2018 Ram 3500 Air Suspension System

[Sleeping Giant]

My new Ram 3500 came with the Auto Level Rear Air Suspension System. I'm still trying to figure this thing out. I usually tow my wedge trailer loaded and it weighs about 22k lbs. Should I always be using the "Alt Trailer Height" setting? Or is it okay to drive with Normal Ride Height selected? The Alt Trailer Height setting lowers the rear and I feel like it's squatting. Which raises my headlights and people are flashing me all the time. Thanks!

 

[EZeis]

Can run either. I get flashed with an empty truck at normal ride height with my 2018. My 07, same thing. But you can run either setting. I run alt height for my 5th wheel. Helps it tow more level.
They do sell aftermarket adjustable links for the height sendors. Same them online but have no experience or research on them.


Earl

 

[Cummins12V98]

Run what you want, I run mine in ALT ride ALL the time. FUNNY how people freak and think their trucks are "squatting".

They made the truck ride almost level on purpose. But if it bothers you have it ride higher in the rear, it takes more air for that to happen and the best ride possible is in ALT ride mode.

ALT Ride mode with FULL RAWR of 9,750#. Not a BIT of squat, just rides that way loaded or not.

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[WalterJ]

Greetings gents;
Guess I'm gunna buy a 2018 Ram 2500 diesel next week. (My 2004.5 is in the classifieds.)

I'm leary about the result of potential failure modes with a 2100# hitch weight whilst towing. This 2018 model year seems too new for any helpful blogs re: technical discussion of how this Air Leveling creature works. I'd feel a whole lot better if they used "coil over bag" design...

Do 14 check valves prevent leakage & maintain last position, then flash multiple strobes at me in the cockpit? Really need some experienced input before noon monday, Aug. 5th.

I considered a model w/o air suspension, so I could then add bags later for manual control, as I did on my 2004.5 Ram 12 years ago! Thanks all.

Wally

 

[Cummins12V98]

This is the topic
"2018 Ram 3500 Air Suspension System"

I highly advise looking for a 3500 with Factory rear air. SRW or DRW take your pic.

 

[WalterJ]

This is the topic
"2018 Ram 3500 Air Suspension System"

I highly advise looking for a 3500 with Factory rear air. SRW or DRW take your pic.

Why? Is the rear air suspension on 3500's designed differently?

 

[AH64ID]

Why? Is the rear air suspension on 3500's designed differently?

It’s very different. A 2500 rides on air only, the 3500 is an air-assist and still has leaves and bags. Softer leaves than a standard 3500 in NORM, and large full length overloads that come into play with ALT.

Honestly, the difference in the auto-level suspensions, TPIS vs TPMS, and the Aisin are all reasons why I never even considered a 2500.

All air suspension trucks sit higher in the front and lower in the rear than spring suspension trucks. Better for loading, and looks IMHO. I’ve never thought my truck looked “squatted” in a the rear with ALT engaged... all the way up to my SRW RAWR. That’s the great thing, they are always the same regardless of cargo.

 

[Cummins12V98]

What he said ^^^^^.

I have never heard that the Air Ride 3500's front sets higher???

Pic of mine with FULL RAWR of 9,750# in ALT mode, looks the same without the load.

 

[AH64ID]

I have never heard that the Air Ride 3500's front sets higher???

The drawing files shows the air suspension front at 1.3” lower in the rear and 0.6” higher in the front than the spring suspension trucks.

Not sure if that’s from the lower rear or different springs, or both.

 

[Cummins12V98]

The drawing files shows the air suspension front at 1.3” lower in the rear and 0.6” higher in the front than the spring suspension trucks.

Not sure if that’s from the lower rear or different springs, or both.

Interesting! Will have to compare to a non air ride Dually.

Thanks!

 

[AH64ID]

Needed more coffee this morning.... couple numbers jumbled from memory.

On a 3500 SRW CC LB 4x4 the air suspension sits .2" higher in the front, and .6" lower in the rear.

While I was at it I took some notes on other config's for fun.

All are based on a 4x4, Crew Cab, Long Beds and Ram's published front/rear fascia heights. 275/70R18 on SRW and 235/80R17 on DRW.

2500 Air Susp: Front 13.2" Rear 19.5"
2500 Spring Susp: Front 12.9" Rear 21.4"

3500 SRW Air Susp: Front 13.1" Rear 19.5"
3500 SRW Spring Susp: Front 12.9" Rear 21.1"

3500 DRW Air Susp: Front 12.4" Rear 18.8"
3500 DRW Spring Susp: Front 12.2" Rear 20.4"

The SRW to DRW difference is likely all in the tires.