Suspension Enhancement Recommendation for a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Short Bed
Updated 01/05/2012 | Published 01/04/2012
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a new 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab 6.5 foot box and I want to pull a 5th Wheel trailer. What is the best way to increase payload? I’m looking at Heavy Duty Rear Springs #TTC-1210 , Air Lift 1000 Bags #AL60818 and or the Timbren Rear System # TDR1500DQ. My questions to you is which one do you recommend I use. Thanks
asked by: Gary F
Expert Reply:
Basically, the truck is only rated for a certain amount and adding suspension enhancement will not increase the towing capacity or payload. Adding suspension enhancement will just help with ride quality, leveling the vehicle when under load, and it will help protect the suspension.
Suspension enhancement is still a good idea for the reasons I have listed above. Since you will be towing a 5th wheel trailer which is a load that does not shift and has a constant weight more or less, I would go with a system like the Timbren Springs, # TDR1500DQ.
The Timbren systems are ideal for this type of application. Since the load is pretty much constant and you will not need to level it side to side, then a fixed system like Timbren would work well.
If you do plan to carry loads that vary in weight, can shift, or are heavier on one side of the truck than the other side, air springs would be a better choice because you can level the bed side to side.
If you need a recommendation for a 5th wheel hitch and installation kit, I recommend the Semi-Custom, # RP30035-386. This kit fits all cab options of the 2011 Dodge Ram. For a hitch, you will need a slider for a short bed to give you additional clearance to make tight turns.
There are several capacities available. You will want to choose one that has a higher capacity that what your trailer weighs. I have included a link to the hitch options we have. A round tube slider will offer more travel (12 inches) than a square slider (10 inches).
If your trailer is very wide (more than 96 inches wide at the overhang) you may need a Sidewinder and stationary hitch. There is a formula you can follow so you can determine if a Sidewinder will be needed. I have included a link to our Sidewinder main page for you that will show you how to measure.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Towing/Load Leveling
- Bump Stops
- Suspension Only
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Timbren
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: timbren vehicle suspension
- Search Results: supersprings
- Search Results: sumospring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Shop: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Shop: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Shop: SumoSprings Maxim Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: Timbren Suspension Enhancement System - Rear Axle
- Shop: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Q&A: Do I Want Sumo Springs or Timbrens to Pair with My Weight Distribution Hitch?
- Search Results: suspension enhancement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: air bag compressor kit
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Timbren Suspension Kit for 2022 Ford F-250 with Heavy Duty Tow Package
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Video: Choosing the Right Vehicle Suspension Upgrades
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: timbren
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Camper Tie-Downs
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
on Vehicle Suspension
