Improve Suspension for 2021 2500 Carrying Heavy Payload

[Tom M]

Hi there! We recently got an in-bed truck camper (Scout Olympic - dry weight 1154#, expected total payload max 2500#) and have it on our 2021 2500 (4x4 6.7L Diesel Turbo I6 - standard coil suspension). The truck generally handles very well, but at higher speeds (and if the camper is top heavy), we experience a significant amount of sway.

Would installing airbags, a rear sway bar, or upgrading the suspension be the best first course of action? And what brands do y'all recommend?

 

[endoscott]

Need WAY more information than that. About both the truck and the camper.

 

[Tom M]

Need WAY more information than that. About both the truck and the camper.

Added a bit more info - anything else I need to add?

 

[Ozymandias]

What kind of suspension has your truck, air or coils?

 

[Tom M]

What kind of suspension has your truck, air or coils?

coils

 

[Ozymandias]

Okay, you got probably the worst setup that RAM offers for a top heavy camper.
The best solution would be to sell the Truck and get a Dually that handles it with ease... let me think about alternatives to that..

 

[Tom M]

Okay, you got probably the worst setup that RAM offers for a top heavy camper.
The best solution would be to sell the Truck and get a Dually that handles it with ease... let me think about alternatives to that..

Well I love to hear that! Why do you say it is such a bad setup?

 

[seafish]

Why do you say it is such a bad setup?

The keywords here are "top heavy" ... in other words a high center of gravity...something which a SRW is not really meant to handle, PARTICULARLY with coil springs which will always be compressed when constantly carrying a weight weight load .

That set up leaves MUCH to be desired in terms of safety and handling and if you are not already totally committed to it as your tow vehicle, then a DRW 3500 with air suspension will be a MUCH better starting base for your intentions that you will ALWAYS feel much safer and more comfortable driving in, especially if you plan to go offroad or travers windy highways.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Your truck is designed to have a nice ride NOT carry a heavy load plain and simple.

I advise selling it and getting a capable truck before you say "I wish I had more truck".

 

[Ozymandias]

I came up with something you might want to try before you drop a ton of money into a bottomless pit.

Install a pair of these Timbrens and see if the ride improves to your liking.

https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Ram/2500/2021/TDRTT3500E.html?VehicleID=20214024285

They are cheap and if these aren't doing the job you need a different Truck.

Friend of mine uses these in his Truck for an over weight bumper pull trailer (tongue weight way beyond limits) and he's very happy as they don't interfere with an empty ride.

 

[Ozymandias]

The main problem is that the coil springs are way to much inboard to control a load that is above the bed rail. That's why it is the worst setup.

 

[NIsaacs]

Did any of you guys even look to see what a Scout Olympic camper is? A DRW for 1154 lbs dry and 2500 lbs loaded up? It is a short, low profile pop up camper. 83" wide, 5gal water and 10 lb propane....


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OP, I recommend air bags, you will be fine. They mount under/outboard of the frame. You already have a rear sway bar. I went with the Air Lift 5000 on my '21 Ram 2500 with coil springs.

 

[AEdelheit]

Any sort of weight supplement outboard of the coils ( Air bags plumbed individually , sumo springs , timbrens, ect) will help along with the Thuren rear track bar kit and a heavier sway bar but as noted the geometry of the 2500 rear 4 link is very poor for supporting top heavy loads unfortunately. Hope you find a setup that works well for your needs.

 

[AH64ID]

As mentioned, a pair of airbags, a rear thuren track bar, and a thicker anti-sway bar is your best bet. That camper isn't crazy heavy or tall, so those mods should do nicely.

 

[Ozymandias]

I would start just with the Timbrens, they probably will do the Job. And Zero maintenance, it's a fix and forget item, that's why I've chosen this solution over the airbags for my buddy.

Now that I've seen the Camper I would choose standard duty over heavy duty which would be probably overkill.

 

[AH64ID]

I would start just with the Timbrens, they probably will do the Job. And Zero maintenance, it's a fix and forget item, that's why I've chosen this solution over the airbags for my buddy.

Now that I've seen the Camper I would choose standard duty over heavy duty which would be probably overkill.

I have something similar to Timbren's on the front of my pickup, but wouldn't ever recommend them in the rear. By and large I know of more folks that tried them and ditched them for airbags than those that tried them and kept them. For the rear axle of a pickup you want something adjustable for the load, and adjustable side to side.

 

[NIsaacs]

As mentioned, a pair of airbags, a rear thuren track bar, and a thicker anti-sway bar is your best bet. That camper isn't crazy heavy or tall, so those mods should do nicely.

I would start with air bags, one modification at a time, so you can see what does what. A heavier sway bar might be needed on a 8' or 8.6' wide heavy load. At 7' wide, somewhat light weight load, you should be fine with what you have. I assume, most of the time, the camper will be on jacks somewhere and you will be driving an empty truck.

Most mods require a happy medium. Try to get the most performance you can, with the understanding it has to work loaded and empty.

That is a cool camper and shows you used restraint from big, heavy and roomy. A perfect match for a 2500. When possible, carry your add on weight on the floor.

 

[Signal73]

If you go airbags, check out daystar cradles. I run them and it takes away the worry about ripping bags if you put your truck on a lift to be serviced and losing articulation in off road situations.

 

[Ozymandias]

This is my buddies truck with the Camper on it, the same truck that is used to pull the trailer throughout the year - and he is totally happy with the Timbrens.
I've driven it myself both ways and I couldn't find anything bad in it's driveability that would make me to steer away from the Timbrens.

 

[Regcabguy]

Hi there! We recently got an in-bed truck camper (Scout Olympic - dry weight 1154#, expected total payload max 2500#) and have it on our 2021 2500 (4x4 6.7L Diesel Turbo I6 - standard coil suspension). The truck generally handles very well, but at higher speeds (and if the camper is top heavy), we experience a significant amount of sway.

Would installing airbags, a rear sway bar, or upgrading the suspension be the best first course of action? And what brands do y'all recommend?

You're over weight regardless with the wet camper. Timbren's,a swaybar and better shocks if stock will help.