The Pros and Cons of Air Ride Suspension

For truck enthusiasts and owners, a well-functioning suspension system is essential for optimizing a vehicle's wheels, performance, comfort, and longevity. Among the many options available, air ride suspension stands out for its ability to transform the driving experience by offering unparalleled adaptability and smoother handling. This advanced system has become a popular upgrade for those looking to enhance both everyday usability and heavy-duty performance.

That said, like any advanced technology, air ride suspension parts come with their share of benefits and limitations. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision, whether you’re upgrading your Dodge or Ford truck with airride suspension parts or exploring alternatives to a smoother ride and suspension adjustability for your truck.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of air ride suspension systems, how they work, and the unique advantages they bring to your vehicle. Whether you’re fine-tuning your truck for off-road adventures or simply seeking a smoother ride for daily driving, this guide is tailored to help you determine if air ride suspension is the perfect fit for your needs.

What is Air Ride Suspension?

Air ride suspension is an advanced suspension system that replaces traditional coil or leaf springs with compressed air filled bags, also known as bellows. These bags, constructed from durable rubber similar to a tire,, are connected to an air compressor system that adjusts the air pressure to inflate or deflate the rubber bags, as needed. This design allows for precise control over ride height, comfort, and handling.

Initially developed for heavy-duty applications such as buses and commercial trucks, air ride suspension has evolved to become a popular feature in pickup trucks, SUVs, and even luxury vehicles. Its ability to adapt to varying loads and road conditions has made it a go-to choice for those seeking enhanced performance and comfort. For truck owners, especially those upgrading their truck suspension parts or seeking improved functionality and the smoothest ride possible  for their RAM or Ford trucks, air ride suspension delivers a unique combination of versatility and reliability.

Airride suspension systems also offer advantages for off-road enthusiasts. By adjusting the air pressure, drivers can raise the vehicle's ride height for better ground clearance during rugged terrain excursions or lower it for improved stability on highways. The customization and adaptability provided by air ride suspension make it a standout choice for both everyday drivers and those looking to tackle challenging terrains.

Whether you're exploring air ride suspension parts for a smoother commute or seeking to optimize load-carrying capacity for heavy-duty tasks, this innovative active suspension system brings a blend of functionality, comfort, and modern technology to your vehicle.

How Does Air Ride Suspension Work?

Air ride suspension systems rely on a combination of air bags, compressors, and height sensors to maintain optimal ride quality. Here’s how it works:

1. Air Bags: These replace the traditional coils or leaf springs, acting as the primary absorbers.

2. Compressor System: An onboard air compressor pressurizes the onboard air tanks so the airride controller can inflate or deflate the air bags to adjust the vehicle’s height and stiffness.

3. Controller Unit: Drivers can manually adjust settings or let the system automatically adapt to varying loads and terrains.

   
   

This flexibility makes air ride suspension especially useful for vehicles frequently carrying heavy loads or navigating uneven terrain, allowing for a super smooth ride whether empty or towing.

Pros of Air Ride Suspension

Air ride suspension systems offer a range of benefits that enhance performance, comfort, and versatility. For drivers seeking better handling and adaptability, particularly for trucks equipped with air ride suspension parts or Dodge truck suspension parts, these more active suspension systems truly elevate the driving experience.

Improved Ride Comfort

A key advantage of air ride suspension is its ability to absorb shocks and vibrations effectively, ensuring a much smoother ride throughout. The adjustable air pressure in the bags allows the air suspension system to adapt to different terrains, providing consistent comfort. Whether you're driving on highways or rugged trails, this feature makes long hauls more enjoyable, and allows for a smooth ride whether empty or towing.

Suspension Adjustability

The customizable nature of air ride suspension offers unmatched flexibility. Drivers can adjust ride height and stiffness to match specific needs, such as towing heavy loads or navigating uneven terrain. This high quality ride adaptability is a significant benefit for trucks towing trailers or heavy loads as it allows you to keep the truck level and riding smooth when fully loaded or empty.

More Balanced Handling

By improving weight distribution, air ride suspension enhances vehicle stability and handling. This is particularly valuable for larger trucks, where body roll can be a challenge. With better cornering and reduced sway, trucks with our air ride systems experience a much smoother, more controlled driving.

Less Wear and Tear

The system’s ability to distribute weight evenly and absorb harsh bumps helps protect other truck suspension parts from excessive stress. This extends the lifespan of other components, like bushings and control arms, ultimately reducing maintenance costs over time.

Cons of Air Ride Suspension

While air ride suspension offers a few notable drawbacks and impressive benefits, it’s important to consider its potential drawbacks before making a decision.

Increased Complexity

Unlike traditional suspension systems, air ride suspension relies on additional components like compressors, valves, and sensors to function effectively. While these advanced elements contribute to superior ride quality and adjustability, they also introduce greater complexity. This can make repairs more challenging and time-intensive, particularly for vehicles customized air ride suspension parts. Proper maintenance and working with knowledgeable professionals are essential to ensure these systems perform reliably over time.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your air ride suspension system performs at its best. Key tasks include inspecting the air bags for air leaks, or damage and verifying that the compressor and valves are operating efficiently. Neglecting these components can lead to performance issues or costly repairs. While these additional upkeep requirements may seem demanding, they help prolong the life of your air ride suspension parts and maintain optimal functionality, especially in vehicles with Dodge truck suspension parts or heavy-duty applications.

Cost

Installing and maintaining an air ride suspension system can represent a significant investment. The upfront cost of the system, along with expenses for any potential repairs or replacements, may give pause to budget-conscious drivers. However, for enthusiasts and owners of heavy duty trucks where air suspension systems excel in delivering superior performance and adaptability, the long-term benefits often justify the expense. Enhanced ride comfort, better handling, and the ability to tailor the air suspension systems work well to specific needs make it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking optimal performance.

Conclusion

Air ride suspension offers a unique combination of comfort, performance, and customization that makes it a compelling option for truck owners and off-road enthusiasts. From improved ride quality to better handling, the air suspension system pros and benefits are undeniable. However, it’s essential to weigh these advantages against the potential drawbacks, such as higher costs and increased maintenance requirements.

If you’re considering upgrading your vehicle, be sure to consult trusted suppliers for high-quality truck suspension parts.  At RI-FAB, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best solutions for your vehicle, ensuring both performance and reliability. We run our lift kits and parts on every one of our company trucks and have put hundreds of thousands of miles of testing on our parts.