Air Ride dually finally here!

[TCDiesel]

On 1500s its called entry/exist mode drops 3.25"/4.00 Aero mode drops about 2". I'm sure energy will be making a flexible bump stop for the 1st leaf, this will aid in the axle warping body roll. Be real careful if you get rear wheels spinning and then hit good biting pavement.

 

[Stab]

I find it interesting that the transport mode is opposite on the 1500 vs. the 3500. Why would they do that? The transport mode shuts off @ 15mph.

Yes, it is nice to be able to slide under the kingpin in transport mode and the shut it off, then hit the alt. ride height. Works just as intended.

It took all of 4 seconds for it to level off with RV hooked up.

 

[TCDiesel]

I think its the height liability, if you were to leave the 1500 in entry/exist it would be so low it may hit something when loading, when the 1500s leave the factory it is set at delivery mode ,the Dealer/ or Witech must change the mode,the 1500s have several settings the highest is off road 2 and its high, I use this mode when washing the under carriage at the shop.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Why would you slide "under" the kingpin? I still don't see what "transport mode" is supposed to be good for.

Yes, it is nice to be able to slide under the kingpin in transport mode and the shut it off, then hit the alt. ride height. Works just as intended.

 

[Stab]

A few better quality pictures today after yet another test ride. This truck just pulls awesome! Pulls right up to 80 mph if you're not careful!
Exhaust brake works great, Aisin trans shifts just at the right time (in Tow-Haul mode). Integrated trailer brake set on 6.0 gain works perfect.
The "Pup" trailer behind probably weighs 1000# carrying only the previous B&W hitch system. We really don't have a single complaint so far.
The most noticeable aspect of the whole package is it's quiet, real quiet! Carrying on a conversation while under full load with previous tow rigs was unheard of!

Alt Trailer Mode:

Tranport Mode:

64 feet total

 

[JHumphries]

That's one way to make a megacab look small!

 

[Mingoglia]

Is it just me or is there barely any difference in those modes? At this point I'm thinking, why bother? Great looking truck. I plan on ordering mine this week and your truck color may have finally swayed me on color. I like.

 

[Stab]

Is it just me or is there barely any difference in those modes? I like.

If you look @ the rear wheel fender well, you can see quite a bit of difference. Also how the RV is sitting.

The ride of the truck loaded is amazing! Worth ever penny in my book. Much better for us than air bagging after removing a few leaves as in the past.

 

[Stab]

Also the rear cargo camera is unbelievable. It was just too easy. I got out to check because it was to easy to back under the pin box!
First time, didn't pull ahead, just backed under it like nothing. Scary!

 

[Mingoglia]

Also the rear cargo camera is unbelievable. It was just too easy. I got out to check because it was to easy to back under the pin box!
First time, didn't pull ahead, just backed under it like nothing. Scary!

That's good to hear since I'm planning on ordering the exact truck this week. Just batting back and forth with myself crew cab long bad vs megacab short bed. I've been planning on downsizing my 30' RV and going to a slide-in...and the extra 1.5' of bed would be nice for that.

 

[Bill Stockard]

That's good to hear since I'm planning on ordering the exact truck this week. Just batting back and forth with myself crew cab long bad vs megacab short bed. I've been planning on downsizing my 30' RV and going to a slide-in...and the extra 1.5' of bed would be nice for that.

Keep in mind if you are contemplating a slide-in that there is only a limited number of slide-ins available with a short bed. There are many choices between manufacturers and floor plans with a long bed since most slide-ins are made for long bed trucks.

Bill

 

[Mingoglia]

Keep in mind if you are contemplating a slide-in that there is only a limited number of slide-ins available with a short bed. There are many choices between manufacturers and floor plans with a long bed since most slide-ins are made for long bed trucks.

Bill

Yep, I wouldn't consider purchasing a short bed slid-in, not to mention it would look funny on the short bed of a long mega cab. If I go the short bed mega cab route, I will be stretching the frame and installing a long bed. I've already researched companies that do this, but may do it myself. I'm a certified weldor and have done a decent amount of chassis and suspension fabrication myself and this job is actually relatively straight forward. I'd prefer to have a company who has done this many times before do it, but they charge a pretty penny so I'm a bit torn. I plan on trying to source a long bed dually takeoff and figure out the cost. The stretching of the frame 20" and relocating the suspension hangers is a weekend job for me... it's dealing with getting a bed and having it painted professionally which I'm more worried about.

Mike

 

[AH64ID]

Looks like you need to lift the 5er or lower the pin box, quite a rake going on even in transport mode.

 

[Stab]

Looks like you need to lift the 5er or lower the pin box, quite a rake going on even in transport mode.

Yes, pin is all the way up into the box as it sits now 5th wheel is as low as it will go in bed with 6"+ bed rail clearance. RV will have aprox. 2000# more while under-way.

Thinking of locating axles under leaves.....probably make a few trips before doing anything.

It tows so well thus far & I just don't know if it would make that much difference in the long run. Thoughts? Without starting another huge debate!

 

[NIsaacs]

The stretching of the frame 20" and relocating the suspension hangers is a weekend job for me...

Mike

Would you even need to touch the suspension? I would think from bumper to rear axle would be the same, long bed or short.

Now, stretching the frame, fuel & brake lines, wires, exhaust and drive shaft might take longer than a weekend

Nick

 

[Mingoglia]

Would you even need to touch the suspension? I would think from bumper to rear axle would be the same, long bed or short.

Now, stretching the frame, fuel & brake lines, wires, exhaust and drive shaft might take longer than a weekend

Nick

After climbing under one a few days ago, and talking to longbedmytruck.com to get a price quote for them to do it, it looks like cutting the frame right above the rear axle is the way to go. They said the factory wiring harness has enough of a loop in it that it doesn't need to be modified. Since it's stretch after the tank, fuel lines won't need to be extended either. The "only" thing that needs to be done is add 20" to the frame, add longer brake lines, and extend one half of the two piece driveshaft...then of course bolt back up the bed and paint it.

 

[Stab]

Tanked & Topped Off: (50 gallons)

This Cargo Cam is Just Amazing!

Pump Switch in Cab: (Only 4hrs to install)!

81.5 Gallon Total. Should get us just under 800 miles!

 

[Stab]

Tank is turn-buckeled to the front tie downs. Not sure on long term...

 

[HorseMan-AR]

Stab: did you do the install? Curious about details...Looks great. Picking up my new 3500 with air ride Saturday!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Stab: did you do the install? Curious about details...Looks great. Picking up my new 3500 with air ride Saturday!

What date did you order yours? Ordered mine 12/2 and it won't be here for another week.