Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Purchase

· 5 min read
Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Dodge Ram 1500 Airbags Purchase

The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Airbags for the Dodge Ram 1500

The Dodge Ram 1500 has long been a titan in the light-duty truck sector, understood for its outstanding hauling capacity, smooth ride, and rugged aesthetic appeals. Nevertheless, even the most capable trucks can take advantage of upgrades, particularly when it concerns load-leveling and safety. When owners go over "airbags" for a Ram 1500, they are usually describing one of 2 things: air helper springs for suspension improvement or replacement Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) parts for security after a collision.

This guide offers a comprehensive introduction of the getting procedure for both kinds of airbags, ensuring that Ram owners make notified decisions that improve both the energy and safety of their vehicle.


1. Understanding Suspension Airbags (Helper Springs)

For many Dodge Ram 1500 owners, the main inspiration for acquiring airbags is to enhance suspension efficiency. While the Ram 1500 is famous for its class-leading coil-spring rear suspension (and available factory air suspension), heavy tongue weights from trailers or heavy payloads in the bed can trigger the rear end to "squat."

Why Invest in Suspension Airbags?

When a truck crouches, it compromises guiding control, minimizes braking efficiency, and causes headlight glare for approaching traffic. Suspension airbags-- also understood as air assistant springs-- are set up between the truck frame and the axle to provide adjustable support.

Key Benefits Include:

  • Leveling the Load: Keeps the truck level even when carrying maximum payloads.
  • Improved Ride Quality: Reduces bottoming out and moistens roadway vibrations.
  • Boosted Stability: Minimizes trailer sway and body roll during cornering.
  • Adjustability: Owners can add or launch air depending on the weight of the load.

Key Factors to Consider Before Purchase

Before clicking "buy," it is vital to identify the particular requirements of the automobile.

  1. Generation and Model Year: The Ram 1500 went through considerable chassis modifications in between the Fourth Generation (2009-- 2018/Classic) and the Fifth Generation (2019-- Present). Kits are seldom interchangeable between these generations.
  2. Drive Type: Ensure the package is suitable with 2WD or 4WD setups.
  3. Present Suspension: If the truck already has the factory-installed Four-Corner Air Suspension, aftermarket assistant bags might not work or necessary.

When purchasing, several brands control the marketplace. Each offers different features, weight scores, and cost points.

BrandPopular SeriesLoad CapacityProductBest For
Air LiftLoadLifter 50005,000 poundsReinforced RubberSturdy towing and regular carrying.
FirestoneRide-Rite4,800 - 5,000 poundsBusiness Grade RubberLong-lasting sturdiness and heavy loads.
Rough CountryAir Spring Kit5,000 lbsFabric-Reinforced RubberBudget-conscious owners seeking quality efficiency.
Air LiftRideControl2,000 lbsReinforced RubberLight-duty leveling and improved day-to-day comfort.

3. The Purchase of Safety SRS Airbags

The second context for purchasing airbags involves the lorry's safety system. If a Dodge Ram 1500 has been involved in a mishap where the airbags deployed, owners should change the modules, sensing units, and typically the clock spring to return the lorry to a roadworthy state.

Getting OEM vs. Aftermarket Safety Airbags

For security elements, the agreement among automobile professionals is strictly concentrated on quality.

  • OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): These are authentic Mopar parts created particularly for the Ram 1500. They are the most expensive however guarantee appropriate fitment and release timing.
  • Remanufactured/Recycled: Licensed recyclers sell checked airbags from restored cars. This is an economical method to fix a truck, supplied the parts come from a reliable source with a verified VIN match.
  • Avoid Counterfeit Parts: Unregulated "knock-off" airbags discovered on discount rate worldwide markets are incredibly unsafe and may stop working to deploy or release shrapnel upon impact.

Parts Often Required for an SRS Overhaul:

  • Driver-side Steering Wheel Airbag
  • Passenger-side Dashboard Airbag
  • Side Curtain Airbags (for rollover protection)
  • Impact Sensors (located in the front bumper or doors)
  • SRS Control Module (frequently requires to be reset or replaced)

4. Air Management Systems: A Worthy Add-on

When purchasing suspension airbags, a major decision is how to inflate them. Manual inflation involves utilizing a localized Schrader valve (similar to a tire valve). Nevertheless, many Ram owners go with an onboard air management system.

Choices for Air Management:

  • Manual Fill: The least pricey option; needs an external compressor (like at a filling station).
  • Wired Onboard Compressor: A switch in the cab permits inflation/deflation.
  • Wireless Onboard Compressor: A remote or smart device app controls the pressure. This is extremely suggested for Dodge Ram owners who regularly change their load types.

5. Compatibility Checklist for Ram 1500 Airbags

To make sure a successful purchase, buyers ought to follow this checklist:

  • Identify Trim Level: (e.g., Laramie, Rebel, Tradesman, Big Horn).
  • Inspect Rear Coil vs. Air: Confirm if the truck has factory air suspension.
  • Validate Load Requirements: Do you need 2,000 pounds or 5,000 pounds of leveling support?
  • In-Bed Hitch Compatibility: Ensure the airbag brackets do not interfere with 5th-wheel or gooseneck drawback brackets.
  • Guarantee: Look for makers offering "Limited Lifetime" warranties on the air springs.

6. Installation and Maintenance

While many suspension airbag packages are "bolt-on" and need no drilling, expert installation is suggested for those unfamiliar with suspension geometry. For security SRS airbags, expert setup is mandatory due to the explosive nature of the implementation containers and the need for system shows.

Upkeep Tips for Suspension Airbags:

  1. Maintain Minimum Pressure: Most bags need a minimum of 5 PSI at all times to prevent the rubber from chafing or folding.
  2. Check for Leaks: Periodically spray the bags and fittings with soapy water; bubbles show a leak.
  3. Check Heat Clearance: Ensure the airlines and bags are at least 6 inches away from the exhaust pipeline to avoid melting.

7. Often Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will including 5,000 pound airbags increase my Ram 1500's GVWR?

A: No.  jpsparepartsusa.com  do not increase the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the truck. They only help the truck carry its existing ranked load more securely and easily. Never ever exceed the producer's towing/payload limitations.

Q: How long do suspension airbags generally last?

A: High-quality kits from brands like Firestone or Air Lift can last the life time of the truck, generally 10 years or more, offered they are kept and never run empty (0 PSI).

Q: Can I set up a driver-side security air bag myself?

A: While physically possible, it is extremely prevented. Modern SRS systems need computerized calibration and resetting of the "tough codes" in the control module, which normally needs expert diagnostic tools.

Q: Do airbags affect the trip when the truck is empty?

A: If you maintain the minimum 5 PSI, the effect on ride quality is minimal. In some cases, it can really make the rear end feel somewhat firmer and more planted.

Q: Are there particular airbags for the Ram 1500 Rebel?

A: Yes. Because the Rebel frequently has a factory lift or various shock absorbers, it is crucial to purchase a set particularly labeled for Rebel or Off-Road trim compatibility to ensure the brackets fit properly.


Buying airbags for a Dodge Ram 1500 is a significant action toward improving the car's flexibility and safety. Whether the goal is to eliminate rear-end sag with a LoadLifter 5000 kit or to bring back the safety stability of the truck with OEM Mopar SRS modules, quality must always be the top priority. By understanding the specs of the truck and the needs of the cargo, owners can ensure their Ram 1500 stays among the most capable and comfortable vehicles on the roadway today.