Firestone

Firestone Ride-Rite builds air helper springs and air suspension for load carrying — parts across helper spring kits, air command systems, compressors and replacement air springs.

Ride-Rite kits sit between the frame and the axle and take part of the load, leveling a truck that squats under a camper, a heavy tongue weight or a loaded bed. Deflate them when the truck is empty and the ride returns to standard — which a stiffer leaf pack can never do, because it is stiff all year for the few weeks it is needed.

Helper springs level a rated load; they do not raise your payload rating, which stays set by the axle, tires and gross vehicle weight rating. Their air command systems add a compressor and in-cab control so pressure can be matched to the load rather than guessed at a gas station air hose.

Squatting under a load? Our guide to helper springs and air suspension compares the two, and explains what each does not fix.