Will Air Bags for a 2017 Ram 3500 Improve Ride Quality Off-Road

Updated 06/03/2022 | Published 06/02/2022

Question:

We have a 17 ram CTD dually 3500. The truck tows our tt wonderfully. and rides great doing that. Issue is I would like to take it offroad or just dirt roads ,blm type roads. Unloaded the ride is just awful. I need to put it In low range creep/crawl mode just To make it tolerable.. i was wondering If airbags or some other device could Help soften the bounce when off rd Yet still give me the stiffness i need When towing my trailer. I know duallys are not really made for offroad use. I dont plan on doing canyonlands white rim Trail or anything extreme. Just want it to get to a remote fishing pond without Me loosing a crown..

asked by: Al S

Expert Reply:

The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F2615 are a great option for a 2017 Ram 3500 while you're towing or hauling heavy loads. The pressure inside the air bags can be adjusted so you always get the best mix between support and comfort while loaded. In regards to unloaded ride quality, you'll let almost all the air out so they will maintain a factory ride. If you're slamming off the bump stops off-road then adding air bags and putting some air inside can help prevent this so it really just depends on what's causing the rough ride. In general though, air bags don't really improve ride comfort since you're making the suspension stiffer but I suppose constant stiffness can be more comfortable than sudden shocks and jolts.

expert reply by: Conner L