Solution for Front Axle of 2018 Ram 2500 Transferring Weight to Rear Axle
Question:
Just to follow up for clarification the response I received from Jon G earlier this morning. If I install the air bags on my Ram 2500, you say this will level out the truck. In doing so will this actually put weight back on the front axle? My Ram travels level now while pulling the trailer but it does compress the rear suspension and thus pulls some weight off the front axle about 150lbs and I would like to shift about 1,000 lbs to the front axle to evenly distribute the load. If the air bags will not do this is there anything that will? Thanks for your time,
asked by: Mark
Expert Reply:
Since you have a Sidewinder pin box on your 5th wheel trailer, you will need a new 5th wheel hitch since the current models of the Curt A-series and Q-series are not compatible with sidewinders. Instead, you can go with the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16115 and custom wedge # RP64FR.
This should help put the front end of your Ram lower since the legs are almost 100 lbs lighter than the slider but I can't guarantee that your pickup will be at factory height. Your best option is to add some suspension enhancement to your Ram so that you can keep your truck as level as possible even when you're trailer is connected.
Using air bags like the Firestone Ride-Rite # F2598 are an excellent choice because you can deplete the air in them when you aren't towing so that you get your factory ride. If you want to go this route then it also helps to use an compressor system like the Air Command I # F2158 because you can adjust and monitor your air bags even when you're out at the campsite.
I have attached a few videos for you to check out as well as a link to our selection of aftermarket suspension enhancement that you can filter through.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Economy - Slide-Bar Jaw
- 13-1/4 - 17 Inch Tall
- CURT
more information >
Firestone Air Command Standard Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Single Path
- Air Suspension Compressor Kit
- Wired Control
- Single Path
- Analog Display
- 100 psi
- Firestone
more information >
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Firestone
more information >
Sidewinder Wedge Kit for Curt E-Series Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Wedges
- Curt 5th Wheel
- Reese
more information >
Mark
10/17/2019
Just to follow up for clarification the response I received from Jon G earlier this morning. If I install the air bags on my Ram 2500, you say this will level out the truck. In doing so will this actually put weight back on the front axle? My Ram travels level now while pulling the trailer but it does compress the rear suspension and thus pulls some weight off the front axle about 150lbs and I would like to shift about 1,000 lbs to the front axle to evenly distribute the load. If the air bags will not do this is there anything that will? Thanks for your time,