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old farmer 
Silver Level Access
Joined: 12 Oct 2011
Location: Sturgis, Mich
Points: 341
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 Topic: New Truck
Posted: 20 Dec 2018 at 4:13pm |
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I’ve been looking at new trucks and my question how good or bad is the air suspension on Dodge Ram? Other brands say you don’t want it as there brand rides better than the air system. Thanks
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Scott B
Orange Level
Joined: 14 Sep 2013
Location: Kansas City
Points: 1002
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Posted: 20 Dec 2018 at 4:15pm |
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A buddy has that Dodge with air suspension and says its the best thing ever. Haven't ridden in it so can't say one way or another.....just not a big fan of Dodge.
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D17 Series 1
Allis B- 1939
Allis B- 1945
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Roger (NE)
Bronze Level
Joined: 14 Oct 2010
Location: Nebraska
Points: 186
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Posted: 20 Dec 2018 at 4:38pm |
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We have had a couple of Lincoln Town Cars with factory air suspension in the rear in place of springs. Personally, I love the ride of the air bags, especially on long interstate trips where you don't stop often. Just a lot more comfortable. Our camper puller pickup has aftermarket air bags (yes, it's a Dodge) and I can't necessarily say that they give it a better ride. But it's a heavy 3/4 ton. When not pulling I let most of the air out and when pulling I run them at only 10 pounds which along with the weight distribution hitch is enough to level out our travel trailer to how I like it going down the road. On the topic of Dodge vs other brands, I have always been a big fan of Fords with a Chevy thrown in from time to time. This is the second Dodge we have had to use as a camper puller. First one was a V10 gas and other than the mileage I really liked it. The one we have now has the Cummins diesel and I love it. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.
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DanWi
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Joined: 18 Sep 2009
Location: wttn
Points: 1707
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Posted: 20 Dec 2018 at 9:57pm |
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Like all new fancy gadgets its great when it works, some friends took one up to northern Wisconsin A year ago snowmobiling it got real cold and something froze up so no suspension until they got home and got it thawed out. But there are alot of semis running down the road every day with air bags. The nice thing about air bags is it will keep the vehicle level regardless of the load.
Edited by DanWi - 20 Dec 2018 at 9:59pm
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HD6GTOM
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Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Location: MADISON CO IA
Points: 6627
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Posted: 20 Dec 2018 at 10:24pm |
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If you put them up on a 2 post hoist, make sure you read and understand the Manuel. I don't know if the brand new Dodges have the same problems with the suspensions when you lift all 4 wheels off the ground at the same time. Ive driven all three major brands in the past 2 months It would be my 2nd choice of new pickups.
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PaulB
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Rocky Ridge Md
Points: 4435
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Posted: 21 Dec 2018 at 1:24am |
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Air ride suspension have been in use on highway trucks for decades. They are a great ride when set properly and can be the worst thing you’ve ever been in if not.
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If it was fun to pull in LOW gear, I could have a John Deere.
If you can't make it GO... make it SHINY
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jaybmiller
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Greensville,Ont
Points: 21584
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Posted: 21 Dec 2018 at 6:11am |
Before you buy it, ask the dealer ONE question. IS there an 'air dryer' in the air supension system and is it easily recharged ?
I'm betting you'll get a 'deer stare' .
The problem with air systems is the moisture in compressed air. Yes ,big rigs, have them as well as air brakes and heavy tow trucks as well(pilot valves for hydrailics). Over hte years I've watched 'Highway to Hell' , a semi-reality series about heavy wreck recovery. Seems every other show 'something' doesn't work cause the 'airlines froze'...sigh. Makes me wonder why anyone would buy a $500K tow truck and not spend $50 to keep the air dry ! Anyone that has an air compressor in the garage KNOWS about the hot, wet air they produce...
silly tidbit... when the 'contractor' showed off his new Dodge PU ,he opened the hood. First thing I saw was the 'Made in China' sticker, front and centered, on the upper rad hose. To this day I've kept my mouth shut about that......dang it's be hard...
Jay
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3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)
Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water
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shameless dude
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Joined: 10 Apr 2017
Location: east NE
Points: 13611
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Posted: 21 Dec 2018 at 12:53pm |
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my '81 Caddy had factory air ride, and now the new burb has it. one thing we learned on the burb, is if it sits awhile that air ride won't be very smooth. takes awhile to get loosened up I guess, it has smoothed out now tho and rides nice. when I test drove a Dodge pickup with the air ride, it didn't ride any better than any other truck i'd driven.
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Ted J
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Joined: 05 Jul 2010
Location: La Crosse, WI
Points: 18727
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Posted: 21 Dec 2018 at 7:13pm |
 HD6GTOM wrote:
Ive driven all three major brands in the past 2 months It would be my 2nd choice of new pickups. |
What's your #1 Tom?
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"Allis-Express"
19?? WC / 1941 C / 1952 CA / 1956 WD45 / 1957 WD45 / 1958 D-17
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DougG
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Joined: 20 Sep 2009
Location: Mo
Points: 7948
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Posted: 22 Dec 2018 at 9:41am |
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Whats the deal with the post lift and having all wheels off the ground ?
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HudCo
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Joined: 29 Jan 2013
Location: Plymouth Utah
Points: 3303
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Posted: 22 Dec 2018 at 9:53am |
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you have to watch out that you do not overextend levalining sensors and devices
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Calvin Schmidt
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Ontario Can.
Points: 4515
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Posted: 24 Dec 2018 at 8:32am |
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WE have a '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee with air suspension. Works great. My understanding is that it uses nitrogen and there is an accumulator somewhere to store the surplus when the suspension lowers. Have full air suspension in highway rigs. There is a kit available to remove all rear suspension from HD pickups and replace with full air just like the big rigs. Thinking of that for my next pickup pulling our 40' fifth wheel camper.
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Nothing is impossible if it is properly financed
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