Is ram air suspension needed?

I don't think you can order a 2016 RAM HD any longer, I believe orders closed last week.

If you are looking at a 41 foot fiver, that will likely put the pin weight of the RV around 3,000 pounds which exceeds the payload of a 2500 truck. You are in 3500 territory and may want to think dually.

I have a Montana 41 footer (3790RD) which comes in at 13K pounds dry with a pin weight right around 3,000 pounds equipped. I have a RAM 3500 SRW Cummins to pull it around. I have RAM's rear air leveling suspension and yes, get it, works beautifully.

I would not recommend the 2500 with any fifth wheel, except the very lightest ones. You would only have the cargo capacity for a travel trailer with a 2500 truck.

Get the 3500 truck, if you think the pin weight will be less than 2,600 pounds dry, or 3,200 ready to roll down the road. Yes the pin weight goes way up when you fill it with camping gear and 60 - 80 gallons of water.

If you want a really nice fifth wheel, such as Grand Teton, then a dually is almost a requirement, and sure makes it more stable.

Air ride makes it nice when not towing, to soften the suspension. With all that extra weight back there, traditional springs will soften out a bit while towing, but sightseeing without the trailer can be a bit rough, until you let out some air!

Have fun with the new truck!

Fred.

I called ram customer service and was told the tuesday (may 31) is last day to get a orderin.we really want a 16 because the free oil changes will end with the 16 model's

Any good reason for not wanting a 3500? It would be a great change of plans but you have your reason for buying how you see fit of course. I also feel a 6 wheel truck would be safer for you.

chevman

No we really dont have a sound reason for going 2500 but i think we will take a 2nd look at 3500 we are really trying to avoid the duels.

I'd think about a DRW or downsizing the trailer a bit if you really don't want to go with a DRW. That's a lot of trailer for a SRW.

You can get a 3500 without dual rear wheels , lots of them around !

batavia02 wrote:
I called ram customer service and was told the tuesday (may 31) is last day to get a orderin.we really want a 16 because the free oil changes will end with the 16 model's

This is not a good reason not to order the right truck for the job.

if your trying to avoid dual wheels you might want to avoid a 41' trailer....but that just my opinion.

batavia02 wrote:
After a long time looking and researching we are probably going to order a a 2016 ram 2500 cc.lb.next week,question is ,is the ram air suspension option needed? we will be getting a 41'foot 5th wheel down the road.

Needed? No. Very nice to have? Absolutely.

I love my '14 2500 CC LB and it has the OEM coil springs. I've not hauled or towed anything heavy enough to put the coils through their paces, but I would think with a heavy pin weight 5er the autolevel feature of the air suspension would be a huge plus. Also, I'd agree that if you're looking at heavy 5th wheels you should consider a SRW 3500. It won't ride much different from a 2500 and will give you the extra CCC you'll need.

One more thing, if you're ordering a brand new truck, I would DEFINITELY get the 5th wheel prep option., and is sales code AHU. If you're not familiar, that gives you 4 cam-lock mounting pucks for a 5th wheel hitch recessed in the bed and nice plastic trim pieces and covers for the holes. It has a list price of $335 and I'd say is well worth the price.


If you ever intend to tow a goose neck trailer you might also get the Gooseneck prep option for $250. They also offer 25K OEM fifth wheel hitches (I'm sure someone makes that for them) and generic 5th hitch rail adapters that use the AHU puck locations.

Depending on how your deal works out you might be able to get all those options in some kind of package deal.

KJ