Air Helper Springs / Load Support FAQ

This page focuses on air helper springs, for towing and load support.

• What are air helper springs?
• What's the difference between load support and full air suspension?
• Will they adjust the height of my vehicle?
• Can I tow with a load support kit?
• Does a load support kit increase payload?
• What is the ride like?
• What pressure should I run?
• Can I run different pressures on each side?
• Do I need an onboard compressor?
• Can I install the kit myself?
• How long do the air bags last?
• Do I need to tell my insurance?
• Will raising the vehicle on a lift damage the air springs?
• Is there any maintenance required?

What are air helper springs?

Air helper springs are also known as a load support, semi-air or air assist kit.  These are inflatable air springs which work in conjunction with the standard suspension.  They help to prevent sagging when loaded, as well as reduce body roll and sway.  They can be adjusted with a standard tyre pump, or with an onboard controller.

There are a couple of types depending on the suspension setup vehicle they're fitted to.  For vehicles fitted with coil springs, there are air bags that fit inside the springs.  For vehicles with leaf springs or torsion bar suspension, there are separate air springs that mount to the vehicle with supplied brackets.  The kits differ somewhat, but fundamentally both add adjustable support to the standard suspension.

What's the difference between load support and full air suspension?

Primarily, load support systems work in combination with the standard vehicle springs, whereas full air suspension replaces the springs entirely with air springs.  Load support kits are generally simpler, cheaper and easier to install, whereas full air suspension systems offer complete height adjustment.

Will they adjust the height of my vehicle?

Air helper springs don't dramatically alter the ride height, beyond raising the vehicle close to, or sometimes just beyond, the unladen height.  There may be some change in height, but it's a secondary function, they are primarily designed to support additional loads and reduce sagging.

Can I tow with a load support kit?

Absolutely, they are great for towing.  You can simply add more air to the air bags when required.  They are particularly popular on caravans, horseboxes, camper conversions and vehicles that regularly carry heavy loads.

Does a load support kit increase payload?

No.  Adding air springs will not change the weight rating of your vehicle.  They simply increase the suspension's ability to support heavy loads.  We strongly recommend not exceeding the manufacturer's weight ratings, as the suspension itself may not be the limiting factor for how much weight a vehicle can safely carry.

What is the ride like?

As the setup is adjustable, the ride can be as soft as the standard suspension, or firmer.  If your current suspension sags or wallows, they should offer a marked improvement.  They tend to make a dramatic improvement on camper conversions and vehicles that run heavy.

It is worth bearing in mind that if the vehicle's suspension is too stiff when empty, a load support kit may not improve this.

What pressure should I run?

The air bags must always have a minimum amount of pressure in them at all times, this is to help maintain their shape and prevent creasing.  

The amount of pressure varies quite a bit depending on the vehicle and how much load it is carrying, so it is best to consult the instructions as to the maximum and minimum pressures. As a guide though, we suggest to start low and increase the pressure until the vehicle sits level and feels stable.

Can I run different pressures on each side?

Yes.  In fact it's quite common.  Vehicles often carry uneven loads, so different pressures side to side can be perfectly normal.  However, the pressure difference should only be enough to level the vehicle and should remain within the recommended limits.

Do I need an onboard compressor?

No, though it is a nice addition.  If you don't change the weight of the vehicle very often, you can inflate the air springs with a standard tyre pump, and many users simply inflate the air springs at the same time as checking their tyre pressures. If you find you are constantly adjusting them, you can add an onboard controller to allow you to change the pressure from the driver's seat, or in some cases with a wireless remote or phone app.

You also don't need an air tank, though one can be added.

Can I install the kit myself?

If you're mechanically competent and have some basic tools, then yes absolutely.  The kits come with comprehensive instructions, and in the vast majority of kits, there are no modifications/drilling required.

For coil sprung vehicles: On some vehicles it's possible to install the air springs without removing the existing coil springs.  In most cases, the rear springs need to be removed for the air springs to be installed.

For leaf sprung vehicles: The installation is slightly more involved, but still straightforward.  The original suspension generally remains in place and the air spring brackets are mounted alongside it.

How long will the air springs last?

If they are properly installed, and you look after them, it's not unusual for them to last many, many years.  Just keep an eye on the pressures.  Some Air Lift kits even offer a lifetime warranty.

Do I need to tell my insurance?

It is always best to consult your insurance beforehand as some companies treat it differently.  The kits are technically an add-on accessory as opposed to a mechanical or performance alteration, however it's a good idea to double check.

Will raising the vehicle on a lift damage the air springs?

Generally, no.  The vehicle can be lifted for short term service work without issue, and in the case Air Lift 1000 kits they always stay contained within the coil springs.  However, if the vehicle will be on a lift for a longer period of time, it's a good idea to support the axle with jack stands to take some tension off the air springs, particularly with leaf sprung setups.

Is there any maintenance required?

Not a lot.  It's always a good idea to keep the air springs clean (with water), and make sure they don't drop below minimum pressure. It's also worth periodically checking that the air lines remain secure and haven't chafed against nearby components.

We usually recommend checking the pressures as often as you would (or that is, as often as you should!) check your tyre pressures.