Best Suspension Enhancement for a 2016 Ram 1500

Published 04/02/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1953)

$502.99

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2517)

$320.99

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(7209)

$269.36

Question:

What are your thoughts on the Timeren support.Seen that they work only during loads and not during normal driving this not effecting ride comfort when your not towing.

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

There is certainly some give and take when adding suspension enhancements to a vehicle. The give being that you will sacrifice some of the ride quality while towing/loaded and the take being that you gain some of the suspensions strength back while towing/loaded. If you think about it, the suspension enhancements will stiffen the stock suspension to eliminate sag with a heavy trailer so it will be difficult to maintain the factory ride quality after they are installed.

The best option we have to maintain factory ride quality and gain additional support while towing would be with a set of air helper springs like the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs part # AL57365. As I am sure you are aware of, they can be adjusted while towing to give you the perfect amount of comfort/support. They can also be almost fully deflated while not in use so you do loose any ride quality while you are not towing/loaded. The rear suspension on your Ram 1500 is already rather soft so I believe the addition of these airbags will give you the best chance of adding support without sacrificing ride quality.

I have attached an install video of the above kit for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

Don

4/2/2018

What are your thoughts on the Timeren support.Seen that they work only during loads and not during normal driving this not effecting ride comfort when your not towing.

Conner L.

4/2/2018

The correct set of the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System that you would want to use on your vehicle is part # TDR1500DS. However, if you are concerned with ride quality then these would not be what I recommend for you. The springs will not be engaged while loaded like you mentioned but if you hit a bump or pothole then you will definitely feel them. The above airbags while you are not towing and or loaded can be deflated to 5 psi which will give you all of the factory ride quality back. The minimum 5 psi rating is to prevent the airbags from deformity. The ride quality will not be affected while the airbags are deflated. If you do not want to use airbags then I recommend trying out the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs part # SSR-307-40 which provide support similar to the Timbren's but are made of a far softer material that will not take as much of the factory ride quality away while loaded. To summarize, the airbags will be your best option but if you do not wish to deal with inflating and deflating the bags as well as routine maintenance then I recommend the SumoSprings.