What's the advantage?

POINTMAN380 · May 9, 2019

Looking to level my 2018 Ram 2500 gasser after I get the airbags installed. And I'm curious if there is any advantage of using/paying for the Bilstein coils and shocks vs. just going with the adjustable height shocks.

I see everyone uses the adjustable shocks but don't find much on this kit:

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/b8-5112-suspension-leveling-kit/_/R-BBGL-46-268655

Is it just because it's cheaper?

Derek Powers · May 9, 2019

The adjustable height strut(shock/spring) is for 1500 only. The aftermarket coils will likely ride better. The bilstein shocks are among the best.

Your options for the 2500 is either full kit with springs or a spacer.

NewBlackDak · May 9, 2019

The adjustable shocks only work on coil over suspensions(1500s).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

POINTMAN380 · May 9, 2019

NewBlackDak said:
The adjustable shocks only work on coil over suspensions(1500s).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well.....color me stupid. I can't believe I didn't catch that. So the kit I posted is the proper kit to level my 2500? I have ordered the air lift 5000 ultimate plus and the wireless air kit. Should I expect any issues running the bags with this level kit and towing my bumper pull camper (8000 lbs), or am I right on the money?

Derek Powers · May 9, 2019

Yes that's the correct kit. You should be all set with your combo

POINTMAN380 · May 9, 2019

Derek Powers said:
Yes that's the correct kit. You should be all set with your combo

Thanks

olyelr · May 9, 2019

I have a leveled power wagon, and also tow a 8000 pound tt.

The truck in stock form was perfectly level when towing the camper with the wd hitch. Of course, once I leveled it it was then pointed uphill a bit, and there was simply no way to adjust it level with the hitch. I installed airlift 5000 bags and have been good ever since.

One thing to consider (assuming you use a wd hitch), is the bags will counteract against the hitch. The more air you put in the bags (raising the back of the truck) the less the hitch will actually push down on the front axle. Just an FYI when you are setting everything up.

POINTMAN380 · May 9, 2019

olyelr said:
I have a leveled power wagon, and also tow a 8000 pound tt.

The truck in stock form was perfectly level when towing the camper with the wd hitch. Of course, once I leveled it it was then pointed uphill a bit, and there was simply no way to adjust it level with the hitch. I installed airlift 5000 bags and have been good ever since.

One thing to consider (assuming you use a wd hitch), is the bags will counteract against the hitch. The more air you put in the bags (raising the back of the truck) the less the hitch will actually push down on the front axle. Just an FYI when you are setting everything up.

Thanks for the wisdom. If I understand this correctly, I will need to lessen the tension on the WD hitch equal to the amount of air I put in the bags in order to level? Essentially let the two meet in the middle

olyelr · May 9, 2019

POINTMAN380 said:
Thanks for the wisdom. If I understand this correctly, I will need to lessen the tension on the WD hitch equal to the amount of air I put in the bags in order to level? Essentially let the two meet in the middle

Hm. If I am reading you right, then no. You may essentially need more tension on the hitch. Depends on your setup/hitch I guess.

The weight distribution works when the trailer actually puts weight/pressure on the hitch... it basically transfers weight/pressure onto the front axle. When you put air in the bags, it lessens the effect of the wd hitch setup.

POINTMAN380 · May 9, 2019

olyelr said:
Hm. If I am reading you right, then no. You may essentially need more tension on the hitch. Depends on your setup/hitch I guess.

The weight distribution works when the trailer actually puts weight/pressure on the hitch... it basically transfers weight/pressure onto the front axle. When you put air in the bags, it lessens the effect of the wd hitch setup.

That makes sense now that you say it. I think once I get everything done to the truck I will air down the bags, hook up the trailer without the WD bars, air up to level and then hook up the bars. In that exact order.

olyelr · May 9, 2019

POINTMAN380 said:
That makes sense now that you say it. I think once I get everything done to the truck I will air down the bags, hook up the trailer without the WD bars, air up to level and then hook up the bars. In that exact order.

What type of wd hitch do you have? Do you have chain type hitch, or one with bars and tilted head?

POINTMAN380 · May 9, 2019

olyelr said:
What type of wd hitch do you have? Do you have chain type hitch, or one with bars and tilted head?

The kind with two bars, one on each side with chains

olyelr · May 9, 2019

POINTMAN380 said:
The kind with two bars, one on each side with chains

View attachment 165604

Gotchya. Yea, I would go about it just like you stated in your last post :cheers:

pcschwenke · May 10, 2019

I’d buy an Equalizer hitch for the added stability.

olyelr · May 10, 2019

pcschwenke said:
I’d buy an Equalizer hitch for the added stability.

Thats the hitch I use. Tricky to dial in with bags, but its a nice hitch for sure.

Derek Powers · May 10, 2019

Just curious since I've never towed a camper...are they tongue heavy? Why do you need a WD hitch?

pcschwenke · May 10, 2019

Instead of putting the entire load on your rear axle and making your vehicle squat, the load is distributed over you entire vehicle.

Derek Powers · May 10, 2019

Is a 8000lb camper that tongue heavy that even with air bags it overloads the rear axle?

muzupan · May 10, 2019

Derek Powers said:
Is a 8000lb camper that tongue heavy that even with air bags it overloads the rear axle?

Yes it can be even with a 2500.

olyelr · May 10, 2019

Derek Powers said:
Is a 8000lb camper that tongue heavy that even with air bags it overloads the rear axle?

Travel trailers typically have a hitch weight of around 13% of their overall weight. It can vary greatly depending on how you load it up, though.

So, no the load would more than likely never exceed the actual weight rating of the axle/tires per-say, but what it does is not only squats the rear suspension down (sometimes several inches or more), but it also raises/unloads the front suspension. This can give very poor steering feedback and handling, as well as point your lights up into the tree’s.

A wd hitch can literally put most of the weight back down on the front axle and remove some from the rear axle. And some, like mine, have a sway prevention setup built into them.

Can turn a downright scary setup into a “walk in the park” setup.

What's the advantage?

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