TruckSpring Times

Do you tow heavy loads with your truck or sport utility vehicle? If so, you know just how challenging it can be to keep your vehicle stable and level. Thankfully, a solution has arrived in the form of the SmartAir II Automatic Leveling System.

What is the SmartAir II Automatic Leveling System?

The masterminds at Air Lift Company designed this invention to help those who perform strenuous tows maintain their preferred ride height on any type of road in any type of conditions. SmartAir II is built with special leveling sensors that are programmed to figure out when the vehicle is not perfectly level. The Smart Air II then alters the air springs to the driver's pre-selected ride height to maximize stability and control. The system incorporates a one-of-a-kind, non-contact height sensor that allows for a consistently level ride without any lines or controls within the cab. SmartAir II also has a new weather-resistant harness and reliable components that adhere to the OEM standards for functionality and quality.

What is Included in the SmartAir II Automatic Leveling System Kit?

When you buy a Smart Air II system, you receive a comprehensive kit that includes a variety of components. First, there is an easy to read instruction manual with clear images that will help you perform a quick and easy install. The kit also includes a compressor, an electronic sensor system and a pre-assembled wiring harness. Interested parties can select their choice of two different models. There is a single-path system, part 25490, that empowers two air springs to inflate at the same time. There is also a dual-path system, part 25491, that is engineered to inflate the springs on either side, independent of one another, depending on the size of the load.

Place Your Faith in SmartAir II and You Won't be let Down

Every Smart Air II that we sell comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. We won't ask a single question if you decide to return your SmartAir II. There is also an overarching two-year warranty as well. The only caveat to this revolutionary product is that it does not function with vehicles that use Air Lift 1000 adjustable air helper springs. Nor is it compatible with coil-sprung vehicles.

Air Lift Company is a Name You can Trust

Michigan Truck Spring is proud to carry Air Lift Company products. Air Lift Company has been in business for over 60 years for good reason. The company is solely focused on providing the industry's premier air suspension products. Air Lift Company suspension systems do more than just fit your vehicle. They function without flaw and they stand the test of time. 

Find out More Today

You can find the Smart Air II Automatic Leveling System on our website at www.TruckSpring.com.  If you have any questions or comments, give us a call at 1-800-358-4751. We are an authorized Air Lift Distributor.

Are you thinking about getting an air compressor kit for your air bags and feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at the differences and answer some of the important questions you will need to ask yourself when selecting an air compressor kit for your air bags.

Which Brand of Air Compressor Kit?

Air Compressor kits are Universal. Air spring and air bag load support kits use 1/4 inch airline tubing, so the air compressors will work with other brands of air bag kits. Do you have Firestone air bags but like the features of an Air Lift compressor kit? Did you buy a truck that has Air Lift air bags or Hellwig air springs on it, but want to install a Firestone air compressor kit? No worries, one brand will work another brand of air springs. Which brand to choose is a personal preference. We have satisfied customers using Firestone, Air Lift and Viair air compressor kits. You really can't go wrong with which brand you select. Find the one that has the features your require and fits within your budget.

Wireless or Analog?

Wireless air compressors use the latest technology and allow you to inflate and deflate your air bags from inside or outside of your truck. This can come in handy when you want to level out the rear of your truck by allowing you to stand next to the back of the truck and see the change in ride height when inflating or deflating your air springs.  They do cost more, but the extra money you spend on a wireless kit can be made up in the reduced time and cost to install the system. Wireless air compressor kits do not require any lines to be run into the cab of your truck, so the install is much less time consuming than with other systems.

Pros of Wireless Air Compressors systems:

• Easy to install – no wires to run into cab
• Inflate / deflate your airbags from outside your truck
• Memory settings for air pressure

Analog air compressors install inside the cab of your truck and are controlled by a toggle switch or button and display the air pressure on a gauge with a needle. Analog systems have been around for years and typically cost less. They will take longer to install than a wireless system because you have to run lines into the cab for the gauge. If you are installing it yourself and have the extra time, it can be less expensive to run an analog system.

Pros of Analog Air Compressors

• Cost less
• Tried and True – Inflating air bags for decades
• Expandable – Allows the use of air tanks

Single or Dual Path Air Compressor?

Single path air compressors inflate both air bags at the same time with the same amount of air pressure.  This provides equal inflation and is designed for use with evenly distributed loads like travel trailers or 5th wheel trailers. If you tow anything with a trailer hitch, a single path system will work well and provide even air pressure.

Single path common uses (Even loads)

• Travel Trailers
• Boat Trailers
• 5th Wheel and Goosneck Trailers
• Utility and work trailers
• Horse trailers
  
  

Dual paths air compressor kits allow you to inflate your air bags with different air pressure amounts.  In the diagram above, the air bag with 45 psi would be on the side of your truck with a water tank or heavy tool box. With a dual path system you can do side-to-side or front-to-back leveling. They are commonly used when you have more weight on one side and need to add more air pressure to one air spring to adequately level your truck. If you have a work truck with cargo on one side or a pickup truck with a Lance slide-in truck camper with luggage and supplies on one side, a dual path system is for you.

Dual Path Common Uses (Uneven loads)

• Work trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Motorhomes
• Slide-in Campers

Standard Duty or Heavy Duty Air Compressor?

How often you tow is the main factor in determining if you need a standard or heavy duty air compressor. If you are a holiday traveler and only tow your camper once a month during the summer, you will be fine selecting a standard duty air compressor kit. If you have a work truck that is inflating the air bags daily or want more durability and flexibility with your system, we recommend a heavy duty setup with a higher duty cycle that will allow you to run the system more frequently. A heavy duty air compressor will inflate your air springs quicker and often to a higher psi than a standard duty one. If you use your air compressor to pay the bills, have a motorhome that requires higher psi, or are frequently using your air system, we recommend investing a little more upfront for a heavy duty system.

We hope this helps you determine which air compressor system will work best for your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 1-800-358-4751. We have been selling and installing air bags and air compressors in our shop for years.

Want to control your air helper springs remotely?  Now you can with the Firestone 2555 Compact Remote Air Command System. The kit features a key fob controller that allows you control the amount of air in your helper springs with the push of a button.

The Firestone 2555 air compressor kit consists of a light duty compressor, electronic control unit (ECU) wire harness, relay, exhaust valve, airline and key fob.

The key fob controller turns the light duty compressor on to inflate the helper springs and opens the exhaust valve to release air.

• The kit is easy to install and convenient.
• Provides an easy and convenient air source solution for air bags and air springs
  
• No wires inside the vehicle which makes for an easy install.
• Adjust the height of your vehicle up to 25 feet away

The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Command Kit 2556 for Android allows you to remotely adjust the amount of air in your Firestone air helper springs at the push of a button by conveniently turning your smartphone into the controller.

The kit includes a Light Duty air compressor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), wire harness, relay, exhaust valve, airline and instructions for downloading the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Command app for Android.

The Android app works as the controller to provide an instant air source while delivering convenient adjustability to the air helper springs.

The Firestone Android Air Command kit is easy to install, convenient and puts the power of air in the palm of your hand.

• Quick and easy installation
• No wires inside the vehicle
• Provides an easy and convenient air source solution
• Bluetooth technology for secure wireless interaction
• Adjust the height of your vehicle up to 25 feet away
• Compatible with Android smartphones and tablets

Put your Android smartphone to use to control the power of air with the Firestone 2556 Ride-Rite Air Command Kit from TruckSpring.com. Call 1-800-358-4751 to order or order online at the link above.

So, your thinking about purchasing an air bag kit and are seeing on-board air compressor kits in all different price ranges and with a ton of different options. Do I need one? Can I use my air bags without an air compressor? 

Do I need an an air compressor kit?

The short answer for all air bag manufacturers is "No". All Air Lift, Firestone and Hellwig air bag kits come with manual inflation valves which allow you to inflate the air bags the same way you would a car tire.

The inflation valves can be installed anywhere on your vehicle. The most common place for trucks and SUV's is on the back bumper or front bumper for motorhome front kits. The air bag kits come with 2 inflation valves that allow you to inflate your air springs individually. It is vary common to use a "T" fitting and run one inflation valve so both bags are inflated individually. All air bag kits use 1/4 inch air line tubing, part 3025 is the go to "T" fitting for single inflation.

Need an air compressor that is small and easy to ues? Viair’s new portable air compressor 77P is the perfect choice for your car, boat or RV.  Its small size makes it easy to store just about anywhere and plugs into your cigarette lighter power port for easy operation.  Weighting only 5 pounds, it is capable of inflating up to 225/65/R18 tires.

 

It’s built in LED work light and illuminated 80 PSI pressure display makes it easy to work at night and includes a deluxe carry bag with bright orange lining for enhanced visibility. 

 The Kit includes:

• 10 Foot Power Cord
• 3 Foot Air Hose
• Solid Brass Twist-on Tire Chuck
• Inflation Tips Kit

Available now at TruckSpring.com online or by calling 1-800-358-4751.

Viair portable air compressors make sure you never get caught without air. A portable air compressor may sit in your trunk or the back of your truck most of the time and not be the coolest car or truck accessory to have, until you need air of course. Ever have low tire pressure and air is nowhere to be found? With the Viair 87P you will always have air when you need it.

The Viair 87p connects directly to your car or trucks battery and can inflate up to 31 inch tires. The portable air compressor kits includes a 120 PSI air pressure gauge, a solid brass twist on tire chuck, inflation tips and a built in LED work light with a power indicator. The power code is 10 ft. long and the air hose is 3 ft. long, so you won’t have any problems getting the air to your tires.

The Viair 87P in not only good for emergencies, but did you know you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. With the Viair 87P portable air compressor you can easily maintain properly inflated tires which will save money, be safer and ensure your tires last longer. The proper tire pressure for your car or truck is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.

You can order the Viair 87P Portable air compressor online at TruckSpring.com or call 1-800-358-4751.

VIAIR has introduced the new Automatic Deployment Air (ADA) Systems for the 2007-2011 and 2012 Jeep Wrangler.  VIAIR Automatic Deployment Air Systems incorporate a 12-port extruded aluminum air tank to provide a compact air locker and tire inflation station using either a 400C (Heavy Duty) or 450C (Constant Duty) compressor at its core.

The heavy duty system utilizes the 400C compressor that has a 12 volt permanent magnetic motor capable of running a duty cycle of 33% @ 100 PSI at 26 amps.  The constant duty system utilizes the 450C compressor that has a 12 volt permanent magnetic motor capable of running a duty cycle of 100% @ 100 PSI at 19 amps. 

Each ADA System comes complete with an onboard pressure switch, automatic coupler and a Digital Tire Inflation Kit. Additionally, a wiring harness is included to make the installation a plug and play process, with very little install time required.  Each kit is also equipped with a brake booster mounting bracket. 

Viair onboard air systems make tire inflation or air locker actuation possible in a very compact space, so you always have air when you need it the most.

You can view more information on the Viair ADA kits using the links below or call 1-800-358-4751.

Heavy Duty 40041 (2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler)
Heavy Duty 40044 (2012 Jeep Wrangler)
Constant Duty 45041 (2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler)
Constant Duty 45044 (2012 Jeep Wrangler)

 Viair Automatic Deployment air systems are available from Michigan Truck Spring, contact them at 1-800-358-4751 or 989-755-0561 with any questions or to pricing and availability.

Many Air Compressors are not built to be run continuously and some need time to rest between uses.

The term Duty Cycle refers to the percentage of time an Air Compressor can run before needing time to cool down. The Duty Cycle of an Air Compressor is often expressed as a percentage of a certain amount of time, usually being 10 minute periods. That is, the Duty Cycle measures the proportion of time an Air Compressor can run against the amount of time needed for it to cool.

For example, the Firestone Super Heavy Duty Air Compressor has a 30% Duty Cycle and can be run for 3 minutes, it must then rest for 7 minutes. However, the Firestone Ultimate Duty Air Compressor has a 100% Duty Cycle and can be run continuously without a cool down time. These air compressors usually cost a little more but they are a time efficient alternative to lighter duty Air Compressors.

The Duty Cycle of an Air Compressor is calculated by dividing the total run time by the amount of time the compressor can run before resting. For example:

D = R / T with ‘D’ being Duty Cycle,‘R’ being run time before resting and ‘T’ being the total time.

30% Duty Cycle = 3 minutes run time / 10 minutes total – So an Air Compressor that can run for three minutes before needing to rest for 7 minutes has a 30% Duty Cycle.

Conversely, by knowing the Duty Cycle the run time can be determined by multiplying the Duty Cycle by the total time (usually 10 minutes). For example:

R = D x T

3 minute run time = 30%(.3) Duty Cycle x 10 minutes total – So an Air Compressor that has a Duty Cycle of 30% can run for 3 minutes before needing to cool for 7 minutes.

The below table is based on a 10 minute total time.