2500 Air Suspension upgrade

[chipnbud]

Hello all,
I have 2019 Tradesman 2500, 6.7 Cummins 4WD. I am thinking about changing my rear coils to Air Springs. I tow a range of boats RV's and heavy cargo several times a month. My wife and I are tired of the stiff firm ride when we aren't towing anything and have had sway and sag issues with hauling loads that are tongue-heavy. I have a Rebel with the RAM Active air suspension and really got spoiled with it. I am not expecting the same ride in my 2500 but a smoother ride can make a big difference on long trips.
I am researching using the Mopar air ride components or an after-market system like Kelderman.
Thanks in advance for any information and input.
Chip Smith
Houston, TX
2002 Dodge 2500 SLT 5.9 Cummins
2016 Ram Rebel 5.7 Hemi 4X4
2019 Ram 2500 Tradesman 6.7 Cummins 4X4

 

[danielmid]

Thuren soft ride coils with Air Ride bags?

 

[06 Dodge]

Sounds like when towing you need a WDH and if possible to load your trailer better so as to not have so much weight on the tongue, as for hard ride when empty my 2022 rides so much better then the 2006 with leaf springs, my wife even enjoys riding in my 2022 and has stated many time how nice it rides going down the Hwy unlike the 06...

 

[oe542bob]

Chipnbud, On my 2500 I swapped out the rear coils for the Kelderman air springs. I had the ones that could lower the rear by 1 1/2”. I didn’t opt for any automatic air system because I only on rare occasions pull my box trailer or my single axle dump trailer.
I installed a schrader valve through the back bumper plastic on the left side of the license plate. I carried a Milwaukee M18 inflator if I needed to adjust the air pressure.
Costs $1,000 just for the air springs. Probably double that if you want it more automatic. I installed them myself, took most of a day. It did lower the rear and the truck sat level. I was happy with this set up in my case.

 

[stevenP]

I have the factory rear air suspension option on my 2500, never had this before. Its okay, but when I tow my fifth wheel, I still get the side roll feeling on occasion, especially if I havent selected the alternate lower ride position. Even when let all the way down it still rides like a truck. Not anything like my 3500 I had, but it isnt a cushy sedan like ride.

 

[mtofell]

I think some of you are misunderstanding OP's goal - to soften the ride while having the ability to still tow heavy. Factory air, WDHs, etc. are all additions but do not reduce the stiffest component - that being the HD factory springs. Basically, it's the reverse of the the chain's "weakest link" theory. The truck will never ride softer than the stiffest component.

OP, I looked into the Kelderman extensively back in 2014 when I got my HD. It's a great setup but VERY pricey. A friend bought a used HD Chevy that had it and it was REALLY nice.... that thing rode like a Cadillac. I haven't heard of the Thuren soft ride coils w/bags but a softer coil with an airbag supplement sounds like a great idea. Hopefully, cheaper than full air/Kelderman.

I've basically just put up with the hard ride for 8 years and am unlikely to do anything now. Airing down the tires helps but then there's the PITA of airing them back up when need haul something.

 

[danielmid]

Or you could just drive the Rebel around when you aren't towing.

 

[chipnbud]

Thanks for taking time to reply to my thread. I am undecided at this point but still researching options.