Community Forums

09 harley · 07-23-2016, 10:54 PM

With the newer models having rear coil springs do you need to add air bags to carry heavy loads? Are the coils springs just to improve ride quality but not good for towing?
I am going to get out of my comfort zone and look at the Ram but want some real world info. 10k trailer needs airbags and other modifications? Poor capabilities for fifth wheels? Not against adding if needed just want to know if the capabilities of the truck have been reduced with this change. Neighbor with last year of leaf springs says new models are no good.
Thnaks

smurfsofwar · 07-23-2016, 11:16 PM

Your neighbor has no clue what he is talking about. These coils are tough and hold a load just fine. Just ask any of us that have loaded the crap out of them

You won't need any modifications with a 10k trailer.

1bigmess · 07-23-2016, 11:26 PM

I have no complaints.

Instead of the neighbor that doesn't own one, you really should be taking Dodge pickup truck advice from people that own or have owned them, especially if you find folks that own the one you are thinking about. Your neighbor has one or owned one?

Highway 4x4 · 07-24-2016, 12:11 AM

The coils are better than leaf springs. There are many reasons why.

Cummins12V98 · 07-24-2016, 08:39 AM

Get the factory air ride and be happy!!!

Batten54 · 07-24-2016, 11:47 AM

OK...what's the deal?

I have a F150 now but am starting to look for a 3/4 or 1 ton SRW, probably diesel. Will probably stick to Ford or Ram...but may look at GM if there's a good reason. Will get a 5th wheel 32-36ft with a GVWR of 15000 or less.

What year did they start with coil? Is one better than the other for 5th wheel in the same size truck?

wingnut60 · 07-24-2016, 11:59 AM

Ram is just adding the air bags as a seamless option--if you were to need them, then factory install is the way to go. And I believe they are pretty much automatic, but Cummins can explain better than I can.

timetogo · 07-24-2016, 01:05 PM

If you need aftermarket air-bags, maybe you should have bought more truck to begin with.
The RAM factory air bags will level the truck, until you add more weight than the system can handle. I don't know how many pounds that is, but I'm sure someone does.

smurfsofwar · 07-24-2016, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batten54

OK...what's the deal?

I have a F150 now but am starting to look for a 3/4 or 1 ton SRW, probably diesel. Will probably stick to Ford or Ram...but may look at GM if there's a good reason. Will get a 5th wheel 32-36ft with a GVWR of 15000 or less.

What year did they start with coil? Is one better than the other for 5th wheel in the same size truck?

That 5th you are talking about is 3500 territory (especially since it's a diesel to me) and the 3500s don't have the coils... yet. Coils started in the 2500s in the '14MY I believe (maybe '13). I remember two major changes back to back. One being the frame upgrade and then the coils.

Highway 4x4 · 07-24-2016, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batten54

OK...what's the deal?

I have a F150 now but am starting to look for a 3/4 or 1 ton SRW, probably diesel. Will probably stick to Ford or Ram...but may look at GM if there's a good reason. Will get a 5th wheel 32-36ft with a GVWR of 15000 or less.

What year did they start with coil? Is one better than the other for 5th wheel in the same size truck?

You are going to need a 1 ton for the pin weight of that size 5th. SRW should be ok for the 32-36 but bigger and you'll want a DRW for any real trips.

Batten54 · 07-24-2016, 08:55 PM

A 5th wheel we are looking at is:
Sprinter 298FWRLS
Shipping wt. 9730
Stuff capacity 2540
Hitch wt. 2110
Length 34' 7"
Height 12' 6"
From the brochure.
A couple others are similar. I thought they weighed more. A F250 should handle it...? But a F350 would give me more payload...both tow ratings are about the same.

1bigmess · 07-24-2016, 10:50 PM

The 350/3500 would give a little extra peace of mind for not much more money. No one complained about having too much truck.

Cummins12V98 · 07-25-2016, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timetogo

If you need aftermarket air-bags, maybe you should have bought more truck to begin with.
The RAM factory air bags will level the truck, until you add more weight than the system can handle. I don't know how many pounds that is, but I'm sure someone does.

My Dually with rear air looks the same with full RAWR and empty with Alt Ride ht selected. If turned off it will raise the rear about 1". System really works well and gives a good ride.

Honestly don't know much about the 2500's system.

Cummins12V98 · 07-25-2016, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batten54

A 5th wheel we are looking at is:
Sprinter 298FWRLS
Shipping wt. 9730
Stuff capacity 2540
Hitch wt. 2110
Length 34' 7"
Height 12' 6"
From the brochure.
A couple others are similar. I thought they weighed more. A F250 should handle it...? But a F350 would give me more payload...both tow ratings are about the same.

Take the RV's GVWR and take 25% of that number. That is easily your fully loaded pin weight. I guarantee it's NOT 2,110#.