Hitch up a heavy trailer or drop a slide-in camper in the bed, and you feel it instantly: the rear squats, the headlights point at the trees, and the steering goes light. Air helper springs fix that. They mount over your existing leaf or coil springs, and you add air to level the truck, restore ride height, and keep the rear from bottoming out on rough roads. The right kit turns a white-knuckle tow into a planted, predictable drive.
We focused on real-world towing behavior, not bench numbers. We looked at how much load each bag can support, how the kit handles bumps when loaded and empty, whether it bolts on without drilling, and how it holds up to heat and miles. Below are seven airbag suspension kits that genuinely earn their place under a working truck, ranked best first.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Firestone Ride-Rite 2299 Air Helper Spring Kit Best Overall Convoluted air spring, up to 5,000 lb leveling capacity, 5 to 100 psi range |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Air Lift 57338 LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Spring Kit Best for Heavy Loads Internal jounce bumper sleeve springs, 5,000 lb leveling capacity, up to 100 psi |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Air Lift 88340 LoadLifter 5000 Rear Air Spring Kit Best Bolt-On Value Sleeve-style air springs, 5,000 lb leveling capacity, no-drill rear install |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Firestone Ride-Rite 2350 Air Helper Spring Kit Best for Diesel Trucks Convoluted air springs, up to 5,000 lb leveling capacity, heavy-duty truck fitment |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Hellwig 6105 Air Bag Helper Spring Kit Best Ride Comfort Air helper springs, adjustable load support, no-drill bolt-on rear fitment |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Air Lift 60818 1000 Series Air Spring Kit Best for Light Towing and SUVs Sleeve-style air springs, up to 1,000 lb leveling capacity, 5 to 35 psi range |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Air Lift 25980EZ WirelessAIR Onboard Air Compressor System Best Onboard Control Add-On Dual-path onboard compressor, smartphone and remote control, pairs with air spring kits |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Firestone Ride-Rite 2299 Air Helper Spring Kit: Best Overall
The Firestone Ride-Rite 2299 is the kit we would put under a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck that tows or hauls regularly. The double convoluted air springs are built for real weight, and the leveling capacity is enough to flatten out a squatting rear end whether the load is a loaded bed, a slide-in camper, or a heavy trailer tongue. Brackets are application specific, so on most trucks this bolts to factory mounting points and clears the frame and axle without cutting or drilling. Once installed, the difference is immediate. The truck sits level, the headlights aim where they should, and the back end stops wallowing over expansion joints.
The honest weakness is that this is a manual kit. You inflate and deflate each bag at a valve stem, which means you set your pressure before a trip and check it occasionally, rather than adjusting on the fly from the cab. If you want in-cab or smartphone control you will need to add a separate compressor system, which adds cost and install time. Empty and aired down low, the convoluted bags can also feel a touch firmer than a sleeve-style spring over sharp bumps. For pure towing duty though, the load control and durability make this the one to beat.
- Heavy-duty double convoluted air springs rated for serious bed and tongue loads
- Vehicle-specific brackets for a true bolt-on fit with no drilling on most applications
- Restores level ride height and reduces squat, roll, and bottoming out
Pros: Excellent load support that genuinely tames rear squat under a loaded bed or heavy hitch; Trusted brand with broad vehicle coverage and easy parts availability; Noticeably calmer, more controlled ride when towing at highway speed
Cons: Manual inflation kit only, so you adjust pressure by hand at a valve stem; Convoluted bags can transmit a slightly firmer feel when the bed is empty
2. Air Lift 57338 LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Spring Kit: Best for Heavy Loads
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate earns its name with the towers and haulers who push the most weight. The standout feature is the internal jounce bumper built inside each sleeve spring. If you ever lose air pressure on the road, that bumper keeps you supported instead of slamming the bag flat, which is real confidence when you are 200 miles from home with a loaded trailer. The 5,000 pound leveling capacity handles serious fifth-wheel and gooseneck tongue loads, and the sleeve design gives a more compliant ride than convoluted bags when you are running empty around town.
The trade-off is packaging. The Ultimate assembly is physically larger than some competitors, and on certain trucks it can be a snug fit around exhaust, brake lines, or frame steps, so plan your routing carefully during install. Like most kits at this level it ships as a manual setup, meaning you will want to add a compressor and in-cab controller if you tow often and hate crawling under the truck with a tire gauge. For drivers who prioritize maximum support and fail-safe behavior, this is the strongest pick on the list.
- Sleeve-style air springs with an internal jounce bumper for protection if air is lost
- Rated to level up to 5,000 pounds of added load for towing and hauling
- No-drill installation on most trucks using factory mounting locations
Pros: Internal jounce bumper adds a real safety margin if a bag ever loses pressure; Strong, stable feel under heavy fifth-wheel and gooseneck tongue weights; Sleeve design rides smoother than convoluted bags when the truck is unloaded
Cons: Bulkier assembly that can be a tighter fit around some frame and exhaust routing; Manual inflation unless paired with an add-on compressor system
3. Air Lift 88340 LoadLifter 5000 Rear Air Spring Kit: Best Bolt-On Value
If the Ultimate is more kit than you need, the standard Air Lift 88340 LoadLifter 5000 delivers nearly the same towing muscle in a leaner package. You still get the 5,000 pound leveling capacity and the same smooth sleeve-style springs, just without the larger internal-bumper housing. For most half-ton and three-quarter-ton owners who tow a travel trailer, a boat, or a loaded utility trailer, this hits the sweet spot. Installation is a clean no-drill bolt-on for the rear axle on supported trucks, and the ride stays composed whether you are loaded heavy or cruising home empty.
The compromise versus the Ultimate is that you give up the internal jounce bumper, so if a bag loses air you do not have that secondary cushion holding you up. In normal use the springs are reliable, but it is a real difference worth knowing if you tow in remote areas. It also ships manual, so onboard air control is an extra you add later. For the buyer who wants proven LoadLifter support without paying for features they will not use, this is the smart, balanced choice.
- Standard LoadLifter 5000 sleeve springs without the larger Ultimate housing
- Up to 5,000 lb leveling capacity for towing, hauling, and slide-in campers
- Designed for a straightforward no-drill bolt-on installation
Pros: Same strong load rating as the Ultimate in a simpler, easier-fitting package; Smooth, controlled ride that handles uneven loads well; Great all-around towing performance for the typical pickup owner
Cons: No internal jounce bumper, so a sudden air loss drops support faster; Comes as a manual kit without onboard air control
4. Firestone Ride-Rite 2350 Air Helper Spring Kit: Best for Diesel Trucks
The Firestone Ride-Rite 2350 is the kit to look at when your tow rig is a heavy-duty diesel pickup doing real work. It uses the same proven convoluted air spring design as Firestone’s other Ride-Rite kits, but with brackets and fitment dialed in for the bigger diesel platforms that pull fifth wheels, goosenecks, and heavily loaded trailers. The 5,000 pound leveling capacity is plenty to keep the rear planted under serious tongue weight, and the build quality stands up to the underbody heat and vibration that comes with diesel towing duty.
As with the other convoluted Firestone kits, the ride feels firmer when the bed is empty and the bags are run at low pressure, which is the nature of this spring style. You also get a manual inflation setup out of the box, so committed towers usually pair it with an onboard compressor for hands-free leveling. None of that takes away from the core strength here: for a hard-working diesel that needs dependable, high-capacity load support, this kit is exactly on target.
- Designed for popular heavy-duty diesel pickups that haul and tow hard
- Convoluted air springs built for high tongue and bed loads
- Bolt-on brackets engineered for the specific truck platform
Pros: Purpose-built fitment for heavy-duty diesel applications; Strong squat control under big fifth-wheel and gooseneck loads; Rugged construction that holds up to underbody heat and miles
Cons: Firmer empty ride typical of convoluted bag designs; Manual inflation unless you add a separate air system
5. Hellwig 6105 Air Bag Helper Spring Kit: Best Ride Comfort
Hellwig has built suspension parts for working trucks for decades, and the 6105 air bag kit reflects that focus on a balanced, livable ride. Where some heavy kits feel stiff and busy when empty, this one tunes nicely so the truck stays comfortable for daily driving and then firms up predictably when you air it up for a trailer. The air-adjustable springs let you dial support to the exact load, and the no-drill brackets make for a clean bolt-on install on supported applications. For owners who tow moderate loads and also use the truck as a daily, this is a comfortable, confidence-inspiring setup.
The honest caveat is capacity and coverage. This kit is aimed at moderate and mid-weight towing rather than the absolute heaviest fifth-wheel duty, so if you routinely run near your truck’s limits you will want one of the 5,000 pound kits instead. Hellwig’s fitment range is also narrower than the giant catalogs from Firestone and Air Lift, so confirm your truck is covered before buying. Within its lane though, the 6105 offers some of the best ride quality here.
- Air-adjustable helper springs that fine-tune support to the load
- Engineered brackets for a no-drill installation on supported trucks
- Designed to balance towing stability with everyday ride comfort
Pros: Smooth, well-controlled ride that does not punish you when unloaded; Easy on-the-fly leveling by adjusting air pressure to match the trailer; Solid American-made construction from a respected suspension maker
Cons: Lower outright capacity than the heaviest 5,000 lb kits; Vehicle coverage is narrower than the big mainstream brands
6. Air Lift 60818 1000 Series Air Spring Kit: Best for Light Towing and SUVs
Not everyone tows with a heavy-duty pickup, and the Air Lift 60818 1000 Series is built for the rest of us. This lighter-duty kit fits many SUVs, vans, and light trucks, and it adds up to 1,000 pounds of leveling support, which is exactly the right amount for a small camper, a utility trailer, a loaded roof rack, or a stuffed cargo area on a family road trip. The compact sleeve springs squeeze into tighter coil and leaf setups where the bulkier heavy kits will not go, and the install is approachable for a confident weekend mechanic.
The obvious limitation is capacity. With a 1,000 pound rating and a lower maximum pressure, this is firmly a light-duty helper, not a fifth-wheel solution, so do not ask it to do heavy truck work. If you bought this expecting to flatten out a heavy trailer tongue, you will be disappointed. But matched to the right vehicle and a modest load, it does exactly what it promises: it kills the squat, restores level ride height, and makes a light tow feel far more stable.
- Lighter-duty 1000 Series springs sized for SUVs, vans, and light trucks
- Up to 1,000 lb of leveling support to cut squat from small trailers and cargo
- Compact sleeve design that fits tighter coil and leaf setups
Pros: Ideal for SUVs, minivans, and light trucks that the big kits do not fit; Easy install and gentle on ride quality at lower pressures; Effective at leveling smaller trailers, roof loads, and a packed cargo area
Cons: Far lower capacity than the 5,000 lb kits, so not for heavy towing; Limited to lighter applications and smaller trailers
7. Air Lift 25980EZ WirelessAIR Onboard Air Compressor System: Best Onboard Control Add-On
The Air Lift 25980EZ WirelessAIR is not an air spring itself, and that is the point. It is the onboard compressor and control system that transforms one of the manual kits above into a genuinely convenient leveling setup. Instead of grabbing a tire gauge and crawling under the bumper every time you change loads, you adjust pressure from your phone or a remote, right from the driver seat. The dual-path design even lets you inflate each bag independently, which is a real advantage when your load sits off to one side, like a heavy slide-in camper or an unbalanced trailer.
The catch is right there in the description: you need to already have air springs installed for this to do anything, so budget for both the spring kit and this system if you want the full hands-free experience. Installation is also more involved than a basic manual kit because there is wiring, a compressor, and air lines to route and secure. For frequent towers who change loads often, though, the convenience is hard to give up once you have it, which is why it belongs on this list as the control upgrade to pair with your springs.
- Onboard compressor that inflates and deflates your air springs without crawling under the truck
- Smartphone app and key fob control for adjusting pressure on the fly
- Dual-path system that can level each side independently for uneven loads
Pros: Turns any manual air spring kit into a true hands-free leveling system; Adjust pressure from the cab or your phone in seconds; Independent left and right control handles off-center loads
Cons: Not a spring kit on its own, so you must already own air helper springs; Adds wiring and install time over a basic manual setup
Frequently Asked Questions
Do airbag suspension kits increase my truck's towing capacity?
No, and this is the most important thing to understand. Air helper springs do not raise the manufacturer’s rated towing capacity or gross vehicle weight rating, which are set by the frame, axles, brakes, and drivetrain. What they do is help your truck carry the weight it is already rated for in a safer, more stable way. They restore level ride height, reduce rear squat, cut down on sway and bottoming out, and keep your headlights aimed correctly. So you tow the same maximum load you always could, but the truck handles that load with far more control and comfort.
Will an airbag kit ruin my ride quality when the truck is empty?
It depends on the spring style and how you run it. Convoluted bags can feel a bit firmer when the bed is empty, while sleeve-style springs tend to ride smoother unloaded. The key is air pressure. Most kits let you drop the pressure to a low minimum, often around 5 psi, when you are running empty, which keeps the ride compliant. When you hitch up, you add air to support the load. Used that way, a quality kit improves loaded ride dramatically while only mildly affecting the empty ride. Comfort-focused kits like the Hellwig are designed specifically to minimize any unloaded harshness.
Can I install an airbag suspension kit myself?
Yes, most of these kits are designed as no-drill bolt-on installs that a confident DIYer can complete in a driveway with hand tools and a jack. They mount to factory locations over your existing leaf or coil springs. Plan on a few hours, take care routing the air lines away from heat and moving parts, and follow the vehicle-specific instructions closely. The job gets more involved if you also add an onboard compressor system, since that requires running wiring and air lines. If you are not comfortable working under a vehicle, any suspension or trailer shop can install one quickly.
How much air pressure should I run for towing?
There is no single number because it depends on your load and your kit’s range. The general approach is to start at the minimum recommended pressure, often around 5 psi, when unloaded, then add air until the truck sits level under the load. Heavier trailers and slide-in campers need more pressure, up to the kit’s maximum, which is often 100 psi on heavy-duty kits and lower on light-duty ones. Never exceed the rated maximum. The goal is a level truck with the springs supporting the load, not maxed out and not bottomed out. An onboard compressor makes finding that sweet spot easy.
What is the difference between convoluted and sleeve-style air springs?
Convoluted springs look like stacked rings or bellows and are very strong for their size, which makes them great for heavy load support, though they can feel firmer when empty. Sleeve-style springs are smoother cylinders that flex more progressively, generally giving a more compliant ride and fitting into tighter spaces, though they may take up more vertical room in some designs. Both styles can support heavy loads. For maximum capacity and squat control, convoluted Firestone kits shine. For ride smoothness and features like internal jounce bumpers, the sleeve-style Air Lift kits are excellent. Match the style to whether you prioritize raw support or ride comfort.
Our Verdict
For most people towing with a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck, the Firestone Ride-Rite 2299 is our top pick. It delivers strong, dependable load support, a true bolt-on fit, and the brand backing and parts availability that matter when you rely on your truck. If you push the heaviest loads or tow in remote country, the Air Lift 57338 LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate is the runner up worth paying attention to, thanks to its internal jounce bumper that keeps you supported even if a bag loses air. Whichever you choose, add an onboard compressor like the WirelessAIR system when you tow often, and you will wonder how you ever towed without air helper springs.
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