2011 Ram dually: best susp. setup, tie-downs & hitch exten?

[iwski]

Great information on here but I felt like I should make my own post to get the best advice about my entire setup as a whole.
Just purchased 2011 Ram 3500 dually crew 4x4 to haul my 05 Arctic Fox 990 and tow an 03 Malibu Sunsetter Lxi(5000 lbs). What is going to be my best setup for suspension upgrades, camper tie downs, and hitch extension?

Suspension:
Stableloads, Airbags, Timbrens, swaybar, etc
After doing a lot of reading it sounds like I should try lower quick-disconnect Stableloads first and evaluate if airbags or anything else is needed. I assumed I would need a swaybar, but not many people seem to use them on newer trucks?

Hitch extension:
The Superhitch is the #1 option, but I would like to go with the cheaper Curt or Reese Class V 2.5" hitch and the accompanying 24-34" extension. The weight capacity of 8,000 lbs will work fine with my boat, although that is for 24" max and I need to make sure a 24" extension is long enough. I want to use as long of an extension as possible to get the boat farthest from the camper door, however an extension that goes past the camper bumper may interfere with using the swing-down step.

Tie-downs:
I want to intall torklifts, no doubt about it. I am unsure if the R3500 rear tie-downs, which are advertised for aftermarket hitches, will work the Curt or Reese class V hitch. Any experience or suggestions?

[Jeepers92]

I don't think you will need any suspension upgrades unless you have a really heavy tounge wt. Mine is bone stock and we pull a pontoon all the time. I do have dual trailer tires to lesson my tounge wt. I use factory Hitch which is pretty strong.

My slide does drop the side a bit, don't hurt anything. I have never paid any attention to it.

[iwski]

Those of you with a single slide-out: does your truck sit at much of a side-to-side angle due to one side of the camper being heavier (with a slide-out)? On my test fit, my Arctic Fox 990 was 2 1/2" different from side-to-side when I measure from the ground to each side of the camper bumper. My driveway is very uniform and level for the comparison. Wondering if I'm going to want airbags when it is said and done to correct the lean angle.

Was headed the direction of getting lower quick disconnect Stableloads but I asked Torklift if they would be hard to engage and manipulate once they are rusted up after a few years in snow country. They said more than likely the stableloads would be hard to engage. Now back to considering the upper stableloads because they are permanent. I thought the idea of them is they would not engage the overloads until you apply weight to the truck. However, Torklift said on many trucks the upper stableloads engage the overloads when unloaded, which will give you a harsh unloaded ride quality. Am I back to square one? What have you found with your 2010-up Dodge duallies?

[iwski]

Thanks for all of your input. The cost difference is just too much to go with the Superhitch, although no doubt it is a superior product. If I were hauling larger trailers I'd do it for sure.

I'm going to go with the Curt or Reese 2 1/2" receiver underneath the factory receiver. I have an old 2" extension that I will modify for use in the factory receiver and I'll tie the two receivers together similar to the superhitch, just for added peace of mind.

An RV dealer who installs extensions told me that sometimes extensions that are less sturdy than the superhitch can flex enough on bumps that trailer surge brakes can get the activate signal and cause your brakes to have momentary activations. Hopefully I can mitigate this by stiffending the Curt extension by connecting another extension in the factory receiver.

[-Kevin]

I put the Reese Titan 2 ½” Hitch on my truck, rated for 18k and they have several extensions available, I’ve used the 24”/34” extensions with my 3,500 lb trailer and have been very happy. Plus I saved so much over the Tork Lift stuff I can do more to the truck.
I also put on the R3500 on the titan hitch and it’s a simple drill and bolt deal but I just welded them on because it’s faster and easier.

[JacintoKid]

Curt 2.5 hitch / Reese extension. Truck is stock and handles great. The only thing I'm considering adding is a swaybar. You can use a long extension with the Curt hitch and still use the step. The Curt installs below the factory hitch

[2BLAZERS]

mooring product wrote:

2BLAZERS wrote:
I am running Firestone incab adjustable airbags....and like them.

So just air bags? No other mods?

lots of mods. Front leveling kit, Adjustable Rancho shocks. Rear sway bar and stable loads too. And the full Superhitch/Torklift system.

[mooring_product]

2BLAZERS wrote:
I am running Firestone incab adjustable airbags....and like them.

So just air bags? No other mods?

[2BLAZERS]

I am running Firestone incab adjustable airbags....and like them.

[mooring_product]

So no one is running bags on these trucks? Just stable loads...

[billsnp5]

On the hitch. Curt makes a Class V 17,000 lb hitch that will bolt under the factory hitch on the Dodge. I've used this in the my 2011 and the 2012 3500 to tow my Bass Boat which is a little over 3500lbs, using a 24" extension. I then bolt the factory and the curt hitch together for a very heavy duty setup. You can find this hitch for less than $250. I have less than $350 including extension and ball.

[2BLAZERS]

msiminoff wrote:
My suggestion is the same as everybody else's; Go with TorkLift! Their tie-downs, FastGuns, StableLoads, SueprHitch, & SuperTruss are the best on the market and their customer service is top-notch. You've made a substantial investment in an awesome truck/camper combo... don't cut corners now. Spend the extra $$$ now and you won't be sorry later.

I also suggest a RoadMaster rear anti-sway bar for your Ram.

Cheers
-Mark

Agree, I have the same, Torklift tie-downs, fastguns, stableloads, superhitch, 48'' Supertruss, incab adjustable Firestone Airbags, and incab adjustable Rancho shocks. I also have a Heavy Duty swaybar too. Would not run my setup of AF 1150 and pulling a 20' enclosed trailer with ATVs and a RZR without the full setup. I'd do the same for a 5k boat and trailer.

[msiminoff]

My suggestion is the same as everybody else's; Go with TorkLift! Their tie-downs, FastGuns, StableLoads, SueprHitch, & SuperTruss are the best on the market and their customer service is top-notch. You've made a substantial investment in an awesome truck/camper combo... don't cut corners now. Spend the extra $$$ now and you won't be sorry later.

I also suggest a RoadMaster rear anti-sway bar for your Ram.

Cheers
-Mark

[joe123]

been there done that, you will be better of extending the tongh on the boat trailer, a lot safer that way.

[_DJ_1]

Pony up the bucks now for the TL/Super Hitch system. You will thank yourself down the road!!!!

As far as suspension upgrades, save yourself some money and try it first. I had an 05 CTD dually with a big S&S with a slide out and towed a Jeep on a trailer. The only suspension upgrade I ended up needing was the TL Stable Loads!!! :C

I have the TL/Super Hitch system on my present truck. I do a lot of off road and the TL holds my camper down perfect. And the Super Hitch comes in handy for heavier trailers.