Truck Air Suspensions: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

 If you're a serious towing enthusiast, you probably already know the reasons why you should add a truck air ride suspension system to your heavy-duty truck: a quality truck air suspension system helps by cushioning a bumpy ride, leveling your vehicle, reducing wheel hopping, limiting trailer bucking and adding stability during braking. And, an air ride suspension system helps you protect your investment in your heavy-duty truck by preventing the harsh wear and tear caused by heavy towing.


But, before you decide to buy a product that can have such a significant impact on your truck, your trailer, and your load, there are several factors to take into consideration, including load capacity, manufacturing quality, ease of installation, adjustments to your vehicle, warranty, and much more.


Here are a few tips for serious shoppers who are looking for optimum performance and value in a truck air suspension system.


All Truck Air Suspensions are NOT Created Equal

As you start shopping around, keep in mind that there are two main types of air suspension systems on the market:


o Adjustable "helper" springs. This type of system is generally comprised of an add-on helper spring that aids in leveling the truck and reducing vehicle bounce, dip, or bottoming out when hauling a heavy load or towing. The air springs can be adjusted, often with a service station air hose, to the truck's load condition for more control and leveling support.


Disadvantages: The helper springs are bolted directly onto your truck's factory leaf springs. Unfortunately, factory leaf springs deflect and twist under acceleration and braking. This axle "wind-up" not only makes the truck drop when you accelerate, but it also makes the truck dive forward when you apply the brakes, throwing nearly all the weight of the truck and trailer onto the front suspension and brakes. Helper springs also tend to distort the natural spring frequency of the leaf springs, actually making the ride worse in certain situations. This type of air suspension system is best suited for leveling the ride and light or occasional towing.



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