Best Air Shocks For Towing

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‍How Does An Air Shock Work?

Air suspension systems are often added as an aftermarket option for car or truck owners who need to adjust their ride height. The systems replace the factory shocks, which are usually adjustable through air or gas (nitrogen) inputs. They can be air struts or inflatable airbags with installed connections for an air compressor.

The benefits of an air suspension system are that they lighten the strain on the towing vehicle’s rear end. By creating a more level towing experience, all the wheels of the tow vehicle make firm contact with the ground. The increased surface contact results in better handling and softer feel when the truck and trailer go over a bump in the road.

What Are Some Things To Know About Air Shocks?

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether to install an air suspension system (particularly air shocks).

Air Shocks Do Not Increase Your Tow Vehicle’s GVWR

No air suspension system will let you carry or tow more than your truck is rated for. Many RV owners think that putting air shocks on the back of their half-ton truck will allow them to pull the camper designed for a ¾ ton. This is not the case. You should never tow more than the manufacturer says is a maximum towing capacity, no matter what kind of suspension system you use.

Air Shocks Are For ½ Ton Trucks.

As a general rule, air shocks help best with light-duty trucks that might experience some trailer squatting and need help. Most ¾ and full-ton trucks have suspension systems designed for heavier towing capacities, so installing them on a Super-Duty is probably a waste of money. If you are hauling a heavy load and your truck needs help, opt for airbags rather than shocks.

Air Shocks Must Be Mounted Correctly

While most standard shocks can be rotated, air shocks usually need to be mounted in a certain manner to allow access to an air valve (the valve you hook the compressor up to). If you are installing the air shocks yourself, make sure that you follow the installation instructions to the letter.

Riding With Too Much Air Can Damage the System

Think of air shocks like your tires. Too little or too much air pressure isn’t good. Once you have installed them, you need to air them up. Put enough air in the shocks to level the truck and make the ride smooth. Too much air (when you aren’t carrying a load) can damage your suspension components or cause excessive tire wear.

Do Not Install Air Shocks On Front Axles

Some truck owners with front attachments like snow plows think they need to install air shocks on the front axle. This is not the use that air shock systems are built for, and it can severely affect front alignment and tire wear issues.

What Are The Best Air Shocks For Towing?

Several companies make air shocks that can help provide balance and lift for loads. While air shocks handle different loads, owners need to be careful about fitting the proper system for their specific make and model of truck.

Monroe Max-Air (Various Sizes)

The Max-Air Shock is a compression air shock that offers excellent lift and durability. The air shocks can be inflated up to 150 psi to handle the additional weight of up to 1,200 lbs. An easy-to-reach input valve fits standard air compressors (portable and stationary), so owners will not have problems leveling out their trucks with the trailer tongue.

Max-Airs have an iron push-rod for superb durability, and a lubricated sleeve reduces friction even under heavy loads. The shocks will fit most factory systems making them easy to install. The Monroe air shocks are priced less than many competitors and provide excellent value for the money. While we wished that the two-year warranty was longer (Monroe has a lifetime warranty on other components). We do want to extend kudos to them for making their shocks in the USA (Paragould, Arkansas).

Monroe has been in business for over a century and is a leading global supplier of ride control systems. The company began in 1916 as a supplier of tire pumps (this was essential equipment for early model vehicles). Over the years, the company has grown into an innovative and reliable ride-quality business.

Cost: $75

Pros:

American made
Value air shock
Adjustable air ride
Easy to install

Cons:

Two-year warranty
Some review on noise

ACDelco Specialty Air Lift Shock (504-539)

This ACDelco Air Lift Shock offers excellent leveling capability for most towing applications. The shock absorber we’ve listed fits most classic Chevy trucks from 1988 - 2003. (ACDelco does make specialty airlifts for other GM makes and models). The company has been a part of the GM family for nearly 50 years and is an OEM supplier for Chevy and GM cars, trucks, and vans.

The adjustable air level allows trailer owners to tailor their capacity to provide better handling of tow vehicles. If you tow frequently, this configuration is a welcome relief enabling you to set exact towing levels for different loads. The piston is rated for up to 1,100 lbs, and installation is easy to perform.

The shock has a corrosion-resistant chrome finish, which increases the shock’s longevity. The lubricated rod works well under duress, and while an air shock will not help you increase the GVWR of your truck, it can provide confidence for a safer towing experience. The company makes its shocks south of the border (Mexico) and offers a two-year warranty.

Cost: $110 - 125

Pros:

Adjustable air levels
Easy to Install
OE for Chevy - GM

Cons:

Not American made
Two-year warranty

Gabriel Hi-Jacker Air Shocks

Gabriel Hi-Jacker makes some of the best air shocks on the market, and we know this is a pretty bold claim, but the company has the kahunas to pull it off. Gabriel was one of the first companies to make the original shock absorber (they made the first adjustable air shock, as well). Their innovations in ride quality have been spectacular over the years, and many automobile manufacturers use their components as original equipment.

Gabriel has a pair to fit almost any application. The shocks are adjustable and ideal for temporary towing of boats or trailers. The Hi-Jacker is rated for up to 1,100 lbs which is more than adequate for all but the heaviest loads.

The shock is resistant to weathering and fits in with most factory systems. (Gabriel makes so many different shocks you will need to ensure that the ones you order fit your vehicle).

For an excellent video detailing Gabriel HiJacker Air Shocks, follow the link to Summit Racing Equipment. The company offers a 2-year limited warranty, and most of the HiJacker line is made in China.

Cost: $110 - 150

Pros:

A long history of shock absorbers
Rust resistant
Air adjustable

Cons:

Not American made
Two-year warranty

Rancho RS9000XL

Rancho has made a name for itself as an off-road suspension company, so it was natural that they would work to provide something for lifted trucks and jeeps that need to tow loads. The success of these shocks encouraged the company to expand its shock absorbers to on-road applications. The Rancho shocks come in almost every truck, SUV, and Jeep configuration.

The Rancho 9000XL is technically a gas-powered shock absorber. It provides excellent ride quality and performance. The nitrogen gas is maintained at 120 psi, and the firmness of the ride can be adjusted by turning a small knob on the side of the shock. Many RV owners prefer using Rancho shocks so that they don’t have to constantly be pumping more air into the system.

The gas does a great job of reducing recoil and maintaining the smoothness of the tow due to the graphite-filled piston. Since road surfaces can be different (depending on whether you venture off-road), you want your truck’s rear to help stabilize the load of your tow trailer. Rancho’s ability to adapt to various road conditions means that this is about as close to setting it and forgetting it as you can get in an adjustable shock.

The installation is easy, and you can do it with just a few simple tools and without taking the wheel off or jacking up the truck. The shocks are very durable. However, the silver paint tends to get scraped (particularly in off-road applications). The knob is pretty delicate, and more than one reviewer indicated worries about the knob not holding up if the truck traversed over rugged terrain.

Rancho is part of the Tenneco family (they also make Monroe shocks, so you could say they have a monopoly on the market). The shocks are made in the United States and have a lifetime warranty.

Cost: $125

Pros:

American made
Lifetime warranty
Simple dial adjustment

Cons:

Silver paint gets scratched

Air Lift 57595 LoadLifter 7500 XL

No review of air shocks for towing would be complete without at least a mention of using airbag suspension rather than shock absorbers. The Air Lift LoadLifter is a quality suspension system that sits atop of the towing vehicle’s rear axle and uses 7” double-bellow air springs to provide cushion for a more level towing experience.

This Air Lift LoadLifter is rated for 7,500 lbs and is adjustable up to 100 psi. This system helps eliminate trailer sway, squatting, and rough riding by a heavily loaded trailer or RV. While no suspension system will allow you to tow more than your truck or SUV is rated for towing, the airbags can smooth out the ride and provide more confidence for the driver.

The system is bolt-on, and the LiftLoader can be installed without drilling through the truck frame. The adjustments are made through a Schrader valve and line that attaches to the rear bumper. The system is quite expensive, but it is easy to use, and many RV owners swear by it.

The AirLift LoadLifter system is made in Lansing, Michigan, and has been in business since 1949. The unit has a limited lifetime warranty and a 60-day ride quality guarantee.