2017-2022 Super Duty Air Springs and Helper Springs for Towing

All about 2017-2022 Super Duty Air Springs and Helper Springs for Towing

Hook up a heavy trailer or load a camper and the rear of a 2017-2022 F-250 or F-350 squats. The nose lifts, the headlights aim high, and the front tires carry less weight for steering and braking. Air springs and helper springs work with your factory leaf springs to hold the truck level under load. They do not raise your GVWR, payload or towing ratings, which stay at Ford's numbers. This page holds load-leveling kits from Air Lift, Carli and Hellwig.

How to choose

• Air springs if your load changes. You add air for a heavy trailer and let it out when empty. Air Lift rates its LoadLifter 5000 kits at up to 5,000 lb of load-leveling support and its LoadLifter 7500 XL kits at up to 7,500 lb. Ultimate versions add an internal jounce bumper inside the bag.
• Helper springs if your load is steady. Hellwig helper springs are steel leaves with no air to manage. Contact helpers meet the factory overload springs sooner, so the truck sags less under load.
• Match your truck exactly. Kits are split by single rear wheel, dual rear wheel and cab and chassis, and Air Lift splits its kits by model year inside 2017-2022. Carli long travel air bags are sized to the rear axle tube (3.5, 4.0 or 4.5 inch), so confirm yours before ordering.
• Filling. Air springs can be filled at a gas station or with a shop compressor. An onboard compressor kit is optional and handy if you adjust often.
• Know your weights. Level is not the same as legal. Weigh the truck loaded and stay inside the ratings on your door sticker.

FAQ

Will air springs increase my towing capacity?

No. They level the truck and improve control under load, but your GVWR, payload and towing ratings stay the same.

Air springs or helper springs?

Air springs suit loads that change, because you set the pressure for each trip. Helper springs suit a steady load and need no attention.

Will they make the ride harsh when the truck is empty?

Air springs run at low pressure when empty, so the ride stays close to stock. Hellwig says its contact helpers leave normal driving unchanged until the load brings them into contact.

Do these work with a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch?

Some Air Lift kits note gooseneck and fifth wheel compatibility. Check the notes on the product page for your hitch.