The Truth About Air Bag Suspension Kits

Air bag suspension kits are a somewhat common choice for pickup truck owners who might need a little extra suspension support for towing and hauling applications. But it might pay off to dig a bit deeper before deciding that this set up is right for you. With brands like Air Lift and Ride Rite, air bag suspension technology has been around for years and many people just default to this type of set up because it is all they know. Doing due diligence by researching and you might find that perhaps other product such as the suspension kit might be a better match for your needs.

How Do Air Bags Work?

The air bag suspension system essentially works like a balloon. The concept is designed to resist the weight of the frame of the vehicle, pump air in to keep the truck from squatting, and let air out when you’re not towing. By doing this, the air bag suspension is essentially taking over for the factory leaf spring suspension with the sole goal of keeping the truck level when loaded. Keep the right pressure in the bags and you should never squat! However, people are beginning to find out that there are much better options for their applications, and here’s why.

Air suspension kits need shock absorbers ("shocks") to cushion road energy and help your vehicle produce a seamless and stable ride. They’re an integral part of any suspension system, but few understand the purpose of shocks and just how important they are for your car. So what is the purpose of shock absorbers and why are they so important?