Why Your 2020 RAM 1500 Pulls When Towing (And How to Stop It)

How to Fix Pulling

If your 2020 RAM 1500 is pulling to one side or behaving erratically while towing, you're not alone. This guide compiles real-world data and solutions from owners who have experienced similar issues, focusing on the specific causes and fixes they've identified. The problem often relates to the truck's behavior under load, with specific attention paid to suspension components and driving modes. As one owner shared after a long trip: "I’ve driven as far with a bed full of stuff, this is the first time going so far with a trailer." (source) This highlights how towing can introduce new dynamics that affect handling.

Symptoms

Owners report a distinct feeling of the truck being unstable or "pulling" under specific conditions. This isn't just a minor alignment drift; it's a more pronounced sensation that the vehicle is being tugged or is wandering, especially when a load is introduced. The symptom is closely tied to the stress of towing or hauling, where the truck's standard setup may show its limitations.

This pulling sensation is often accompanied by a general feeling of instability. Owners don't just note a drift—they describe a change in the truck's character when weight is added to the bed or hooked to the hitch. It can make longer trips, particularly with trailers, more fatiguing as you constantly correct the steering. The symptom underscores the difference between unloaded daily driving and the demands of workhorse duties.

In some cases, the issue may be related to or confused with electronic system alerts. One owner reported a puzzling notification: "Has anyone seen this type of notification? I imagine this is a traction control alert but the time of the alert doesn’t make sense as the truck had been turned off for hours..." (source). While not direct pulling, such electronic glitches can affect stability system operation, which in turn influences handling feel and driver confidence, especially when the systems behave unpredictably.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, the most likely cause of pulling or instability in the 2020 RAM 1500, particularly when towing or hauling, is inadequate rear suspension support. The factory rear leaf springs are known to be relatively soft, which is great for an unloaded ride but a liability when weight is added. This softness allows the rear end to sag significantly, altering the truck's geometry, steering feel, and overall stability.

When you hook up a trailer or load the bed, this rear sag does more than just make the truck look low. It changes the front-end alignment (specifically the caster and camber angles), reduces steering responsiveness, and can induce a wandering or pulling sensation as the front tires no longer maintain optimal contact with the road. The problem is compounded by the fact that the truck's weight distribution and center of gravity shift, making it feel less planted and more susceptible to crosswinds or road crown. As one owner succinctly put it, "And I’m sure most of us know the 5th gen’s have notoriously soft rear springs, making the Airlift bags a near necessity for towing or hauling heavy." (source) This widespread owner acknowledgment points directly to the suspension as the root cause.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a pulling issue related to suspension requires a methodical approach to isolate the cause from other potential problems like bad tires or worn front-end components. You'll need a tape measure, a level parking surface, and ideally, a friend to help.

First, rule out basic tire issues. Check all tire pressures, including the spare, and ensure they are set to the door jamb sticker's specifications, not the sidewall max. Inspect tires for uneven wear, especially cupping or feathering, which can cause pulling. Swap the front tires left to right. If the pulling direction changes, the issue is likely tire-related. If it remains the same, move to suspension diagnosis.

Next, assess the rear suspension sag. On a level surface, measure the height from the center of the wheel hub to the bottom of the fender lip on both the front and rear wheels. Record these measurements with the truck unloaded. Then, load the truck as you normally would when the pulling occurs—put your typical cargo in the bed or hook up your trailer. Measure the heights again. Significant sag in the rear (often 2 inches or more) confirms the springs are not adequately supporting the load. This sag alters front-end geometry. Finally, check for any visible damage to suspension components like broken leaf spring segments or a leaking shock absorber. Listen for clunks or squeaks when bouncing each corner of the truck, which could indicate worn bushings or shocks that exacerbate instability.

Step-by-Step Fix

The proven fix, as adopted by many owners, is installing rear air helper spring kits, such as those from Air Lift or Firestone. These kits provide adjustable support to prevent sag and restore proper ride height and handling when towing.

1. Gather Parts and Prepare: Park on a flat, solid surface, set the parking brake, and chock the front wheels. Safely lift the rear of the truck using a floor jack and support it securely on jack stands under the axle or frame. Remove the rear wheels for clear access.

2. Identify Mounting Points: Study the kit instructions. You will typically be mounting the air bag on top of the rear axle and to the truck's frame directly above it. You may need to relocate existing components like the axle vent tube. One owner found a related component, asking, "what is this and where should it be?" (source)—this highlights the need to carefully note where everything is before disassembly.

3. Install Air Bags: Follow your specific kit's instructions. This usually involves bolting a lower mounting plate to the axle (often using the U-bolt nuts) and an upper bracket to the frame. Slide the deflated air bag between these mounts. Do not fully tighten all bolts yet to allow for final alignment.

4. Route Air Lines: Drill a small hole in the frame or use an existing grommet to route the supplied air lines from each bag to your desired location for the fill valves (often near the license plate or fuel filler). Use protective loom or zip-ties to secure the lines away from heat, sharp edges, and moving parts. Ensure the axle breather tube is repositioned clear of the new hardware.

5. Final Assembly and Inflation: Lower the truck so its weight is on the suspension but the wheels are still off the ground. This is the "ride height" position. Now tighten all mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Reinstall the wheels and lower the truck completely. Connect the air lines to the fill valves. Inflate each bag to about 5-10 PSI for an unloaded truck. The goal is to have support available without making the unloaded ride harsh.

6. Test and Adjust: Take the truck for a short test drive unloaded. It should ride normally. Then, load the truck or attach your trailer. With the load applied, inflate the air bags until the truck returns to its unloaded ride height (use your earlier measurements as a guide). Typically, 20-45 PSI is sufficient for most towing scenarios. The pulling sensation should be significantly reduced or eliminated as proper front-end geometry is restored. As one owner advised regarding powertrain management, "In the future though, click it out of TH mode once you’ve reached cruising speed. With that light of load there’s a good chance it would have dropped into 8th gear and saved you some gas." (source) Proper suspension support complements smart driving mode use for optimal stability and efficiency.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Primary Part: Rear Air Helper Spring Kit. Popular kits include the Air Lift 60775 LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate or the Firestone FR3610 Ride-Rite Kit. Confirm fitment for a 2020 RAM 1500.
• Tools: Floor jack and jack stands, lug wrench, socket set (metric), torque wrench, drill with bits, drill bit for air line hole (size per kit instructions), wrenches, pry bar, wire cutters/strippers (if installing an on-board compressor), zip-ties, and safety glasses.
• Supplies: Thread-locking compound, penetrating oil (for rusty bolts), and a tire pressure gauge for accurate air bag inflation.

Real Owner Costs

The cost to fix pulling via suspension upgrade varies based on the approach.

DIY with Basic Air Spring Kit: A quality air helper spring kit like the Air Lift 5000 series typically costs between $450 and $600. This is a one-time parts investment. If you install it yourself, your total cost is confined to this range. Owners find this provides immense value, transforming towing stability.

Professional Installation: If you have a shop install the kit, labor can add $300 to $600, depending on local rates and whether you opt for additional components like an on-board air compressor. This brings the total cost to a range of $750 to $1,200. Some owners who are not mechanically inclined find this worthwhile for the warranty on labor and peace of mind.

Comparison: The DIY route saves significant money and is a manageable project for a weekend mechanic with the right tools. The professional installation cost is justified for those lacking time, tools, or confidence. There are no widespread reports of dealers fixing this under warranty, as it's considered an enhancement beyond factory specification for heavy use. The cost is preventative, avoiding potential accelerated tire wear and unsafe handling caused by chronic sag and misalignment.

Prevention

Preventing pulling and instability is about proactive suspension management and diligent maintenance. First, know your truck's limits. Understand its payload and towing capacities from the door jamb sticker, and avoid exceeding them. Regularly inspect your rear suspension for signs of fatigue, such as cracked leaf spring paint or inverted leaf spring curvature when unloaded.

When planning to tow, make proper preparation. Ensure your trailer is loaded correctly with 10-15% of its total weight on the tongue. Before hitting the road, always check that your rear suspension isn't sagging excessively. If you frequently tow or haul near the truck's capacity, investing in auxiliary suspension support like air bags or stiffer replacement leaf springs from the outset is the most effective preventive measure. This maintains proper geometry and prevents the conditions that lead to pulling. Furthermore, keep up with routine front-end alignments, especially after installing suspension modifications or if you frequently carry heavy loads, as alignment specs change with ride height.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from RAM owners:

Owner Experiences

"I’ve driven as far with a bed full of stuff, this is the first time going so far with a trailer. Thanks for the comment" — lucassster (source)

"Has anyone seen this type of notification? I imagine this is a traction control alert but the time of the alert doesn’t make sense as the truck had been turned off for hours and I didn’t turn it back on until hours after this alert." — Haunting-Buy3685 (source)

"I imagine this is a traction control alert but the time of the alert doesn’t make sense as the truck had been turned off for hours and I didn’t turn it back on until hours after this alert." — Haunting-Buy3685 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to install air helper springs? A: For a competent DIYer with all the necessary tools, the installation typically takes 4 to 6 hours for a basic kit with manual fill valves. This includes time for careful routing of air lines and double-checking all connections. Adding an on-board air compressor system can add another 2-3 hours to the project. A professional shop will usually complete the job in 3-4 hours of billed labor.

Q: Can I drive with my truck pulling when towing? A: It is not recommended. While the truck may be physically capable of moving, a pronounced pulling sensation indicates compromised stability and control. This increases driver fatigue, reduces your ability to react to emergencies, and can lead to accelerated and uneven tire wear. It's a safety issue that should be addressed before undertaking long trips or towing in demanding conditions like highways or mountainous roads.

Q: Is pulling a common issue on the 2020 RAM 1500? A: Based on owner discussions, it is a commonly noted characteristic, particularly related to towing. The soft rear spring design, praised for its comfortable unloaded ride, is frequently cited as the culprit when loads are added. It's not a "defect" in the traditional sense but a design trade-off that many owners choose to modify for their specific needs. The high number of aftermarket solutions like air bags marketed to these truck owners underscores the commonality of the experience.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended for this fix? A: This repair is very well-suited for DIY if you are comfortable working under a vehicle, using basic hand and power tools, and following detailed instructions. The process is mechanical and does not require advanced computer diagnostics. The main challenges are handling the weight of the rear axle during installation and neatly routing the air lines. If the thought of drilling into the frame or supporting the truck on jack stands gives you pause, then hiring a professional, preferably a specialty truck or suspension shop, is the wise choice. They can ensure a clean, safe, and warrantied installation.

Q: Will air bags ruin my unloaded ride quality? A: Not if they are properly adjusted. When installed correctly and kept at a low pressure (5-10 PSI) when the truck is empty, the air bags simply act as a soft cushion preventing downward travel. They should not provide significant lift or stiffness. The key is to use them as helper springs, not as the primary suspension. At low pressure, most owners report no noticeable difference in daily driving comfort, but a dramatic improvement when loaded.

Q: Do I need an alignment after installing air bags? A: It is highly recommended. Any change in ride height can affect alignment angles, particularly caster and camber. Since the primary purpose of the bags is to restore proper ride height under load, getting an alignment performed with the truck in its typical loaded condition (or at least with the bags inflated to your common towing pressure) will ensure your tires wear evenly and steering is optimized for how you use the truck.