bkenobi wrote:
I have a 2016 Ram 3500 LB SRW CTD that is stock (suspension, tires, etc). The truck carries my Northern Lite truck camper (around 4000 lb total payload) around half the time. With the stock setup, the truck is slightly nose up such that I sometimes get flashed at night (it's not that bad, but could be better if I was picky).
I hate the stock Firestone tires (boring, narrow) but they performed ok on road and seemed fine on snowy roads. That said, I want something a bit more aggressive looking and wider in an AT for my next set. I have been told by tire shops that I can fit 34x12 on stock rims without issue. If I want wider (35x12.5), it would require rims and should add front leveling. If I do that, I'd need air bags too.
Anyone with a similar setup want to recommend a setup? If leveling and air make a huge improvement to the ride quality, I'd rather get it done now to open tire options. I don't think going to 35's over 34's would make as much difference as the width.
Thoughts?
bkenobi wrote:
The truck has factory 18" wheels. TorkLift suggested that if I added air bags, installing stable loads to engage the springs would help quite a bit. My truck requires drilling the springs for installation, so not sure I want to do that myself based on how hard that metal is and the resulting drill time at a bad angle.
With the exception of having a SB, we have the same truck as you ('16 Ram 3500 CC SRW Cummins). We regularly haul a '19 NL 8-11. Recently swapped out the 18" OEM Firestone tires for some Michelin Defender LTX LT295/70/18's primarily for the extra load capacity (800 lbs. per axle). To my eye, the Michelins look more aggressive--they ride slightly outside the fender wells. Noticed no significant change in handling and no rubbing.
Used to use Timbrens for towing. Unfortunately, our 8-11 is slightly heavier on the right side so we swapped out the Timbrens for some air bags to give us the flexibility to level the truck front-to-rear and from side-to-side. Although we never had any sway issues, we went ahead and installed a sway bar for an added margin of safety/stability. Very pleased with how the truck handles with the new tires, bags, and bar (with the camper on-board).
Like you, have given some thought about trying out some Torklift Stableloads. Fortunately, our lower overloads are pre-drilled. My guess the Stableloads should further improve handling on our truck since the truck's leaf suspension would take on a more primary role (vs. the more inboard mounted air bags).
