I recently took my 2019 Ram Limited with the air suspension and off-road package camping. After taking it on many dirt roads that were not too extreme, I must say this was the worst experience of any truck I owned. The ride felt as though I had no suspension and most times I had to lower it to Aero mode to get some form of comfort. Coming from other vehicles I’ve owned with icon suspension, I truly regret purchasing this truck with the air. I know I could’ve air down the Nitto tires somewhat and it would’ve helped but there was no way I could’ve driven the truck in the off-road settings. Has anyone else experienced this? I see the only benefit with the air suspension is for street use only.
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Air Suspension was awful off-road
- Thread starter Robalo
- Start date
SacRebel
Well-Known Member
In the off-road mode the suspension is going to be stiffer by design. It’s meant for more slow driving.
I honestly could not of gone any slower. The truck truly felt like there was no suspension on it at all. I have done extensive off roading for 30+ years and I’ve never driven a vehicle that felt like this. Don’t get me wrong I love the truck I just I thought that the suspension would’ve performed much better than it did.
VaderRebel
Ram Guru
My 2016 Rebel with air was probably only slightly better because of the taller side wall of the 17" wheels with 33" rubber. But totally agree that the trade off between ground clearance and ride quality is not worth it.
RamCares
Spends too much time on here
Hi Robalo,
I am sorry to hear you're experiencing such frustrations. Are you planning to get this officially inspected by the dealer? Send me a direct message as I'd be glad to help with that process.
Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist
I honestly don’t know what the dealer could do. It just feels like the results of air suspension versus a traditional off road suspension set up. I’m really curious to see if anybody else with the air suspension enjoys it while off roading?
TruckDriver
Ram Guru
I agree - Off Road height is stiff; I've had sports cars equipped with A/S and that's how'd I'd say it compares... however, much of it has to do with terrain.
My first experience with the A/S set in Off Road height on my Rebel (OR2 for other trims) wasn't terrible, the terrain was packed dirt and vegetation, on 55F/45R psi fill (per the door tag), it was notably stiffer.
However, on the pavement, going over a train track crossing which was pretty level to the asphalt was jarring in OR Mode even under the 27mph threshold, which is pretty low imo for true offroad use.
all of that said, a slight lift/level might help gain the height w/o need for OR mode unless truly required for a crossing, and higher height w/lower PSI will give you that cushy ride of course
RamCares
Spends too much time on here
Understandable, Robalo. I can't necessarily advise on what the dealer will do as I am not a trained technician. I can however escalate a case on your behalf should you end up going. Keep me updated on how you plan to move forward.
Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist
Jordan3206
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I mean... its air suspension. Its the worst thing for anything off-roading. Coil springs and quality shocks are king for offroad. Air suspension is beyond convenient though. Cake and eat it.
RebelSteve
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I had the same feeling about the air suspension in my WK2 Trailhawk. It was much too soft for off-roading and bottomed out easily. I specifically avoided it when buying my new 1500 rebel. (The WK2 was the trade-in.)
I was thinking about air suspension until I read this post. I do baja roads and it sounds like air would be terrible on washboard/corrugated roads. My Rubicon is terrible with washboards and skitters its butt when at speed. Of course the Ram runs 5 link vs the Rubi solid axle and stiff springs/shocks...
If I had to do it over again I would not do Air at all. I loved the ICON suspension I had on my Toyota that was so smooth on and off road. I do like the ability to raise and lower the truck on and off road. But the ability to customize your suspension along with a lift and level far out ways the air in my opinion. I do love the Limited truck and this is my only complaint.
