Which Air Bags Are Best???

[bowler1]

Hi,
I am considering getting air bags for my 2018 Ram 3500 for towing a 12.5k 5th wheel with 2500 pound pin weight.

I have noticed that they offer several different weight levels--I don't know which i would need for the trailer I carry.

Also, what brand do you recommend? Seems that Firestone, Air Lift and Hellwig all offer air bags. Do you recommend one over another?

thanks
Matt

[NC_Hauler]

I towed a 16.5 5er with a pinweight Of 3400#. with my 2013 Ram 3500 And didn’t need airbags. If you need airbags to tow that light of a weight. Something is wrong with your Dually. My 2016 came with OEM fear air assist...it autolevels the load, but no after market needed for your Dually for no more than you’re towing.
If your 3500 is a SRW truck. it could STILL handle that light of a 5er.

Jim

[corvettekent]

With a 3500 you should not need any air bags.

[n7bsn]

SweetLou wrote:
My 2013 Ram DWR came with air bags, I wonder why yours didn't? In any case, I have owned air bags and Timbrens. I would go back to Timbrens if I could. They are not air bags and when not in use , they won't change the ride of the truck. These trucks are stiff enough and air bags by design are always connected even with minimal air. Just my opinion, but like I said, I have owned both.

I've got Firestone on the F350 now, but I'm seriously considering switching to Timbrens.
I have continual problem with one side leaking, either the hose gets too close to the exhaust or something else happens.
That wouldn't occur with the Timbrens

[rhagfo]

bowler1 wrote:
Hi,
I am considering getting air bags for my 2018 Ram 3500 for towing a 12.5k 5th wheel with 2500 pound pin weight.

I have noticed that they offer several different weight levels--I don't know which i would need for the trailer I carry.

Also, what brand do you recommend? Seems that Firestone, Air Lift and Hellwig all offer air bags. Do you recommend one over another?

thanks
Matt

Well if you need air bags on a new 3500 to carry a 12.5K 5er, I guess I will just keep my 2001 Ram 2500 that carries that much pin and doesn’t need bags to do it.

[htss]

I bought my truck used and it came with air bags, not sure what brand but they have been working great. One thing I would recommend is to consider getting the compressor. I installed a compressor last year (air lift brand) and it has been one of the better investments I have made.

[Dave_H_M]

Well Mat, I do not know which one to recommend.

I am pushing two decades on Firestone. On my second set since I did get a newer truck, Nary a problem.

[jkwilson]

Generally they are rated by the amount of weight they can compensate for. 5,000lbs seems standard for the 5th wheel world. If you get the higher end bags that have internal jounce bumpers you don't have to worry about minimum pressure when you aren't hauling.

[SweetLou]

My 2013 Ram DWR came with air bags, I wonder why yours didn't? In any case, I have owned air bags and Timbrens. I would go back to Timbrens if I could. They are not air bags and when not in use , they won't change the ride of the truck. These trucks are stiff enough and air bags by design are always connected even with minimal air. Just my opinion, but like I said, I have owned both.