buying a new Ram

[Cummins12V98]

Rear air is a 13-$1500 Factory option and is worth eVERY $$$. It gives a better ride than the standard 3500.

 

[Ozymandias]

Rear Air is an add on.
On the 3500 you have actually a leaf spring that is in use with the empty Bed, and if you load on it the Airsprings take the weight.
Good set up.

 

[SSchang]

Do a bit of research before you choose the rear air option if using a truck camper. On a truck camper forum I frequent there were discussions a while ago of problems with the rear air if people load heavier campers in the bed of the truck. The rear air struggles to lift the camper, gives an error message. Not sure if it's true, but worth some research.

Scott

 

[Cummins12V98]

Do a bit of research before you choose the rear air option if using a truck camper. On a truck camper forum I frequent there were discussions a while ago of problems with the rear air if people load heavier campers in the bed of the truck. The rear air struggles to lift the camper, gives an error message. Not sure if it's true, but worth some research.

Scott

I call BS on the part of it being hard to lift. I have at least 6k pin with zero issues.

I would agree with people saying they are not as stable side to side as a truck with full springs and bags added with a Truck Camper.

 

[Ozymandias]

I agree with that, if heavily overloaded the air will bottom out, but so does an unmodified leaf spring if it is overloaded.

 

[HPSimpson]

MC Laramie is " Mega Cab" Laramie pretty neat.

 

[Herman8r]

MC= mega cab.....I should have figuered that out! Not an option for me as I am so used to an 8' bed. Plus I have McWelco 8' sliding drawer tool box to transfer to a new truck. Also use 8' plywood and lumber for cabinet building and other wood working projects. But I sure do like the room the mega cab offers.

 

[AH64ID]

Do a bit of research before you choose the rear air option if using a truck camper. On a truck camper forum I frequent there were discussions a while ago of problems with the rear air if people load heavier campers in the bed of the truck. The rear air struggles to lift the camper, gives an error message. Not sure if it's true, but worth some research.

Scott

I am pretty sure that's 2500 models, which are very different.

 

[dieselshadow]

My ‘17 2500 handled great. It felt like it was on rails and perfectly planted. So weird to read of differing reports of the 5 link, triple shocks, coil spring rear end. It was awesome. It felt more planted and even more stable than my current 3500 does empty, but that makes sense. At least it does to me. LOL

 

[Cummins2014]

I call BS on the part of it being hard to lift. I have at least 6k pin with zero issues.

I would agree with people saying they are not as stable side to side as a truck with full springs and bags added with a Truck Camper.

You are saying 12,000 Lbs pin weight, do you mean maybe 6,000

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

...

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

do you mean maybe 6,000

6k is 6000 where I come from...

 

[Cummins2014]

6k is 6000 where I come from...

I am not sure I was thinking, probably 6 tons for whatever reason . Thanks

 

[TFucili]

I didn't have any handling issues with my '15 2500, but axle tramp in the sand is a very real thing. My buddy got his Chevy stuck in the sand, and I thought my truck would shake itself apart when I pulled him out the axle hop was so bad.

 

[Ozymandias]

I didn't have any handling issues with my '15 2500, but axle tramp in the sand is a very real thing. My buddy got his Chevy stuck in the sand, and I thought my truck would shake itself apart when I pulled him out the axle hop was so bad.

Does he have that Damper on top of the Pumpkin?

 

[TFucili]

Does he have that Damper on top of the Pumpkin?

Mine did, and it was an OEM Bilstein. I think it is a geometry issue.

 

[seahawkdodge]

Those transforce tires are garbage. Okay on the dry road, but God help you if it is wet, snowy or icy. Or if you are on wet grass in 2WD.

I never took my 17 in sand or anything, but the 2500 rides and handles better than the 3500, unloaded in most instances. I never towed a heavy load with the 3500 (just a comparison test drive), so I can't compare towing.

But the 17 is worlds better towing than my 98 2500 was...even if torque was about the same.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Went to dinner with some friends last night that also have a MobileSuites they tow with a 15 DRW Reg Cab RAM/AISIN. He rode in the front and she rode in the rear. Going thru their park are some big speed bumps. They both commented several times the huge ride quality difference. To be fair I have my rear tires aired to 35 and they are at 65, they understood but still insisted the ride quality was Way better in my truck with the Factory Rear Air Ride.

 

[Herman8r]

R.Tayor, I had that same swishing feeling a couple years ago. Bought a new set of tires to replace the ones I had. Told the tire guy to put the same tire on...BFG KO2. When I drove away from their shop my truck felt strange. I got out, did a walk around the truck....looking at the new tires...they installed Load range D instead of E. Took it back to the shop. The guy said they were rated the same! After a very short discussion the Load E tires were put on. Problem solved.
Doesn't sound like your issue thou.

 

[AEdelheit]

Mine did, and it was an OEM Bilstein. I think it is a geometry issue.

Yup very poor geometry, the lower arm is mounted way too high on the axle, coils are too far inboard, rear track bar is too short and has too much deflection. Its funny the 1500s have a lot better geometry and work well but they really screwed up the 2500 geometry.