Does the rear of your truck sag when you’re towing? Does your truck bounce or feel unstable when the bed is full? An air bag suspension system can give your truck the extra support it needs to handle those heavy loads.
Call our team at Trails West to schedule an air bag suspension installation today. Or keep reading to learn more about how air bag suspension kits work:
What is an Air Bag Suspension Kit?
An airbag suspension kit gives your truck extra support when you’re carrying heavy loads. We install flexible rubber air bags between your truck’s frame and rear axle. Most air bag suspension systems are helper systems; they don’t replace your truck’s existing leaf springs or coil springs. When your truck is unloaded, the factory suspension does all the work. But when you’re towing or hauling heavy loads, you can inflate the suspension air bags for more support.
How Do Air Bag Suspension Systems Work?
Air bag suspension systems force compressed air into flexible rubber chambers between your truck’s frame and rear axle. When you add air, the airbags stiffen and push against your truck’s mounting brackets. This raises the rear of your truck to keep it closer to its normal level.
The great thing about air bag suspension kits is that you can inflate and deflate the air bags whenever you want. Increase the pressure when you’re about to make a big haul, then deflate them when you’re done. Some kits come with mountable air compressors and onboard controls, while others require you to manually inflate and deflate the bags with an external pump.
The exact amount of pressure you need depends on your truck, the type of air bag kit, and the amount of weight you’re carrying. Always follow the manufacturer’s minimum and maximum pressure recommendations. Not following these guidelines can overstress the bags and make them fail faster.
What is Included in an Air Bag Suspension Kit?
The exact components you get vary by manufacturer and truck model, but most kits include:
- Two air bags
- Mounting brackets
- Air lines
- Inflation valves
- Fittings
- Fasteners
- Heat shields
- Some of the better suspension kits come with a compressor and onboard air controls
How Does the Air Compressor Work?
Onboard Air Compressors
The best airbag suspension kits come with an onboard compressor so you can adjust the air pressure on the go. The compressor is usually mounted underneath your truck. When you activate the controls, an electric pump sends air through the lines and into your airbags. Some kits come with a control panel you install on your dash. Other kits let you control the air pressure with a wireless remote or an app on your phone.
External Air Compressors
If your airbag suspension kit doesn’t come with an onboard compressor, you’ll have to fill the bags through manual valves, just like tire valves. You’ll have to use an external air compressor every time you want to change your airbag suspension pressure. These manual kits aren’t as convenient, but they’re usually more affordable.
Should You Get an Onboard Air Compressor or Use an External Compressor?
Onboard compressors are ideal if you plan on using your air springs all the time. An onboard compressor is probably worth it if you:
- Tow different trailers all the time
- Carry loads that change throughout the week
- Want to be able to adjust the pressure quickly
- Plan to add an air tank or other compatible pneumatic accessories
However, a lot of drivers can get by with an external compressor. You can use a portable air pump or a shop compressor to fill the bags. An external compressor airbag system might make sense if you:
- Usually carry the same load
- Don’t tow very often
- Don’t mind checking the pressure manually
- Want a more affordable air bag suspension system
The Benefits of Installing an Air Suspension Kit
Less Rear-End Sagging
Heavy trailers and loaded truck beds compress the rear suspension. Air bags help bring the rear of your truck back to its normal height.
Better Stability When Towing
Keeping your trucks level keeps you more stable when you’re towing. Your trucks will bounce and sway less. Air bag suspensions can also help you keep your steering more consistent when carrying heavy loads.
Better Headlight Alignment
Have you ever noticed that when the rear of your truck sags, the front points up and makes the headlights shine too high? Leveling your truck helps keep your headlights where they’re supposed to be.
Less Bottoming Out
Your truck’s suspension is less likely to bottom out with the extra support of an air bag suspension system.
Adjustable Air Springs Support
You can change the air pressure based on how much weight you’re carrying. Air bag suspension systems are a more flexible solution than permanently stiffer springs.
Better Weight Management
You can distribute pressure more evenly across your truck’s factory suspension system. This leads to a steadier ride.
Can I Haul Heavier Loads with an Air Bag Suspension Kit?
Air lift systems do not legally or mechanically increase your truck’s official capacity. You should still follow your truck’s maximum payload and towing ratings. Your truck’s capacity is based on:
- The frame
- Axles
- Tires
- Wheels
- Brakes
- Transmission
- Engine
- Cooling system
- Hitch
- Factory suspension
Installing air suspension components doesn’t upgrade these other systems. You should think of the air bags as support equipment. Unfortunately, they don’t give you a pass to carry more weight than you should.
Contact Trails West Today
Air Bag Suspension Kits Columbus Ohio
Want to add an airbag suspension system to your truck? Contact Trails West to schedule an installation today. We carry and install Airlift, ReadyAir, and Firestone airbags. Not sure exactly what you want? Call or stop by our 4X4 supercenter in Pataskala today, and we’ll help you choose the best system for your needs.