Tow Assist Air Bag Kits: The Ultimate Guide

Tow Assist Air Bag Kits: The Ultimate Guide

Posted by True Suspension Team on Jul 25th 2026

Every truck owner knows the struggle. You hook up a heavy trailer, and your rear end sags. Your headlights point skyward. Your ride turns rough, and braking feels unpredictable. Tow Assist Air Bag Kits solve all of that, fast, affordably, and without permanent modifications. 

At True Suspension, we have spent years perfecting air ride solutions for trucks, SUVs, and work vehicles. Our kits are trusted by thousands of drivers across the country. Whether you haul heavy loads weekly or tow a camper on weekends, our tow assist air bag kits deliver the performance and confidence you deserve. 

What Are Tow Assist Air Bag Kits?

Tow Assist Air Bag Kits are aftermarket suspension upgrades that add inflatable air bags (also called helper air springs) alongside your existing leaf or coil springs. When you load your truck or hitch a trailer, you inflate the bags to support the extra weight. When you're driving unloaded, you deflate them for a comfortable stock ride. 

These kits work on a simple principle: air pressure equals load support. More pressure handles more weight. It's adjustable, repeatable, and completely under your control.

True Suspension's tow assist suspension kits include everything you need: air bags, brackets, airline fittings, and in-cab controls. You get a complete system, not just parts. 

Metric

Data

Load capacity increase with air bags

Up to 5,000 lbs additional support

Average sag reduction

90%+ elimination of rear end droop

PSI range for most kits

5 – 100 PSI adjustable

Installation time (average)

2 – 4 hours

Vehicles supported by True Suspension

Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan & more

Why Your Truck Needs a Tow Assist Air Bag Kit?

Most trucks leave the factory with springs rated for average loads. The moment you add payload or tow heavy, those springs hit their limit. The results are dangerous: 

  • Rear end sag shifts weight distribution
  • Headlights aim upward and blind oncoming drivers
  • Braking distance increases under load
  • Tire wear accelerates unevenly
  • Steering feels vague and disconnected 

Our tow assist air bag suspension kits fix all five of these issues. You stay level, steer straight, brake safely, and protect your tires, all with a kit that installs in your driveway. 

Explore our complete lineup of truck towing assist air ride suspension kits for popular models. 

Types of Tow Assist Air Bag Kits We Offer

True Suspension carries a wide range of air bag suspension kits. Here is a quick breakdown by vehicle type: 

Vehicle Type

Kit Type

Popular Models

Half-Ton Trucks

Rear helper air spring kits

F-150, Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, Tundra

Heavy-Duty Trucks

High-load coil & leaf spring kits

F-250, F-350, Silverado 2500/3500, Ram 2500/3500

Vans

Commercial payload assist kits

Chevy G2500/G3500, GMC Savana

SUVs

Leveling + air assist kits

Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Avalanche

Older/Classic Trucks

Universal air ride kits

C10, C20, C30, F100

Best Tow Assist Air Bag Kits for Ford Trucks

Ford trucks are among the most popular tow vehicles in America. Our Ford tow assist suspension kits are engineered to match each generation's unique geometry. 

For the Ford F-150, we offer rear tow assist air bag kits for 2004–2019 model years in both 2WD and 4WD. The kit adds rear air spring support without affecting the factory ride when empty. 

The Ford F-250 4WD towing assist air ride suspension kit fits 2017–2021 Super Duty trucks and comes complete with in-cab air management controls. It's a plug-and-play upgrade that takes hours, not days. 

Our Ford F-350 tow assist kits handle even the heaviest fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups. Choose your year and drivetrain, and we ship a kit built for your exact truck. 

Tow Assist Air Bag Kits for Chevy & GMC Trucks

Chevy and GMC truck owners demand reliability. Our Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra air bag kits deliver it every time. 

The Silverado 1500 2007–2018 rear towing assist kit comes with in-cab controls and installs on the existing leaf spring. No cutting. No welding. 

For heavy haulers, the Silverado 2500/3500 HD kits (2001–2016) provide maximum load support for contractors, ranchers, and fleet operators. These kits work with both leaf spring and coil spring rear suspensions. 

We also cover older workhorses. The C10, C20, and C30 kits bring air-assisted towing to classic trucks that deserve modern capability. 

Tow Assist Air Bag Kits for Dodge Ram Trucks

Dodge Ram owners tow hard. Our Ram tow assist air bag suspension kits match that toughness. 

The Dodge Ram 1500 2009–2017 complete FBSS active air ride suspension kit is our premium option for half-ton Ram owners who want full four-corner control. 

The Ram 2500 and 3500 kits for 2003–2021 model years handle leaf-spring and coil-spring configurations. We offer both 2WD and 4WD fitments with in-cab management options. 

Need a tankless solution? We offer no-tank towing assist kits that reduce install complexity and save space under the bed. 

Tow Assist Air Bag Kits for Toyota & Nissan Trucks

Import truck owners aren't left out. True Suspension supports Toyota Tundra and Nissan Frontier with purpose-built kits. 

The Toyota Tundra 2007–2021 rear towing assist helper air ride suspension kit comes in 2WD and 4WD versions, with or without in-cab management controls. 

The Nissan Frontier tow assist kits (2005–2020) keep your midsize truck level when you're hauling through job sites or heading out to the trails.

In-Cab Air Management Controls: Command Your Suspension

One of the biggest advantages of choosing True Suspension is our in-cab air management control systems. You don't have to crawl under the truck to adjust pressure.

Our control panels feature: 

  • 150 PSI gauges for precise pressure reading
  • Dual or single paddle switches for easy inflate/deflate
  • 1/4" airline connections with push-in fittings
  • Black or white face options to match your interior
  • Tankless and tank-equipped configurations for flexible installs 

Browse our universal towing assist air ride suspension control panels and find the style that fits your cab and your workflow. 

Pros & Cons: Tow Assist Air Bag Kits vs. Stock Springs

Feature

Stock Springs Only

With Tow Assist Air Bag Kits

Load support

Fixed, cannot adjust

Fully adjustable by PSI

Rear sag under load

Significant droop

Virtually eliminated

Ride quality when empty

Factory smooth

Same, deflate to stock

Headlight aim

Rises under load

Stays level

Braking under load

Longer stops

Improved stability

Cost

No additional cost

Affordable one-time upgrade

Install difficulty

N/A

2–4 hours, DIY friendly

How to Choose the Right Tow Assist Air Bag Kit?

Selecting the right tow assist air bag kit comes down to four factors: 

  1. Your Vehicle Year, Make, and Model

Our kits are vehicle-specific. A kit built for a 2015 F-250 4WD won't fit a 2010 Ram 2500 2WD. Always confirm your exact year and drivetrain before ordering. 

  1. Your Suspension Type

Leaf spring trucks use one style of air bag mount. Coil spring trucks use another. True Suspension lists both options for all major platforms. 

  1. Your Load Requirements

Light haulers may only need a basic helper kit. Heavy commercial haulers should look at our max-capacity kits for 2500 and 3500 HD trucks. 

  1. Your Control Preference

Do you want in-cab controls, or will a manual Schrader valve fill point work for you? We offer both. Our in-cab air management systems are the popular choice for frequent towers. 

Universal Tow Assist Air Bag Kits for Any Build

Not every truck fits a vehicle-specific kit. That's why True Suspension offers universal towing assist air ride suspension control systems that work across multiple platforms. 

Our universal kits include: 

  • Dual-switch control panels for independent left/right adjustment
  • Single-switch panels for simple inflate/deflate setups
  • Manual toggle valves for budget-conscious builds
  • Air hose push-in fittings in 1/4" and 3/8" sizes
  • Active fill valves with Schrader connectors 

These components let you build a custom tow assist system for classic trucks, hot rods, and commercial vehicles that don't have a dedicated kit. 

Installing Your Tow Assist Air Bag Kit: What to Expect

Most of our customers install their tow assist air bag kits in an afternoon. You don't need a lift or special tools for most applications. 

Typical installation steps: 

  • Step 1: Remove the rear wheels and locate the leaf spring or coil spring
  • Step 2: Install the lower bracket on the axle housing
  • Step 3: Mount the upper bracket to the frame
  • Step 4: Seat the air bag between the brackets
  • Step 5: Route the airline from the bag to your control valve or panel
  • Step 6: Mount the in-cab control panel (if included)
  • Step 7: Inflate to 20–25 PSI and check for leaks 

Each True Suspension kit ships with detailed instructions and all hardware. If you ever have questions, our support team is ready to help. 

Real-World Performance: What Our Customers Report

Data from customer feedback and field testing shows consistent results across our tow assist air bag suspension kits: 

Performance Metric

Before Kit

After Kit

Rear sag at max load

3–5 inches of droop

Less than 0.5 inches

Headlight aim change at load

4–6 degrees upward

Less than 1 degree

Driver confidence rating (1–10)

5.2 average

9.1 average

Steering feel under load (1–10)

5.8 average

8.7 average

Ride quality when empty (1–10)

8.5 average

8.4 average (no loss)

Notice the last row. Tow assist air bag kits do not sacrifice your everyday ride. When you're driving unloaded, you simply deflate the bags and return to factory comfort. 

Combining Tow Assist Kits with Lift and Leveling Upgrades

Many truck owners pair their tow assist air bag kits with leveling or lift kits for a more capable build. A leveling kit corrects front-to-rear rake. Air bags handle rear sag under load. Together, they create a truck that looks great and hauls confidently. Learn more by reading our guide on lift kits vs. leveling kits: what truck owners must know. 

True Suspension carries both. Browse our full catalog of Pro Comp ES9000 nitro-charged shocks, torsion key kits, strut spacers, and lift blocks that pair perfectly with your air ride towing system. 

Air Ride for Classic Trucks and Custom Builds

Classic truck fans are not left out. Our universal 4-corner air ride suspension kits work beautifully on C10, C20, F100, and other vintage pickups. We carry weld-on axle brackets, 2600-series double-convoluted air springs, and complete 4-link kits. Check out our blog on the top 10 classic cars on air ride that look incredible for style inspiration. 

Why Choose True Suspension for Your Tow Assist Air Bag Kits?

There are dozens of suspension brands online. Here is why thousands of truck owners choose True Suspension: 

Reason

What It Means for You

Vehicle-specific engineering

Every kit is designed for your exact make, model, and year

Complete kits only

We ship everything you need, no surprise missing parts

In-cab control options

Adjust pressure from the driver's seat without crawling under the truck

Wide model coverage

Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, we cover them all

No tank required options

Tankless kits reduce install complexity and save bed space

Proven hardware

Heavy-duty brackets, quality air springs, and premium airline fittings

Expert support

Our team helps you pick the right kit and guides you through install

We don't just sell parts. We provide knowledge. Our guides, comparison articles, and customer support set us apart from generic catalog brands. 

Rubber Block vs. Air Ride, Making the Right Call

Some truck owners ask whether a rubber spring block insert is cheaper and just as effective. The honest answer: it's not. Rubber blocks offer a fixed resistance that you can't adjust to match your load. Tow assist air bag kits let you dial in the perfect pressure for every load. Read our full comparison in our guide on rubber block vs. air ride suspension, which is best for you. 

The choice is clear when you see the data. Adjustable air support wins on performance, flexibility, and long-term value. 

Maintaining Ride Quality After Your Kit Install

One concern we hear often: "Will my ride get rough after the install?" Not with our kits. Tow assist air bag kits from True Suspension are tuned to leave your empty-truck ride completely unchanged. When unloaded, run 5–10 PSI in the bags. Your stock springs carry the truck as they always have. For tips on keeping that factory feel, see our guide on the top 10 ways to maintain factory ride quality after installing a lift kit. 

Complete Your System with True Suspension Accessories

A great tow assist air bag kit deserves great accessories. True Suspension carries a full range of complementary hardware: 

  • 1/4" and 3/8" push-in air hose fittings, for leak-free connections
  • Active Air compact compressors, 1.3 HP, 100% duty cycle
  • 4-corner air ride manifold blocks, for FBSS builds with 4 or 8 valves
  • Universal air spring kits, 2400 and 2600 series double-convoluted bags
  • Triple train horn kits, the finishing touch on any build 

Everything you need to build a complete, polished air ride towing system is in one place at True Suspension. 

Conclusion

A truck that sags, wanders, or brakes poorly under load is a safety risk. Tow Assist Air Bag Kits eliminate that risk with a simple, affordable upgrade that installs in an afternoon. 

True Suspension delivers vehicle-specific tow assist air bag kits for Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, and more. Every kit ship is complete. Every kit is engineered for your exact truck. Every kit is backed by our team of suspension experts. 

Stop towing worries. Start towing confident. Browse our full selection of tow assist air bag suspension kits at True Suspension and find the perfect fit for your truck today. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. What is a Tow Assist Air Bag Kit and how does it work?

A tow assist air bag kit installs air springs beside your factory springs. Inflate them when hauling to level your truck and increase load support. Deflate when empty for stock comfort. 

Q2. Will a tow assist air bag kit damage my factory suspension?

No. Our kits mount alongside existing springs without replacing them. They add support without removing or altering any factory component. Your warranty on OEM parts is unaffected. 

Q3. Can I install a tow assist air bag kit myself?

Yes. Most installs take 2–4 hours with basic hand tools. True Suspension kits include all hardware and instructions. No welding or cutting is required on most truck applications. 

Q4. How much weight can a tow assist air bag kit support?

Depending on the kit, our tow assist air bag kits can add up to 5,000 lbs of additional load-carrying support. Check your specific vehicle kit page for rated capacity details. 

Q5. Do I need a compressor or air tank to run the kit?

Not necessarily. Many of our kits are tankless. You fill the bags with a portable inflator or Schrader valve. Upgrading to an onboard compressor is optional for maximum convenience.