Air suspension bad idea if near payload capacity?

[Brutal_HO]

keep in mind the HDs have a totally 100% different system. They only level the rear coils. They do not have 4 corner air, or I'd have gone to a 3500.

True they only level the rear, but not leveling rear coils.

2500 coils are replaced with air springs.

3500 air springs are supplemental to leafs (overload leaf removed).

 

[djevox]

the system is a sealed air system. the compressor is more of a shuttle to move air between the sealed nitrogen tank and the suspension. If the system opens to atmosphere it shuts down the pump. It won't burn out.

I’m assuming you’re referring to stock, but I’m talking about aftermarket perspective with a traditional compressor and tank, which is the only times I’ve had bags blow out.

I haven't researched the theory and operation of the stock ram air suspension yet, but the concept should be the same if its a sealed system- the change being that bag has lost pressure and the supply tank is depleted. However, I would hope they would put in logic that if the amount of air that has moved from the tank through the solenoid is more than the bag’s volumetric rating, then it would slam the solenoid shut.

 

[Goldsy]

My Limited is rated at 1400lbs payload. How do they know your payload rating? I agree its right at the limit but no way I see you bursting an airbag from a jolt being right at or even over the load rating.

That’s a really good payload for a limited. Mine is only 1190.

 

[1D32319]

OP, do you already have the camper? If not, have you considered a bumper pull camper? That way you can easily get away with the 1500.

 

[Rototerrier]

I had a front wheel bearing go on my 03 ram. Wheel came completely off in a turn. Armed with that experience and knowledge, and to be safe, I almost ordered my 5th gen without wheels.

After much consideration I decided to give them one more try. Thinking it's been worth the risk. So far so good.

 

[BmoreStew]

I’d go with the coils in this case. HD would be best, but at least you can upgrade the steel suspension to better handle the load, if you decide to go half ton. To my knowledge there aren’t any aftermarket upgrades available for the air suspension.

 

[Trooper4]

the system is a sealed air system. the compressor is more of a shuttle to move air between the sealed nitrogen tank and the suspension. If the system opens to atmosphere it shuts down the pump. It won't burn out.

Hitch installer ran the air lines next to the exhaust and they melted. System just **** down to prevent damage.

 

[lkjk]

I’d go with the coils in this case. HD would be best, but at least you can upgrade the steel suspension to better handle the load, if you decide to go half ton. To my knowledge there aren’t any aftermarket upgrades available for the air suspension.

Second this. I just lifted mine and have clayton triple rate coils on the rear, which would be a good choice.

The ram replaced my grand cherokee with air suspension. It was nice, but after rubbing through an air line and the front deflating at highway speeds, made me a little skeptical.

 

[BowDown]

That’s a really good payload for a limited. Mine is only 1190.

Yeah, IDK. I keep seeing all these post about Limited's and Longhorns being the heaviest but the dealer left the shipping paperwork in my truck. BNSF has my trucks shipped weight at 5273lbs and the yellow tag in the door sill states 1352 payload (not 1400). Mine truck doesn't seem heavy compared to others

 

[Goldsy]

Yeah, IDK. I keep seeing all these post about Limited's and Longhorns being the heaviest but the dealer left the shipping paperwork in my truck. BNSF has my trucks shipped weight at 5273lbs and the yellow tag in the door sill states 1352 payload (not 1400). Mine truck doesn't seem heavy compared to others

I see yours isn't a 4x4. Mine is, that would make a significant difference in weight for the front differential, transfer case, etc.

 

[BowDown]

I see yours isn't a 4x4. Mine is, that would make a significant difference in weight for the front differential, transfer case, etc.

Yeah, while 4x4 is cool and all, I had zero real use for it.
Told myself that If I bought a boat it would be handy then myself slapped me and said you ain't buying no gd boat and you aint off-roading an expensive new truck. I agreed with myself and went with 4x2. Times ever stuck in snow or mud, zero.

 

[Goldsy]

Yeah, while 4x4 is cool and all, I had zero real use for it.
Told myself that If I bought a boat it would be handy then myself slapped me and said you ain't buying no gd boat and you aint off-roading an expensive new truck. I agreed with myself and went with 4x2. Times ever stuck in snow or mud, zero.

I live on the Atlantic Coast of Canada. 4x4 certainly comes in handy here. But I agree with you, if you don't need it, no sense paying for it. That explains the payload mystery though

 

[Trooper4]

Yeah, IDK. I keep seeing all these post about Limited's and Longhorns being the heaviest but the dealer left the shipping paperwork in my truck. BNSF has my trucks shipped weight at 5273lbs and the yellow tag in the door sill states 1352 payload (not 1400). Mine truck doesn't seem heavy compared to others

View attachment 106260

Mines about the same at 1383

 

[KWKSLVR]

Yeah, I'll be lucky if my payload is 1000lbs

 

[BowDown]

Mines about the same at 1383

Guessing no sunroof? Interesting, it's only worth about 30lbs. I've seen people here quote 100#lb impact on payload for the sunroof

 

[Goldsy]

Guessing no sunroof? Interesting, it's only worth about 30lbs. I've people quote 100#lb impact on payload for the sunroof

Or no 4x4. That saves about 150lbs as well.

 

[BowDown]

Or no 4x4. That saves about 150lbs as well.

I bet having no 4x4 saves more than that, front diff is probably 100lbs itself then 3 other drive shafts and a transfer case but I'm specifically looking at the differences between trooper and my truck. If his has no sunroof the the sunroof is only a 30lb hit on payload, not the 100 many claim

 

[lkjk]

I bet having no 4x4 saves more than that, front diff is probably 100lbs itself then 3 other drive shafts and a transfer case but I'm specifically looking at the differences between trooper and my truck. If his has no sunroof the the sunroof is only a 30lb hit on payload, not the 100 many claim

Super dumb Q, since i've never had a 4x2. They don't have a Tcase? Don't they still need to reduce the tranny speed?

 

[BowDown]

Super dumb Q, since i've never had a 4x2. They don't have a Tcase? Don't they still need to reduce the tranny speed?

No transfer case on non 4x4 trucks. Trans, driveshaft, rear differential, that's it.
Don't know what you mean regarding reducing trans speed

 

[JC4041]

I remember when the 4th gens first came out they STONGLY voiced against 1500's and slide ins. But that was before all the air ride fancy stuff.