Can I Use the Firestone RideRite Air Bags on a 2018 Ram 2500 with a Front Leveling Kit

Question:

Looking at the Firestone F2580 air bag kit and wondering if the fact that I put a leveling kit on the front of my 18 Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel if that would affect anything. I tow a TT with a GVWR of 9000 lbs and a tounge weight of 855. Also being that this well bring the back of the truck up have any customers mentioned if the have to readjust their hitch height. And last if I go with the Timbren are those always making contact with the rear axle or just when there is weight applied to the truck and if they do touch the axle does it stiffen the normal ride. Thanks

asked by: Rick R

Expert Reply:

Even with the leveling kit on the front of your 2018 Ram 2500, you'll still be able to use the Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags # F2615 on your rear axle and they're going to do a great job helping fight squat when you're towing your travel trailer. In regards to raising the rear of the truck and changing the hitch height, this shouldn't be an issue since they're being used to bring the truck back to stock height after the tongue weight of the trailer is put on; if your truck suspension is a little soft to start with it might bring the truck higher but these types of systems are not designed to act as a lift so it shouldn't change the hitch height.

In regards to the Timbren # TDRTT3500E bumpers you mentioned, because these are designed for heavy duty trucks that are constantly under load, they're going to constantly be engaged and sit right on the axle. This is going to cause a rather rough ride, especially when not towing, so I don't recommend going with these over the Ride Rite air bags.

With an air bag system, I do recommend adding an on-board air compressor system so that you can fill up the air bags anywhere you want. I recommend using the Firestone Air Command II - Analog Gauge w/ Heavy Duty Compressor - Dual Function - 150 psi # F2219 which comes with an analog gauge cluster and remote that will allow you to fill your air bags to your desired pressure from the comfort of your truck's cab. This system will allow you to inflate your air bags individually to a customized pressure, so they're also great if you carry loads in the truck bed at times.

I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B