Is air suspension worth it on truck?

Air suspension can improve ride quality, load leveling, and stability for pickups and heavy-duty trucks, but it adds cost, maintenance, and potential reliability concerns. Whether it's worth it depends on how you use the truck, how often you haul, and your budget.

To understand whether installing or choosing a truck with air suspension makes sense for you, here's a look at the primary benefits, potential drawbacks, and key considerations before buying or upgrading.

How air suspension works and who uses it

Air suspension replaces or supplements traditional coil springs with air bags that are inflated by a compressor and stored in a reservoir. The system can automatically level the vehicle under load, adjust ride height for clearance or access, and fine-tune ride stiffness for comfort or handling. It is most valued on trucks that regularly tow heavy trailers, carry heavy payloads, or drive on unsettled surfaces, but comes with higher cost and maintenance expectations. Availability varies by model and trim; some buyers encounter factory-installed systems, while others opt for aftermarket kits.

Key benefits

Before listing the main advantages, note that the impact depends on system type (factory vs aftermarket) and vehicle use. Here are the common benefits you can expect.

• Load leveling and reduced rear-end sag when carrying heavy payloads, which helps maintain chassis geometry and tire contact.


• Improved towing stability and control, with less nose-dive and sway under braking or crosswinds.


• Adjustable ride height for easier loading and unloading, parking, and approach/departure angles off-road.


• Enhanced ride quality on rough pavement or gravel by isolating the chassis from road imperfections.


• Potential for better resale value on trucks where a factory or well-maintained air suspension is a selling point.

Conclusion: The benefits are most noticeable for heavy-use trucks and frequent trailers, while light-duty or budget-conscious buyers may not experience enough value to justify the cost.

Key drawbacks and considerations

Before listing the drawbacks, consider the trade-offs of added technology, maintenance, and potential costs over the ownership life of the truck.

• Higher upfront cost and potential ongoing maintenance compared with traditional coil springs.


• More components that can leak or fail, including airbags, lines, valves, and the compressor, which may require specialized service.


• Added weight and nontrivial install requirements, potentially affecting payload capacity and interior space.


• Cold weather and moisture can affect lines and seals; some systems incorporate dryers or anti-freeze systems to mitigate.


• Warranty coverage and service availability vary by manufacturer and whether the system is factory-installed or aftermarket.


• Not all driving situations benefit equally; if you rarely carry heavy loads or tow, the perceived gains may be limited.

Conclusion: For drivers who don’t regularly haul heavy loads or tow, a simpler suspension setup with standard coils and optional helper springs or upgraded shocks may provide similar comfort at lower cost and risk.

Who should consider air suspension

People who routinely carry heavy payloads, tow large trailers, or want maximum versatility in ride height and off-road clearance are the prime candidates for air suspension. If your truck spends most of its life empty or light-loaded, the extra cost and potential maintenance may not be justified.

Summary

Air suspension can be a game changer for trucks that regularly haul or pull, offering level ride, improved stability, and adjustable height. But it adds cost, complexity, and potential maintenance concerns, so it’s best judged against your typical payload, towing needs, climate, and budget. If you’re in a high-usage category, it’s worth considering a factory option or a vetted aftermarket system; if not, coil-sprung configurations with quality shocks or spring helpers may suffice.

Is air suspension good for trucks?

Air suspension reduces the tendency of short wheelbase trucks to bounce over rougher roads and terrain when the vehicle is empty. Air suspension improves the ride height based on the load weight and a vehicle's speed. Higher corner speeds due to air suspension being better suited to the surface of the road.

Is air suspension worth the investment?

Air suspension systems are a valuable upgrade for those looking to elevate their vehicle's performance, comfort, and style. While the initial investment and maintenance requirements may seem daunting, the benefits they provide often make them a worthwhile choice.

What are the pros and cons of air ride suspension?

Airbag suspension systems offer pros like a more comfortable and customizable ride with adjustable height, improved load and towing capacity, and better handling. However, cons include a higher cost for parts and installation, potential unreliability due to leaks, more complex and difficult installation, and reduced storage space for components like the compressor.
 
This video explains the pros and cons of airbag suspension, including adjustable ride height and handling: 57sGrey 3ISYouTube · Jul 28, 2023
Pros

• Customizable ride height: You can raise or lower the vehicle to a desired height, improving aesthetics or clearing obstacles. 
• Improved comfort: The air springs provide a smoother, more comfortable ride compared to traditional metal springs. 
• Enhanced load capacity: Airbags can significantly improve a vehicle's ability to handle heavy loads and towing. 
• Better handling and stability: By adjusting weight distribution, air suspension can lead to better steering, braking, and reduced squat, sway, and bounce. 

Cons

• Higher cost: The initial purchase and professional installation of an air suspension system can be expensive. 
• Installation complexity: Installation is often a detailed and complex process that may require professional help and custom fabrication for some vehicles. 
• Maintenance and reliability concerns: Airbags can leak or fail over time, which may compromise braking and require regular maintenance to check for leaks and drain condensation. 
• Loss of storage space: The air compressor, tank, and other components typically require space, often taking up significant room in the trunk. 
• Potential for noise: The compressor and system operation can sometimes be loud. 

You can watch this video to learn about potential issues like compressor noise and how to manage them: 58sAlexander VargasYouTube · Jan 23, 2020

Is air suspension better than regular suspension?

Smooth Ride Quality: Air suspension provides a superior ride quality by absorbing bumps and road irregularities more effectively than conventional suspension systems. The adjustable nature of air suspension allows for customization, enabling drivers to select their desired level of comfort and performance.