2020 Off Road pkg with Air Suspension vs without Air Suspension, pros & cons

[Ages]

Finally found a 2020 ecodiesel with everything I'm looking for. It's a crew cab, 4x4, short bed, 3.92 gears, Off Road pkg, but it has an Air Suspension. I plan on using it to go out to the wilderness, fish, hunt, camp. Will tow a medium to large camper from time to time, a bass boat and occasionally small tractor on a flatbed. If I move back North I'll put a plow on it in the winter. I didn't want an air suspension. Can a few of you who know the pros and cons share your opinion on Air Suspension vs Coil Over, considering my purpose of use? I figured that Coil Over would be my better option, I'm worried about the longevity of the air suspension and I'm wondering if the air bags are susceptible to damage from sticks or underbrush when traveling tote roads in the wilderness. (Tried posting this in the Suspension area, no replies, so I posted it here)

 

[TruckDriver]

Coming from someone with air suspension (and have built my own in the past) - I wouldn't trust my ability to get in/out of the wilderness on air.

It's a nice feature, good for towing / ride, adjustable height when needed. but if you're using it in extreme environments, I'd stick to coils (more lift options also)

fwiw, I love my air ride, but I'm not worried about getting home from the places I go

 

[UnloosedChewtoy]

Finally found a 2020 ecodiesel with everything I'm looking for. It's a crew cab, 4x4, short bed, 3.92 gears, Off Road pkg, but it has an Air Suspension. I plan on using it to go out to the wilderness, fish, hunt, camp. Will tow a medium to large camper from time to time, a bass boat and occasionally small tractor on a flatbed.

Sounds like a nice setup. The air suspension does limit you a bit for a choice of lifts (if you wanted to do that later) and some suspension mods like that, but the self-leveling for the towing is nice. This is my first Ram with it, and so far, I'm enjoying it. We'll see if I still do during this coming winter.
FYI, I believe with the off road group (1" higher ground clearance vs no off road group), you'll get only one off-road mode/level, not two.
Without air suspension, to level out the rear, you'd need some air bags, such as the kind made by Airlift or, my favorite, Timbergrove Enterprises. Not a hard thing to do, and they do have higher limits than the Ram Air Suspension, but they are extra money/work. While not 100% necessary, with larger campers, it is nice to not drive around with your front end pointing at the sky.

If I move back North I'll put a plow on it in the winter.

Not sure what part of the North you are referring to, but just my two cents... unless its a small plow, I'd not put a plow on a 1500. They're just not designed for that kind of abuse.
3/4 ton at minimum for any semi-serious or worse plow work, at least not out here in the Dakotas/Wyoming/Nebraska/Montana/Minnesota area. Around the Great Lakes area, it is even worse. Maybe you have had a different experience, but from what I've seen around here, the 1/2 ton plow trucks are either older models, junkers, or don't stick around too many years before they're replaced/see major front-end suspension repairs.

I didn't want an air suspension. Can a few of you who know the pros and cons share your opinion on Air Suspension vs Coil Over, considering my purpose of use? I figured that Coil Over would be my better option, I'm worried about the longevity of the air suspension and I'm wondering if the air bags are susceptible to damage from sticks or underbrush when traveling tote roads in the wilderness. (Tried posting this in the Suspension area, no replies, so I posted it here)

As mentioned above, they are a plus when towing. And I doubt you'd be taking a large camper too far into a super-sketchy wilderness area (but feel free to tell me I'm wrong if I am). Also, the ride with the air suspension is better.

As long as you aren't rock crawling or hitting really rough areas at desert runner speeds, I think the air suspension should do just fine. If we're talking extreme wilderness, where you'll be hitting forest "access roads" that are not maintained, or difficult Jeep trails, I'd say skip it.

 

[mikeru82]

The air suspension shouldn't be an issue for light to moderate off-roading. The previous generation of Rebels all have air suspension (was not even available without it), and they were Ram's off-road version of the 1500 for 4th gens. When towing the air suspension will be handy for leveling out your truck under load. And entry/exit position is great for people to get in and out of the truck. We had two 2017 Rebels, and the air suspension never gave us a moment of trouble on either truck in the 3 years we owned them. If you're not planning any lifts or other suspension mods, I wouldn't hesitate to get it.

 

[nburd]

The plow issue is related to the front splayed frame rail design. That is why it is not recommended by RAM. The 2021's are supposed to have a snow plow prep option which may have a stiffener in that region of the frame.

 

[Ages]

Sounds like a nice setup. The air suspension does limit you a bit for a choice of lifts (if you wanted to do that later) and some suspension mods like that, but the self-leveling for the towing is nice. This is my first Ram with it, and so far, I'm enjoying it. We'll see if I still do during this coming winter.
FYI, I believe with the off road group (1" higher ground clearance vs no off road group), you'll get only one off-road mode/level, not two.
Without air suspension, to level out the rear, you'd need some air bags, such as the kind made by Airlift or, my favorite, Timbergrove Enterprises. Not a hard thing to do, and they do have higher limits than the Ram Air Suspension, but they are extra money/work. While not 100% necessary, with larger campers, it is nice to not drive around with your front end pointing at the sky.



Not sure what part of the North you are referring to, but just my two cents... unless its a small plow, I'd not put a plow on a 1500. They're just not designed for that kind of abuse.
3/4 ton at minimum for any semi-serious or worse plow work, at least not out here in the Dakotas/Wyoming/Nebraska/Montana/Minnesota area. Around the Great Lakes area, it is even worse. Maybe you have had a different experience, but from what I've seen around here, the 1/2 ton plow trucks are either older models, junkers, or don't stick around too many years before they're replaced/see major front-end suspension repairs.



As mentioned above, they are a plus when towing. And I doubt you'd be taking a large camper too far into a super-sketchy wilderness area (but feel free to tell me I'm wrong if I am). Also, the ride with the air suspension is better.

As long as you aren't rock crawling or hitting really rough areas at desert runner speeds, I think the air suspension should do just fine. If we're talking extreme wilderness, where you'll be hitting forest "access roads" that are not maintained, or difficult Jeep trails, I'd say skip it.

Thanks, this is the type of reply I was hoping to get.

 

[Ages]

Coming from someone with air suspension (and have built my own in the past) - I wouldn't trust my ability to get in/out of the wilderness on air.

It's a nice feature, good for towing / ride, adjustable height when needed. but if you're using it in extreme environments, I'd stick to coils (more lift options also)

fwiw, I love my air ride, but I'm not worried about getting home from the places I go

I'd be on logging tote roads and skidder trails from time to time in Northern Maine. The only thing I'm concerned about with regard to the air suspension is possibly taking a stick or an Ice puncture. Not sure if that is common or not. I've been down south for many years but plan on moving North eventually.

 

[1Zach1]

Not 100% relatable but I spent a decent amount of time on logging and class IV roads in Vermont with my Grand Cherokee on airbags in all seasons. Never had an issue with punctures or failures.

 

[SacRebel]

When I was looking for my Rebel I wasn’t interested in air suspension. But the one I liked and ultimately bought had it.

In hindsight I’m really glad I got it. I like being able to drop the truck when loading heavy things. I also like being about to raise it to the max height when parking to avoid door dings. I like being able to lower it so my 90 lb. dog can jump in and out easier. I like being able to lower it when it’s bath time. I think the ride is nicer too, which is pretty cool for an off road truck.

 

[OldMarine]

wouldn't consider a RAM without it...best ride i have ever had,(sedans included), and it is awesome for towing. Just did 4700 mile trip out to CO and SD from Mass....worked beautiful. I know your concern is about OFF roading, but I still say get it.

 

[TruckDriver]

Lots of good advice here and viewpoints - one thing I didn't know until I bought the truck was that 'Off Road' Mode is limited to 27mph after which the truck will lower. It's only an inch or so, but will be annoying unless you end up with a lift.

Also do research on this forum of issues with deflating in extreme cold. The older systems have had many documented issues, the newer (DT body) system has less, but it's not 0.

still, I love my air ride and wouldn't trade for coils since I plan on a 4" lift anyway which is available for air as is 6" generally.

 

[TruckDriver]

The only thing I'm concerned about with regard to the air suspension is possibly taking a stick or an Ice puncture. Not sure if that is common or not.

I can't say I've seen anyone post up having a foreign object puncture, but it's possible. When I built my own air-ride on a different vehicle, I had an aluminum shard bounce just right and slash a sleeve bag in the rear...and that car was made to lay frame... so it was no bueno.

On these trucks, you can deflate fully and ride on the bump stops, so motion is possible, but not comfortable.

It also depends on your intended lift height - currently there are 4" & 6" kits, no shock body upgrade (so no Fox, Bilstein etc), so less customizable overall

if it's mission critical, then coils, but as a daily, Air has been great

 

[scubastevehb]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and buying a 2020 1500 4x4 Limited with air ride. I've never had air suspension before but I want to lift or level it, not sure which yet. What brand recommendations, if any are out there. I've heard there aren't many brands that accommodate the 4 corner air ride. Are there mechanical concerns modifying? Input whether it's worth it or not would be welcomed as well.

 

[User_21361]

Another consideration is parking garages. I get nervous every time I have to go in one.

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