Advice on Air Suspension

[TwoBirds]

I'm new to this Forum.
I have a 2021 Solitude 390RK-R and a 2020 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie Dually. The Solitude has a Pin Weight of 2794 and the Ram has a Max Payload of 5760. I am also NEW to having a 5th Whee. When I hitch the Solitude the bed of the Ram sinks a lot. I was wondering if this is bad or if I shoud get air suspension(s) or something to offeset the dip or it's good the way it is considering the two wieghts recieved and applied to the truck?
If anyone sugest addind some to the suspension let me know which product.
Thanks
Jay

[bertschb]

Welcome to the forum!

First, your loaded pin weight is probably closer to 3,500lbs rather than the advertised empty pin weight of 2,794lbs. You have the right truck for this RV so 3,500lbs is no problem!

If you need to raise the rear of your truck so your RV sits level when loaded, air bags are a good solution. If your RV is already sitting level but the truck drops say 3" when loaded, I wouldn't worry about it. The suspension on your DRW truck is more than capable of handling your pin weight.

[TwoBirds]

My squat is between 2 1/2 and 3 inches, thatnls for your input.

[goducks14]

How much does it sink? Rear ends are made to sink. There's usually 2.5"-3" of difference between the front and rear on trucks. If it tows fine then it's working as it should.

[geotex1]

Can the truck take it = yup. Now, unfortunately what so many folks talking payload forget, it's not a point load on the axle. Payload rating is based upon distributed loading. Truck can take it but when concentrated can lead to other concerns.. So, your heavy point load is squatting the suspension. If the squat merely levels your RAM, no issue at all. If however you feel like you're getting ready for takeoff with the front end pointed skyward, that's a problem. In the least case because your headlights no longer point to where they should. Worse case, you're unloading the front axle somewhat, which could give you poor steering attitude. With a 3500 dually and that pin load, which is probably 500# more wet, the latter is highly unlikely, but maybe realistic on the light aiming. Additionally, if squatting is enough so that your clearance between the bed rails and 5er overhang is more than about 3/4" different with front closer than rear, adding air bags will allow you to level off for the benefit of where your lights point and even up the bed rail clearance. Finally, if you're like the rest of us, a blue boy, generator, firewood, grill, etc will end up in that bed with the available payload at some point...

[Steven@147]

Can the truck take it = yup. Now, unfortunately what so many folks talking payload forget, it's not a point load on the axle. Payload rating is based upon distributed loading. Truck can take it but when concentrated can lead to other concerns.. So, your heavy point load is squatting the suspension. If the squat merely levels your RAM, no issue at all. If however you feel like you're getting ready for takeoff with the front end pointed skyward, that's a problem. In the least case because your headlights no longer point to where they should. Worse case, you're unloading the front axle somewhat, which could give you poor steering attitude. With a 3500 dually and that pin load, which is probably 500# more wet, the latter is highly unlikely, but maybe realistic on the light aiming. Additionally, if squatting is enough so that your clearance between the bed rails and 5er overhang is more than about 3/4" different with front closer than rear, adding air bags will allow you to level off for the benefit of where your lights point and even up the bed rail clearance. Finally, if you're like the rest of us, a blue boy, generator, firewood, grill, etc will end up in that bed with the available payload at some point...

Rob and I have almost the same rig. He is right on. Our rig has a pin weight of 3550#. We also have a bed tool box full of stuff, the companion hitch weighs 200+ and the generator 100# all in the bed. Our Ram sets back end high normally 2.5-3 inches, with the 5er hitched its squats about 2.7" and ends up level and last time I checked it has almost 7" of bed clearance. The front tires are not significantly unloaded so steering is not a problem. I don't have air bags, don't need them. Your rig might be different when all hitched up, check it out and then decide if you need air bags.

[Second Chance]

Jay,

Welcome to the forum! I recommend that you create a signature block with your RV and tow vehicle information (see mine below). That way you won't have to repeat that information whenever you post or ask a question. You can create a signature by going to:

Forum Actions (on menu bar) -> Edit Profile -> Edit Signature (under My Settings on the left)

Happy camping!

Rob

[TwoBirds]

Thanks Rob, I'm still trying to navagate the site. I edited my profile but what does the Signature page do? Looks just like a spot for more info? I also see the time on my post are not consistant with my Eastern Tiem Zone?

[Second Chance]

Thanks Rob, I'm still trying to navagate the site. I edited my profile but what does the Signature page do? Looks just like a spot for more info? I also see the time on my post are not consistant with my Eastern Tiem Zone?

Having a signature provides the information on your RV and tow vehicle every time you post. That way, you don't have to repeat that information every time you ask a question - and others don't have to ask. BTW, your request for a user name change has been forwarded to the site admin.

Another hint: if you use "Reply With Quote" (next to "Reply" just under the post to which you are responding) as I have done here, that person will get a notification. It also reduces confusion about who you are responding to. I just stumbled across your post here since I monitor the site regularly. Otherwise, I would not have know you were asking me a question.

Rob

[TwoBirds]

Having a signature provides the information on your RV and tow vehicle every time you post. That way, you don't have to repeat that information every time you ask a question - and others don't have to ask. BTW, your request for a user name change has been forwarded to the site admin.

Another hint: if you use "Reply With Quote" (next to "Reply" just under the post to which you are responding) as I have done here, that person will get a notification. It also reduces confusion about who you are responding to. I just stumbled across your post here since I monitor the site regularly. Otherwise, I would not have know you were asking me a question.

Rob

Thansk Rob, It'll take me a while.....So if I reply it goes where? Back to the person you're conversing with but they don't get a notification? Are there directions anywhere about the site....??? :-)