New Bilstein 5100

[Philip Saran]

Per recommendations on this Forum I ordered and had installed new Bilstein 5100 shocks on my
2012 Ram 3500 4x4 diesel short bed. Love the ride.

But when I hitch up my 5th wheel trailer (12000# loaded) now it seems to sag in the rear compared
to before I replaced the stock shocks (72K miles).

Think I need air bags?

 

[endoscott]

For sure! Not even that expensive to do.

 

[DavidC]

Air bags are a great addition, an onboard Viair system makes a big difference also. It is nice that you can air everything down and not bounce around and then air things up when needed. Two of the best additions I ever made.

 

[Cummins12V98]

What is the pin weight of your RV??? When you say "sag" what do you mean???

I am willing to bet your truck sets LEVEL with your RV loaded and that is correct!!! Too many think that they need the rear to set the same loaded or not. The best ride is for the load to push the rear down to "LEVEL" so you are using the overloads.

I highly doubt you NEED air bags and I guarantee the Bil's did NOT change anything other than giving a better ride.

If you want to spend the $$$ and ONLY add enough air to keep it at the LEVEL stance the bags will help absorb some of the rough road conditions.

First pic nearly a 5k pin my truck sat level, no bags. Second is with bags and 30# air when loaded. Incredible ride difference.

 

[DavidC]

I measure to the top of the rear wheel opening and add enough air to try and duplicate that number with the 5ver connected as that is how the front alignment was done. If the rear sags the alignment changes and tire wear occurs or maybe a handling problem.

 

[TFucili]

Shocks are dampers, they don't hold anything up.