Towing capacity question

[Ryan_V]

This is just out of curiosity. I'm getting an 08 dodge ram 2500 diesel. It has airbags on the rear end. Would this increase the towing/payload capacity?? Like I said, I'm just curious, I won't ever need the full capacity it's listed at now, but with heavier suspension in the back, does that essentially turn it into a 1-ton??

Thanks!!

[Big Buck Buster]

Is this a add-on air bag system? Does it have a pressure gauge monitor in the cab? It may be a load leveling system that automatically adjusts to any load that is put in the box, or heavy tongue weight. If it is an automatic one, it will have a leveling sensor on the rear end that tells the pump to activate, or dump air out of the bags when the load is taken off.

[Macgyver55]

This is just out of curiosity. I'm getting an 08 dodge ram 2500 diesel. It has airbags on the rear end. Would this increase the towing/payload capacity?? Like I said, I'm just curious, I won't ever need the full capacity it's listed at now, but with heavier suspension in the back, does that essentially turn it into a 1-ton??

Thanks!!

Adding air bags or other acccessories wont change the payload of the vehicle. It it usually done most often to help stabilize the vehicle for trailer towing etc. The load rating on the vehicle sticker is the ONLY rating legally accepted in any situation.

[Ryan_V]

they have guages in the cab. it's controlled from the cab, not automatically by a sensor. I'll use them when I have my travel trailer on.

[BobT]

I've always figured that payload capacity has more to do with the axle design than the springs or shocks. You can beef up the rear all you want but unless you beef up the axle(s), bearings, and final drive you aren't increasing the load capacity of the vehicle.

[Powerstroke]

BobT hit it on the head. Having airbags does not change the rating for the axles, brakes, frame etc. The airbags help to balance and stabilize the load.

[Valv]

The 2500 series Dodge have same Dana 80 rearend and gearing options as the 3500, it's just a matter of spring capacity. Also keep in consideration the GVWR capacity of your truck which is I believe 9700lbs (read tag on your door) instead of 12,000lbs of the 3500s, which means your TRUCK loaded with anything (trailer, RV, etc) cannot weight more than the weight printed on the door jamb. This is NOT towing capacity, which is based on your truck model, cab style, drivetrain (2wd or 4wd), auto/manual transmission, etc.

In any case your towing capacity should be around 10,000lbs to 12,000lbs total trailer weight, so your vehicle + trailer cannot be any heavier than approx 17,000lbs to 19,000lbs.

[Ryan_V]

Thanks guys. The listed towing capacity is like 12,900 or something. the truck leaves for MN in 6 days!!