Suspension Airbags

[JLawton]

I've got a 2012 Dodge Ram that now comes with the rear coil spring instead of the leaf spring. The suspension is too soft for my liking especially when towing. I've got an open trailer so it's not like I'm towing anywhere near the max.

I'm looking at the air bag systems and was wondering if anyone had words of wisdom or advice on them?

Thanks!

 

[joeg]

Look into a set of Timbrens

 

[Jeremy Billiel]

They are cheap, effective and rather easy to install with no real downside. Just do it

 

[Greg Amy]

Got 'em on the Excursion. Like "em.

 

[lawtonglenn]

After much research, I put the Firestone Ride-Rite system on the motorhome, and would recommend it:

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/firestone-2299-ride-rite-air-bag-kit-dodge-ram-2500-3500

http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/subpages/ridrite_riderite.html

http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/75A4899A0A0.aspx



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[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08pIoqq81A4[/ame]

 

[Ed Funk]

Had Timbrens on the E350.....hated 'em. Have airbags on the F250....love 'em!

 

[chuck baader]

Load equalizing hitch will raise back of truck to compensate for tongue weight and still give you a good ride.

 

[JLawton]

Had Timbrens on the E350.....hated 'em. Have airbags on the F250....love 'em!

Ed, what didnt you like about the Timbrens?

 

[Ed Funk]

On our van, we only had about an inch of suspension before contact with the Timbrens. At which point , with no load, the ride became VERY firm. I like the bags because you can easily adjust for load or no load. Do recommend some top of the line shocks like Bilsteins with the bags to handle the extra spring rate.

 

[Greg Amy]

Ed, that doesn't sound like they were installed correctly. The bags are supposed to be in contact at all times, and you adjust firmness via air pressure.

 

[team-gpracing]

Interested in this too. Looks like the ride-rite system is a no-go, since that is for leaf suspension. This is a different setup that seems to be the solution:

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/firestone-4190-coil-work-rite-air-bag-kit-dodge-ram-1500-2009-2014

 

[Ed Funk]

Ed, that doesn't sound like they were installed correctly. The bags are supposed to be in contact at all times, and you adjust firmness via air pressure.

Read it again Greg. The Timbrens are like giant bump stops, and are non-adjustable. I like the airbags.

 

[Greg Amy]

Read it again Greg. The Timbrens are like giant bump stops, and are non-adjustable. I like the airbags.

Roger. No indications in your post(s) that "Timbrens" are bump stops, not airbags (as per conversation topic...damn doctors...)

 

[Ed Funk]

WHAT eva!

 

[RX555]

Load equalizing hitch will raise back of truck to compensate for tongue weight and still give you a good ride.

I have a similar Ram and agree on the rear suspension. I went with the above and has worked well so far.

 

[JLawton]

Just thought I would update. I did go to the Timbrens website and check it out. Yes, what was discussed above was basically a bigger bump stop. I had some e-mail back and forth from eTrailer tech. They recommended another Timbren product. I dont have the link at the moment but it is like a rubber puck that fits between the springs. It's supposed to improve handling as well as "some" additional load leveling capacity when towing. Tried them out on a three hour each way trip and I am very happy with them. I cant say if it helps handling (although I am going to get them for the front which I think will help the handling) but the bouncing when towing was MUCH better. I am very happy with the product and it was easy to install (15 minutes or so?) I like a very stiff ride in my trucks so I may throw some good shocks back there is well. I think it's a great solution for coil springs without going full air bag.