The auto manufacturers do a
great job of engineering our trucks to handle most of the loads
thrown at them. However, anyone that's done some hauling knows
there's always room for improvement.
How
often have you asked yourself, isn't there a way to make my
truck carry this load easier or safer? Well, there is, and it's
not very difficult or expensive! Over 70 years ago Firestone
introduced the first air helper springs.
The heavy duty air bags mount in between the frame and
suspension of your truck using the supplied brackets. Plumbing
is easy with the flexible air line and fittings included in the
kit.
Air pressure can be adjusted with an external pump or by
installing an "on board" air compressor kit and gauge, which
will also allow constant monitoring of the spring pressure from
the drivers seat!
Load handling capacity for the Ride-Rite kits is up to 5000 lb.
Leveling side to side is also possible and comes in handy with
many of the slide in truck campers that can be much heavier on
one side.
As most people know, air suspension provides a smoother ride
than steel leaf or coil springs. By adding a Ride-Rite kit less
of the load needs to be carried by the factory springs.
That can translate to a smoother "loaded" ride while providing
two more load bearing points on the frame for added safety and
less stress on the factory suspension.
Most kits today are designed to be "no drill" installations and
usually allow use of frame mounted gooseneck or 5th wheel
trailer hitches.
This makes for a very easy set up and you won't jeopardize the
vehicle manufacturer's warranty.
Kits are available to fits most, pickups, vans, commercial
trucks and motorhome chassis. |