Air Ride System - I need an education

[RedLionCookie]

I just purchased a 2018 Ram 3500 SRW Megacab Shortbed.
6.7 Liter Cummins
Aisin Transmission
3.42 Axle Ratio
20" Wheels

When it comes out of storage I'll be pulling a 2016 Cedar Creek 33IK 5th wheel.
Base Weight is 10,880
Gross Weight is 14,067
Pin Weight is 2,067

I know nothing about Air Ride Systems. Is this something I should be looking into?

If so what systems should I be looking at?

Any information and advice is greatly appreciated.

We currently do a fair amount of traveling. When we retire in the next few years we plan to do much more. I don't anticipate replacing either the truck or the camper anytime soon.

[blofgren]

ScottG wrote:
With that pin weight it doesn't seem like you need air bags.

x2.

[dodge_guy]

2oldman wrote:
I thought Ram offered rear air ride.

The 1500`s have a full air ride option. the 2500/3500 have a leaf spring with an air bag that supports the weight. the leaf spring is basically there to keep the axle located and to provide some support when unloaded.

[2oldman]

I thought Ram offered rear air ride.

[dodge_guy]

You have air ride systems which completely replace the rear leaf springs and front on a complete system, with new links and then air bags. Expensive but rides nice and you can adjust ride height.
Then you have air assist which is a bolt on system that helps the OEM springs. This is cheaper and easier to install and will help level out the rear of the truck when towing a heavier trailer.

[Grit_dog]

Hook up your trailer first and see how the truck handles the pin weight.
Don’t put the cart before the horse.
If you’re worried about being “prepared”, the truck will be fine with that pin weight. Based on the 4th Gen Ram 3500s ive been around, 2000lbs wont sag it significantly. Although you may prefer to have a little adjustability in ride height.
But regarding airbags, nothing magical, nor is one brand “better” than another imo. They’re all heavy duty and do the same thing.

[ScottG]

With that pin weight it doesn't seem like you need air bags.

[Groover]

The first detail concerns what types of airbags are compatible with your fifth wheel hitch. On my F150s the Ride Rite 5000XLs are compatible with a gooseneck but the 2000lb bags are not and I don't believe that the standard 5000lb bags are either. I don't know about 5th wheel hitches. The problem may be unique to the gooseneck hitch in that it has a release handle coming straight through the area where the 2000lb air bags go.

The 5,000lb XL bags mount where the jounce bumper is. The other bags keep the jounce bumper and have to mount elsewhere.

As for advantages, they help you carry max loads at a more comfortable height and stiffen the rear suspension to better control the extra weight. If the air bags are on separate channels they help control rocking and can help hitching by leaning the truck to match the trailer.

The disadvantages are that they make the truck ride rougher, even when deflated to the recommended 5psi. Note that some people disagree with this but my wife complained so much about the 5000lb bags that I had to take them off and replace them with 2,000lb bags. Bags on separate channels reduce rocking from high CG loads but they also act like a sway bar and encourage the rear end of the truck to follow ground contour, whether you want it to or not.

[RedLionCookie]

Old Truck was a Dually.
New Truck is Single Rear Wheel

New truck just has leaf springs. Not looking to do a full replacement.

I know nothing about the airbags but I've noticed many members list having them. What are the advantages/disadvantages, cost, brand recommendations, etc.

[Grit_dog]

Your question is confusing.
What is different about your new truck vs old truck for the same trailer?
What do you mean by air ride? Like full replacement suspension like Keldermann? Or add on air bags (presume you have just leaf springs, not the model that comes with airbags)?

No reason your truck won't haul the trailer numbers you posted just fine with no modifications. Please expound on what you're trying to accomplish.