Recommended Suspension Enhancement For 2014 Dodge Ram 1500

Question:

Hello. I have a brand new Dodge 1500 Crew Cab 4X2 Laramie on a LEASE. This truck has a tongue wight of 450LB. I THINK my trailers tongue must be more, but dont know what it is. Its a Pioneer 21foot camper total weight 7,000. Although horsepower 400horse and transmission is good with this camper, this new trucks rear end is severely impacted by the tongue weight. I have leveler bars on the hitch and although they can work if I tighten them to the max, its dangerous having that much pressure on the hitch and tears the hitch up. What is the best way to stiffen the back end without having to replace the existing factory springs in a way I can remove before returning lease. Timbren? Air Bags? Will Sumo work? It looks like Sumo is easy to install/uninstall i could probably simply leave them in the truck upon returning... but do they work as well? my impression is that if they are easy to install, they may not have a good performance. thanks

asked by: JOhn M

Expert Reply:

It sounds as though your weight distribution system may not be big enough for your trailer and load. I attached a link to a helpful article that explains weight distribution. I also attached a helpful article that explains how to determine tongue weight. After you find out what your tongue weight is let me know and I will be happy to make a recommendation for a system that will work for you.

For an easy installation on your 2014 Ram 1500 I recommend using the Timbren suspension system like part # TDRTT1500, if that is the way you want to go.

When you install this system you typically have between 1 and 1-1/2 inches of clearance from the bottom of the air spring to the axle. When the truck is placed under a heavy load these air springs help make the ride smoother and level.

If you want to the springs to engage earlier, you can use additional spacers like part # A25723-90AH00.

The SumoSprings, part # SSR-307-47 are also designed to fit your truck, but we do not have spacers available for the SumoSprings system and they are a bit more involved when installing. The Timbrens slip into the OEM bump stop cup which is a very easy installation. The SumoSprings use a system that clamps around the bump stop cup on your truck. Also, the SumoSprings have a much lower weight capacity at 1,500 lbs versus the Timbrens at 7,000 lbs.

Using suspension enhancement will not increase the load-carrying capacity of your truck.