Helper Springs and Load Support

Shop helper springs that stop rear sag when you tow or haul, led by Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 and 7500 XL air spring kits, plus Firestone Ride-Rite, SumoSprings and Hellwig. Complete kits cost $173 to $1,134, and most pickup kits run $480 to $660. Replacement air springs and parts start at $13. Shopping by truck? See our towing air bags.

How to choose helper springs

Helper springs sit alongside your factory springs and add support when the truck is loaded. They level a squatting rear end, cut bottoming, and help keep your headlights and steering where they should be with a trailer on the hitch. They do not raise your truck's payload or towing rating. Air Lift's own footnote is clear: never exceed the manufacturer's recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

Choose by answering three questions:

  1. How heavy is the load, and how often? Occasional campers and small trailers suit a basic kit. Fifth wheels, goosenecks and slide-in campers on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks suit the heavier LoadLifter 7500 XL.
  2. Do you want to adjust it? Air helper springs let you add air for a load and let it out for daily driving. Rubber or polyurethane helpers like SumoSprings are automatic, with nothing to inflate.
  3. What is your exact truck? Kits are specific to year, cab, 2WD or 4WD, and sometimes to trim, hitch or lift. A kit for a 2021+ F-150 will not fit a 2015-2020 truck.

Helper spring types compared

TypeExamples on our storeHow it worksPrice range
Air spring kitAir Lift LoadLifter 5000Air bags between frame and axle, inflated to suit the load$464 to $1,134
Air spring kit with jounce bumperLoadLifter 5000 UltimateAdds an internal bumper so the bag can run at 0 PSI$504 to $882
Upgraded air spring kitLoadLifter 5000 Ultimate PlusUltimate design; several part numbers include stainless steel air lines$610 to $910
Heavy-duty air spring kitLoadLifter 7500 XLBigger capacity for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks$714 to $815
Air spring kitFirestone Ride-RiteAir bags for leaf-sprung trucks$484 to $698
Air bag inside a coilFirestone Coil-RiteFits inside a coil spring to firm it up$173 to $179
Solid helperSumoSpringsMicrocellular urethane that stiffens as it compresses$312 to $369
Steel helperHellwig ContactSteel spring that contacts under load$369

LoadLifter 5000 vs Ultimate vs 7500 XL

Air Lift rates the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate at up to 5,000 lbs of load-leveling capacity and builds it for 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton pickups and vans with leaf springs. Its internal jounce bumper lets the bags work at 0 PSI if needed and softens hard hits. The LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate is rated at 7,500 lbs of load-leveling capacity and is designed for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, including fifth wheel and gooseneck setups. Air Lift says to keep a minimum air pressure in the bags, and systems with a compressor hold at least 5 PSI.

If you tow a mid-size travel trailer with a half ton, the 5000 or 5000 Ultimate is the usual pick. If you pull a big fifth wheel with a Super Duty, Ram HD or Silverado HD, look at the 7500 XL.

Air vs SumoSprings

Air springs are the most adjustable option, and you can run different pressure side to side to correct a lean. The trade-off is that you need to check pressure and air lines. SumoSprings need no air and respond on their own, but you cannot tune them after install. For a deeper look at air setups, read air suspension vs coilovers.

Fitment by truck

Here is how our complete air spring kits break down by vehicle:

VehicleKitsPrice range
Ford F-250, F-350 and Super Duty39$464 to $874
Vans: Express, Transit, E-Series, ProMaster, Sprinter17$480 to $1,134
Ford F-15013$484 to $874
Ram 2500 and 350011$484 to $716
Ram 15009$484 to $656
Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, 1500 and HD29$470 to $910
Nissan Titan5$484 to $738

Shop by truck in F-150 towing air bags, Ram 1500 towing air bags and Silverado and Sierra towing air bags. For full setups, see F-150 suspension and Ram 1500 suspension.

What else you'll need

  • A way to add air. Basic kits use fill valves and a tire compressor. Air Lift and Firestone sell onboard compressors and controllers separately.
  • Clearance parts on lifted trucks. Lifts, block changes and aftermarket leaf springs can change fitment. Air Lift sells cradles and spacers, and some of our kits list "w/ Block Lift" or "w/ Cradle" in the title.
  • Healthy springs. Helper springs support worn springs but do not fix them. If your stock leafs are cracked or flat, replace them first: see leaf springs.

Install notes

Most bolt-on air spring kits install with hand tools, jack stands and sometimes a drill for a bracket, though some kits are no-drill. The slowest part is routing the air lines away from the exhaust and moving parts. SumoSprings and similar solid helpers often bolt to existing bump stop mounts and go in faster. After install, check air pressure regularly and inspect lines during oil changes.

Costs

A complete LoadLifter 5000 kit for a pickup mostly costs $464 to $620 on our store, Ultimate kits mostly $504 to $733, and 7500 XL kits $714 to $815. Sprinter kits run higher, up to $1,134. Replacement air springs cost $122 to $262 each, so you can rebuild a worn kit without buying all the brackets again.

Popular picks

Related guides

Sources

Helper Springs and Load Support FAQ

Do helper springs increase towing capacity?
No. Helper springs level the truck and reduce sag and bottoming, but they do not raise your payload, axle or towing ratings. Air Lift says never to exceed the manufacturer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
What is the difference between the LoadLifter 5000 and the 7500 XL?
Air Lift rates the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate at up to 5,000 lbs of load-leveling capacity for 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton pickups and vans. The 7500 XL Ultimate is rated at 7,500 lbs and is designed for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, including fifth wheel and gooseneck towing.
What does the internal jounce bumper on the LoadLifter Ultimate do?
It is a bumper inside the air spring that lets the bags run safely at 0 PSI if needed and absorbs hard hits from rough roads.
Are air helper springs or SumoSprings better?
Air helper springs are adjustable, so you can add air for a heavy load and let it out for a softer empty ride. SumoSprings need no air or maintenance and stiffen on their own, but you cannot adjust them after install.
How much do helper springs cost?
On our store, complete helper spring kits cost $173 to $1,134, and most pickup kits run $480 to $660. Replacement air springs start at about $122 each.
Can I install helper springs myself?
Yes, most kits bolt on with hand tools and jack stands, and some need no drilling. Take your time routing the air lines away from the exhaust and moving parts.
Do helper springs work on a lifted truck?
Often, but lifts, blocks and aftermarket leaf springs can change fitment. Some kits are made for block-lifted trucks or use a cradle, so check the listing for your exact setup.