Ride quality of the air suspensions

[DClark]

My wife and I are in our early 70s. As you can see from my sig, we are not new to Dodge trucks. But as age catches up with us we find that the ride quality of our '05, which is better than the 2nd gens, is still not great. My question is about the 4th gens with the air suspensions. It is my understanding that the air suspension on the 3500 is primarily for load carrying adjustment and not ride quality. Am I right in that assumption?
Second, does the air suspension on the 2500 improve the ride quality over the leaf spring suspension? I would like to hear from owners who have had experience with both suspensions and can make an honest comparison.
We do not have a large 5th wheel trailer and do not have plans to go bigger. Just doesn't fit out needs here in MT. So going back to a 2500 would not be a problem. We have pulled the current trailer with both of the 2nd gen 2500s that we have, in the past with no problem. So the 2500 with air would be definite consideration in a future purchase.
DClark

 

[Bruce Beard]

I own a 2500 with air suspension and love it!
I’d say that the ride is pretty docile, even compared to my previous 2010 F-150. There is still axel tramp over small bumps with the Ram as you simply can’t get away from the reality of the heft of the axels in these trucks but the ride is very, very nice.
Why not take a ride to a dealer to see what you think?
My guess is that the difference in ride is appreciable but you are the one who ultimately has to spend time in the seats.
Bruce

 

[Ram4Sam]

I can't help with the air ride info as I'm a leaf springer.......But be aware that the bed rails on these new trucks are a bit taller, make sure the truck will fit under your trailer and have enough clearance, before you buy.



Sam

 

[wyosteve]

I own a '15 SRW 3500 and a friend has a '13 2500 with the rear coils. The ride in the 2500 is much less harsh than my 3500.

 

[DClark]

I can't help with the air ride info as I'm a leaf springer.......But be aware that the bed rails on these new trucks are a bit taller, make sure the truck will fit under your trailer and have enough clearance, before you buy.



Sam

May have to flip the axles on the trailer, though I don't want to. Taller trailer is less stable on the hiway. Good point though. My '05 3500 sits pretty tall.

 

[DClark]

I own a 2500 with air suspension and love it!
I’d say that the ride is pretty docile, even compared to my previous 2010 F-150. There is still axel tramp over small bumps with the Ram as you simply can’t get away from the reality of the heft of the axels in these trucks but the ride is very, very nice.
Why not take a ride to a dealer to see what you think?
My guess is that the difference in ride is appreciable but you are the one who ultimately has to spend time in the seats.
Bruce

Certainly will take a ride when I get closer to making the trade.
DClark