Air bags to increase pay load

[Westwind1124a]

Considering a 2020 Power wagon

.

www.ramforum.com

From this thread a while back it looks like it was determined that no, the components are not all the same. what difference it makes, who knows. but its not just the soft springs

But aren’t the axles, diff, brakes, frame etc on the PW all full-on 3/4 ton grade and it’s just the softer ‘off-road’ springs that result in the lower payload ratings? Seems if there’s one truck you can use air bags too carry somewhat over rated load its the PW.

Yep. Exactly.

Yup. I’ve been down this rabbit hole with people before. Unless you have a super **** retentive state no trooper will ever stop you hauling a big load because they realize it’s a 2500. Everything else except the springs are identical

 

[olyelr]

Considering a 2020 Power wagon

.

www.ramforum.com

From this thread a while back it looks like it was determined that no, the components are not all the same. what difference it makes, who knows. but its not just the soft springs

In a 2500, all the main components that matter are basically the same…motor, trans, tcase, axles, brakes…the main difference is the taller/softer springs and d-rated off road tires.

 

[Westwind1124a]

In a 2500, all the main components that matter are basically the same…motor, trans, tcase, axles, brakes…the main difference is the taller/softer springs and d-rated off road tires.

I hear ya. But they simply aren't identical. the front arms look like tooth picks on the pw vs the non. Not knocking the pw either. I loved mine

 

[olyelr]

I hear ya. But they simply aren't identical. the front arms look like tooth picks on the pw vs the non. Not knocking the pw either. I loved mine

They are nearly identical other than the articulate arm/added joint.

 

[62Blazer]

I hear ya. But they simply aren't identical. the front arms look like tooth picks on the pw vs the non. Not knocking the pw either. I loved mine

They are nearly identical other than the articulate arm/added joint.

I agree with olyelr on this one. And regardless, I'm not sure how somebody thinks that the front control arms would be the reason for the differences in payload and towing ratings.......
Don't get me wrong, a factory PW does not handle higher payloads and heavier towing as well as a regular 2500. Nobody debates that. However a PW can handle decent size payloads and trailers when stock. I see people post all the time and they basically say a PW can't tow or haul anything (seriously, they basically say that). That is not my experience and adding a $400 set of airbags makes mine handle a load just as good as my previous 2500HD non-PW truck. And yes, I know that on paper and legally that airbags or other mods do not increase the ratings. But in real life use I have personally found that dealing with the soft rear PW springs was the only thing needed.

 

[Westwind1124a]

I wasn't saying that the arms are the deciding factor in payload/towing capacity. Just that they are different, unlike the myth around here that everything is exactly the same except the soft springs. The front axles are different too. Why, I dont know. if anyone has that info I'd love to know the reason. Same with the front arms. Are they different to accommodate the articulink, maybe?.?.?. And yes, they tow well. I said it before, Great trucks.

 

[thkbaron]

Considering a 2020 Power wagon

.

www.ramforum.com

From this thread a while back it looks like it was determined that no, the components are not all the same. what difference it makes, who knows. but its not just the soft springs

I would suppose the front articulink suspension is different.

 

[62Blazer]

I wasn't saying that the arms are the deciding factor in payload/towing capacity. Just that they are different, unlike the myth around here that everything is exactly the same except the soft springs. The front axles are different too. Why, I dont know. if anyone has that info I'd love to know the reason. Same with the front arms. Are they different to accommodate the articulink, maybe?.?.?. And yes, they tow well. I said it before, Great trucks.

I think the different view points are coming from whether you are just talking about a certain trait of the truck (i.e. payload specific question of this post), or if you are comparing the trucks overall. Sure, there are many differences between a Power Wagon and regular 2500. But this post is talking about payload capabilities, and in that regard the main difference is just in the different springs.

Just for information. The articulink front arms on a PW can be directly replaced with normal arms, or vice versa. If you look at pictures of both they are almost identical with the exception of the articulink arms have a jointed front upper axle connection versus a solid mount on a regular 2500. I would say 75% of the arms literally looks identical to each other with the exception of the joints. For differences in the front axle, it's the same basic axles assembly with the PW having the locker installed in the axle. You can instlal the locker assembly into a non-PW front axle, and again vice versa.

 

[thkbaron]

Just used mine yesterday. 4 wheeler in the back with a loaded trailer behind. Worked like a charm

 

[Airmousam]

what air bags would you recommend for 21 PW? On board compressor seems worth the extra? thoughts? thanks much

 

[olyelr]

what air bags would you recommend for 21 PW? On board compressor seems worth the extra? thoughts? thanks much

Airlift 5000 with daystar cradles is a great combo.

Onboard compressor is certainly nice, but depends on how much you use them. Ive had mine for going on 9 years now and have yet to get a compressor because i only use them a half dozen times a year or less.

 

[62Blazer]

I have the Airlift 5000 with the internal bumpstops that let you run 0 psi unloaded. Also have a set of cradles (not Daystar brand, but same thing). Only had them a couple years but no issues. Also do not have a built in compressor. In my case if I know I will be pulling the trailer I fill the bags up in the shop (truck is normally parked right next to my air hose in the shop) and inflate to the pressure I need. It's a known size and weight of trailer, so I know what the bags needs. Also whenever I tow the trailer is hooked up the whole time until I get home, and the load is constant. So no need to constantly adjust the pressure. I do carry a small 12v compressor for tires and such anyway that could be used if needed, but have never needed it for the bags.

 

[Dean2]

I hear what ur saying about a lighter/ smaller camper, but the one im looking at
is for cold weather use in the hunting season, gets pretty chilly up here in alberta.
Other than that im considering diff. options now.

So, just out of curiosity, what did you end up doing?

 

[62Blazer]

So, just out of curiosity, what did you end up doing?

Don't be surprised if you don't get a response. That post is over 3 years old and the person who posted it hasn't been on this site for 2 years.

 

[Airmousam]

appreciate the input gents