bluesurf

I tried to order a truck today and now I have decisions I need help with. I plan to tow a gn 14k dump trailer occasionally, a camper that is 7k 2-4 times a year and my 4 k boat once in a while. Fuel mileage is most important to me as I commute 5days a week, so I plan on getting 3.42. Now here are my choices that the ram ordering site has given me. A 2500 with the 68rfe and airbags or a 3500 single rw with the aisin no airbags. I really wanted 3500 single with aisin and air bags. Guess I can't have it. I do not plan to upgrade a single thing as these trucks will fulfill my every need stock. Maybe delete when out of warranty. So my question is which way would you go. I've had aisin and loved It but will the 68 rfe do the job without needing rebuild before 150k. Do you trust that the airbag setup will last or am I better off putting bags on the leafed 3500? Thanks for all your insight. Just want to make the most informed decision this go around. Also I am getting 8k$ off the top is there any more negotiating left in this not so optioned out truck?

torquefan

The factory air suspension sounds really cool in theory, but if I was to order a truck today, I really think I'd stay away from it. I've just seen way too many vehicles with air suspension that turned into a real PITA once the vehicle got older. Worked on many early 90s Imperials, Navigators, Town Cars etc. with compressors, solenoids, height sensors starting to act up and cause trouble. This newer stuff might be less problematic than the older stuff was but I'm not convinced just yet.
Just my

bluesurf

That is my hunch also. It could be money well spent toward the aisin. With that being said how would the coils on the 2500 be vs the leafs on the 3500.

John In NC

I have a 2014,3500 CC, SWR, long bed with the aisin and 3.42. It just seems to work. I feel that the tried and true is the way to avoid the development costs. My optimistic trip computer says I get about 19 mpg. I have not tested it yet so I can't say how accurate the reading is. I live in a rural area and don't have much stop and go. Mostly just go at 60-65 mph.

bluesurf

Thanks john. My commute would be similar. 19 mpg is really what I have been hoping for. Makes me feel better about taking road trips with the truck. My last was right around 12 and that hurt.

Grit Dog

The coils and bags sound really cool, but you know you'll never have to "repair" the leaf springs.
I'd go Aisin and leafs and if you just have to have that softer ride, pull a leaf out of the rear, add a little block and some firestone bags for the heavy days.

SOhappy

True, except the Mazda B2200 I had shortly after I got married. Leafs couldn't handle the tongue weight (plus camping gear) of the Coleman tent trailer I pulled with it, snapped one in half.

slickr1

I have a 3500 Mega being built . The truck was 64k dealer went 52K. So I would say yes you still have room to deal. I did not want the factory air bags, it was like a 1400.00 option. A set of firestone bags will run ya less than 400.00. not sure how the new Aisin is going to be?? Just have to wait and see I guess.

Looking forward to the new truck, Just

bluesurf

Thanks for the replies, the air suspension is just something I alway thought would be awesome stock as I always run airbags on my trucks. But the more I think about it and scour through the problems people have with these trucks I may just do my own airbags and compressor that I have. Just one more add on that may have me back at the dealer. For repairs. It seems the only real problems people have with these trucks are computer and electronic option problems. Aisin is on the top of my list as must haves.

BarryG

FWIW- I was at a local dealer just last Saturday checking out the 2500's. Just wanted to check out what I may be missing and have been toying with getting a new one. In any case the salesman and I got to talking about the 2500 with the rear coils and airbags. He told me in 15 the 3500's were going to get them as well. While he did seem knowledgeable about the vehicles I rarely trust what comes out of their mouths especially about the future.

staarma

It's true. I just got back from my dealer and the 15 3500's are getting the new link suspension with sway bars and air just like the 2500's now.

pipewrench

For your planned use I would go for a 3500 with the Aisin. The 2500 is better suited for lighter towing and use than your 140000 trailer.

bluesurf

I have always desired a 6sp manual for its relative simplicity and lack of coolers and such and perceived better fuel mileage. Would the manual be a good consideration for pulling a 14 k gooseneck dump trailer and when empty get reasonably good fuel mileage. The towing I do will be minimal and the unladen driving will be a lot so fuel mileage matters more to me.

RAMRODD

I just went back to a manual transmission with 3.42 gears It pulls better then my 12 auto with 4.10's ( I pull 38k)

torquefan

If it was me, I'd spend the few extra dollars and order the 3500 over the 2500, simply for the 1000 or so extra lbs of legal payload on the sticker. I'm also a big manual transmission fan and would be getting that as well, regardless of the reduction in power it apparently comes with. I think I'd survive with 6xx foot lbs of torque as opposed to the 800 with an auto. If not, I'll deal with it.