Testing RAM's Factory Air Suspension | What You Should Know Before You Buy!

[@scottgreen1787]

I've had pickup's all my life, and always worked them. I just bought a 2022 Ram 3500 with factory air suspension, thinking it would add capacity , and it does. However, in my mind, things did not make sense. In my mind, adding tongue weight lowers the rear end of the truck, and the air bags bring it back up to where the bed of the truck was before adding tongue weight. That makes sense to me. What doesn't make sense is; AFTER applying tongue weight, and hitting "Alt Trailer Height" button, the truck lowers, and adjusts to a ride height which Ram calls leveling. Other times when pushing the "Alt Trailer Height" button, the bed will lower, and then go back up with a message of not enough tongue weight (I have multiple trailers). What??? I've been trying for a couple weeks to get my head wrapped around this system. I've done lots of research (reading Ram's website, watching u tube clips, reading owners manual, etc.). Nothing clearly explains this factory air ride system. While watching this video, everything fell into place, and all makes sense now. Here it goes..... The factory air suspension does one thing, but functions as two. The one thing is better ride. And the second thing is it handles the load/weight better. Let me explain. If you want a car type ride in a 3/4 ton Ram pickup, you get coil springs, or air bags. The coil springs can only handle so much weight. Same for the air bags. Too much weight on the air bags, and the truck does what Ram calls wagging. So Ram suggests jumping up to a one ton truck. A truck made for heavier work. With non factory air suspension, leaf spring ride is much stiffer. By adding factory air, sensers adjust air in air bags for ride. Not enough tongue weight means you don't don't need the stability of the leaf springs, and the bed of truck goes back up riding on air, and very little leaf spring. However, if tongue weight is heavy enough to cause "Wagging" on air bags, the factory air lowers the weight down on to the leaf springs for stabiliy, and then holds there to handle the weight, as there are less leaf springs than a non factory air truck. The air bags adjust for ride , and load. If loaded heavy enough to cause wag, it lowers to the leaf springs for stability. Does it make sense now? The factory air ride suspension in the 3500 Ram is not the same system as the 1500, or 2500.

[@DavidBrown-jt7yi]

I finally pulled the triggered and ordered me a Limited 3500 HO Black with the midnight edition. Was many years in the making. I drove all 3 brands but kept coming back to Ram. Should be here by mid April if all goes well. Love the videos.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yoooo congrats bro! You were looking at the AT4 right? Man I envy that build and was thinking about ordering a 2021 but I’m gonna hold off 👍🏾👍🏾

[@DavidBrown-jt7yi]

@@JB_WhoWork i dont blame you for holding off for the next gen with possible transmission upgrade. I've been holding off for 10 years so I said no more. Yes, I drove the Denali and AT4 but if I'm being honest the Ram drove better. Wasn't faster but it drove better overall, plus I'm buying a truck so the Ram is more of a truck to me. Thanks... Always enjoy your videos!

[@JB_WhoWork]

The truck you’re getting will be extremely reliable so you are checking a lot of boxes!!! Appreciate you 👍🏾

[@jeeperzr2]

@@DavidBrown-jt7yi i just took delivery of a 3500 dually Laramie a week and a half ago. I love it so far!

[@DavidBrown-jt7yi]

@@jeeperzr2 Nice, I've been waiting so long its hard to concentrate on anything else at this point. I find myself looking at everything that I can put on it (bigger gas tank, tires, etc). Congrats to you.

[@bryantbishop6933]

I think it’s worth it, it’s helps when you have a lot of tongue weight. I have a set of airlifts on my 01 2500HD and I would recommend airbags to anyone pulling loads with high tongue weight or a gooseneck

[@kalebunderwood2905]

Didn’t even watch the video, but my 16 limited 2500 has it. It’s worth it, I will only have Rams for that reason. It’s so worth it.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Go ahead and watch it lol! It works great on 3/4 since the bags support the rear 👍🏾

[@kalebunderwood2905]

@@JB_WhoWork true. I am ordering a 3500 limited with a Ho SRW in the spring. I’m getting the air bags too.

[@kalebunderwood2905]

@@JB_WhoWork I love your 5th gen too. I was on the fence about the interior and decided to go with the white and blue and get it ceramic coated because I work in landscaping/ lawn maintenance

[@thekeatons4]

I bought mine without the factory air. I added my own bags and air compressor for like 700.00... saved 1000.00! Plus I have complete control of how much air they need...even when going down the road. I didnt like how the truck does everything on its own. Plus, I have the Reese Goosebox like you... I use the air compressor for the bags to air up my bag on the hitch! thanks for video... I appreciate your work

[@JB_WhoWork]

Awesome info and thanks for sharing the price for your bags. Which ones did you go with?

[@thekeatons4]

@@JB_WhoWork I went with Airlift 5000 with the bump stops installed and the Wireless One Air compressor. I had the same setup on my 2016 MEGA CAB 2500 and now on my 2018 Ram dually. I can adjust when the road conditions change... sometimes I need 50 lbs and sometimes 65 is better. Well worth looking into!

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for sharing this brother 👍🏾👍🏾

[@shanehorsman2351]

I have a Ram 3500 with the ram air. When I load my 2022 Northern Lite slide in camper 1 side of the truck is 2 inches lower than the other side

[@scottrock7747]

The suspension does lower and raise, but it happens as soon as you attach the trailer. Next time get a tape measure and attach it to your receiver hitch, that way you can see how quickly it raises and lowers.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yea I had didn’t have the tape measure with me on this crucial video 🤦‍♂️... I’m planning on doing this video again in the future, hopefully with my fifth wheel 👍🏾

[@catoctinor]

How does the unloaded ride of the 3500 w/ Air compare to the regular 3500 and the coil-sprung 2500?

[@JasonS_IN317]

My 2019 3500 SRW with the auto air rides much better than my previous 2016 GMC Denali 2500 did. It still impresses me and makes it a great daily driver. Has a much tighter turning radius too.

[@chrismar2893]

We just ordered a Limted Longhorn 3500 HO. No trucks in the area with air suspension so we don’t know how they drive yet but should be interesting.

[@ronhumphrey5490]

JB, I know I'm late to the party on this video. I have a 2015 Laramie Longhorn 2500 with the air suspension. Mine works flawlessly! Pushba button, it lowers. Push again, it raises. What's neat is when hooking up, the truck will squat with the load, then raise to level. When unhooked, the truck will raise with the load being removed, then "settle" or lower itself to the correct height. Once again, this was a very informative video. It looks like Ram had changed the airbags from '15-'21. If interested, I can take a picture of my airbags, or shoot a short video of mine in action

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for sharing, send me ur email

[@ronhumphrey5490]

@@JB_WhoWork [e-mail]

[@miller6698]

The 2500 doesn’t have leaf springs, the 2500 has coil springs in the back and if I’m not mistaken the air bags on a 2500 replaces the coil springs, hence the reason you can lower truck. The 3500 has leaf springs with “helper” air bag system. It doesn’t really do anything unless truck has heavy load.

[@caroldavid1019]

I love the auto air bags on my 2016 3500 Mega dually. The auto level rear air suspension will not allow you to change between Normal or Alternate heights without a heavy load on the bead. It works perfectly when loaded.

[@JB_WhoWork]

I can’t wait until a used one comes through so I can tow with it. HD Trucks already ride better with a load so looking forward to how good it is under load 👍🏾

[@caroldavid1019]

@@JB_WhoWork The bagged Rams ride great. They only have a few leafs in the leaf spring packs. The leafs main job is to keep the axle located as the bags carry most of the weight. This allows for a softer ride compared to a sprung dually when empty.

[@Rccrdawgs]

For 80g's that hitch aughta hit the pavement for you! When you say lower , the icon says "yessir"

[@JB_WhoWork]

😂😂😂

[@keithhansen3963]

Well documented JB. I just ordered a 3500 w/ the airbags. Was under the impression I could drop the tailgate from inside the cab, lower the truck, drive under the ball, then raise it back up, only to exit and put the tail gate back up. Doesn't look like that's the why it works.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Hey Keith, I could be doing something wrong, next time I have a chance, I will try it again. Seems like it was lowering but it’s so minimal it doesn’t seem like much. Once you have your trailer set, it should work better 👍🏾

[@miller6698]

The 2500 doesn’t have leaf springs, the 2500 has coil springs in the back and if I’m not mistaken the air bags on a 2500 replaces the coil springs, hence the reason you can lower truck. The 3500 has leaf springs with “helper” air bag system. It doesn’t really do anything unless truck has heavy load.

[@JoshuaAGalvan77901]

Do you have the power tailgate?

[@keithhansen3963]

@@JoshuaAGalvan77901 Yes. I can drop the tailgate from both inside the cab(via a push button) or from my keyfob. The 3500 has leaf springs and airbags, so it doesn't lower like the 2500 can.

[@johnnicpon5783]

The air suspension is so different between the 2500 and the 3500. My 2500 has three positions. Standard, in which the back end is slightly higher than the front end. Alternate trailer height which makes the truck completely level (and what I use to tow). And the low height. This is great for getting under the coupler and then move to alt trailer height and the ball moves right up into the coupler. Makes hitching a breeze. From what I have read on the 3500 it only adjusts about a half Inch and only under a substantial load. So while I love it for the 2500 it does not seem to be worth the price on the 3500. Another good vid, looking forward to the next.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for sharing John! I did a video like this with a 2500 and I personally loved it a lot better too. I think the leaf springs make the difference since on the 2500 the bags replace the coils 👍🏾

[@gorrell100]

@@JB_WhoWork Just came across your video. I am about to order a 2022 Ram 2500 with air suspension. We tow a ~6000 lb trailer roughly 5000 miles a year. Are these bags worth the up-charge given the relatively lite load and few tow miles? Thank you. I enjoy your videos.

[@mikeh2772]

Maybe unlock the coupler? :) Good stuff, keep them coming.

[@JB_WhoWork]

I think it was but I have to go back and look, thanks bro 👍🏾

[@huddy32]

Is have one,, the 3500 don’t lower like the 2500 and 1500.. they are essentially only helper airbags. With nothing in the bed or not towing the bass are empty

[@thewhiskeycowboy-official]

On a side note, about truck colors.... I think black trucks look better towing most things.... except white trailers or horse trailers. And then white looks better IMO. But the way to make the visual matchup with horse trailers and black trucks though, is to get your horse trailer with black trim. lol Cheers!

[@moduc996]

Can you add the air suspension option after purchasing the truck? Mine doesn’t have it and I’m thinking of pulling a travel trailer.

[@JB_WhoWork]

I would go aftermarket because buying everything then installing would be crazy expensive

[@miller6698]

The truck has leaf springs and “air assist” suspension. You can’t lower it, the leaf springs won’t allow it. Only under heavy load will the air bags level the rear. The 2500 lowers the bed because it doesn’t have leaf springs.

[@Durkis0077]

My 2021 3500, when I click bed lower, it drops 1-1/2 inches

[@miller6698]

@@Durkis0077 without a load in the bed or a trailer hooked up? Factory suspension? No it doesn’t.

[@Durkis0077]

@@miller6698 factory setup, I have a lightweight aluminum ladder rack and 1 ladder. Maybe 200 -250 pounds. I’m telling you it drops 1-1/2”

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

I like that Ram offers the airbags. What I don't know is are the airbags Firestone or Airlift. I'm not a fan of the Firestone airbags. That is a nice looking truck with super payload. I like the options it has and the price wasn't bad. Thanks for the review JB.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Great question, I’m not sure who they source these bags from 🤔. Not a bad truck for towing a fifth wheel, thanks brother 👍🏾

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

@@JB_WhoWork 👍

[@commoncents456]

Firestone makes airbags for all big trucks so not sure what's not to like

[@mattisaac2217]

Nice option only manufacturer to offer one draw back is if you go with Firestone or air lift you can get on board air for inflating tires on trailer probably a little cheaper aftermarket

[@JB_WhoWork]

I agree and it’s a toss up for me.... if you get aftermarket bags and on board sur compressor, you should be able to get parts/install for around $1000... the factory system is covered under warranty though 👍🏾

[@mtjeeves1234]

Having to work on these. I will tell you that if it gets damaged, it's not worth it. If you get in an accident. Your truck will be in the body shop for 3 extra months waiting for air ride parts. Because as the manufacturer standard states, it must be replaced. Can not be repaired or refurbished. Same thing with the chevy trucks with the electric tailgate with the step in it. Sure we can repair it, if GM can send us undamaged new parts. I had a 2020 at4 sitting here for 6 months while GM sent me a broken step 2 times a month. Finally I sourced it through the local dealership off a new truck. Just putting that out there so you're aware. Not making a statement about how well it works. Just the down time involved if you're in an accident.

[@Ekeenan86]

You need to upgrade that hitch, I bought a bulletproof hitch for my ‘21 2500 bighorn and it’s been great.

[@supporterofsanity]

Bro you tried your best but I just couldn't tell it did much lol! The last shot of the coupler up close was the best point of view to see the suspension moving. I have a feeling the air suspension will be more noticeable with a fifth wheel or gooseneck. Oh and just remember black trucks look good...if they're clean haha!

[@JB_WhoWork]

Lol I was trying but this system still needs work in my opinion... 2500 air suspension works way better for sure. I was kind of kidding with the black truck because I’m still mad about a black car I used to own. I can still see those swirls in my sleep 😆👍🏾

[@supporterofsanity]

@@JB_WhoWork Haha Ok I'm just looking out for you!

[@gomezjaime17]

I love the air suspension great video

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yea it’s a great option for sure, thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@WalkerTexasplumber]

I’ve had two 5th gens . Owned each screen and i like the 8.4 better

[@matthewanderson9912]

That’s a nice truck. I actually like the smaller screen better in the Rams because you get real buttons for like heated seats and such. But don’t get black the next time ! Don’t fall for their clean “but you didn’t have to wash it looks” now! First time having to wash it yourself and see it attracting dust before you even drive it will change your mind! I used to only buy black trucks and then I got a white one and was blown away! Red is actually my favorite and I’d trade my 2020 white truck in a heartbeat for a red one if the numbers would add up lol. But white is a solid second in my opinion.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yea the buttons are a big plus in my book because going through the screen for ventilated/heated seats gets cumbersome... I agree, black never looks good after a year... I’ve only hand washed my truck, never ran it through the car wash and it still has swirls on white paint so black would drive me crazy lol 👍🏾

[@benc.7446]

Air suspension on the 3500 can,t go lower unless there is weight on it as the truck Is actually riding on the springs when empty. The reason they have that setting is to allow the truck to ride level with a trailer connected otherwise the truck will go up to normal ride height. Always better to tow level. Have my Longhorn Mega Cab 3500 on order to replace my 2014 Laramie👍.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for sharing Ben, the bed lowering doesn’t work that great on the 1 ton and that’s most likely why.

[@getpower1]

Would be a nice option to have. But the warranty on that system is probably only covered under the 3 year bumper to bumper. I think if you like to keep trucks for a while you could be asking for a headache later. Would be a difficult decision for me.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Very true 👍🏾

[@benc.7446]

@@getpower1 in general I agree but the system Ram developed seems to be pretty robust. I have a 2014 2500 with air suspension, (possibly the first customer delivered truck with it). It has 117k miles and it has been used as a truck but well maintained. I’ve towed a 14k lbs 5th wheel numerous times, equipment trailers, 14k dump trailers- even had loads of and and stone in excess of 3k lbs in the bed and the system is still working great. I would assume the 3500 system would be even more reliable since it is only used when loaded while the 2500 is always riding on the airbags. I have been so impressed by the system I am ordering a Longhorn 3500 with the air suspension. Always a chance of having a problem but it has really been worth having for me.

[@getpower1]

@@benc.7446 I’m really glad to hear the system has been reliable. There is for sure a give and take to everything. Anything built can have problems...or not...

[@ftkobbe]

Nice video, thanks. I've got the factory air suspension on 2020 3500. In hindsight, I think I'd delete it and put in a Firestone system instead. BTW... I never have gotten the bed lowering to work.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for sharing Will, I think RAM needs to rethink how they are advertising this system because dropping the bed an inch isn’t nothing to be proud off.... System does help the ride and I’m sure if you’re hauling 3k in the bed, it levels but $300 bags do the same thing 👍🏾

[@ikelwilson]

The 2500 will lower when empty because it has air bags with no springs. 3500 has springs with air bags and will not lower empty.

[@brotherheed00]

Yeah more weight needed along with more cow bell.

[@deeaikens9843]

I feel like if you get the long bed and chrome grill you shouldn’t get the 12” it’s no longer a luxury tow rig it’s just a work horse

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yea but still a luxurious work horse lol!

[@getpower1]

I don’t know about all that. Should get whatever you want if it’s your money. The 12” would be another thing I would have to think about hard. When I go camping I almost always arrive in the dark. So while I’m trying to back my fifth wheel into a difficult spot, I can’t turn my screen off. If you hit screen off it comes back on in reverse automatically. So it’s dark, I can barley see, and my rear camera comes on and my reverse lights are reflecting off of the front of the white trailer making the inside of the cab bright.

[@napollard]

Wow, that was a waste of time. Not mad bro but damn....