Best Suspension Enhancement For 2021 Ram 2500 For Towing & Keeping Factory Ride

Question:

I have a 2021 Ram 2500 that is a daily driver but occasionally I haul a 13000 pound fifth wheel with a hitch weight of 2400 pounds. Sway is not much of a concern, it does have a factory sway bar but the truck bounces a good bit going over bumps. It will bottom out on some of the larger bumps. The truck squats about 3-4 inches in the rear with the fifth wheel hitched up. The truck is very close to level but does raise its nose slightly. I am running at the maximum payload and towing spec for this truck. I am looking to improve its ability at maximum payload. I have been considering air bags or Sumo Springs. As this is a daily driver I really want to keep the factory ride when unloaded. What would you recommend for this application?

asked by: Derek

Helpful Expert Reply:

We can help you out here, and since your goal is to keep the factory ride of your 2021 Ram 2500, the best option is definitely going to be air bags. Bump stop replacements like Timbrens and SumoSprings can still affect the ride, particularly on bumps, but air bags can be deflated to the minimum 5 psi so your factory ride will remain.

When you are towing, air bags will help level out your truck as it squats and take on the hitch weight of your 5th wheel, preventing you from bottoming out. The air bags that will fit your '21 Ram 2500 and are compatible with a 5th wheel hitch are the following:

- Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57289

Just keep in mind these (and all other air bags) are not compatible if your truck has the factory air suspension, though I assume that's something your truck doesn't have if it is squatting. These will absolutely help your truck's performance as you tow, and keep your ride smooth.

The only other thing I highly recommend is a compressor in order to make it easy to maintain and monitor the pressure in your air bags. This can be done with a wireless compressor that allows you to use a remote or an app on your smartphone so you don't have any gauges that you have to run wiring to inside your cab. You can do this with the following:

- Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System for Air Helper Springs # AL25980EZ

This compressor also has a U-bolt mounting system so you won't have to drill into your Ram's frame rail for installation, making it both the most convenient option for use and install.