Should You Buy a Factory Air or Coil Ram 2500? What’s Better Off Road

[@zackaubin5139]

Great video, only thing I noticed is the pay load. I have a 2023 2500 rebel with rear air. Payload is 3,088 pounds. Ordering my kit soon and can not wait.

[@jackmitchell268]

That olive green pearlcoat 😍😍🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@TheFarmersLife]

My next color I’m pretty sure. I see it doesn’t come in Laramie Limited though. Regular Laramie yes.

[@kylem3987]

I'm not sure why Ram wouldn't offer this with the Night Edition. I'd have a hard time not choosing an olive green pearl coat Night Edition 2500.

[@frankwolf9187]

This is color I want as long as you can get black out package with it as well.

[@TheFarmersLife]

I does come in night package

[@2Dawoods]

@@TheFarmersLife I ordered a 3500 in the Green. As of April this year it was not an available option on this color. Who knows why? I added My own Night package and as much as the cost hurt is was worth it!!

[@laneblount9888]

I have an air ride 4th gen and I love it. In my opinion it rides to much better than the coil spring trucks

[@medicchester]

Great video brother! I waited my whole adult life for this video.

[@ForGood828]

2020 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi payload is 3200lbs in Laramie 4x4 trim.

[@Dave88LX]

Timing could not be better on this video. Good job. I'm going back-and-forth my self on 2500 vs. 3500. I have some people telling me to get 3500 SRW and throw the Carli progressive leafs on the back. Others telling me I'm crazy for considering a 3500. I live in the NorthEast, no high speed desert running for me. I will most likely put the Pintop setup on there though. Trying to be realistic, yet, not compromise on what I may do in the future either with towing/hauling. I want to see more about this "wag" on the 2500s.

[@CJCOffRoad]

For some reason there’s this strange stigma that you can only have a 3500 if you tow extremely heavy, but with the Carli full rear pack a 3500 rides like a dream and is a great zero sacrifice setup! If you’re curious about the lateral movement, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJDLh6qMjdWkers

[@bradleygoodrich5569]

CJC Offroad/Carli is a great company. Great products excellent customer service. Very knowledgeable and helpful!

[@Sickksidex3]

Keep them videos coming guys. Love every single video you guys post.

[@jackmitchell268]

What would be the best after market suspension and level for chevys? Anything that compares to carli quality?

[@ag8499]

Hey which rear coils should I use for 6" lift? I'm removing mine air suspension ? And my question is coils better drives the air suspension? i started having some issues on mine 2016 ram 2500. Air suspension . I just don't know what can cause 😕 fuse and Raley good. Air compressor is working when I connect 12v. No air leaks. Airbags is full air but air tank is empty air and cannot lowered my air suspension and I have warning says IMMEDIATE AIR SUSPENSION SERVICE/REPAIR REQUIRED and When I push button and I got SELECTED RIDE Height NOT PERMITTED!. so what's can be? My alfa OBDLink gives me 3 codes C156E, C1556 and C2212

[@frankwolf9187]

Looking at a 3500 Ram SRW with long wheel base. Waiting on 2021 to get the new transmission. What system by carli would you recommend for it. I tow a 10000# RV and mostly driving on street and towing camper. Not much off road, but have absolutely fell in love with the trucks y'all build.

[@Rommer2258]

Either the back country or a Pintop is a good option. I went to kings after running Thuren overlands for years, the 3k is a worthy price for the upgrade.

[@ftkobbe]

I have 2020, 3500, long wheel base. Tow 10k toy hauler.. with a FWC Grandby in the bed. 17 inch wheels, 37 inch tires. RAM air suspension. Carli pintop with all the options. Drives great, tow great, handles rough roads better than my 2018 JL rubicon. Did 3k mile road trip this summer fully loaded at 19,000 pounds. Ran perfectly. Factory tunes.

[@ftkobbe]

I don't desert run... but I do jog. Even with the FWC handles the bumps very well.

[@moparproud3978]

There is no new transmission for 2021

[@blakeportelance100]

How can we reduce the wag in the rear while towing? It's so annoying and feels unsafe at times. First 2019 ram 2500 I've ever owned and never felt that before vs the leaf suspension.

[@CJCOffRoad]

The Thuren rear track bar is the way to get rid of it. Here's a video we made on the topic explaining why it happens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJDLh6qMjdWkers

[@HotRodseventy7]

Awesome job on this video, and love your mega... even though I bought a new F350 a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to a backcountry kit

[@matthewgibbs2417]

2022 ram 2500 diesel 4wd tradesman. Looking to get the 2.5 pintop leveling kit. The truck does not have air ride. Can I purchase the 2.5 leveling and ADD an aftermarket air bag kit like a Firestone or loadlifter?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Absolutely! If you don't want to loose travel or ride quality, we recommend this kit: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/dodge-air-bags/products/full-travel-rear-air-bag-kit-2014-current-ram-2500

[@JasonWaterfalls13]

Great video and information as always guys, thank you.

[@Rommer2258]

Solid though process, the air suspension is a crutch for the rear 5 link suspension. The rear coils are nice for offroad and daily driving. The soft ride rear coils are really nice and make a big difference. But you have to do weird things to fit the rear 3.0s like the dominator kit. the 3500 is the way to go if I where to buy a 5th gen.

[@StrateOutdoors]

I have a 2022 2500 6.4 Hemi with the Fox 2.0 Backcountry kit (+hi/low steering, arms, & sway joints). Getting a pop-up camper in about a year, max wet weight on it is 2000#, about 1800 dry. The rated payload on the truck is 2800, any recommendations to do before I drive out to Iowa to pick it up? It is a Bundutec camper, they are good about building the weight towards the center, but would be good to plan for it. Thank you in advance.

[@CJCOffRoad]

Do you mind emailing us at [e-mail] so we can help?

[@Barefoot-Bob]

Ok here is my scenario 2020 power wagon i want to pull a 30 - 35 ' next level 5th wheel. on a goose neck set up. will air bags get my 10k back up to 14k rating? with the 5th wheel trailer with bagged rear am i going to get wag ? I would also like to level the front and step up to toyo mt 35s . and i actually would like to get a smoother ride for street use unloaded. is there kits to resist the wag . and / or would converting to leaf springs be the only answer ?

[@ShaneEstabrooks]

Your talking diesel or PW my gas 2500 has 3300 lb payload, so my thinking is R2 coils with air bags installed inside the coils.. thoughts 😊

[@CJCOffRoad]

Our recommendation is to go with R1 coils and this airbag kit for standard usage, and then R2 coils and this airbag kit for trucks with in bed campers etc: www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/dodge-air-bags/products/full-travel-rear-air-bag-kit-2014-current-ram-2500 There's no reason to have more spring rate than needed, so if the truck is empty most of the time, you'll want R1 coils and then the bags to supplement. The bags inside the coils pretty severely impact upward suspension travel, so we try to avoid them.

[@irnwkrkev]

I have a 2500 and haul a 3,000+ lb truck camper a few times a year. With aftermarket outboard airbags and hellwig swaybars it handles pretty good. After installing a bilstein leveling kit and 5100's It was fine the first year but now it seems to sway more. Would adjustable 2.5" King or Fox shocks help with higher settings hauling and softer for my daily driving? I just installed a set of Carli ball joints from purchased from you and they make the truck feel like new again!

[@CJCOffRoad]

You'd absolutely notice improved handling moving to better shocks, and ideally you'd want to replace the front coils with them too. This system will be a night and day improvement! www.cjcoffroad.com/collections/2019-dodge-ram-2500-3500-suspension/products/carli-suspension-2014-2020-ram-2500-pintop-2-5-king-leveling-kit

[@chadhoward07]

3500 duals are only needed if you’re pulling the big tri, & quad axle campers, or if you want the stability. the newer 3500 srw are far, far more capable than they use to be.

[@austin2187]

Do you think factory air 2500 with the pintop rides better the 3500 srw with the pintop and the day star cradles with bags?

[@CJCOffRoad]

On road yes, but off road the 3500 will take the win. Keep in mind Carli actually makes long travel air bags for the 3500s that are the preferred route over the daystar setup for ride quality!

[@Regal2800]

i would think full air ride like the kelderman system would be the smoothest riding? Just lower air pressure until you get the ride quality you want?

[@CJCOffRoad]

No sadly air systems are never the smoothest option. It’s a bit long to explain in the comments, but the short version is that coils will always offer the best ride. The advantage of air is the ability to vary your spring rate, which gives you the functionality of carrying a range of weight in the truck without squat. You basically trade ride quality for that though. That’s why air suspension is used on Semi tractors and coil/leaf springs are used on off road vehicles.

[@Regal2800]

@@CJCOffRoad I c, thanks for the input.

[@necstanunn]

What about diesel vs gas (I know you have setups for both, but which has smoother ride?) Getting a Laramie instead of Power Wagon... am I better getting normal suspension vs getting power wagon setup knowing I'm getting yalls stuff? Mega Cab vs Crew?

[@CJCOffRoad]

As far as ride is concerned, there’s no difference between a Hemi and Cummins truck with a Carli system. That same thing goes for the PW vs 2500 as well since you’re replacing all the suspension. While the Power Wagons have a lot of hype, the factory suspension is lack luster compared to the rest of the truck. They’re capable of a whole lot more with some real suspension under them!

[@necstanunn]

@@CJCOffRoad thank you for input...

[@2Dawoods]

@@CJCOffRoad There is a question about Carli building up the 2500/3500 2.5 Pin tops for the diesel platform and not the Hemi. Ive spoken to Carli and they told me they don't have a 2.5 Pintop for my 3500 Hemi because of the weight difference. :). I've had the full Carli 2.5 Pintop in my 2020 3500 Hemi for just over a month and it is F'n amazing!!! Love it on and off road!! My last rig was a full AEV Duel Sport suspension and this one is over and beyond that one IMHO. Love the Vids!!! keep um coming. My 2020 is same color as yours and did the blackout as well...It looks badass! Also stuffed a PW winch behind the Stock bumper. Loving this truck!!

[@swampdonkey5871]

Hi there I have a 2022 ram 2500.coil. Ordered 3.25 carli pin top.I have a 40' gooseneck I would be using twice a month really.what you recommend timbren or airbag assist?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Likely just Timbrens since it's easy enough to install them when you need them twice a month, and then remove them after!

[@scotthooper4170]

What do you consider “Light younger weight”?

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

Great review to help with decision 2/3500 platform.

[@grimloktt]

Hello. I have a 19' 1500 with factory air. During winter I put 1/2 ton plow on front (probably little over approved axle weight) and quite large snowblower in the rear. I'm also thinking about getting salt spreader for the rear. Aside from that, I use the truck routinely throughout the year periodically hauling dump trailer or the like. Most of the time, I use it for paved transportation and REALLY enjoy the nice ride--compared to my old F150. I'm thinking of getting a truck that's a little more capable but really don't want to compromise ride comfort. Can I get away with both, and if so, what do you think would be the best setup? Thank you!

[@CJCOffRoad]

We'd recommend moving up to a Ram 2500 with the air rear end. That should be perfectly suited to what you need to use it for as long as it's a small salt spreader under 500 pounds!

[@mathewfranco3211]

Does ram make a 2500 diesel with leaf springs. Thank you.

[@CJCOffRoad]

They do pre 2014. In 2014 they switched to a 4 link rear end.

[@brettlynch2707]

Looking to order a 3500 regular cab 4x4 from the factory. Do you guys have any input on base motor vs H.O.? It will be a daily/road trip rig with a pop up tent camper shell out back.

[@CJCOffRoad]

There's really no reason to get the HO! The normal Cummins still has PLENTY of power!

[@brettlynch2707]

@@CJCOffRoad whats the shops experience with the transmissions? I was reading in some forums that hot shot drivers still having issues with the 20/21 68rfe. That’s why I was thinking it could be worth the upgrade to get the Aisin.

[@CJCOffRoad]

It's extremely reliable. For heavy hauling the Aisin is the better option, but it's much harder shifting so for your use case the 68 is a better fit.

[@garhask4432]

I have a question what if you buy a Ranch hand bumper or fourfab bumper or adding Winch does the shock change because it has added weight in the front now?

[@CJCOffRoad]

The front end of the truck will sit slightly lower than Carli’s stated height due to the added weight of the bumper.

[@bondjamesbond1151]

I didn't realize people bought heavy duty trucks for off roading I figured you would want something light weight

[@EnduroTrails71]

Excellent Video as I was getting ready to buy a 2500 Ram and now maybe I need a 3500. My plan is to put a Lance camper (2500lbs) in the back of one. You quoted a max payload of 1800lbs but The specs for the 2022 2500 is 3200lbs (quadcab short wheelbase) is it not? In the end is it just better to buy the 3500 with the leaf springs or modify the 2500 (since 2500’s are easy to come my in my area). Again thanks for the video as I had not considered this potential issue.

[@CJCOffRoad]

For your needs, we highly suggest getting a 3500. Most diesel 2500s have a max payload around 1,800 pounds. The claimed 3,200 pounds you're mentioning is ONLY on the most stripped down, 2wd, gas engine single cab trucks sadly which isn't what people get. With a 3500, you also have a much more stable, better handling rear suspension design.

[@JohnnyDominoRican]

I want the softest ride what should I get. Towing is going to be very light. Mainly a daily so I want a soft ride not stiff.

[@CJCOffRoad]

The air 2500s ride fantastic on the street so that's what we'd recommend. Pair that with a Carli system and you have a VERY smooth truck!

[@roarkfabworks]

I’d suggest not getting the air ride. I had a rear bag blow on my 19 and Chrysler would not cover it. $1400 out of pocket to fix it. Sold the truck and going back to a 3rd gen.

[@hlwade]

Would love your opinion. 98% I don't tow and need the best ride I can get for customers with me. When I do haul I pull a 10k lb boat about 900 miles both ways and then a 12k trailer/tractor setup. Should I buy air or coil, 2500 or 3500, and which Carli system should I get to maximize ride, level, and small lift? Thanks guys!

[@CJCOffRoad]

If you want a zero sacrifice setup, then a Ram 3500 with a fully optioned Carli pintop system and full replacement Carli leaf pack with Carli long travel air bags is the way to go!

[@floydieharris6236]

Good info and great watch!

[@Gilbertll]

Nice play on words to push your CJC suspension and decieve potential Ram Truck buyers. FOR THE RECORD.... a Ram 2500 with the self-leveling air suspension has a distinctly softer and more comfortable ride than the standard coil spring setup. Hands down, no doubt. You should consider the fact that not everyone is dying to put your aftermarket suspension on their Ram 2500. So the BEST option for the guy/gal who does not want to buy your aftermarket suspension is the self-leveling air suspension option.

[@CJCOffRoad]

There's no deception here, just truth. We cater to an off road focused market. The air system is great for on road driving, but we've seen too many failures off road or in cold areas to recommend those trucks for customers seeking that kind of usage. We offer systems specific to the air Rams if people want them, but only recommend those trucks to customers focused on road driving in warmer locations.

[@rmezi1]

Getting a FWC camper Grandby (about 1700lbs dry). With a family of 4, and gear, I’m thinking payload around 2500-3000 likely. Sounds like you recommend the 3500. Is there a particular leaf pack you would recommend for this rig that would not be an awful ride without the camper in the back?

[@CJCOffRoad]

We’d actually recommend doing a custom leaf pack from Deaver designed for the end loaded weight. That’s going to give you the best ride possible from the truck! It’s about $800 for a custom pack, and money well spent!

[@benogan8630]

I have a 2019 ram 2500 longhorn diesel with the air bags, will the Carli suspension with the 3” pin top kings work with this truck or do I have to wait for the systems you hinted at that are coming out soon?

[@CJCOffRoad]

You’ll want to wait for the new systems that are coming out!

[@benogan8630]

How long do you believe until these systems are out

[@briana9914]

Can i get the dominator carly system if i have a Ram 3500 swd with rear air suspension? Can i keep the load/tow capacity?

[@CJCOffRoad]

No unfortunately not with the air suspension. However Carli does have a system designed specifically for those trucks that maintains full factory towing! www.cjcoffroad.com/Carli-Suspension-3-Pintop-2-5-3500-Air-Ride-p/cs-dpt25-1319-d-alas.htm

[@SupramanTRD]

I got an air ride 2020 3500, the system works great. But try finding lift kits for it.

[@CJCOffRoad]

Carli has a dedicated system specifically for that truck! www.cjcoffroad.com/Carli-Suspension-3-Pintop-2-5-3500-Air-Ride-p/cs-dpt25-1319-d-alas.htm

[@burnedagain6187]

Very expensive

[@benogan8630]

Sorry I accidentally put in 3500 when I meant to put in 2500 could you send the link for that please

[@Ekeenan86]

What is the recommendation for a 2500 planning to tow a 14k dump trailer? Max weight being 14k.

[@CJCOffRoad]

We’d stick to the Carli or Thuren level systems, or do a set of Timbren bump stops when you want to tow with one of the 3” systems that improve ride on all four corners.

[@mikestrucks]

Great video guys 👍🏻

[@CJCOffRoad]

Thank you! 👍

[@rkrl1088]

What rims and tires on the black mega ?

[@hunterharness]

Any cp4 issues in the 5th gen I know eddies life came to y’all for suspension work and he is having issues w his. Thoughts on the cp4?

[@CJCOffRoad]

We’ve never had issues, but remember he’s tuned and deleted. All our trucks have stock engines/emissions equipment!

[@moparproud3978]

No such thing as a 5th gen HD. They are still 4th gens. And CP4’s are junk no matter what they come on

[@bigcountry9457]

I agree with MoparProud, given time a lot of folks will have issues with the glitter gun, I mean CP4 simply because they are junk and time is not on your side. If you are to buy a new truck with the glitter gun then I would recommend swapping it out for a CP3....though I dont think its that easy. I think you have to rebuild the CP4 with CP3 internals, but I'm not sure.

[@imgumby6378]

They went back to the cp3 for 2021, so that should tell you something right there.

[@bigcountry9457]

@@imgumby6378 I was not aware of this!

[@pjasyl]

Will a power wagon safely handle a utility trailer for towing a small boat and all terain vehicle ?

[@RyanSmith-yk6rp]

My 16 PW with full Thuren parts and 37s handled a 22’ camper or my heavy flatbed with Jeep on it great.

[@CJCOffRoad]

It depends on the tongue weight of the trailer!

[@pjasyl]

@@CJCOffRoad Thanks for the information! I Did not know that. Will keep tongue weight in mind.

[@moparproud3978]

Of course it will. As long as you keep the factory specs in mind. A lot of people buy a Wagon assuming it’s a regular 2500 and end up with a truck that squats and doesn’t tow the way they expected. They fail to understand the suspension is tuned WAY different

[@pjasyl]

@@RyanSmith-yk6rp Good to know that the power wagon can handle the load.

[@iakona3358]

Bags are 100x better for towing heavy loads. I've had all three systems and Ram's factory air suspension is far superior to any leaf or coil suspension when towing. Get coil if you're not towing anything heavier than 1000 lb tongue weight once in a while. Over 1000 lbs or frequent towing you should have leaf springs or air bags. If you're 5th wheel or truck camper you should definitely have air bags to level the ride. Ram factory air bags are designed to work with a different leaf pack than the leaf spring only suspension. Factory bags function much better than a 3500 leaf sprung truck with aftermarket Air Lift or Firestone bag system.

[@juansantiago1441]

CJC are you concerned about the CP4 pump premature failures on the Ram 5th gens?

[@moparproud3978]

There’s no such thing as a 5th gen Ram HD, they are still 4th gen. And a CP4 is garbage regardless of the vehicle it’s on. Will the Cummins application prove to be better than the other two? Guess we will all find out together.

[@Posibrian]

The top 4 domestic automobile manufacturers have this issue. It's not just RAM.

[@juansantiago1441]

@@Posibrian GM changed from CP4 to a Denso... not sure if it’s any better, it seems to have mixed reviews...

[@danielmonighetti3891]

Thank you for the video! I've been looking at a power wagon for years, but just started renting a travel trailer one a year to see how we like it. Unfortunately, the payload and towing capacity of the power wagon significantly reduces the ability to tow even a travel trailer. So I am now looking at the Ram 2500 Rebel. I saw an option for the air leveling kit but also know there are other airlifter kits aftermarket. For somebody that will be using the truck as a daily driver, off-road for hunting, and once or twice a year towing a trailer, what are your thoughts about auto level system or other suspensions to help with sag?

[@CJCOffRoad]

We'd HIGHLY recommend a 3500 leaf sprung truck for your application. It will have more articulation and travel off road than a 2500, and offer your the paylaod you need to tow a trailer comfortably. With a 2500 of any trim you'll have the same issues as your Power Wagon.

[@unclesam8451]

Your guys Carli kits back ordered like everyone else?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Currently the issue is actually Fox and King shocks, so the issue goes beyond just Carli product! Both brands are catching up though and things are starting to get back to normal.

[@jackwilliams5474]

I don't tow, or go off road or anything. Just a Daily driver for highway commuting, to the office. The 2500 with Air ride is awesome.

[@drakeanton2000]

So pretty much spend $10k on suspension upgrades and you’ll get the softest ride. Thanks.

[@powerstar2363]

gotta pay to play

[@Posibrian]

Stick to your Prius

[@4wdiesels]

Or buy a power wagon....it is soft from the factory but doesn't tow as much because it is soft

[@laneblount9888]

He’s trying to sell their lift kits lol. I have a 4th gen air ride and it rides so much smoother than my father in laws coil spring truck. They are both stock on 35s

[@burnedagain6187]

Replaced the ram 3500longhorn with f350 tremor, amazingly rides much smoother. I didn’t like the large screen to much I guess I’m old as the buttons and knobs are easier to use.

[@gabrielf1911]

I don't plan on any high speed off roading. I'll just add 5k or 7k helper bags to my coil spring 2500. Great video though.

[@superdukerandy]

You have a Power Wagon....that's the answer.

[@blackpepe]

air 3500 seems to ride rougher than non air

[@CJCOffRoad]

That's correct. A factory air 3500 is the roughest riding modern stock truck. The air 2500s are a whole different story. They're extremely smooth.

[@burnedagain6187]

Got rid of my 3500air ride as it’s to expensive to modify to make it my own. In addition the dpf system sucks and mileage sucks add lift and tire it really sucks. 3500 doesn’t move out of its own way with mods then warranty goes out the window.

[@paulherring4230]

Air rides noce toll breaks🤑

[@warriors2525]

i have a 03 dodge 2500 with stock suspension and my max is 3300lbs 2018 dodge ram 2500 with stock suspension max load is 3400lbs stop lying to people about their payload capacity

[@CJCOffRoad]

We’re pulling payload numbers directly from the Ram website for a new 2020 Ram. The older trucks are a whole different ball game. 90% of our customers own a Laramie or higher crew/mega 4x4 Ram with a 6.5 foot bed so those are the numbers we quoted. Here’s a link to Ram’s website to compare: www.ramtrucks.com/towing-guide.html

[@jk-guy4226]

I just checked a 2018 crew cab, shortbed with a Cummins and it’s 2380. Unless you have a regular cab, 2wd gasser, your payload is no where near what you state.

[@tonychandley1309]

I was just at the website and a ram 2500 payload isn't down too 1400 too 1800lbs not sure what u was looking out seen a Cummins one at like 26 or 2700lbs all others over that

[@tonychandley1309]

That is 2021 models oh