Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins Towing Stability with Air Suspension

[GLaxton]

I have a 2021 Ram 2500 crew cab with 6'4" bed and the 6.7 Cummins with air suspension. I'm towing a 31' 5th wheel RV weighing 11,000 pounds. With even a modest ripple or unevenness in the road, the truck develops an oscillation around the longitudinal axis that frequently is severe enough to activate the emergency sway control feature. I towed the same RV with my previous truck, which was an essentially identical 2012 model without air suspension, with no issues. I'm wondering if this could be a characteristic of the air suspension? Has anyone had a similar experience? Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[stevenP]

I have just about the same set up as you have. My 22 2500 has the rear only air suspension, and I have found I need to tow on the alternate trailer height, which lowers the rear. I have never had any oscillation, or sway issues to date. I will admit this truck, with the air ride is a little twitchy feeling while towing compared to my 3500 I had previous to this. I do have a special pinbox on the fiver, maybe that helps me with the bounce? My fifth wheel is 33 feet long, and weighs dry 9K.

 

[Riccochet]

I hate to be "that guy" but an 11,000 lb 5th wheel is going to put you WAY over payload for a diesel 2500.

Air bags matter not. You have a payload of about 1800-2100 depends on options. 20% of 11,000 lb is average pin weight of 2200 lbs. That's before you throw a 200 lb hitch in the bed, plus people and cargo in the truck. You're now about 700-800 lbs over payload.

You need a 2500 gasser or a 3500. Plain and simple.

 

[runamuck]

I know this is an old thread but if you guys are still around, I am curious what hitch you are using in your short bed. I recently bought a 31' 5th wheel and am still trying to decide what hitch. I have the factory puck system and am thinking that since my rv has a curved front, I may be able to use a standard hitch and save some wt. and money over a slider.

 

[Roper46]

I use the Andersen Ultimate with my 2022 3500 short bed and have had absolutely no problems. I also used the same hitch and fifth wheel with my 2020 Ram 2500. Had no issues with the hitch but quickly discovered I was over my payload with the 2500 and the Cummins. Hence the 2022 3500 in the pic.

 

[stevenP]

Curt Q20 in mine with the factory puck system for mounting. I did NOT need a slider type fifth wheel hitch with my short bed truck.

 

[runamuck]

I bought a used B&W slider that fits the pucks for my truck. the first time pulling out of the driveway the pinbox hit my tailgate and put a bend in it. found that slider lets the pinbox too far back for turning with my setup so have not used the slider function since. I need to turn when pulling out because trailer longer than street is wide. no problem when turning with it in the forward position so will probably put up for sale and get non-slider to save some wt. have been able straighten tailgate and replace plastic trim cap on the top so looks good as new.