5,000-lb Capacity. LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate air springs have internal bumpers, so you get the adjustable load support of air springs and the comfort and reliability of jounce springs. Jounces also work as a fail-safe if air springs lose pressure. Great Prices for the best vehicle suspension from Air Lift. Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle part number AL88268 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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Air Lift Vehicle Suspension
- AL88268
Highlights
Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounts to existing attachment points
5,000-lb Load Support: Levels your truck and keeps handling steady under heavy towing or bed loads.
Built-In Jounce Springs: Adds comfort and stability if air pressure drops, reducing sway and bottoming out.
Adjustable 5–100 psi Pressure: Fine-tune support for towing or unloaded driving to keep the ride smooth.
Protects Suspension Parts: Roll plates and nylon endcaps prevent air bag damage and extend system life.
Simple DIY Setup: Bolt-on brackets, air lines, and manual valves make driveway installation straightforward.
Features to know about
Stay Level and Confident Under Heavy Loads: Up to 5,000-lb Load-Leveling Support
When you’re hauling a heavy trailer or loading down the bed, the rear end doesn’t need to sag or throw off your steering. The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate air springs add up to 5,000 lbs of load-leveling capacity to keep your vehicle level front to back and maintain safe headlight aim. The springs help distribute weight evenly across all four wheels for better braking and stability when towing or carrying uneven loads.
Smooth Ride, Even When Empty: Adjustable Air Pressure from 5 psi to 100 psi
Every load is different, and this system lets you dial in the exact support you need. With adjustable air pressure between 5 psi and 100 psi, you can run higher pressure for towing or full loads and drop back down when driving unloaded for a smoother ride. Each air spring can be adjusted independently for side-to-side leveling of off-center loads, keeping the ride balanced no matter what’s in the back.
Ride Comfort That Adapts Automatically: Internal Urethane Jounce Springs
Built-in urethane jounce springs take over when air pressure is low or when a bump catches you off guard. Each jounce spring engages progressively—the more weight you add, the stiffer it becomes—absorbing shocks and reducing sway without a harsh feel. If the system ever loses air pressure, the jounces temporarily carry the load so your suspension stays protected and stable until you can reinflate the bags.
Built to Last Through Real Work: Reinforced Rubber and Corrosion-Resistant Components
The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate air springs use 2-ply, fabric-reinforced rubber for long-lasting performance under heavy use. Zytel nylon endcaps are lighter, stronger, and more corrosion resistant than steel, while exclusive roll plates protect the air springs from damage and increase their load capacity. Urethane internal jounces require no maintenance and handle hot or cold temperatures with ease.
Straightforward Installation for DIYers: Brackets, Hardware, and Valves Included
You don’t need a full shop to get these installed. The kit includes mounting brackets, hardware, manual inflation valves, and air lines—everything needed to mount and inflate the system using basic tools. Manual valves can be positioned on the bumper for easy access, and if you want in-cab control later, a compressor system with gauges can be added separately for quick pressure adjustments on the go.
Specs
Weight and Capacity
Load-leveling capacity: up to 5,000 lbs
Pressure Range
Adjustable air pressure: 5 psi - 100 psi
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
60-Day satisfaction guarantee
Note
Important: LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate springs will not increase your vehicle's weight-carrying capacity. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit.
88268 AirLift Load Lifter 5000 Ultimate Air Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Back Axle
I ordered this Air Spring product after having returned a competitor's product because it would not fit and was radicicolous to install. The Air Lift 5000 from etrailer was designed much better to install. The instructions were with the product and were well written and with many photos. etrailer had a well thought out video of the install also. The only thing that was a miss was that Ford had added a block to my truck, so this Air Lift unit would not fit without placing a block between the lower mount plate and the spring assy. It required longer screws. The install went well. I look forward to not having the rear of my truck sink when a trailer of moderate load is connected. I am a very happy customer. 3417404
by:
Chauncey
10/27/2025
The 10,000lb hitch and the air lift arrived as promised and are already installed on my pickup. We removed the factory hitch and installed everything and in about 4 1/2 hours were done. Thanks. 3437924
by:
Frank
01/31/2024
So I installed the airbags in my drive way. It wasn't anything difficult. My truck had some ass drag to being with but I primarily purchased the airbags because at the time I was trailering a boat I bought. SO I needed them to level my ride while towing. I currently run the bags at 50 psi and 60psi while towing. They have worked perfectly and added comfort to my ride as well. I noticed more of a bounce in the rear of the truck so I up graded my shocks to bilstien 5160 rear shocks. Problem solved. 1716753
by:
Ron
04/26/2025
ford
F-150
Great product I put it through the test with all the weight that I carry on my truck. It definitely changed my F150 from being a truck that couldn’t carry much to a truck that can somewhat compete on a different level. Very happy with the product. 3308603
by:
Les F.
06/23/2016
2015
Ford
F-150
When I submitted my order, the confirmation email indicated the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate were not in stock. Since I needed these installed before my next trip I contacted customer support. Katie who answered my call quickly rechecked the stock level, then placed me on hold while she called the supplier and arranged a drop shipment. This level of dedicated customer support will keep me coming back to etrailer. After my order was on the way I found the LoadLifer slightly cheaper. Submitted a price challenge and was quickly refunded the difference as advertised. 264272
by:
Tommy
03/13/2018
Just got the airbags and wireless controller, will put them on the truck within the next couple of weeks. Will need to do a follow up product review after installation. 484508
by:
Beth
08/19/2023
2019
Eclipse
Iconic TT Toy Hauler
Great service, fast shipping!1650883
by:
Jd
02/28/2021
This is a great product and required for me to carry my heavy payloads on my Ford F-150. 971098
by:
Mark
03/04/2021
2015
Ford
F-150
There is no heat shield supplied with this installation kit. The clearance between the air spring and the exhaust pipe is only 4" on my 2015 F-150 which is insufficient according to Air Lift's Installation Checklist which requires 6 inches. etrailer.com should have included that information in their installation and product review videos or in the other documentation they provided. 974178
by:
Geoffrey
09/16/2021
great product1153875
by:
Felipe
02/24/2023
1525107
by:
James
07/22/2022
2018
Ford
F-150
1335404
by:
Samual
08/10/2023
1642940
by:
David
08/09/2026
2024
GMC
Sierra 1500
I was easy to install just a few hours. Everything in the kit fit well. It would be nice if an extension brackets were provided for the brake line/abs wire mounting bars would be included like the brake line adapters that’s provided in the kit is my only recommendation to make it top notch. 3604156
Glad to hear the install went smoothly! Thanks for the suggestion on the brake line/ABS brackets too. Definitely something that could make a good kit even better!
by:
Debbie
08/17/2026
2024
Nissan
Titan XD
Just had them installed, I’ll be hauling a 9800lb travel trailer soon. That will be the real test! Added 40lbs of air, they sit the rear of truck up nicely. 3609198
Nice job Debbie, please let us know how they handle your trailer!
by:
Tanner (@Spankyraptor)
08/12/2025
2020
Ford
F-150 Raptor
Works amazing. The install was a little more difficult than it appears… It actually took me and a couple other guys five hours to get it completely installed. There was a lot of cutting/grinding metal to make pieces fit properly, and had to drop the axel completely… I think that’s only for my gen 2 raptor. At the end of the day, though I’m very happy with the result 3389030
Product works great and helps level the truck during towing. I have noticed a difference in the amount of travel my back wheels have when offloading. But I knew that would be a sacrifice.
by:
Matt
03/23/2025
2024
Chevrolet
Silverado 1500
Great instructions and easy installation! Fit perfectly! Loaded my tractor to test them out and they completely leveled my sagging truck with 42psi. 3285110
Happy to hear these are getting the job done! Your set up looks great, and man!
What a beautiful picture. Blue, sunny skies, green grass, a cool breeze (I'd wager) perfect day to hitch up the trailer and get some work done!
Matt
3/24/2026
Been great! I really don’t like the internal jounce stops though. When you are unloaded and running lower bag pressure, a dip or bump will hit the bump stops really hard and jar your passengers in the backseat. It’s almost too uncomfortable to ride in the backseat now. As for the loaded and high pressure performance it’s great! Great handling and no sag at all when towing.
by:
Lloyd III
01/20/2026
The truck rides much better now, though I haven’t yet towed with the air bags yet. The bags took out that annoying side to side movement. Just great! Easy to install. 3479811
Install looks fantastic Lloyd! Glad to hear they helped with the side to side movement. What kind of trailer are you going to be towing with the new set-up? Fun camper, work trailer?
by:
Zachary
12/30/2025
Deliver was awesome, installation was a little more complicated than expected but had installed big wig sway bar and torklift lower wedges added some unexpected fitment modifications but I can say has delivered results I wanted. 3470632
That is great to hear, even with some modifications I am glad this is what you were wanting. That truck bed camper set up looks awesome. Do you have any big trips planned this year?
by:
Woody Keitt
09/16/2025
I purchased a set of these airbags for my old truck from etrailer and ran them for 17 years pulling a 42’ fifth wheel without any problems. So there was no hesitation for me to order the same for my new truck. I looked up everything I needed up on the etrailers site and called Josh at etrailer and he verified what I needed and got it on order. Also he verified my onboard compressor would work with the new air bags. Everything was received in a few days as usual. The airbags came with very good instructions and were no trouble to install and installation went quickly and have been preforming great. etrailer is always my go too for my truck and camper parts, also the bonus is if you have any problems or questions you can call etrailer and talk to a real person and get any problems corrected. etrailer for the win. 3412453
I did the installation myself with auto ramps and a bottle jack. The instructions were good, however, some of the pictures were dark and hard to see. At 60 PSI and no load the truck rides like it has no shocks so I have been running 10 PSI and it seems to be great. 2015 F250 4x2 ext cab. I drilled the TAG screws and install the air fill ports in there place. 3366054
That’s a pretty clever spot for the air fittings, I’m definitely taking note for the future! Also, if you ever run into instructions where the images are hard to see, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to email you a clearer digital copy anytime!
by:
Must Have!
10/21/2025
Toyota
Tundra
Incredible difference! Even with a weight distribution hitch i couldn’t get my toyhauler and tundra level. The internal jounce alone raised my hitch several inches but with air, Wow! Also note, you CAN keep the RAS helper springs installed. You just have to pry a little when installing the U-bolts. 3434468
Good system seems to made very well. I also got the Airlift Compressor as well Would have done 5 stars but the quick mount doesn't fit a 2025 F250 frame. About an inch to small. DIRECTIONS are terrible, pictures are blurry. Had to you tube the install. for that much money a couple of more pages explaining better with clear pictures. 3612059
by:
Tom K
07/23/2025
Overall I am very pleased with the LoadLifter 5000. I purchased for a 2017 Tundra 1794 which we pull a 26' travel trailer. Prior to purchase the truck & trailer had a noticeable sag and it was challenging to distribute the weight in the trailer to reduce the sag. With the LL5000 the sag is eliminated with around 40 psi and the overall feel of the truck & trailer was much more solid and less bouncy when going over rough roads. Also, I was able to haul some lumber several times were the load was around 1,700 lbs which was 600 lbs over the stock capacity of the Tundra of 1,100 lbs...this was done with 60 psi. The LL5000 really showed their performance there with no sag with this load. The only reason I give a 4 out of 5 stars is the drive performance when not carrying a load or towing the trailer. Unfortunately the drive is not as smooth as the stock configuration. I've tried adjusting the pressure from 0 psi thru 30 psi in intervals of 5 psi and unfortunately there's some added bumpiness no matter which psi is selected. Overall, at around 10psi that seems to be the best ride but again, not the smoothness of the stock configuration. But if you're needing to eliminate sag with a trailer or boost your haul capacity, the LL5000 will definitely satisfy those needs. 3375870
I have a 2020 Sierra 1500 AT4. I have the back loaded with a DECKED drawer system full of tools, plus all my gear in tubs for investigating fire scenes. My amazing pickup was nearly riding the bump stops all day. On a bumpy road, it was pretty taxing. Off-road was brutal. After some research I found this kit to fit my AT4 truck, part #88388.
You will need tall jack stands for this project. We ended up bracing ours on the rear leaf spring perches due to exhaust routing.
This is a brand new install, so time will tell as to how it holds up, but I have high expectations. This kit comes with paper instructions that are pretty spot-on. The pictures were helpful, and the instructions are detailed enough for a novice to understand. With one extra set of hands, I installed this kit in about 2 hours. I mounted the single fill valve in my gas-fill area, hidden behind the fuel lid. No bending over to add or release pressure.
After the install, I ran the pressure up to 40 psi as recommended. I got about 2 1/2” of lift out of that. I pulled a trailer home from the shop, and my truck rode like brand new. For my daily cargo, I think 40 pounds is just about perfect. And my tailgate is back at belly button height again. My headlights are shining where they should be shining. My bottomed-out ride is now compliant and comfortable.
The parts seem to be quality, and I had zero fitment issues. The only specialty tool was the T40 TORX tip for removing brackets from the axle front. You need it before you start. This kit is an easy install with a basic 3/8” socket set, a couple box end wrenches, and a couple other basic hand tools. This project should not scare too many people away.
Pro tip: You may think you can do it without taking off the tires. DON’T!! You’ll be pissed off at your truck and anyone nearby. The time savings will be worth it.
Also, the parking brake is on the back axle. Chock the front tires and/or put your rig in 4 low before lifting the back end. 3321398
Wow, Brian. Thanks so much for your in depth review and experience with installing the air bags. You gave some really solid tips and advice, especially the one about removing the tires. How's the ride now when you're off road?
Brian C.
5/15/2025
@GwendolynY
The trailer was picked up in a pasture and dropped off in another. Both the fetching and delivering were compliant rides. The airbags sure looked small during the install, but they managed my truck and trailer weight with ease and grace. It’s exactly what I hoped for when I purchased this air bag kit. The factory suspension was able to manage the bumps all while NOT having to fumble with the added cargo I pack around.
I give this setup an A+ after driving it for a few days. The highway miles are on par with my truck brand new and empty. I’m very pleased with the product on and off road. I’ve dropped the pressure in the bags to 35 for a comparison, but I know there’s a sweet spot at 40 psi for my working conditions.
Gwendolyn Y.
5/16/2025
@BrianC Thats awesome that the bags were able to meet your expectations. I'd also take it as a win if it drives like new now!
The best choice of rear axle suspension kit for your 2018 F-150 will depend on the type of towing or hauling you're doing. All rear-axle kits for your 4WD F-150 appear on the linked page.
If you are routinely hauling cargo loads of widely varying weight then an adjustable air bag setup will give you the ability to match the bag air pressure to suit each different load. If you are towing a 5th wheel then you can get good results from a lower-cost jounce spring kit from Timbren that will... view full answer...
For your 2016 Ford F-150 with 6-1/2 foot bed, I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50087-58. This will give you the rails you need to install a sliding 5th wheel hitch.
Then you can use the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL57268 or LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers # AL88268 to level your load. The internal jounce protects you if the air spring were... view full answer...
Great question! Proposing, or the back and forth movement, typically occurs when the trailer isn't loaded properly so you have either too much or too little tongue weight, or your trailer simply isn't level. This doesn't allow the trailer to tow naturally so you get some weird movement. We do have some things that can help in addition to this but the first thing you need to do is make sure that your loaded trailer tongue weight (TW) is within the 10-15% range of the weight of your trailer.... view full answer...
Hey Adam. Unfortunately, you're going to need to get a brand new kit for your 2018 Ford F-150. There's no way to get new brackets and transfer over your air bags from the 2017 F-250. Another issue is compatibility with your B&W gooseneck hitch. The Firestone brackets mount in the same location as the B&W ones.
To add a set of air bags to your 2018 Ford F-150, I recommend the Air Lift item # AL57385. These air bags have a 5,000 lbs capacity that will level out the rear end of your F-150... view full answer...
If you'll be towing a consistent weight, a system like the Timbren # TFR1504E would be an outstanding choice. The Aeon springs have several advantages over air bag systems if you don't need the adjustability provided by an air system. The springs get progressively stiffer as more weight is added, and there's no worry of anything leaking or puncturing.
If the loads you'll be towing or hauling will vary, you'll want the adjustability provided by an air bag system. The LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate... view full answer...
My first suggestion would be to not go over your F-150's listed capacities but the best option would be air bags. For your 2018 Ford F-150, I recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Plus Air Springs item # AL89385 if you have a 4WD or item # AL88268 for a 2WD. Both options offer 5,000 lbs of load leveling support.
I have linked a couple of installation videos below so you can see the process involved in getting them installed and set up.
To operate the airbags from inside your... view full answer...
Sure you can. To replace your AirLift Load Lifter 5000 system on your 2015 Ford F-150, you can use:
-For 2WD: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57268 for a replacement without the internal jounce bumper,
-For 4WD: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57385 for a replacement without the internal jounce bumper,
Or,
-For 2WD: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers # AL88268 for a replacement with an internal jounce bumper,
-For... view full answer...
I recommend using the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs part # AL88268 for a 2WD or part # AL57385 for a 4WD to help stabilize the sway you are experiencing with your 2020 Ford F-150. Since you are actively using your pickup to tow and haul you will have different weights affecting the performance of your pickup so having some help that can be adjusted to accommodate different weights is the best thing for your setup. Please note that any suspension enhancement, including these... view full answer...
I recommend picking up the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails # RP50087-58 for your 2018 Ford F-150 since they don't require any drilling into your frame for the installation. If you don't also ready a 5th wheel hitch the Reese 16K Slider # RP30075 is a solid and effective choice that fits directly to these rails.
Then for an air bag kit I recommend going with the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 with the internal jounce bumpers for an extra bit of security. You'll need... view full answer...
We do indeed offer an air suspension solution from Air Lift that will work on your truck and will be compatible with in bed hitches. The # AL88268 LoadLifter 5000 would be an excellent choice for your truck. It's a no drill installation that features internal jounce bumpers for extra stability against body roll when cornering and protection if the system should ever lose pressure.
You might also consider an on-board compressor system like # AL25854. A compressor system will allow you... view full answer...
The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2582 are not compatible with an in-bed hitch. This means you will not be able to use them on your 2016 F-150. Instead, I recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers # AL88268.
These air bags will help keep your truck level and help improve steering and braking performance. They have a 2-Ply fabric-reinforced rubber construction and uses Zytel nylon endcaps. These have a load-leveling capacity... view full answer...
Since you have a 3 inch lift on your 2016 Ford F-150 you can still install the Air Lift Load Lifter part # AL88268 that you referenced but you'll also need the spacer kit part # AL52420 as well. This takes up the additional space created by your lift kit so that the air bags engage like they need to. view full answer...
First you will need to ensure that the 5th wheel camper that you are wanting to tow does not exceed the towing capacity or tongue weight rating for your 2016 Ford F-150. You will likely need to contact a Ford dealership or check with their towing guide for your vehicle.
It is also recommended that on a 5-1/2' bed that you use a fixed 5th wheel hitch like the Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs # RP30928. This will allow you to use a Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King... view full answer...
The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs # AL88385 replaced part number 88284 and is a confirmed fit for 4 wheel drive 2017 F150 models compatible with in bed hitch # BW77FR. For two wheel drive, # AL88268 and # AL57268 are both fits but are not specifically compatible with in bed hitches.
Included are additional video resources for review as well. view full answer...
For a rear air spring kit that is compatible with the B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch you have installed on your 2018 Ford F-150 I highly recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 # AL57385 if you have 4WD or the Air Lift # AL88268 if you have 2WD.
Unlike other air spring systems for your truck the mounting brackets for these will not interfere with the gooseneck brackets and I really like internal bumpers on these springs that give you the strength of jounce style springs along with the... view full answer...
The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle # F2582 is a fit for your 2016 Ford F-150, but it is not able to be installed with an in-bed hitch. The mounting hardware for the rails installs in the same exact location as the air spring brackets, so they cannot be used together.
I do have a solution for you in the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL57268 or the LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate with Internal Jounce Bumpers # AL88268. These... view full answer...
Regarding the need for air shocks, you will get the most sway control from a weight distribution system and so I recommend starting with that and if you still have interest in improving things from there, we have a variety of air shock options we are happy to recommend.
Your loaded tongue weight plus the weight added behind your truck's rear axle should drive the selection of the weight distribution system. If that number never exceeds 1,000 pounds then the Equa-li-zer # EQ37100ET is... view full answer...
I have another option for you, but the Air Lift Ride Control # AL59570 will not fit your 2018 Ford F-150 since it has a 6" lift.
Instead I recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers # AL88268 if your truck is a 2WD, or the # AL88385 if your truck is a 4WD model.
Since your truck has a 6" suspension lift you will either need the 6" Spacer # AL52460, or a 4" spacer # AL52440. A lot of times a 6" lift is not truly 6" so I highly recommend... view full answer...
The ride quality of your 2015 F150 XLT would be unaffected if you did not inflate the bags of the kit part # AL88268. Basically if you kept the 5 psi minimum in the bags when the truck was unloaded you wouldn't even know the kit was installed.
It wouldn't be until you inflated the bags more to provide more support would the ride get stiffer. view full answer...
The best choice of rear axle suspension kit for your 2020 F-150 will depend on the type of towing or hauling you're doing.
If you are routinely hauling cargo loads of widely varying weight then an adjustable air bag setup will give you the ability to match the bag air pressure to suit each different load. If you are towing a 5th wheel then you can get good results from a lower-cost jounce spring kit from Timbren that will be a simpler bolt-on install.
If an air bag system is what will... view full answer...
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Claire H.
8/11/2026
Glad to hear the install went smoothly! Thanks for the suggestion on the brake line/ABS brackets too. Definitely something that could make a good kit even better!