Sign up now to join the JEGS email newsletter and be the first to learn about new products, special deals and e-mail only offers!
The Ford F150 is a wildly capable half-ton pickup, with most modern examples able to haul 2,000-3,000 pounds in the bed and tow trailers weighing 7,000-10,000 pounds or more.
However, an F150's drivability will suffer when pushing the limits of its payload or towing capacities. Drivers may notice reduced stability, longer braking distances, and a rougher ride, among other signs.
One affordable and convenient option is adding suspension air bags to your F150 to keep it level under heavy load, improving both stability and ride quality.
Are suspension air bags right for you? To help you find out, this guide further explores these aftermarket add-ons.
We'll start with how they work and what their advantages are. Then, we'll share some of the best bang for your buck Ford F150 suspension air bags.
What Does an Air Bag Suspension Kit Do?
An air bag suspension, also known as an "air spring" or "air helper spring," is a system designed to supplement a vehicle's existing suspension.
The main components are air-filled rubber or polyurethane cushions, usually installed between a truck's leaf springs and frame. These can be inflated or deflated to adjust ride height and suspension firmness.
When a truck like the Ford F150 is loaded with heavy cargo or towing a large trailer, the stock suspension can sag under the weight. This not only affects drivability but can also cause uneven tire wear, reduced braking efficiency, and less-responsive steering.
By installing an air bag suspension, F150 owners can counteract this sagging. The air bags can be inflated when the truck is loaded to provide extra lift and support. This ensures the pickup remains level, regardless of the payload or trailer weight.
When you don't need extra support, such as when the bed is empty or you aren't pulling a trailer, the air bags can be deflated. This allows the truck to return to its usual ride height and handling characteristics.
Most aftermarket suspension air bag kits come with air inflation tubes, allowing for manual adjustments. Some premium kits also include air compressors, allowing you to inflate or deflate the air bags on-the-fly.
Advantages of Air Bag Suspension Kit
An air bag suspension is a practical upgrade for any truck owner, enhancing both performance and comfort alike. Whether you're hauling cargo or towing trailers, these aftermarket systems offer solid benefits.
Below we’ll take a closer look at what air bag suspensions bring to the table:
- Improved Ride Quality & Comfort: Whether you're cruising on uneven highways or navigating bumpy back roads, an air bag suspension will ensure a much smoother ride. This is especially noticeable when the bed is loaded or when towing, as the air bags can be adjusted to offset the added weight.
- Lessens Road Noise: A sagging suspension means your undercarriage will be closer to the ground, increasing vibrations and road noise. Air bags help maintain your truck's height, which reduces these vibrations and quiets the cabin. This is especially beneficial during long drives or when towing large trailers.
- Better Braking Power: When an F150 is heavily loaded, its rear end can sag, shifting its weight distribution. This can lead to longer stopping distances and reduced brake responsiveness. An air bag suspension will restore your truck's balance, ensuring that weight is distributed evenly and your brakes operate optimally.
- More Confident Towing & Hauling: Towing a 10,000-pound trailer or hauling a bed full of equipment can be challenging, especially if your suspension isn't up to par. Installing an air bag suspension kit offers added support and adaptability, resulting in less sway and a more controlled towing experience.
- Less Taxing on Suspension System: Compared to casual daily driving, regularly pushing your F150’s payload and towing limits can expedite suspension wear. Air bag kits help support your existing suspension, relieving stress on the leaf springs, shock absorbers, struts, etc, improving longevity and minimizing repairs.
What are the Best Cost Options & Bang for the Buck?
When it comes to F150 suspension air bags, not all kits are created equal. The market offers a plethora of options, but which ones truly provide the best value for your hard-earned money?
Below, we'll share our top picks offering the most bang for your buck:
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Rear Air Spring Kits
Made for select late-model F150s (excluding the Raptor), Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 kits offer enhanced load support with a 5,000-pound capacity, reducing squat and trailer sway for safer towing.
Depending on your F150’s year and model, these kits include durable nylon or stainless-steel air lines, silver zinc-plated or stainless-steel steel roll plates, and all necessary installation hardware.
Air pressure is adjustable from 5-100 psi, ensuring precise tuning no matter your F150's load. What's more, the LoadLifter 5000's durability is bolstered by reinforced rubber bellows and ultra-high-strength Zytel nylon end caps.
Ranging from around $350 to just over $500, a LoadLifter 5000 air spring kit is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options available.
Firestone Ride Rite Air Spring Kits
Next up are Firestone's Ride Rite air bag suspension kits, which are available on most F150 models from 2004 onwards. Most Ride Rite F150 kits are no-drill, utilizing the factory holes. This means installation is straightforward, typically taking just 1-2 hours.
These direct-fit kits come complete with Firestone Ride Rite air springs, essential hardware, and an air line with separate valves for manual inflation.
Ride Rite kits are designed for durability and performance. They help stabilize your pickup under varying load conditions, improving steering, braking, and keeping the headlights level.
As for what these F150 air suspension bags cost, pricing starts at roughly $340 and can climb to around $570.
Tuff Country Rear Air Bag Kit
For owners of 2015 to 2020 Ford F150s, Leveling Solution's suspension air bags by Tuff Country, present an ideal solution for many hauling enthusiasts.
Designed to improve stability and comfort when carrying a heavy load or pulling a trailer, these kits can handle loads up to 5,000 pounds, making them extremely versatile, no matter your cargo.
Ease of installation is a standout feature, as there's no need for drilling, making it a straightforward addition to any pickup.
Proudly assembled in the USA and accompanied by a five-year warranty, Tuff Country's kits are reliable aftermarket add-ons. Priced at a competitive $340 for the F150 model, they represent outstanding value for owners.
JEGS: For All Your Pickup Truck Needs
So, are Ford F150 suspension air bags worth it? Absolutely. They offer improved stability, ride quality, and safety, especially when hauling or towing.
But not just any kit will do, you must choose the right kit for your specific needs and model. At JEGS, we understand the intricacies of trucks and are committed to providing top-notch products and expert advice.
Whether you're looking to upgrade your F150's suspension or need other truck accessories, consider JEGS for all your pickup truck needs. Still have questions? Contact our team today.
