Recommended Rear End Ratio, 5th Wheel Hitch, and Rear Suspension for a 2016 Ram 3500 Dually Cummins

Question

Question:

Building and ordering 2016 ram 3500 cummins,Dually....going to purchase a 5 th wheel toy hauler approx. 42 foot....Going to travel North America......LOTS of driving......What ratio would you experts suggest for fuel mileage and easy on the motor.....Thank you. I will be ordering one of your 5th wheel hitches also any ideas on that ....need air bag or not ...getting air bags on the rear suspension...Thats it ??????????????????

asked by: Terry

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Expert Reply:

Since you will be traveling with your toy hauler more often than not I think you will be happier with the higher gear ratio especially while towing. Since you didn't provide the model you are looking at I can't be exact but if you wanted to let me know which one you were looking at then just reply to this.

The best 5th wheel hitch for your Ram will be dependent on your bed size as well as if you decide to get the factory prep package or not. This will determine what style connection you will need and whether or not you will need a sliding hitch.

For example: Let's say you choose an 8 foot bed and the factory tow package. You will not need a sliding hitch because you will already have enough clearance from the length of your bed and the 25K B&W Companion # BWRVK3600 will directly mount into the factory package without an adapter.

Here's another example: If you choose a 6 foot bed without the factory prep package the Curt 24K Kit # C16430-204 will include the bracket and rails as well as the 5th wheel hitch you will want.

You will want to keep in mind that you will be limited to your lowest rated item when towing so if your truck is rated for 30,000lbs the 5th wheel will limit you to 24K with the Curt and 25K with the B&W.

Next, it absolutely would be a great idea to get rear suspension on your vehicle to prevent sag from the heavy trailer you plan on carrying. Airbags will also make your ride quality better by being more stable and overall safer. For this I recommend the Firestone # F2478 for 4 wheel drive models and the # F2616 for 2 wheel drive. Both are no drill applications and will fit with a 5th wheel installed in the bed of your truck.

If you don't already have one you will want a brake controller like # 90195 and a 7-way extension like # 41157 and possibly a transmission cooler like # D13503. Once you find out the specific details of what truck will come with I can help better tailor a specific recommendation for you.

I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page for your convenience as well as the 5th wheel hitch page where you can select which bed size you have.

expert reply by: Jackie C

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Answer 1

I checked with Firestone and they do list the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs part #F2478 as a fit for a 2018 Ram 3500 Cab and Chassis.

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Answer 2

You are correct, the Firestone Ride-Rite Kit, #F2478, will fit your truck, but not if it has an in-bed hitch. The only reason for this is because the upper brackets for this kit mount on the outside wall of your vehicle frame, just above your axles…

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Answer 3

I have an air bag solution for you. Unfortunately, if you have a 2022 Ram 3500 CA60 chassis cab, the Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL #AL57531 will not fit. This is because these air bags are only designed for standard pickup models. However, we do have…

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Answer 4

While we do have the perfect fitment for you, the Firestone Ride-Rite Rear Axle Springs #F2615 do not fit your 2014 Ram 3500 2wd cab and chassis. This is because the #F2615 is designed to fit only 4x4 pickup model trucks. With that being said, I…

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Answer 5

The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs part #F2478 are a confirmed fit for a 2020 Ram 3500 Cab and Chassis. I took a look in the installation instructions and there was no mention of modifying the axle vent. I have attached a photo of how the…

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Answer 6

If your 2013 Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab is a Heavy Duty, the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs, part #F2478 is a fit for your truck. This system reduces the stress on the rear suspension of your truck and allows you to maintain an even load…

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Answer 7

As long as the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Springs #AL57375 is properly installed on your 2021 Ram 1500 the airbags will not void your warranty. You are protected under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act which states that manufactures cannot void the…

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Answer 8

There is an Airbag system for your 2022 Ram 3500 Dually Cab and Chassis but the Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Air Helper Springs item #AL57595 will not fit your truck. You are going to want the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs item #F2478. These…

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Answer 9

In order to install the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs #F2478 you are going to be required to remove the rear wheels and rest the axle on jack stands. When it comes to drilling, you will be required to do some drilling into the vehicle frame…

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Answer 10

For your 2017 Ram 3500 Cab and Chassis, the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle #F2478 is the correct fit. It requires 8 inches of clearance from the outside of the frame to the inside of the tire sidewall. These…

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Answer 11

We do have an air bag style of suspension enhancement that fits your 2016 Ram 3500 cab and chassis model with the Firestone kit part #F2478 but Air Lift does not have an option that fits your truck since it a cab and chassis model. The Firestone bags…

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Answer 12

The 224CZ item number you sent me only comes back with a style of bellow and not the actual model number. That being said there are two compatible Firestone Ride-Rite options for your 2021 Ram 3500 Dually. Unfortunately we do not carry all the…

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