2016 Ram 2500 air suspension payload limit

[rePete]

I have a 2016 Ram 2500 with the air suspension system. Thinking of going to a camper instead of our 5th wheel. So far I can't find any air bags to supplement the extra payload required by a 3500 lb. camper. My current payload is listed as 2200lbs. Not sure what the system will actually handle. I have been told by several sources that the availability of air bags is non existent for my suspension. Does anyone have a suggestion besides getting a 3500 model?

 

[gsbrockman]

A 3440 lb concrete block in a 2500 w/air suspension will get you a "payload exceeded" message.

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[rePete]

Thanks for the quick reply. Did the truck auto level with that much weight? Does anyone know what the actual limit of the air system is?

 

[gsbrockman]

Thanks for the quick reply. Did the truck auto level with that much weight? Does anyone know what the actual limit of the air system is?

I'd have to go back and read the entire thread again, but I'm quite sure it never auto-leveled. Not sure on the actual limit.

 

[Cissco]

Have you tried kelderman?

 

[rePete]

Thanks, I'll call Kelderman tomorrow.

 

[NIsaacs]

I have a 2016 Ram 2500 with the air suspension system. Thinking of going to a camper instead of our 5th wheel.

The weight of a gooseneck/fifth wheel is all inboard of the suspension so even overloaded the "feel" is still solid. A heavy overhead camper is wide and tall, the weight is now outboard of the suspension, the 3500+ lbs of the camper will now overwhelm a 2500. Do your homework.

Nick

 

[kthaxton]

Even the airbag manufacturers will tell you their system are not intended to increase your existing payload.

 

[rePete]

I called Kelderman, they are working on a system that will work with my auto level system. When I get more information I'll pass it on.

 

[MJWenrich]

When at a camper dealer recently having one put on my truck, they told me do not put a heavy camper on the air ride trucks. The top heavy load and sway drives the system nuts and affects your control of the truck. They will install it but add a disclaimer. Maybe something in the aftermarket would help but for a 3500 lb camper, plus what you load inside, you would need a dually to stabilize it. If you ever saw some of those heavy campers on 2500 trucks going down the road, and thought 'What was he thinking", you know the rest of the story. A friend of mine put a slide out Lance on his Ford 2500 4x4 SRW and added Rickson wheels and air bags to up the payload. He finally sold it due to the instability issues. It's still a SRW 2500. I also pulled him out of some sand right after I got my truck. That probably humiliated him as well. If I was going to go that heavy, say 4000 lbs, it would have to be a dually.

 

[rePete]

Thanks MJ. We will probably stick with our 5th wheel. Just finished raising it 1-1/2" and putting 16" rims and tires to help with blowouts and raise the trailer to ride level with my new truck. Much more room anyway!