Has anyone tried Variable rate springs on a 2500 ram?

[DR60]

We have a 2019 Ram 2500 that has a great ride when loaded, but empty may as well have no suspension. If I put 3 bales of hay in the back it smooths right out. [ so 400 lbs or so.]
Our Sons power wagon [off road suspension] has a much lower rear axle rating but a much better empty bed ride.
this got me to thinking, there has to be someone that makes a variable rate spring that has a softer empty bed ride but once you get 500 lbs or so in the bed it firms up? DR

[MooseCountry]

We own a 2016 Ram 2500 Tradesman Power Wagon 4x4 and a 2024 Ram 3500 Tradesman 4x4 Cummins SRW long bed. Leaf springs in the rear of the 3500. Payload capacity per the door labels are 1,446 lbs versus 4,014 lbs. We also have a non-Power Wagon 2014 Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 Cummins short bed in our family in Wyoming. Don't have the load capacity label specifics on it, but has to be much higher than our Power Wagon. All three trucks are Crew Cabs.

The front coil springs on our Power Wagon are taller and softer versus both of the other two trucks for increased off-road articuation with the sway bar disconnected.

There are air bags on the rear of our family's 2500 and a leveling kit in front for the 35's to clear.

Our Power Wagon could run rear air bags for those tall soft rear coil springs, but it won't increase the load capacity label maximum stated pounds. The front springs are still too soft. The air bags will have to be not attached to the cradle for off-roading. Air bags are the closest thing that I know of for a variable ride.

[zrock2010]

They do make variable rate springs only issue is you may see more sag when loaded until it hits the weight carrying portion of the spring. Usually you will see them in slightly taller configurations

[MFL]

Originally Posted by DR60

We have a 2019 Ram 2500 that has a great ride when loaded, but empty may as well have no suspension. If I put 3 bales of hay in the back it smooths right out. [ so 400 lbs or so.]
Our Sons power wagon [off road suspension] has a much lower rear axle rating but a much better empty bed ride.
this got me to thinking, there has to be someone that makes a variable rate spring that has a softer empty bed ride but once you get 500 lbs or so in the bed it firms up? DR

A 19 Ram 2500, is typically not a really harsh ride, due to spring type it already has. I would lower the rear tires psi, to soften the ride, when empty, and add proper air back when loaded.

[Gr8bawana]

Originally Posted by MFL

A 19 Ram 2500, is typically not a really harsh ride, due to spring type it already has. I would lower the rear tires psi, to soften the ride, when empty, and add proper air back when loaded.

Absolutely try this first. I'm always amazed at how many people complain about the harsh ride in a 2500/3500 Ram. Most of them have their tires inflated to the 80psi max ALL THE TIME which is only needed when carrying the maximum payload.
When I'm not towing I keep my 2500 tires inflated 50 rear/60 front. The ride is like day and night compared to 80psi.

[Eman85]

How much air in the tires?

[oldenavy]

Originally Posted by MFL

A 19 Ram 2500, is typically not a really harsh ride, due to spring type it already has. I would lower the rear tires psi, to soften the ride, when empty, and add proper air back when loaded.

Yes, this really helps a lot. I ran 60 in the rear when not towing.

The only downside is that the low pressure alarm goes off on the factory TPMS. I fixed that by getting a tuner that allowed me to change the set points on the TPMS. Some dealers will do it for you, but some refuse to change it from factory settings.

[DR60]

I'm running 55psi in the tires when empty. This helps some.
In the 90's I had a Ford 250 that also had a rough empty bed ride. I found a spring shackle that had a 500lb torsion spring in the middle. it made a decent ride till I got 500lbs in the bed. by then the main springs took over. this softening also helped out when driving empty on an uneven surface. It let the truck flex to keep even pressure on all tires.

If I can't find a Variable rate spring, I may swap in Power Wagon springs with an airbag to firm them up when I get a full load on. DR

[runamuck]

I would run 55# in my'22 but the warning light comes on at anything below 65# so that's what I run unless towing.

[MFL]

Originally Posted by runamuck

I would run 55# in my'22 but the warning light comes on at anything below 65# so that's what I run unless towing.

Yup, that happens most 25 series trucks. You can cover with pretty, blue painters tape, if you prefer bright blue to bright red. Many 35 series trucks do not have the warning light, so you could trade up, then run 55#.

[NevadaNick]

Use Power Wagon springs and airbags when loaded.

[Bernese guy]

My 2014 2500 4x4 Laramie rode stiff so I has a complete Thuren soft ride spring system installed with his tuned shocks and track bars and front sway bar. Now it rides great. Empty 60 psi and towing 60 ft and 70 rear. Looks great and rides great.

[Demiles]

This is a good question since I figured the OEM coils were indeed progressive at least to some degree similar to my previous leaf sprung trucks. I have a 2019 2500 so next chance I get I’ll go out and take a look.

[DR60]

Originally Posted by Demiles

This is a good question since I figured the OEM coils were indeed progressive at least to some degree similar to my previous leaf sprung trucks. I have a 2019 2500 so next chance I get I’ll go out and take a look.

Mine don't appear to be progressive. the coils are evenly spaced and the same diameter top to bottom.

the suspension is so stiff I have had to use the 4x4 when one wheel was parked in a pothole. The tire in a 2" deep hole had no weight on it.
This truck is great when loaded, but empty the only flex is in the tires.
its either that or I need a 60 gallon fuel tank to add weight.

Thanks DR