Upgrading Ram suspension for TC
I have a 2016 Ram 3500 SRW Cummins and use it with a 10'2" NL TC. In stock configuration it has 33" tires and rakes down in the front unloaded. When the TC is loaded, it's slightly nose up (~1" or so). It doesn't sway unless I corner and hit a bump. I have only driven 1 other TC so I can't say how this compares to a typical setup and whether it's good/bad. My friends was a DRW F350 with a AF 811 and HEAVY steel stock trailer. He was way overloaded and it was really hard to drive. My setup looks fine and drives pretty nice IMO.
I am getting close to needing new tires at 40k and have been planning all along to jump to some wider 35's with an offset rim. Tire store advised that it would be less likely to rub if I leveled the front end. I've been considering that anyway due to the unsightly rake when unloaded.
So, my question is about how to configure things. If I level the front (2" is typical), it will work fine unloaded. When I add the TC, it will be significantly nose high (presumably ~3" high). I could add a stable-load, but TorkLift suggested that it isn't adjustable and unless I'm lucky it won't be level. I could add a helper spring but I'm not familiar with them to know if that's a good approach. I've been looking at air bags and they seem like a good option but if I unload at a camp site I assume I'll have to air down to avoid lifting the bed above neutral. That means I'd need a compressor or to hope a fuel stop is close enough to air up. If I did go with a compressor and air, has anyone used the auto leveling kits (e.g., SmartAirII)? Are these gimmicks or worth the money? The TC is pretty much level without air, so the only reason to go dual path would be to keep it from tipping side-to-side I assume.
Also, when unloading with air do you air down first or as you raise the TC? The way it is now, the back of the TC makes first contact and sort of pivots down to the front. With a leveling kit wouldn't I have the other situation when unloading? Could that result in hitting the truck's roof with the cab over? If it had auto leveling, I assume that would only work with the key in and running, so would it be better in that configuration to run the truck while loading/unloading? I'm not trying to over think this, I just don't understand the little details.
Anyone with experience recommend anything?
I am getting close to needing new tires at 40k and have been planning all along to jump to some wider 35's with an offset rim. Tire store advised that it would be less likely to rub if I leveled the front end. I've been considering that anyway due to the unsightly rake when unloaded.
So, my question is about how to configure things. If I level the front (2" is typical), it will work fine unloaded. When I add the TC, it will be significantly nose high (presumably ~3" high). I could add a stable-load, but TorkLift suggested that it isn't adjustable and unless I'm lucky it won't be level. I could add a helper spring but I'm not familiar with them to know if that's a good approach. I've been looking at air bags and they seem like a good option but if I unload at a camp site I assume I'll have to air down to avoid lifting the bed above neutral. That means I'd need a compressor or to hope a fuel stop is close enough to air up. If I did go with a compressor and air, has anyone used the auto leveling kits (e.g., SmartAirII)? Are these gimmicks or worth the money? The TC is pretty much level without air, so the only reason to go dual path would be to keep it from tipping side-to-side I assume.
Also, when unloading with air do you air down first or as you raise the TC? The way it is now, the back of the TC makes first contact and sort of pivots down to the front. With a leveling kit wouldn't I have the other situation when unloading? Could that result in hitting the truck's roof with the cab over? If it had auto leveling, I assume that would only work with the key in and running, so would it be better in that configuration to run the truck while loading/unloading? I'm not trying to over think this, I just don't understand the little details.
Anyone with experience recommend anything?
