Auto Level Airbags for 5th wheel & Ram boxes?

[DesertRiders]

If buying a Ram 3500 MegaCab for towing a 5th wheel, do the auto leveling airbags make a significant difference? Would it be just as good to add them on later - aftermarket - or much better to get the truck with them in the first place.

Reason I ask is that I've found a truck that would meet our needs well for towing a 5th wheel, all the capacities are an excellent match - BUT, the truck does not have factory installed auto leveling airbags and I'm wondering if I should pass on this truck for that reason.

Second thing - Ram boxes. On a Ram truck for towing a 5th wheel, is it better to NOT have Ram boxes? Should I pass on buying a truck if it has Ram boxes?

 

[dieselshadow]

Like I answered in your other thread, the factory air trucks use leaf springs with fewer leaves. The air bag system sense extra load and compensates for the difference. This gives a far more superior ride when empty. If your truck is to be daily driven, you'll want the factory air truck. The sprung trucks are fine, just will ride more like a empty 1 ton when empty.

Adding bags to a spring truck just adds to the fun.

 

[lpennock]

Adding to what dieselshadow said. The factory air bags keep the truck level when empty because of the lighter springs. The Leaf only models are are more butt high. Aftermarket air bags do nothing unloaded for the ride height.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I responded to you on RV.NET

I have the Factory Rear air Ride, it's a flawless system. Take my advice look for it or simply order the truck YOU want.

I run full RAWR of 9,750# or more and the truck rides GREAT and sets nearly level loaded or not.

I had bags on my 11 DRW RAM, they improved the loaded ride a lot. Unloaded the bags did not change the ride. My 15 with factory bags rides much better than the 11 did unloaded.

You are spending that much on a new truck $1,300 isn't going to make a big difference. If you decide to get a GOOD air bag system you will spend about the same. then from personal experience you will be dealing with air line leaks with any weather changes.


Truck both pics are in Alt Ride Mode. Loaded the RAW is 9,750#.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Is the RamBox even offered on a 3500 SRW? I know they are NOT offered on a DRW. Bottom line they are not a good idea for a 5er.

 

[AH64ID]

Auto-Level is one of the reasons I was looking at the newer trucks, and IMHO, it's worth finding a truck that is equipped that way.

I've ran OE springs and aftermarket airbags, and I've ran the auto-level. The auto-level out preforms the springs/aftermarket in every condition I've driven in, hands down.


I don't think the RamBox is compatible with the 5er prep group, at least not from the factory. I'd take the 5er prep group over the RamBox.

I did read about one guy adding the 5er prep to his RamBox, so let me see if I can find that.

EDIT: Here is one example. It appears to take a Reese Sidewider pinbox to ensure that there is plenty of clearance to the RamBox. So it can be done after purchasing, thou I am not sure it's worth all the cost.. just my 0.02.

https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/...ambox-5th-wheel-prep-package-puck-system.html

 

[EZeis]

I heard ram box makes the inside of the bed narrower and makes less room for the pin box framework when making turns. I also heard you can't get the 5th wheel prep on ram box.

Auto level, you want it! Don't even think about. It's a beautiful system. Truck rides beautifully empty or loaded. Always level. You have the alternate trailer height setting too which is sweet. I wouldn't buy another truck without it. Everyone that's rode in my truck can't believe it's a 3500 with 80 psi on the rear tires.


Earl

 

[DesertRiders]

Thank you everyone for the input!

I have decided to hold out for a truck with Auto level air suspension and without Ram boxes!

None of my local dealers have a MegaCab DRW short bed so equipped in stock. Seems the ones they had all sold in the last week or so!

How often do dealer stocks get replenished?

 

[EZeis]

Thank you everyone for the input!

I have decided to hold out for a truck with Auto level air suspension and without Ram boxes!

None of my local dealers have a MegaCab DRW short bed so equipped in stock. Seems the ones they had all sold in the last week or so!

How often do dealer stocks get replenished?

Unless you're in a super hurry, why not order a truck? Then you can spec it as you want.


Earl

 

[Ozymandias]

I second this

 

[DesertRiders]

Unless you're in a super hurry, why not order a truck? Then you can spec it as you want.
Earl

Thing is, you can get a much better deal on a truck that's already in inventory - if you can get what you want that way.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I ordered my 15 LongHorn. Will do it on the next truck for sure.

bought 11 LongHorn off the lot. Sure as HE!! did not need a rear seat TV!

 

[TFucili]

I have ordered every truck I owned since 1986, and if you are a good negotiator you can get the same deal on an order as off the lot. That excludes if there are leftovers with big rebates, of course.

 

[Wiredawg]

I have ordered every truck I owned since 1986, and if you are a good negotiator you can get the same deal on an order as off the lot. That excludes if there are leftovers with big rebates, of course.

That pretty much describes me... 2017 5500 was on the lot ALMOST a year....ripe for the deal. I watched it for 3 months and canceled trip to test drive a Freightliner Sport chassis. Made the deal in about 15minutes. My 2002 Ram 3500 the same... last two 2nd gens delivered the end of August 2002, a silver and green one... I got the green one. I'm like a moth to fire when it comes to making a deal.

Bought my new 09 4500 on the Internet near Atlanta GA... best deal I ever made: dealer installed tow bed, companion turnover ball hitch and stainless wheel skins all for about $200 less out the door than window sticker of just the truck. Had lots of great incentives too... free oil changes of three years and $500 discount for military, $1,000 upfitter credit for buying bed through the dealer, and the hitch was pass through at cost.

Its all good though as long as you end up with an new truck!

Cheers, Ron

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have ordered every truck I owned since 1986, and if you are a good negotiator you can get the same deal on an order as off the lot. That excludes if there are leftovers with big rebates, of course.

YEP I got a great deal ordering mine. Cost minus rebates.

 

[jacknife]

The positive things about ordering are you get what you want and the dealer has no lot time on the truck so you can deal !