Which Air Bags? RAM 3500

Laredo Tugger · 07-24-2018, 03:01 PM

I;m going to look at a used 2018 SRW Ram 3500 tomorrow at a dealership in the next state over.
A friend of mine (who owns a towing company) was in the area and looked over the truck and took it for a test drive. Everything looked good to him (one buffable mark on the pass fender and a skuff mark near floor panel same side) and he test drove the truck on roads and the highway. He did say that it rode rough being a 1 ton truck on the 3/4 ton (SRW) frame.
My question is, what are the best air bags for load/towing and ride comfort?
Being used I will be getting a great deal on the truck so I am not afraid to throw some money at comfort, if needed.
Thanks
RMc

Laredo Tugger · 07-24-2018, 03:18 PM

Forgot to add, I'm towing a 13K 5th wheel.
RMc

Laredo Tugger · 07-25-2018, 03:47 AM

OK, a little reasearch and I am even more confused. Sulastic shocks?,Roadmaster System?,Carli-add a packs?
I guess it's wide open on the options here.
And I will only talk to myself so long here.
RMc

Javi · 07-25-2018, 03:55 AM

If they'll fit, the Firestone bags are what I've used on my trucks over the years...

rhagfo · 07-25-2018, 04:30 AM

Should not need bags for a 13,000# 5er and a 3500 SRW Ram! Hold on to your money until you hook it up and tow with it the first time.

Racebug · 07-25-2018, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Should not need bags for a 13,000# 5er and a 3500 SRW Ram! Hold on to your money until you hook it up and tow with it the first time.

agree!! plus adding bags wont improve your empty ride.

Frank G · 07-25-2018, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Should not need bags for a 13,000# 5er and a 3500 SRW Ram! Hold on to your money until you hook it up and tow with it the first time.

I'll third the motion, no bags required. I really do not need them on my 2500 with a 13k 5er, but they help.

kfxgreenie · 07-25-2018, 11:27 AM

If you want the most well thought out bags for Ram products Timber Grove is a GOOD option. I have a set on my 2500 and they are a very good product that is top notch in quality.

https://timbergroveenterprises.com/ram-2500-3500

Laredo Tugger · 07-25-2018, 01:11 PM

OK,
Thanks for the responses and info.
I just drove about an hour and a half one way to look, test drive and purchase the RAM. The truck does ride better than I expected (stock) and it is good advice to hitch up and tow before any modifications are needed.
The truck is the Tradesman package and is not the same truck (luxury) that I am driving now, but it is clean,low miles and set up nice with the 5th wheel tow eqip.,Aisin trans and an exhaust brake. I'm very happy and eager to put this in front of my Laredo 350FB and see how she rolls. The truck does have
LT 275/70R18 125/122S tires on it. These OK for a while or should I be looking at some tougher rubber on the ground?
I have an appointment next week to remove my fifth wheel hitch from my Ford and then will drive it over and exchange for the RAM.
Also will need some side steps for DW and I am going to install a hard roll away top on the bed.
Will be nice to have a TV like you guy's.

Thanks again,
RMc

Frank G · 07-25-2018, 05:58 PM

Most get about 45 to 50K out of the Firestones, from my experience and other forum contributors they have been a reliable tire. For some reason the rears wear faster than the fronts, I think it is a combination of the exhaust brake and tread distortion under load.

Now for the steps, nothing beets the AMP retractable steps, I hope they worked out the electronics for the "18"s. Early on FCA tightened up access to the Can-Bus, the ability for aftermarket products to interact with the vehicles electronics. The steps must open when a door is opened and retract when closed.

I chose a less expensive option from N-fab, Podium steps.

With the Aisin and HO Cummins you will be amazed.

Brentw · 07-25-2018, 07:18 PM

I think you will find a bit of squat when you load it. But as was said, wait till you try it. Measure how much squat you get, I was getting a fair bit of lights flashing me. Installed a set of firestone bags with a compressor and an inside controller, levels me out nicely while towing. Dump the bags when not towing, or it will be plenty stiff.

Laredo Tugger · 07-26-2018, 03:20 AM

It will be a few weeks before the verdict is in. I have an appointment next week to have my 5er hitch removed from my present truck and then will get that hitch installed in the new truck. But a tape measure sounds like the proper tool to have. I will also measure the front and rear of the trailer for hitch adjustment.
Good tips on the side steps too. I like those in the photos. The retractable product? Not sure,even if the electronics will support.
Thanks again,
RMc

gearhead · 07-26-2018, 03:48 AM

The 2016 3500 SRW I had rode fairly rough until I put a load on it. Our Montana HC is 12,500 GVWR so pretty close to yours. I don't think you will need to do anything to the rear suspension. Try it first. I think I got 2.500" of squat with the 5th on it. Basically levelled it. I did air the rear tires down to maybe 55# to help the unloaded ride. I replaced the Firestones at about 30,000 miles. I think my cabover helped scrub the tread down fast. Rotate the tires at oil changes.
I think my dually actually rides better unloaded than the SRW.

NorskeBob · 07-27-2018, 08:50 AM

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 air bags. Had them on our 2005 3500HD and them to our 2011 3500HD. Improves the ride and minimizes the sag on the rear. Do not have an on-board compressor. Put the fill connections on the rear bumper area. Put 40# of air in the bags before I hitch up.

Old Mustanger · 07-29-2018, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorskeBob

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 air bags. Had them on our 2005 3500HD and them to our 2011 3500HD. Improves the ride and minimizes the sag on the rear. Do not have an on-board compressor. Put the fill connections on the rear bumper area. Put 40# of air in the bags before I hitch up.

I have the same air bags also without the on board compressor (purchased one but have not installed). I located the fill valves in existing holes in front of the rear tires. Also do 40# before hitching, makes for a nice level combination.

Ddubya · 07-29-2018, 12:45 PM

I have a Ram SRW and it sags a little with my 5er. I just put the Sumo Rebels on it but have not towed yet. I can tell the difference in ride even with no load. They take some of the harshness out of rough roads.

wher2nxt · 08-02-2018, 08:34 AM

I have a 2018 Ram 3500 SRW...tow a Montana HC 330rl at 13300lbs....3000 of that is on the pin. Only settles the truck about 2.5 inches! Rides good with the weight. Scrambles our guts without. Also installed a Fold A Cover tonneau...works great! Opens and locks both ends, folds to the front for fifth wheel use.
I know the weights because I actually went to our local CAT scale.

ChuckS · 08-02-2018, 08:43 AM

I’ve been using Airlift bags since 2007 on our duramax. Onboard compressor with gauge ... I like being able to adjust pressure on the fly depending on road conditions and changes in weight.

Foodgod1 · 08-02-2018, 09:34 AM

On the side issue of comfort in your new Tradesman, I have a 2014 3500 DRW Tradesman and wanted to add leather seats. Found a great site called Leatherseats.com and did some research. Discovered they were based right here in Oklahoma City and I went right down to their store and custom ordered new leather seat covers for my truck. 1800.00 bucks installed. Love the comfort and ride. Had the Rams Head Logo embroidered into the upper seat back. Anyway, since you mentioned the step down in luxury I thought I'd mention it.

cwenn · 08-02-2018, 12:28 PM

We are towing a 2018 Montana HC 344RL that is close to your tow weight with a 2014 Ram 3500. It rides nice with the weight. It can be a little ruff empty. I adjusted the air pressure in the tires to 60 front and 80 rear and it helped a lot. My dealer told me to expect this truck to wear the rear tires. Make sure to do your rotations and run the proper air pressures I would tow with it before adding the air bags.

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