2017 2500 vs 3500 or is it worth waiting for the 2018?

[Cummins12V98]

BAGS do NOT make your unloaded ride any different at all on a regular sprung truck. 5psi does nothing other than maintaining the longevity of the bags.

 

[SnoKing]

BAGS do NOT make your unloaded ride any different at all on a regular sprung truck. 5psi does nothing other than maintaining the longevity of the bags.

I think he misunderstood me. A leaf spring truck will ride the same empty with 5 PSI in the bags as one without them. A factory air ride truck should/does ride better empty. That is the comparison I was trying to make.

Snoking

 

[BILLUA]

My 2016 does ride better than my either 2012 and 2005. It is amazing really. I feel this has a lot more do do with the reconfiguration of the leaf springs on the 2016.

 

[AH64ID]

In 2013, they beefed up the 3500 front suspension and steering to handle the almost 30k GCVWR. I think that is why the newer 3500's get a bad rap for ride quality?

AFIK there is no difference on the front's (13+ 3500 and 14+ 2500) as the FAWR is the same.

The SRW differences that effect ride are the rear springs, thou they ride pretty good.

I think the biggest issue is too much air in the rear tires from the factory.

 

[K9Kodi]

Does anyone know what the differences between the 17 and 18 will be

 

[SnoKing]

#ad

 

[Newsa]

#ad

There woll be all kinds of speculation and attempts at spying.

 

[brillmtb]

OK, starting to dial in a 2017 but is there any differences from the 2016, dealer says not but web site doesn't have 2017 ordering menu. #1

#2 The longhorn vs the limited and adding all the options seems to save a lot of money so when your done other than the 20inch wheels are not on the limited what am I missing out on. The price difference is significant

#3 The dealer said I should let them install the trailer, 5th wheel, equipment so that I can use aftermarket instead of the factory hitch. Sounds like a good idea

#4 They also said their aftermarket airbags are the same cost but I will end up with adjustable inflation and side to side which the stock does not do. Would you opt for this vs what sounds like a limited OEM option

Thanks and any other advice is appreciated.

 

[TCollier]

#3 - You can still use any hitch with the factory setup. If you don't want to (or can't) change the legs of your hitch, just get the picture frame adapter that locks into the pucks. Any fifth wheel hitch that fit rails will mount on that. Then you still have the option of going to the direct fitting hitch later on. I used my previous hitch (Curt 20k) but just bought the Ram legs that replaced the standard ones.
Also all the trucks have frames that are already setup to install the same puck system the factory installs which is superior to the standard rail setup. From what I've read, several people have bought the Mopar kit and did it themselves at home. The dealer seems to be talking about installing the traditional rails, which is taking a step backward. He should install the pucks if it wasn't done at the factory. Hopefully they'll properly paint the holes they cut in the bed.

 

[SnoKing]

I bought a truck out of dealer stock and install the pucks myself. If ordering, order the feather, as it is a bargain. I we have the 3500 with leaf springs, if doing it again I might consider the factory air. I would never buy a 2500, 3500 all the way. Snoking

 

[Ram4Sam]

#3 - You can still use any hitch with the factory setup. If you don't want to (or can't) change the legs of your hitch, just get the picture frame adapter that locks into the pucks. Any fifth wheel hitch that fit rails will mount on that. Then you still have the option of going to the direct fitting hitch later on. I used my previous hitch (Curt 20k) but just bought the Ram legs that replaced the standard ones.
Also all the trucks have frames that are already setup to install the same puck system the factory installs which is superior to the standard rail setup. From what I've read, several people have bought the Mopar kit and did it themselves at home. The dealer seems to be talking about installing the traditional rails, which is taking a step backward. He should install the pucks if it wasn't done at the factory. Hopefully they'll properly paint the holes they cut in the bed.

Or the dealer may use the B&W gooseneck hitch #1314 which only leaves one big hole in the bed instead of five big holes........

Sam

 

[BarryG]

While I am not buying at the moment I am I think getting close. I already have a B&W gooseneck hitch with their 5th wheel companion hitch in my 01. If I were to get the puck system I have to replace the base of my B&W which is approx. $600 plus the cost of the puck system from the factory of $400 so $1000 total. If I don't get the puck system I can just add a B&W turnover ball gooseneck hitch like I currently have for less than $400 and not have to change out the base of my existing hitch. Lets see 400ish vs 1000ish. In the end it will depend on whether I order one or take one from dealer stock I am sure but at this point inclined to believe that I would rather not have the puck system strictly due to what I currently have on hand..

 

[Kirwin]

I think that this is a real deal breaker for someone who already has the hitch set up he prefers. If you already have the hitch, why buy the Ram system. If you want a new hitch, simple is better, I think the Ram puck system is first rate. Adding it is not that difficult, but you can't beat the cost of the factory option, and no worries about installing it.

While I am not buying at the moment I am I think getting close. I already have a B&W gooseneck hitch with their 5th wheel companion hitch in my 01. If I were to get the puck system I have to replace the base of my B&W which is approx. $600 plus the cost of the puck system from the factory of $400 so $1000 total. If I don't get the puck system I can just add a B&W turnover ball gooseneck hitch like I currently have for less than $400 and not have to change out the base of my existing hitch. Lets see 400ish vs 1000ish. In the end it will depend on whether I order one or take one from dealer stock I am sure but at this point inclined to believe that I would rather not have the puck system strictly due to what I currently have on hand..

 

[brillmtb]

Bringing my questons forward and responding to the 5th wheel issue. I have pucks now and my hitch pucks seem much narrower than what the factory installs. So if I go with the factory 5th wheel prep and buy and aftermarket hitch will this work or is the factory puck set up different than aftermarket. Dealer also suggesting they install controllable air for the same price as the factory.



OK, starting to dial in a 2017 but is there any differences from the 2016, dealer says not but web site doesn't have 2017 ordering menu. #1

#2 The longhorn vs the limited and adding all the options seems to save a lot of money so when your done other than the 20inch wheels are not on the limited what am I missing out on. The price difference is significant

#3 The dealer said I should let them install the trailer, 5th wheel, equipment so that I can use aftermarket instead of the factory hitch. Sounds like a good idea

#4 They also said their aftermarket airbags are the same cost but I will end up with adjustable inflation and side to side which the stock does not do. Would you opt for this vs what sounds like a limited OEM option

Thanks and any other advice is appreciated

 

[Cummins2014]

Bringing my questons forward and responding to the 5th wheel issue. I have pucks now and my hitch pucks seem much narrower than what the factory installs. So if I go with the factory 5th wheel prep and buy and aftermarket hitch will this work or is the factory puck set up different than aftermarket. Dealer also suggesting they install controllable air for the same price as the factory.



OK, starting to dial in a 2017 but is there any differences from the 2016, dealer says not but web site doesn't have 2017 ordering menu. #1

#2 The longhorn vs the limited and adding all the options seems to save a lot of money so when your done other than the 20inch wheels are not on the limited what am I missing out on. The price difference is significant

#3 The dealer said I should let them install the trailer, 5th wheel, equipment so that I can use aftermarket instead of the factory hitch. Sounds like a good idea

#4 They also said their aftermarket airbags are the same cost but I will end up with adjustable inflation and side to side which the stock does not do. Would you opt for this vs what sounds like a limited OEM option

Thanks and any other advice is appreciated

Having installed aftermarket airbags on my last two trucks, I would never go with the OEM air ride for the simple fact there is no pressure control. Have adjusted my air pressure in them on the fly to improve the ride when towing, there is no way you are going to do that with an OEM air ride. I guess you get a better ride with OEM, but I would need to drive one to believe it. As far as cost I did my own, so the cost was about half. I would look at having it done from an aftermarket shop, the dealer is no bargain on price.

 

[Cummins2014]

"So, on my next truck, I will probably go back to the Airlift wireless system with onboard compressor."

WHY?

Are you running 35 psi solo? If not give it a try.

I think the" why " is a point I tried to make with you before. No fine tuning with the OEM, have said before there has been times I adjusted the air on the fly, correct me if I am wrong , there is none of that with an air ride OEM system.

I have run anywhere from 25-50 psi on my aftermarket airbags, depending on road conditions. I'm not sure what 35 psi solo does for you, can you explain. I'm sure the OEM air is great, but its just the control thing for some. I certainly like having control over the air pressure. The airbags on the OEM look like firestone bags to me, so I don't think anyone is getting a superior airbag over an aftermarket.

If its the automatic that is wanted on the OEM, thats adjusts the height automatically, that can also be had aftermarket for a lot cheaper then OEM .

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have owned a fairly extensive air bag system on my 11 dually. It DID improve the ride loaded. I never adjusted it once I found 30psi loaded was the sweet spot. I have the factory air ride and run the Alt ride height mode ALL the time. I would never go back to the aftermarket. Ride is great loaded or unloaded and I have 7 years and 100K no deductible protection. Other system had leaks in cold weather and replaced compressor within 3 years. BTW I spent nearly as much on the aftermarket as the factory.

 

[Cummins2014]

I had airbags on my previous 2 trucks with the wireless remote. The infinite adjust-ability was nice and this system is available for around 550 bucks.

On the 2016 I have the factory system. It works well, towing or unloaded. That said. I wish that I could fine tune the pressure.

So, on my next truck, I will probably go back to the Airlift wireless system with onboard compressor.

That has always been my reason for not wanting OEM air ride. You pretty much confirmed that with your reply.I will stick to aftermarket.

 

[Cummins2014]

I have owned a fairly extensive air bag system on my 11 dually. It DID improve the ride loaded. I never adjusted it once I found 30psi loaded was the sweet spot. I have the factory air ride and run the Alt ride height mode ALL the time. I would never go back to the aftermarket. Ride is great loaded or unloaded and I have 7 years and 100K no deductible protection. Other system had leaks in cold weather and replaced compressor within 3 years. BTW I spent nearly as much on the aftermarket as the factory.

I have no doubt you like the OEM air ride. I guess unfortunately for me 30 psi has not always been the sweet spot, there has been times that 50psi was the sweet spot, fortunately for me I have been able to adjust to that.

My previous truck with airbags are far beyond the 7 years, and still going strong as of six months ago. Never any air leaks or compressor problems. the cost then was less then half over OEM, my 2014 cost about half over the OEM.

 

[Newsa]

I think that this is a real deal breaker for someone who already has the hitch set up he prefers. If you already have the hitch, why buy the Ram system. If you want a new hitch, simple is better, I think the Ram puck system is first rate. Adding it is not that difficult, but you can't beat the cost of the factory option, and no worries about installing it.

And if factory installed, it's covered by warranty.