Recommended Air Bags and How to Adjust the PSI on a 2009 Dodge Ram 3500

Updated 03/12/2026 | Published 02/10/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1868)

$416.62

Question:

Is the100 psi max rating with the truck loaded, or before I put a load on? Since adding a load will increase the pressure inside the air bags.

asked by: Truitt

Expert Reply:

Hey Truitt, welcome back! The 100 PSI is the overall max rating on the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs item # AL57295. You'll want to load your truck up with all your gear, connect your trailer if you're towing, and then adjust the PSI in the air bags to ensure your rear end is level.

The Air Lift item # AL57295 have a 5,000 lbs capacity and come with an internal jounce bumper. All installation hardware and brackets are included. This air bag kit fits your 2009 Dodge Ram 3500.

To adjust the pressure in your air bags, I recommend installing the Air Lift Air Shock Controller Compressor System for Air Shock Absorbers item # AL25804. This onboard air compressor has a gauge that displays the PSI level in your air bags. It'll make adjusting them for your trip easier and more accurate than using an external air compressor.

What kind of trailer do you tow or are you hauling around a heavy load in your bed?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

AL25804
(click to enlarge)

Truitt

2/14/2026

Just pulling a 25’ gooseneck trailer. I have a short bed, megacab Ram 3500, so there’s not much room to load weight in the bed, plus the 18” WeatherGiard toolbox. I just noticed after loading this last load, the truck squatted down onto the overload springs. I’ve aired the bags to 80psi to give a little safety cushion. Looks better now.

Richard

2/15/2026

@Truitt If you have a 1 ton truck depending on the year Sounds like your springs are shot A 25 foot 5th wheel shouldn't be overloading the 1 ton The 100 psi air bags will help I would suggest changing out the leaf springs especially if any cracks or broken ones are in it

Raymond W.

2/15/2026

I just put 20 psi in then put a load on it, I rarely air them past 45 or so and I also run a air bag on my gooseneck hitch and same with it around 45, all trailers tow different but 60 was to much and felt strange on 2 lane roads, 50 was ok but for my old ram 45 let the suspension work some and bags help keep it level, I tow a 13k pound Montana, kit is easy install but air compressor and gauges take way more time, I just went manual with portable air if I need it,

Truitt M.

2/15/2026

@RaymondW Thanks. I’m heading out with a 14k gooseneck loaded down. I’ll see how it feels, about 600 miles will be interstate, so it may feel easy. All me weight is between the neck and axles, so there is more weight on the truck than fixed load campers. That’s why I’m running higher psi. The truck SHOULD squat with that much weight normally. I agree with you about the air supply. If I need to adjust I have a Viair compressor that reaches all around the vehicle.