Recommended Air Suspension for 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Towing 8100lb Travel Trailer

Question:

What product do you recommend? I know my Ram towing capacity is about 9500# but it squats badly even with professionally fitted weight distribution hitch. We added better shocks, which helped with my 30foot rv toy hauler/office trailer, but rv manufacturer recommended air shocks. We normally tow with a Ram 2500 but in an emergency our Ram 1500 will pull it out of a hurricanes path. Any recommendations? Thank you

asked by: Christine Y

Expert Reply:

That's definitely some sag! As a first step, I'd look over the instructions for the weight distribution system you're using to ensure that the system is set up properly. If I had a dollar for everybody that's told us that there was no way their system could be set up incorrectly, because a 'pro' had set it up, I'd be on a beach somewhere. I'd also recommend confirming the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer, which includes the weight of anything carried in the truck bed behind the rear axle (see linked FAQ articles). If you're using a system that isn't rated high enough for the trailer's tongue weight, it could explain why you still have the sag.

If the system is properly set up, and isn't being overloaded then I'd look into air springs.

Do you have the sag issue with both vehicles, or just with the 1/2 ton? For the 1500, I'd recommend the # AL88365 air helper spring kit from Air Lift. A compressor kit, part # AL25856 would allow you to add or remove air from the system with the touch of a button.

For the 2500, use # AL88297 for 2WD models or # AL88295 for 4WD models. The compressor kit I mentioned above would work great.