Air Bags on 5th wheel TV?

[masdixdragon]

Were taking delivery of our GD 377MBSR in May as I was wondering if our Ram3500 Dually Diesel would benefit from rear airbags? I was thinking this would help with ride leveling and was wondering if this helps with cushioning the 5th wheel trailer hitch ride at all?
Were also considering other air cushion options like pin box and hitches but many arent set up for our particular factory puck system for some odd reason and its pretty costly on the hitch end but we be full timing and working around the mid west for 9 months moving frequently.

Advice and experiences appreciated before we pull the trigger on which way to go with this





Thanks

[road dogs]

Congrats!! Sounds like a great rig! With a dry pin weight of 2750#, GVR of 16,800# and the ability to carry 700# of water, let alone all the other stuff we usually load, I would think airbags are going to be a necessity. If you ordered the "Peace of Mind" package, it comes with a Trailair Rota-Flex pinbox. If you didn't get that pkg, i would get that Rota Flex anyway or at least install a Mor-Ryde pinbox cushion.

[Brentw]

Will not cushion the ride any appreciable amount. It will level the truck, exchanging the load being carried on the bags instead of on the overload springs. The air bags will ride a bit better than max load on the over load springs.
Dexter ezee flex equalizers and moryde pin box helped a fair bit.

[SDCOToyhaul]

Well, after pulling for about 8000 miles without air bags on my new then 2014 Ram 2500 decided to go for the bags. While it "won't" increase your weight capacity to haul/tow, it will lessen the pin shock on the 5th wheel, keep your ride at factory height, and finally keep your headlight alignment on the road as well. For the $500 and an afternoons activity, a friend can help along with a "cold one", , it was certainly worth the effort and expense in my opinion. Ps. Did tow through Alaska and towed the 38', 14K 5th Wheel Toy Hauler to the Artic Ocean twice on the roughest roads imaginable. No shock or suspension damage in over 12K miles. Again, IMO, well worth the expense and effort.

[mobilemike]

With a pin weight of 4000lbs you might not need the airbags to level. I would go with a air ride style pin on the trailer.

I prefer the Goosebox for many reasons. Air ride is just one of them.

[masdixdragon]

Originally Posted by road dogs

Congrats!! Sounds like a great rig! With a dry pin weight of 2750#, GVR of 16,800# and the ability to carry 700# of water, let alone all the other stuff we usually load, I would think airbags are going to be a necessity. If you ordered the "Peace of Mind" package, it comes with a Trailair Rota-Flex pinbox. If you didn't get that pkg, i would get that Rota Flex anyway or at least install a Mor-Ryde pinbox cushion.

All the packages were mandatory and we got all options except the exterior paint...so add the generator weight to it as well...Im confident the truck is enough but it didnt have the air ride and I havent a clue on the squat from this set up so I was thinking air bags is the only reasonable way I can adjust ride height. Im leaning towards the B&W companion hitch but If i need air cushioning maybe thats not the smart money move...I see air pin box adds are cheaper but like everybody says that goes with the trailer later
Ive looked at hitches like airsafe, mountain master, hensley and comfort ride but kinda unsure whats my best play with Rams puck system.

[masdixdragon]

Originally Posted by SDCOToyhaul

Well, after pulling for about 8000 miles without air bags on my new then 2014 Ram 2500 decided to go for the bags. While it "won't" increase your weight capacity to haul/tow, it will lessen the pin shock on the 5th wheel, keep your ride at factory height, and finally keep your headlight alignment on the road as well. For the $500 and an afternoons activity, a friend can help along with a "cold one", , it was certainly worth the effort and expense in my opinion. Ps. Did tow through Alaska and towed the 38', 14K 5th Wheel Toy Hauler to the Artic Ocean twice on the roughest roads imaginable. No shock or suspension damage in over 12K miles. Again, IMO, well worth the expense and effort.

Great info, thanks.

[road dogs]

Originally Posted by masdixdragon

All the packages were mandatory and we got all options except the exterior paint...so add the generator weight to it as well...Im confident the truck is enough but it didnt have the air ride and I havent a clue on the squat from this set up so I was thinking air bags is the only reasonable way I can adjust ride height. Im leaning towards the B&W companion hitch but If i need air cushioning maybe thats not the smart money move...I see air pin box adds are cheaper but like everybody says that goes with the trailer later
Ive looked at hitches like airsafe, mountain master, hensley and comfort ride but kinda unsure whats my best play with Rams puck system.

The B&W is the only hitch I would consider, but I can't tell you how well it interfaces with the newer hitch-ready trucks, my B&W Companion has performed flawlessly for over 8 years now on my 15 year old truck. I have looked at other hitches like Andersen Ultimate, but not convinced anything is better than what I have. The B&W will add about 180# to your payload weight though!!!! Not a big fan of Lippert products, but that Rota-Flex should provide all the cushion and anti-chucking you will need, I would try a short trip and see what you really need first...

[ScoobyDoo]

Can you replace the trailer springs with bags and shocks? That would help when towing. (And reduce the step into the house) Then delete the overloads, and part of the main spring pack, and replace with bags. That will give a soft ride MT.

[Rhagfo]

2018 Ram 3500 and looking at Air Bags for a possible 4,000#, maybe only 3,200#? I towed a 12,500# 5th wheel with a 2,700# pin and didn’t have any air bags, just camper package.
I would wait and see how it sets before spending money. The rear axle has a 9,750# rating.

[consolenut]

save ya the hitch mystery. Trailer Saver Air ride hitch. they make them for the puck system too. after using the trailer saver the rest are obsolete.

[jimcumminsw]

I do not think your 3500DRW truck will squat from your 5th wheel trailer.

Did you look and contact the Hensley Manufacturing Company that makes the Trailersaver hitch, to see if this is offered in a puck system for the Ram trucks? These are the best style of hitches if you are starting out new and with a long bed truck. This hitch style incorporate air bags in the frame of the hitch to provide air suspension of the trailer when towing. They will give you the best ride when towing.

The next best thing is the B&W Companion hitch with the TrailAir King pin box for smoothing out the ride between the trailer and truck for a long bed truck.

[Jshopes81]

I have a 17 ram 3500 srw. I had 4600lbs worth of scrap, a full toolbox, a full 100 gallon aux tank, and all my crap in it. It was definately sagging, but i was probably over 5500lbs in the bed alone. Id get the trailer then check out the situation. I dont think youll need them. What i would look into though, is lighter springs in the rear and airbags to level it back out. This will improve your unloaded ride and level you back out.

[MorganT69]

Love my Goosebox, it has air ride and the ride is very smooth, I hardly know my 5th wheel is back there on my F250