fugawi
Las Vegas
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Joined: 11/12/2012
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Greetings,
I think I have read all of the threads here and elsewhere related to Ram 2500 vs. 3500, both with and without factory auto level rear suspension!
I am considering a new Ram CTD SRW 4x4 Mega Cab, either 2500 or 3500 (both with the factory auto level rear air suspension). On the 3500 I would get the standard output CTD with 68RFE.
I understand the 3500 with leaf springs and factory auto level rear air suspension gives more payload capacity and would be a better choice for future-proofing. Not looking to debate those issue here as they have been fully debated in other threads ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
However, if I am not concerned about future-proofing, and if I am comfortable that the payload of the 2500 would be ok, would the SRW 2500 or SRW 3500 provide a more stable towing experience with a 30' long, 1,000 lb tongue weight, 8,000 lb (loaded) travel trailer? (Assume both with factory auto level rear air suspension)
Would the air suspension of the SRW 2500 give more lateral support and sway protection than the leaf/air suspension of the SRW 3500? Or would the 3500 be better in this measure? (Assume without weight distribution or sway control -- just trying to understand which rear suspension option would give the best towing stability on its own prior to considering weight distribution or sway control.)
Thank you!
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FishOnOne
The Great State of Texas
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Joined: 02/12/2011
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I believe the leaf springs will provide better stability, but a stiffer unloaded ride.
'12 Ford Super Duty FX4 ELD CC 6.7 PSD 400HP 800ft/lbs "270k Miles"
'16 Sprinter 319MKS "Wide Body"
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goducks10
There
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Joined: 02/22/2010
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Not sure why you'd need auto air for a 1000 lb TW TT.
FWIW I towed the same 31' 9200 lb TT with a 1350 lb TW using a 2500 with the standard coils but airbags added and a 3500 standard leafs. Zero difference in stability. The bags were on the 2500 for a previous 5th wheel that had an 1800 lb pin weight. When towing the TT with the 2500 and airbags the bags didn't make any difference whether they had 5-25 psi in them.
I know my trucks aren't what you're looking at but IMO 8000 lbs and a 1000 lb TW should make much difference either way on the trucks. A good WDH will make the difference.
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spoon059
Just north of D.C.
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Joined: 10/03/2010
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I believe the 2500 with air bags has the bags further inboard. The 3500 with air bags has them further outboard. So for factory air, I think the 3500 is better.
If you haven't driven a 2500 with the factory coils, I might suggest you give it a try. It is a VERY nice ride for a HD pickup truck. The coils have good support, loaded or empty. I tow a 9500 lbs trailer with about 1300 lbs pin weight and usually bikes, a grill, some firewood, etc in the back. It tows very well. Honestly, I rarely use WDH when towing.
2015 Ram CTD
2015 Jayco 29QBS
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