When it comes to airbag suspension, firstly a crucial warning.
If you're thinking about adding air bags to leaf sprung axles, be warned that they create a single point load that was not foreseen by the vehicle manufacturer. To avoid the danger this presents, airbags must only be used in to assist in proper suspension set-ups - not as the main load bearer!
If you ignore the warnings about the danger with airbags...
...then you could end up with a bent or broken chassis. So in most cases it's recommended you don't go there. But in some circumstances airbags are the ideal solution, so here's what you need to know:
What are airbags used for?
Air bag suspension kits offer replacement suspension technology in a range of high selling load assist kits. An airbag suspension kit gives your vehicle air adjustable rear suspension, by using the airbag to help bear the load.
Yes! Most load assist kits are really simple to fit and just bolt on easily using basic hand tools. As soon as they are filled with air you can lift the rear end under load to restore the right level. This makes the vehicle safer when loaded, increasing contact with the road, removing sway and enhancing driveability in all conditions.
Do you need airbags?
Load assist kits with airbags are awesome if you'll be carrying a lot of heavy loads, even just every so often. This means you can change the air pressure to match the load onboard, with easy-as in cab controls!
What should you expect in an airbag load assist kit?
Any decent airbag load assist kit should come with: