truck and provide a better ride. They actually lower payload capacity due to their own weight. GVWR will not change. Always will be 14k.

He's not asking about add-on air bags. He's asking about a totally new adjustable height rear suspension for Ram trucks that replaces the springs. It's an option on newer models.

Ram 3500 rear Air Suspension Capacity | Good Sam Community

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2017
So you are asking the question "how it WILL be build later this year" ?
My crystal ball went blank, but find regional representative, or try to call Ford directly.
I doubt you will find dealer salesman who knows much about those trucks beside window stickers.
kohldad
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2017
Except for a few pounds loss for the airbag components, the payload capacity should be the same. Reason I say this is you aren't changing the springs which actually carry the load, just adding airbags to better carry the load. Plus, the GVWR of the truck is already maximized, so wouldn't expect that to be raised.

What I would be more worried about is the factory airbag system interfering with the addition of the Roadmaster or Hellwig rear sway bar and/or with the Torklift mounts. I know you are going to want both for handling the Mammoth.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2017
No complains about sway bars on my new F350 and rear tie-downs go into hitch cross beam, not even close to suspension.
I would believe 2018 Ram can be only better.
Rangerman40
Explorer
Jul 19, 2017
Air bags don't add payload capacity. All they do is level the truck and provide a better ride. They actually lower payload capacity due to their own weight. GVWR will not change. Always will be 14k.
markchengr
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2017
He's not asking about add-on air bags. He's asking about a totally new adjustable height rear suspension for Ram trucks that replaces the springs. It's an option on newer models.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jul 19, 2017
^Thank you.
While I don't have the answer, I've seen a post or 2 on here in the past said the airbag 3500 Rams carry campers well. Personally I don't believe they would do as good a job at controlling body roll with a high CofG load with only 2 leaf springs and the rest riding on bags compared to all leafs or full leafs plus air.
kohldad
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2017
never mind
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2017
markchengr wrote:
He's not asking about add-on air bags.

Right, he is asking about "rear factory Air bag assist system"
Rangerman40
Explorer
Jul 20, 2017
markchengr wrote:
He's not asking about add-on air bags. He's asking about a totally new adjustable height rear suspension for Ram trucks that replaces the springs. It's an option on newer models.

On a 3500 it doesn't replace the springs. Only on a 2500 does it go to a 4 link set up and gets rid of the springs completely. It's more of an "auto level" on 3500s. It's been out for a few years now. And it's not adjustable.
kohldad
Explorer III
Jul 20, 2017
And it's not adjustable.

And that is enough reason to go with an after market so you have control and can adjust each side independently.

Forum Discussion

Ram 3500 rear Air Suspension Capacity

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

3500 Ram factory air suspension

RAM 3500 Auto Level Rear Suspension

Suspension Upgrades

suspension problems

Freon capacity