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Originally Posted by Pntyrmvr
Hi,
How do the OEM units, like the Rams, get around the inherent travel limitations of an air bag suspension?
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The functionality of air-bag setups is pretty proportional to cost. A full air ride setup on a camper van could ride nice, provided the air-bags are up-sized, the control linkages are long enough not to restrict movement, and air accumulators are used to made the spring rates more linear. Some of the new motor coaches handle better than many SUVs, and ride like Lincoln Towncars. But they'll have 4 airbags per axle, with large accumulators on each corner, and 1" air lines between the bags and accumulators. And quick response leveling valves which add air to a corner during cornering and braking. And a massive engine-drive air compressor to keep it all aired up.
Even the factory Ram air suspension is a compromise. The 1500 are so low, you could get more places in a Fiesta. And payloads are super low. As low as 800 pounds in some trim levels. The first iteration of the 2500 air-ride (full airbags with 5-link setup) had so many problems they did a stop-sale a few weeks after it was released. V2 of the 2500 air suspension is just bags over leaf springs. It most likely has the same drawbacks as discussed on this thread, but their target buyer still probably rarely leaves pavement.
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