Kind of in the air on this one, as I haven't found the answer I'm looking for. Is it worth the cost? The stock coils ride exceptionally well, but am wondering if the bags really make that much of a difference. Most positive reviews come from those who haul/tow frequently. After looking at all reviews, I have to say there are merits to downgrading from a LH to a lower trim level, maybe a Tradesman. Something about saving nearly $20,000 for the same driveline without all the extras niceties is appealing; makes me feel better about long term reliability without a bunch high repair cost stuff to worry about. I may tow a small TT and utility trailer from time to time, a couple of times a year max, but mostly commuting miles on relatively smooth roads (even my 3500 4x4 rides relatively smooth), and that money can go towards other niceties that I can really use as I age, like powered steps.
New 1500 air suspension; yes or no?
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58 Posts
If you aren't towing or hauling equipment in the bed, it isn't worth it. The ride quality comes from using coil spring versus leaf springs. If I didn't tow, I would have skipped it.
On the contrary, it is fun to play with and show off to people.
On the contrary, it is fun to play with and show off to people.
the fun factor is what i like most about it since i really dont even tow at all.
there were some snafus with the air ride on the GC's, essentially the same system. But yea, great and useful for levelling, but otherwise as you said its just an extra cost. You'll lose maybe 1 mpg because the truck won't hunker down in aero mode, but WTF is 1 MPG...
Figured I could take that cash and invest in some Amp steps, maybe a set of helper bags in the springs in I ever need them. Agree, though, that it's a neat idea, and am glad someone in the light truck market finally decided to put it on the options sheet. Moot point, anyway, as I saw a standard bed crew this morning, which the air is not available with, and I like the look of that longer bed (had to double take to make sure it wasn't an HD).
I'm basically asking for longevity reasons; agreed it will be a bear to fix once out of warranty (mainly parts costs). Same reason I'm second guessing the diesel. I believe one of the gas motors may be a better option, in a lower trim level; I can always add nice leather if wanted.
I'm basically asking for longevity reasons; agreed it will be a bear to fix once out of warranty (mainly parts costs). Same reason I'm second guessing the diesel. I believe one of the gas motors may be a better option, in a lower trim level; I can always add nice leather if wanted.
Another reason for getting rid of it when the warranty is near over, I rather not have to do major maintenance or replace things on that system, no thanks.
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9 Posts
Air Bags
Love my air ride and so does my 89 yr old mom when I lower it and she can get into it easier than her car. Drove air ride semi's for years never had trouble with air bags on them or the trailer's. From what i understand the bag density on the ram are just as relevant (weight ratio) as those were to the semi's. When I'm on the highway and the aero ride kicks in and your busting wind I can tell a difference. Pulling a trailer and the way it levels out is really sweet also.
Love my air ride and so does my 89 yr old mom when I lower it and she can get into it easier than her car. Drove air ride semi's for years never had trouble with air bags on them or the trailer's. From what i understand the bag density on the ram are just as relevant (weight ratio) as those were to the semi's. When I'm on the highway and the aero ride kicks in and your busting wind I can tell a difference. Pulling a trailer and the way it levels out is really sweet also.
Drove my dream rig; a LongHorn 3.0 with the air system. Yes, the ride was fantastic, as was handling. The issue I have is how complicated it seems to be; in 20 minutes I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't allow me to raise or lower the system from the outside with the key fob (maybe needed to be programmed or something?) and it would get stubborn when in Off Road 2, not letting me lower it until I turned everything off and got out. That aside it was impressive; everyone around me stared as it dropped from Off Road 2 (when it finally cooperated) to Entry; kind of crazy, though, how one end drops at a time, then the other end has to catch up before repeating the process. Have to think about it some more.
Air ride came on my 1500 diesel. At first, didn't know if it was worth the extra $$. But after towing 5000 lb boat (it levels load), Aero mode on hwy (extra mpg), smoother ride, and getting grandma into truck I can say this option was most definitely worth it.
If you notice, the front end drops first and then the rear end until the specified ride height is achieved. The reason for this is to keep the headlights from blinding some by having the rear drop first. Quite a smart idea.
Similarly, when lifting, the back end raises before the front.
You can only lower the truck to the "entry/exit' mode from the key fob. the key must be in the on position for the truck to raise. The doors must also be closed.
Similarly, when lifting, the back end raises before the front.
You can only lower the truck to the "entry/exit' mode from the key fob. the key must be in the on position for the truck to raise. The doors must also be closed.
i can't wait for more vehicles to have since since when im in my sedan i feel like im being blinded by a lot of trucks.
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104 Posts
For an alternative you could use an airlift suspension. Please go to: 2015 Ram 1500 Air Bag Suspension Kits | Air Lift Company
This would be for rear airbags only, but at 1/10th the price.
I have the air ride and would never be without it. Besides the ease of towing and its load leveling characteristics, I love the Entry/Exit mode. For anyone suffering from hip problems or arthritis it is heaven sent. The extra 2" that it drops to exit or enter the truck is amazing. Find someone with the air suspension and have them demonstrate this feature for you. If you are looking for powered steps, this may be of use.
I had air rear air suspension once in an old pontiac car
....never repaired it due to cost and at the time not enough funds to repair...so I avoided it in my truck. It was AWESOME on test drives...but the standard ride for me is more than acceptable. It depends on your ride preferance really.Enjoy either way.
X
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46 Posts
Well worth the extra money I do a lot of off road driving and to be able to push the button twice for two higher levels than stock is the best,the next best is to be able to load my quad and have the truck sit level very nice.If I had a complaint it would be that I can't add the lowest setting (exit entrance) to the engine off mode.
Randy
Randy
Just do it!
I bought one of the first air suspensions on my 2013 Laramie. You can't beat the ride quality. The best thing is how it handles trailer loads or any additions weight in the bed or people. It handles our 32' travel trailer better than my 3/4 ton Suburban did. I needed to use load leverage bars to tow the trailer with the Suburban, but with the Ram and air suspension, no problem. It just takes the weight, adjusts the load and runs dead level. Better ride and air flow while towing. Entry mode is great at the bank window and off road 2 jacks you up for ground clearance off road or in the snow. 30,000 + miles and only hiccup was last winter at -16º it flashed a malfunction warning. I parked it in the Barn and next morning it was fine and had no other issues. I would by it a again. Oh it's cool too.
I bought one of the first air suspensions on my 2013 Laramie. You can't beat the ride quality. The best thing is how it handles trailer loads or any additions weight in the bed or people. It handles our 32' travel trailer better than my 3/4 ton Suburban did. I needed to use load leverage bars to tow the trailer with the Suburban, but with the Ram and air suspension, no problem. It just takes the weight, adjusts the load and runs dead level. Better ride and air flow while towing. Entry mode is great at the bank window and off road 2 jacks you up for ground clearance off road or in the snow. 30,000 + miles and only hiccup was last winter at -16º it flashed a malfunction warning. I parked it in the Barn and next morning it was fine and had no other issues. I would by it a again. Oh it's cool too.
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