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11-21-2015, 11:41 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2015 25' Flying Cloud
Tappahannock
, Virginia
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 50
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RAM 2500 auto leveling rear suspension
Looking at a RAM 2500 Laramie Cummins short bed and one of the vehicles has auto leveling rear suspension - is this a must have feature or just nice to have?
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11-21-2015, 11:46 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
Pleasanton
, California
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 745
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RAM 2500 auto leveling rear suspension
I waited 5 months until the auto leveling was available on the 2014. I'm very happy with it and enjoy the ride. Must have in my opinion.
__________________
Al, K6IV
2015 30' Classic, "Chez Nu"
2014 RAM 2500 w/Cummins Diesel
ProPride Hitch, 400 W Solar
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11-21-2015, 07:38 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2012 28' International
Olympia
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 773
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It was a must have for me.
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Dave
2014 Ram 2500 CTD
Pro Pride
Centramatics
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11-22-2015, 08:21 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2010 28' Flying Cloud
Lower Alabama
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 658
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I suggest that you look into the air suspension 2500's by searching on the following forums which are dedicated to the Ram CTD trucks.
Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forum.php
Both the forums are great sources of insights. However the Turbo Diesel Register is akin to an owners group and you can access all the back issues of their quarterly magazines in addition to getting the new ones if you are a paid subscriber. If you are going to buy a Ram CTD, I would suggest you go ahead and pay the annual subscription, do your research, and make sure you get what you want and more importantly, understand what you are getting. By the way, you can join the forum without subscribing to the annual membership. For me personally the value is the depth of technical information and experience represented in the publications past, present and future.
I personally chose the coil spring suspension after my research.
__________________
Alan
"If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you never tried before!"
Air #64439
Southeastern Camping Unit WBCCI #5033
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11-22-2015, 09:14 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,223
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Our 2012 Ram 2500HD Cummins went from the purchase city Indianapolis to Oskaloosa, IA where a complete Kelderman level ride airbag suspension was factory installed front and rear. It has an on board air compressor that we also plumbed into an external air chuck beside the rear license plate for an air hose for tire maintenance on the road.
The big advantage for me being short is the droppable rear end which lowers about 6" when the rear shocks air is dumped. The truck sits level regardless of the load. The ride is much improved over the original coil springs.
Towing, we run the stock Michelin LT265/70R17E tires at 80 psi. Seems to steer better with the stiffer front tires.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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11-22-2015, 10:45 AM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member
2016 26' Flying Cloud
2016 25' Flying Cloud
1997 21' Excella
Full-Time
, Full-Time
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 281
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I purchased a 2015 RAM 1500 with 4 corner air suspension. I know the 2500 only has the rear air available but with that said, I will be ordering a 2016 RAM 2500 in Feb. with factory rear air. Given my experience hauling a 25FC all summer long with a factory auto leveling, I don't know if I could ever do without it. Individuals I ran into with the 2500 factory auto leveling were as impressed as me. And this is not just for towing, it also improves the overall ride when empty. I say go for it!
__________________
Greg
2016 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins, 4WD, Crew, Rear Air
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11-22-2015, 11:45 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2010 28' Flying Cloud
Lower Alabama
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 658
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Plan-B
I purchased a 2015 RAM 1500 with 4 corner air suspension. I know the 2500 only has the rear air available but with that said, I will be ordering a 2016 RAM 2500 in Feb. with factory rear air. Given my experience hauling a 25FC all summer long with a factory auto leveling, I don't know if I could ever do without it. Individuals I ran into with the 2500 factory auto leveling were as impressed as me. And this is not just for towing, it also improves the overall ride when empty. I say go for it!
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Greg, can you share with us the difference between the two systems?
Thanks
__________________
Alan
"If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you never tried before!"
Air #64439
Southeastern Camping Unit WBCCI #5033
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11-22-2015, 01:15 PM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
2016 26' Flying Cloud
2016 25' Flying Cloud
1997 21' Excella
Full-Time
, Full-Time
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 281
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There is an option on the 1500 for front and rear air suspension. The 2500 is on the rear suspension only. They work similar in that they both adjust to a level ride no matter the load on the vehicle. It is just the 1500 does front and rear because it also has other adjustments like lowering at highway speeds and raising the truck for off roading. The 2500 rear leveling is geared for keeping the rear level depending on loads. But also has a tow option that lowers the rear so the front and rear of truck are parallel to the ground, then the truck maintains a level ride dynamically depending on loads (trailer, people, fuel, cargo etc.). As these factors change your 2500 will remain level and parallel level to the ground.
PS: if you get auto level there is a special method that MUST be followed for your initial load leveling hitch to be setup. Most techs at dealerships and RV places have no concept of this method and will set you up incorrectly if you have this factory leveling on your truck. It's in the RAM manual but it is not the best description.
__________________
Greg
2016 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins, 4WD, Crew, Rear Air
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11-22-2015, 01:47 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
Pleasanton
, California
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 745
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Plan-B
PS: if you get auto level there is a special method that MUST be followed for your initial load leveling hitch to be setup. Most techs at dealerships and RV places have no concept of this method and will set you up incorrectly if you have this factory leveling on your truck. It's in the RAM manual but it is not the best description.
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PlanB, could you provide a reference for this method? I couldn't find anything in my 2014 2500 manual regarding the initial setup.
__________________
Al, K6IV
2015 30' Classic, "Chez Nu"
2014 RAM 2500 w/Cummins Diesel
ProPride Hitch, 400 W Solar
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11-22-2015, 02:36 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2017 25' International
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Los Osos
, California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 916
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Plan-B
PS: if you get auto level there is a special method that MUST be followed for your initial load leveling hitch to be setup. Most techs at dealerships and RV places have no concept of this method and will set you up incorrectly if you have this factory leveling on your truck. It's in the RAM manual but it is not the best description.
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I just ordered a RAM 2500 Laramie Cummins short bed. Do you have a better description of the correct initial setup?
__________________
2017 Airstream International Serenity 25FB
2016 RAM 2500 Crew Cab Cummins 6.7 Diesel
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11-22-2015, 02:37 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alano
I waited 5 months until the auto leveling was available on the 2014. I'm very happy with it and enjoy the ride. Must have in my opinion.
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Please be advised that several tests were made using automatic rear end leveling.
They "ALL" proved the same DISADVANTAGE.
When automatic leveling took place, the principle purpose of the load equalizing hitch was VOIDED by that system.
Further proof was the large number of roll over accidents that we (Caravanner Insurance) paid for when automatic leveling was used. Also improper inflated "air bags" and "air shocks" did the same thing, namely defeating the purpose of a load equalizing hitch.
Simply put, it took the bend out of the bars, meaning weight was not being properly transfered.
Andy
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11-22-2015, 03:29 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 394
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alano
PlanB, could you provide a reference for this method? I couldn't find anything in my 2014 2500 manual regarding the initial setup.
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Go to the Ram Trucks Owners Manual access page.
Instructions are given beginning on page 646 for 2015 and page 694 for 2016.
It's interesting to note that the Ram instructions now have an implied 67% front axle load restoration for the 1500 models with air suspension and 50% for "All Other 1500(Non-Air Suspension)/2500/3500 Trucks".
Ron
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11-22-2015, 04:17 PM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
2016 26' Flying Cloud
2016 25' Flying Cloud
1997 21' Excella
Full-Time
, Full-Time
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphonse
Greg, can you share with us the difference between the two systems?
Thanks
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Alen,
The owners manual that comes with the RAMs I do not believe they come with the instructions. I have attached, I hope, a pasted together PDF images out of the online RAM manual for air suspension adjustment with a WDH.
The RAM online manual is much more robust with info. than the paper form. Here is the link to their web site to select your vehicle. This is where I got the info:
Ram Trucks Owners Service Manuals
Note: the 2500 instructions (air suspension) for weight distributing hitches is very vague. Also read the instructions for the 1500 too, also included. The measurements for initial adjustment are different, that makes since, but it does not mention to turn off the load leveling air suspension before making these initial adjustments, as it notes for the 1500 and I am accustomed to. I would suggest putting the 2500 into JACK MODE, but it does not mention this and thus makes no since to me. The 1500 does mention the JACK mode. The physics are the same between both trucks so JACK mode makes since to me or the 2500 will be fighting to correct you when adjusting for the WDH setup. Hope this makes since and the attached file works. My attachment is from the 2016 RAM user manual. same instructions as the 2015.
http://cdn.airforums.com/forums/imag...attach/pdf.gif
__________________
Greg
2016 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins, 4WD, Crew, Rear Air
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11-23-2015, 06:47 AM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
2016 26' Flying Cloud
2016 25' Flying Cloud
1997 21' Excella
Full-Time
, Full-Time
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 281
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Please be advised that several tests were made using automatic rear end leveling.
They "ALL" proved the same DISADVANTAGE.
When automatic leveling took place, the principle purpose of the load equalizing hitch was VOIDED by that system.
Further proof was the large number of roll over accidents that we (Caravanner Insurance) paid for when automatic leveling was used. Also improper inflated "air bags" and "air shocks" did the same thing, namely defeating the purpose of a load equalizing hitch.
Simply put, it took the bend out of the bars, meaning weight was not being properly transfered.
Andy
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Andy, would you please share with us these studies you mention? If true these would be important to know. Per my noting in this thread, most RV centers and Ram dealers have NO idea how to setup properly the Ram factory air suspension when using a WDH. As i noted, if JACK mode is not initiated for the initial setup then the purpose and dynamics of the WDH will basically be nullified. Is this dangerous, I can't say, but putting into Jack mode,then adjusting, then the air suspension will only supplement the WDH +/- has the payload changes on the TV. How this is would intice roll over would be interesting. I wonder how all the semis handle running on air?
__________________
Greg
2016 RAM 2500 6.7L Cummins, 4WD, Crew, Rear Air
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11-23-2015, 06:47 PM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
2015 30' Classic
Sherwood
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 479
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Please be advised that several tests were made using automatic rear end leveling.
They "ALL" proved the same DISADVANTAGE.
When automatic leveling took place, the principle purpose of the load equalizing hitch was VOIDED by that system.
Further proof was the large number of roll over accidents that we (Caravanner Insurance) paid for when automatic leveling was used. Also improper inflated "air bags" and "air shocks" did the same thing, namely defeating the purpose of a load equalizing hitch.
Simply put, it took the bend out of the bars, meaning weight was not being properly transfered.
Andy
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Do you have any empirical evidence for other air suspension systems such as my 2008 Range Rover HSE? I have Blue Ox WD with 1,000 lbs bars that remain bowed when vehicle is level and running. Thanks.
__________________
2015 Classic 30A, Blue OX Sway Pro, 2016 F350 4x4 Ultimate Lariat crew cab SRW, LWB, 6.7 PSD, 20" wheels, Ingot Silver Metallic, DiamondBack tonneau cover, TrailFX wheel-to-wheel step bars.
Sold: 2014 25FB International Serenity
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11-23-2015, 07:49 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2017 25' International
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Los Osos
, California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 916
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Please be advised that several tests were made using automatic rear end leveling.
They "ALL" proved the same DISADVANTAGE.
When automatic leveling took place, the principle purpose of the load equalizing hitch was VOIDED by that system.
Further proof was the large number of roll over accidents that we (Caravanner Insurance) paid for when automatic leveling was used. Also improper inflated "air bags" and "air shocks" did the same thing, namely defeating the purpose of a load equalizing hitch.
Simply put, it took the bend out of the bars, meaning weight was not being properly transfered.
Andy
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Buzz kill.....
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11-23-2015, 10:02 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2017 25' International
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Los Osos
, California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 916
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I towed a 6,000 pound trailer with my 2001 Tahoe equipped with a rear air load leveling system. The weight distribution system was initially set up with the load leveling system at rest, not active. The air system kicked in after approximately 2 miles of running and brought the SUV and trailer to a level attitude. I towed over 100,000 miles with this combination all over the U.S. mountain west, southwest and Canada. The WDS and Air Leveling system was very effective and reliable.
__________________
2017 Airstream International Serenity 25FB
2016 RAM 2500 Crew Cab Cummins 6.7 Diesel
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11-23-2015, 10:50 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2010 28' Flying Cloud
Lower Alabama
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 658
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As with any rig, the Cat scales are the best answer as to whether or not the weight distribution bars are working or not and restoring the load to the front axle.
I suggest that for a vehicle equipped with self leveling air bags it is very important to check it out on the scales since you cannot do the dimensional measurements and checks to confirm deflections, etc. So the scales will let you know where you are after the truck levels up automatically in terms of WD.
__________________
Alan
"If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you never tried before!"
Air #64439
Southeastern Camping Unit WBCCI #5033
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