TruckSpring Times

Air Lift has just released the newest addition to their LoadLifter 7500XL line up for the 2014-2018 RAM 2500 trucks, air bag kit 57589. This kit provides a whopping 7,500 lbs. of load leveling capacity with its huge 7 inch double convoluted air springs.

• Up to 7,500 lbs. of load-leveling capacity
• Massive 7-inch double-convoluted-bellow air springs creates a better ride than most products with similar weight ratings
• Up to 20% more air spring volume than traditional LoadLifter 5000 air springs
• Air bags are adjustable from 5 to 100 PSI
• Upper and lower roll plates protect the air springs from abrasion and increase load capacity up to 10%
• End caps made of ultra high-strength, corrosion-proof, nylon composite which is as strong as steel but weighs less and will not rust

This kit fits the following trucks, both 2 and 4 wheel drive models:

2018 Dodge RAM 2500
2017 Dodge RAM 2500
2016 Dodge RAM 2500
2015 Dodge RAM 2500
2014 Dodge RAM 2500

It can be installed with basic hand tools and does not require drilling. View the below installation video for more information on the process.

Or view the Air Lift 57589 Installation Instructions.

Feel free to call us at 1-800-358-4751 for more information or you can order online.

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.

You can order the new Firestone Wireless Air Command F3 air compressor kit online or by calling 1-800-358-4751.

If you adding air bags to your car, truck, suv or motorhome you’re probably wondering how much air should you put in the air bags.  There is no golden rule for the amount air pressure you should start with. You have to take into account a few things before you start inflating you air bags.

All air bag kits will have a warning on how much air pressure you can put in them. It will vary from manufacturer and product line, but here are a few of the more popular kits and their maximum psi. The maximum psi will vary with your specific air bag kit number, so you should check the instructions for your specific air bag kit. Most air bag kits will fall into this range.

Air Lift 1000 kits – 35 to 100 lbs. maximum PSI  (Varies with application)
Firestone Coil-Rite Kits – 35 to 90 lbs. maximum PSI  (Varies with application)
Air Lift Ride Control kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI
Firestone Sport-Rite kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI
Firestone Ride-Rite Kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI
Hellwig Air Bag Kits – 100 lbs. maximum PSI

So, now that we have the maximum amount of air that you can put into your air bags out of the way, let’s look at how much you should put into them to get the ride you want.  First thing you want to do after installing your air bag kit is to get your vehicle on a level surface, next to an air pump at a gas station will work. Make sure you have the minimum air pressure in your air bags, 5 lbs., before heading out.

Inflate your air springs so your truck or SUV is level and your headlights are at a correct angle. Also check your truck from the rear and make sure you are level from side-to-side. Inflate or deflate your air bags until you have the height you want. If you are planning on filling the back of your pickup truck with logs, obviously you’ll want to over compensate for the upcoming load.

Now that your truck is level, take if for a ride and check the ride comfort and stability. If it feels stiff you may have too much air pressure.  We have found it is easier to start out with more air than you think you need and work your way down, fine tuning until you get the desired ride from your air bags.  This can take a little work if you are manually inflating and deflating your air springs. We recommend an air compressor kit if you plan on using your air bags frequently and tow more than a few times a year. Air compressor kits allow you to inflate and deflate your air springs from the inside of your truck and monitor the air pressure at all times. We have found they are worth the extra money and people that have air compressor kits seldom run into air bag problems associated with low air pressure.

Due to the fact that air bag kits are installed on a wide variety of vehicles with suspensions in various conditions there is not a set psi number you should go with. Unfortunatley, you cannot say for example, use 50 psi in your air bags if you have a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and you are towing a 30 ft. Jayco travel trailer. If you haul heavy loads and your leaf springs are worn out, you will need more air than the other guy with the same truck but whose leaf springs are in good condition. The psi will vary with how much weight your are towing or hauling and the condition of your trucks suspension.

While we are discussing air pressure, we have to mention minimum air pressure. The most common cause for failure in air bags is running them without the minimum air pressure. This causes them to bottom out, tear, etc. You should always keep 5 lbs. of air pressure in your air bags to prevent any damage. 5 lbs. will not affect your ride but will ensure your air bags last. This is where an air compressor kit comes in handy, monitoring and maintain the minimum air bag pressure.

Remember it will take a few tries to get the air pressure exactly where you want it. Don’t expect to get it perfect or settle on your first go around. Add and deflate until your vehicle is level and you have the ride comfort and stability you want. It will take some tinkering, but it can be achieved. You can call Michigan Truck Spring at 1-800-358-4751 or 989-755-0561 if you have any questions regarding air springs or airbag kits. They have been installing and selling them for years and have hands on experience with just about every make and model truck.