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Old 08-15-2016, 10:53 AM   #1
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Ram 1500 Outdoorsman-air bags or not?

Hi
I have Ram 1500 Outdoorsman with 5.7L hemi and Outdoorsman package and will be purchasing a Z-1 ZT 225RB that has a dry weight of 5198 pounds. I am wondering if i would be able to get away with just using a weight distribution setup instead of getting air bags. The Ram only has coil springs with no leaf springs and can sag quite a bit. Thanks.
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Old 08-15-2016, 11:56 AM   #2
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I've had airbags on my last two Fords (F150 & F250). I really like the leveling ability it provides, not to mention the added stability. Having said that, you may want to expirament with your new trailer first and see how it goes and then decide.
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Old 08-15-2016, 12:58 PM   #3
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I have the Ram 1500 Big Horn. I wish I did the airbags when I bought it....
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Old 08-15-2016, 02:27 PM   #4
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You can pick up Firestone airbags for around 400.00 easy to install
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Old 08-16-2016, 12:01 PM   #5
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If he goes the airbag route, is it worth going the extra distance/money to get the ones with a remote and an onboard compressor or just get the ones you inflate on your own? How much of an air source do you need? If you inflate, tow, drop off. Do you deflate or just leave them inflated for the couple of days and then tow home?

I am asking for a friend.
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Old 08-16-2016, 12:56 PM   #6
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That's a personal preference as too the on board compressor or not. I didn't put it in because of the cost (even though Airlift had a smokin deal a few weeks ago), but also because of the extra effort to put it in and the fact that if there is a leak you would have more of a difficult time finding it as the two lines are adjoined. I'm sure with water and soap spray you could locate it though.

I use my air compressor prior to leaving. If I'm just staying at a site for a day or two, I generally leave them pumped up. If I'm going to stay for several days or drive a lot, I will drop the air pressure to give a smoother ride without the trailer. I also use a small bike pump to add air on the road.
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Old 08-16-2016, 01:44 PM   #7
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When I had air bags, I carried, and still do carry a small 120 psi air compressor. One of the reasons I prefer the Roadmaster Active suspension.
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Old 08-16-2016, 01:55 PM   #8
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I have had bags with and without compressor and would not be without one. You can pick up a small setup for around 100.00. It allows you to adjust them at any time. Without you are constantly changing pressure manually until you get the ride right. Also if set for the trailer the ride is stiffer when empty
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Old 08-16-2016, 06:37 PM   #9
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I just bought bags and a compressor kit from Summit Racing for around $475. AirLift has a $100 rebate if you send in your receipt and the barcodes, bringing my total down to $375. You can find the form on the AirLift website. I bought a compressor that wasn't eligible for the rebate and sent it in anyways...and it worked. Just cashed the check yesterday. I like that I can adjust on the fly and deflate when we get to location. I adjust the PSI a little depending if I'm hauling firewood, fresh water, etc. My compressor is behind the back seat and the gauge/switch cluster is in the glove box. So far I have never lost any PSI going down the road, so I'm glad I didn't spend the extra money on the automatic wireless remote kit. Just more to go wrong.
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Old 08-20-2016, 02:43 PM   #10
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2014 Ram Ecodiesel - after first tow with a Crossroads ST250RB I added airbags from a company called BOSS (Australian manu.) without a compressor. Without the bags the rear dropped over 3" and the front lifted over 1". Now with 25 psi in the bags the truck is nice and level and tows much better. I set it back to 3 psi when not towing. I only use a bicycle pump and it takes a couple minutes. Unlike other manufactures they use two separate lines to each bag.
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Old 08-20-2016, 03:16 PM   #11
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I got my trailer and tried hooking it up with just weight distrubution and it was not bad at all. There was a little sag but the trailer/truck was pretty level. Probably stick with this setup for the couple more times I will be towing it. Thanks for everyone's comments.

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Old 08-20-2016, 04:49 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stanmc1 View Post
2014 Ram Ecodiesel - after first tow with a Crossroads ST250RB I added airbags from a company called BOSS (Australian manu.) without a compressor. Without the bags the rear dropped over 3" and the front lifted over 1". Now with 25 psi in the bags the truck is nice and level and tows much better. I set it back to 3 psi when not towing. I only use a bicycle pump and it takes a couple minutes. Unlike other manufactures they use two separate lines to each bag.
"Two" separate lines to each bag?? Did you mean "one" to each bag? If two, what is the second used for?? I know sometimes each bag line will be joined by a connector so you only need to pump or add air to one inlet to pump up the bags simultaneously.
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Old 08-21-2016, 08:52 AM   #13
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Sorry, meant to say one separate line to each bag.
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Old 08-21-2016, 09:14 PM   #14
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I'm curious why Ram does coil springs for its 1/2 ton. Does it ride smoother for everyday driving/grocery getting? Not knocking, just curious to Dodge's choice of coil springs for the rear as opposed to spring.
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Old 08-29-2016, 09:39 AM   #15
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Had our first trip with no air bags using weight distribution and there was no issues with just a little sag. There was a 1.5" difference between resting measures of the rear wheel well to hooked up.

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Old 08-29-2016, 11:05 AM   #16
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good to measure front wheel deflection too...
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Old 09-28-2016, 12:59 PM   #17
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Air bags

Just put them on my sons 2012 1500, they are wonderful, we went with the basics no compressor, put 25lbs in them to tow our Sunset Trails 300RK.
It has an Equalizer hitch also and it tows great! He keeps them at 25 all the time now and likes it.
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