Air Bag Helper Springs and Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Recommendations for a 2017 Ram 1500

Question:

Good afternoon gentlemen, Curious curious on your take about suspension augmentation with your products. I ordered but did not install the red air bags rated at 1,000 lb, I was waiting to see what else was available. Lets pose this I am I am purchasing a fifth wheel travel trailer and under the current guidelines by Dodge my pin weight is approximately 1530. Total towing capacity with the 3.92 rear end and the 8-speed transmission and the four-wheel drive crew cab I am allowed to Max Tow approximately 10200. This could be difficult locating a very light fifth wheel and by augmenting my rear suspension given that I have all of the V8 Hemi, tranny and rear end combo Im really not in any difficulty. what do you what do you all think about me going with the air lift loadlifter 5000 or go with the Timberland 8000 pound and the airbags for an additional 1000 payload capacity? I just want to get the most bang for my buck and of course enough wiggle room for weight considerations. I am also ordering the Anderson ultimate gooseneck. And while Im on that subject lets discuss price over the bed Mount rail system over the bed Mount rail system are the end of bed Turn ball regarding more bang for my buck. The flat rail system really doesnt impede on bed space for carrying that occasional refrigerator or piece of furniture nor does it get in the way of just hauling stuff for camping coolers and kayak and stuff like that. I was just curious to see what yall might think and look forward to your opinions!

asked by: Michael F

Expert Reply:

You will definitely need something rated for more than 1,000 pounds so waiting to see what else was available was a good idea.

There are 5th wheel trailers out there with gross weight ratings around 10,000 pounds but it all depends on what you are looking for. The larger ones, especially toy haulers, can be quite heavy.

Please keep in mind that adding suspension enhancement products will not increase the towing capacity or payload of the truck. The truck's capacities are set in stone. Helper springs will, however, provide a better ride, prevent rear end sagging, and help the stock suspension last longer.

As far as providing the best ride and having the most versatility I recommend going with air springs. Air Lift kit # AL57365 is a great option. The 5,000 pound capacity is more than enough for your needs.

A great add on is a compressor kit, # AL25592, so you can add/remove air from the air bags from the comfort of the truck cab. I have linked a video of this as well.

Since you are going with the Andersen hitch if it were me I would go with a B&W Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch and then use the Andersen hitch that clamps onto the gooseneck ball. That way should you ever need to tow a gooseneck trailer you will be good to go. Also while the in-bed rails may not seem like they would get in the way when hauling they often do. Also, it is easy to trip over them if you are not careful! The gooseneck hitch would eliminate that issue.

The B&W gooseneck hitch for your truck is # BWGNRK1309.