Is this right for you? Product Expert Alex H says:
Yes, if you:
Have rear sag from towing a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer
Tow different trailers or switch loads often and want to be able to adjust your suspension to match
No, if you:
Are trying to fix rear sag caused by your travel trailer - a weight distribution system is more effective
Don't want to deal with maintaining air pressure - you need to use an air compressor regularly or install an on-board air compressor
Aren't comfortable with complicated installs and don't want to pay someone else to do it for you
5,000-lb Capacity. Ride-Rite air springs enhance your factory suspension for safety and stability when you are hauling heavy loads. They reduce strain on your rear axle, keep your vehicle level, and adjust to load size for a consistently smooth ride. Lowest Prices for the best vehicle suspension from Firestone. Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle part number F2550 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-636-306-4830 for expert service.
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Firestone Vehicle Suspension
- F2550
Air Springs
Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
Firestone
Heavy Duty
5,000-lb Capacity. Ride-Rite air springs enhance your factory suspension for safety and stability when you are hauling heavy loads. They reduce strain on your rear axle, keep your vehicle level, and adjust to load size for a consistently smooth ride.
Features:
Maximizes safe load-carrying capacity, increases stability and improves ride quality
Installs between your vehicle's frame and its rear suspension
Keeps your vehicle level when you are hauling a heavy load
Improves steering control and braking when you are hauling or towing
Levels your headlight beams
Reduces tire wear
Maintains even load distribution with air pressure, leveling off-center loads
Air bags adjust manually, side to side, with individual inflation valves
Reduces strain on rear suspension
Prevents permanent sagging and excessive friction in leaf springs
Increases stability
Absorbs road shock for a smooth ride
Softens contact between axle and frame to prevent bottoming out
Provides maximum load support and durability with rubber construction and double-convoluted design
Includes all materials necessary for installation
Brackets, air springs, hardware, air line and separate valves for manual inflation
Switches and gauges, compressors, and air tanks (sold separately) are available for quick and easy air spring inflation/deflation from inside your vehicle
Made in the USA
Specs:
Load-leveling capacity: 5,000 lbs
Ride-Rite springs will not increase your vehicle's weight-carrying capacity. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight limit.
Adjustable air pressure: 5 psi to 100 psi
Limited lifetime warranty on air springs
2-Year limited warranty on hardware
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Spring Basics
Firestone Ride-Rite springs are designed to increase safety and reduce the strain on your vehicle when you are hauling heavy loads or towing a heavy trailer. The springs partner with your existing rear suspension system to help keep your vehicle level, maintain even load distribution and increase stability. Hauling heavy loads or towing a heavy trailer can make the rear of your vehicle sag and the front end rise. This puts more strain on your rear axle and reduces contact between your front tires and the road, causing problems with braking, steering control and traction. By adding air springs to your rear suspension, you can help to level your vehicle and improve braking and handling. The air springs also help to level your headlight beams and reduce wear on your tires.
Adjustable Air Pressure
The air pressure in your Ride-Rite springs can be adjusted manually, side to side, to compensate for off-center loads. A centered load improves the stability of your vehicle by reducing body roll. The air springs will also help to absorb road shock and to soften contact between your axle and frame. This prevents bottoming out, thus improving ride comfort. Route the air line tubing for the springs to your vehicle's bumper to provide easy access to the manual inflation valves.
Air Spring Construction
Firestone's double-convoluted Ride-Rite air springs are designed to give you maximum load support and enhance the performance and ride comfort of your vehicle. The rubber springs provide cushioning between your suspension components and operate at up to 100 psi. The springs have four layers of reinforced rubber to ensure durability and enhance load support. A braided wire girdle creates the double-convoluted shape of each air spring, increasing the burst pressure of the spring. The rubber springs are attached to corrosion-resistant metal end plates with a time-proven, rolled crimp seal that keeps the bags securely anchored.
Air Spring Installation
Each Ride-Rite kit includes custom-fit brackets that connect to your axle and frame. The brackets provide the mounting points for the air springs. Drilling may be required for some applications.
5,000-lb Capacity. Ride-Rite air springs enhance your factory suspension for safety and stability when you are hauling heavy loads. They reduce strain on your rear axle, keep your vehicle level, and adjust to load size for a consistently smooth ride.
by: Michael07/24/2022
Great product, I ordered this for a 1998 custom e350 running 2010 king ranch gear meaning the running gear, since I couldn’t go with the kit specific for my van due to the fact that I converted it to 4x4 I ordered this kit. I did have to drill some holes since it was not specific to my rig, but that was no big deal just used a step bit. I also had to cut a bracket and reroute my emergency brake line, but hey I knew it wasn’t gonna be super easy. Any way kit is superb bags are top quality. The kit comes supplied with everything you need1337496
This unit is a good option but I’ve never been able to track down a troublesome air leak that slowly releases the compressed air over fifteen minutes. It’s a very annoying problem. Beyond that the unit was relatively easy to install although I made some specific upgrades to mount the compressor in a manner that leaves the fuel and brake lines in there original position so they didn’t need to be twisted up and out of the way. I used a 4” c-channel to firmly attach and mount the compressor over the undisturbed lines. Works great with less risk. I wish I could find the micro air leak and fix it but am at a loss as to how I might do that. I’d gladly try to spray some kind of stop leak into the air lines if I didn’t think it might screw the whole system up. In the end I’m not sure I would install this system if I had to do it all over again. I may ultimately remove it and reinstall the original rubber stops on the fra I’m since I no longer have my RV trailer anyway.
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Comments
You mentioned that you wanted to find the micro leak and I wanted to ask if you had tried the soapy water technique? Where you would spray soapy water onto the lines -being careful of course- and see where bubbles form.
-- Jenny N - 04/12/2022
136547
by: Mac s.03/29/2015
2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Put on 2008 f250. With a B&W turnover ball. Had to remove one bolt on both side of B &W to mount top bracket then replace with new bolts in kit No big deal. Put both sides on and ran the air lines in less than 2 hours. Had a leak on driver side. It was where I didn't cut the air line straight. Recut air line and that fixed the problem. I would recommend this to anyone. 181344
Great product. On truck a year now with no leaks or other problems. I put a tee in the air line with a ball valve on one side so I could air them up evenly every time. My fifth wheels tongue weight is 1500 lbs and truck rides level with 20 lbs air. 472171
Very easy bolt on kit. Probably took 2 hours to install. I am really excited to be able to fine tune the rear suspension when towing1411771
by: Eli05/24/2022
Been driving around with the airbags for over half a year. Improved ride, but I especially noticed better ride quality with 5th wheel RV coupled. Excellent help from E-trailer. Always quality service with these folks.1301708
by: Erik 06/22/2022
The ride-rite air supenion works great. Very glad I put them on. Thanks1316055
by: R Ball02/20/2021
2003 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty
Great product! Detailed instructions and step by step install video that makes the install smooth. Customer service was amazing! From the beginning of the order, to when it arrived. Great company! Definitely a repeat customer.962269
Had installed with a mechanic only due to not having all the right tools. Which was good because there was a gooseneck plate that I wasn't aware of that needed more attention than the usual install. Only complaint was that there should of been a "T" splitter for the air line to fill both at the same time. Other than that ride has improved.1233486
by: Mike 01/15/2022
Appears to be high quality. All parts and hardware included. Step 5 could confuse installers where saddle bracket is called “bottom of lower bracket” and lower bracket is referred to as “upper bracket.” Also in step 5, it is difficult to ascertain at which point alignment marks should be made.1243942
by: Phi09/15/2022
Love my airbags. The installation videos are awesome. Had no problem installing them all by myself.1409451
by: Larry P10/24/2017
2010 Ford F-250 Super Duty
I have this product on a Ford F-250. Have towed a 34 ft Fifth wheel Trailer more than 10,000 miles this past year and the air bags have worked great. I keep 50lb when towing and 15lb when my Fifth Wheel is parked. Have been very happy with all product and service from etrailer445579
Comments
Ive been very happy with the product. We have put 30,000 miles on the truck since purchasing the air bags and it has improved the drive tremendously with hauling a trailer. Thanks for following up.
Larry P - 10/24/2018
45003
by: Tyler08/24/2021
2004 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty
went to install. had the wrong air fitting in the box. called e trailer and talked to an associate. told them what was going on. nothing ever happened no part or email. nothing1133784
Comments
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! Our Customer Service team will be reaching out to you in the near future.
-- Brooke M - 08/31/2021
120112
by: Judy09/30/2021
So far so good. Love the air bags. Would have been a 5-star review but one of the push in fittings failed on the left side, air supply tube. I had to get a replacement from the local BST (big scary truck) store. Swapped it out and no further problems. Hope they last because I like and need them on my 2009 F250.1168532
by: Tony07/30/2021
2004 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty
It was shipped and arrived in good time. The install was okay. But had one of the air fittings was the wrong size for the airbag,had to go to town and get a reducer,so made it work. As we are trying to leave for a trip tomorrow.1109440
Comments
Thank you for your review. etrailer.com would always like to know about a defective or damaged item received prior to installation.
-- Sierra K - 08/04/2021
118539
by: Todd Ford09/25/2014
2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty
I put the load levelers on a 2008 F250 SuperDuty (diesel). It took me about 4 hours per side, on the grass with no lift or power tools. I could probably do it in two hours per side the next time. The instructions are terse, but correct - the 2011 Ford F250 video was very helpful and resolve all my questions except for one.
The bladder(s) have an forward/rearward bracket positioning option constituted by two positioning nubs on the bladder top, and 2 mounting bolt holes on the bladder bottom. I was confused by the positioning option until I actually tested bladder positioning on the installed brackets - the brackets don't line up exactly, so the positioning option was actually a good thing. You have to choose forward or readward depending on how your brackets line up. If your brackets line up perfectly then you still have to choose.
I used the levelers on a couple of heavy trailers on fairly long hauls and they work as I expect them to - they: are easy to inflate/deflate, keep my bed level and support a heavy load, and keep my headlights out of everyones eyes.
152985
by: Steve11/23/2021
This has been a great addition to my truck. Pulling the fifth wheel became so much nicer, should have done it much sooner. Suggest installing with the onboard compressor.1209635
by: Charles09/25/2019
Product was an excellent addition to my 2009 F250. Install was straight forward and arrived at my house quick. Instructions were clear and is easy for anyone with basic mechanical skills. End use is for extra support with my travel trailer and levels my truck when hitched up. Airbags are easy to adjust with a hand pump you would use to air up basketballs, footballs, etc. I will continue to purchase from etrailer in the future. Great company.707360
by: Joseph02/13/2022
Great customer service response, excellent products and the parts arrived on time. This is my second purchase from them and I will undoubtably be returning for more.1262141
by: Gary05/21/2019
2008 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty
Installation was straightforward, I highly recommend watching the install video several times before you start. If you can put it on a lift or jack stands would be recommended as it's pretty tight getting under there to work. I didn't realize this until I started to run the air lines but take the spare tire out before you start! it gives you more room to move around and work. It probably took me about 6 hours total over 2 days but some of that was redoing a few things (don't forget the washers!), dealing with a stubborn bolt and double checking everything. Only got to take it on a brief drive with 70psi unloaded, it drove much better and wasn't too rough until I hit a couple dips, was a bit bouncy but expected. Can't wait to get the trailer hooked up and take it out!644275
by: Ron01/04/2022
Easy to install and really helps support the dump trailer that I haul behind my f 3501237009
by: Cameron 06/27/2021
Ford F-250 Super Duty
Bought the Firestone ride rite for my F250 super duty for pulling 40’ fifth wheel. Very good instructions, very easy installation and it adjusts and works great. High quality material and perfect fit. Yes, I’d buy it again.1076879
by: Dave08/22/2015
2009 Volkswagen Golf
Installed on a 2009 F-250 SD. Installation was difficult. Only because I didn't have access to a lift. Product is well built. It provides the rear suspension support I was looking for. Added bonus is my 3/4 ton rides smoother now. I pull a 35 foot travel trailer and a golf cart in the bed of my truck. I noticed the added weight of the cart was lowering the back end of my truck and affecting the steering. Not much, but enough where I needed to do something.
There was one problem with the instructions/diagram. When assembling the bottom bracket pieces, the diagram showed the bolt heads on the outside. I had to reverse them in order to clear the jounce stop to get proper alignment with the top bracket. See photos.
I also found a leak on one of the connections on top of the drivers side air spring. I pressured both springs to 40 pounds and let sit over night. There was a 20 pound drop on drivers side the next morning. I applied a kids bubble solution with a syringe ( works great) to find the leak. since there is sealer on the threads, I just gave it about 3/4 turn. Problem solved.
Overall, I think this is a great product which I would recommend. 221059
by: David 08/21/2021
The lift kit came in quickly, they asked for pictures of my rear frame just to make sure it would fit my unit. Very good customer service, I plan on buying from them in the future. Thank you etrailer!!1130022
by: Terry S06/08/2015
Easy to install, fit perfect with my 5th wheel hitch. My camper weighs 14000 lbs, hitch weight is 3000 lbs. It takes 85 lbs of air to raise my truck to standard driving height. Definitely a better ride. Thanks E trailer, Melinda, you were very helpful in helping me making the right decision for lifting air springs. 201678
Comments
I had to replace a couple of support brackets due to an auto accident. Etrailer was very helpful in contacting the manufacture for the parts. Thank you for you help. Now for the lifting bags themselves. All work great, very easy to make adjustments with load. I will have them on any truck I own from now on.
Using the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2550 on your 2008 Ford F-250 4WD will not affect the tongue weight of your trailer or your ability to properly hook it up to your tow vehicle. If you have concerns regarding the tongue weight of your trailer, and any sag the trailer tongue weight might cause, I would recommend a weight distribution system. If you choose to go this route, you will want to set the airbags prior to hooking up the weight distribution system.
If you can provide... view full answer...
The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2550 in conjunction with the Reese Quick-Install Custom Brackets # RP50082 should be able to be installed without interference.
The mounting brackets for the Firestone Ride-Rite # F2550 attach to inboard side of your 2003 Ford truck frame. The Reese Custom Brackets # RP50082 mount to the outboard of your 2003 Ford truck frame.
The Reese Custom Bracket has a square hole in the center of the bracket and this should line up on to the hole on... view full answer...
Since the axle cannot be flipped, there's not too many other options, I'm afraid. You can have taller spring hangers installed on the 5th wheel, but a 2 inch taller spring hanger won't necessarily translate into a 2 inch gain in height. The Ford bed sides are taller than GM or Ram, and if your truck is lifted at all, it will further compound the problem.
If you have enough clearance, you might be able to go up in wheel diameter by 1or 2 inches or so, and combined with taller hangers you... view full answer...
Most of the suspension enhancement systems are designed to help when carrying a heavy load and are not as effective when the truck is unloaded.
You can install a system like the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs, part # F2550 on your 2008 Ford F-250 Diesel but to be honest it will probably not affect the ride when the truck is not hauling anything. If your truck tends to bottom out when hitting rough spots in the road, a system like the F2550 would help lessen the impact and may... view full answer...
I will be happy to send you a copy of the instructions in a separate email. The Firestone Ride-Rite kit # F2550 seems like a typical installation to me based on the many, many instructions I have gone through over the years. A mechanic like yourself would probably have no problem with the installation. view full answer...
If you are looking for an air bag system that mounts to the inside of the frame, the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs, # F2550, would be a great option. Since these springs mount on the inside of the frame and the install brackets for your fifth wheel mount on the outside of the frame, there is no interference. view full answer...
The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Kit, # F2550, are designed to be installed on the inside of the frame rails on your 2002 Ford F350. This part number is listed for trucks with In Bed Hitch.
If the Hide-A-Way gooseneck hitch on your truck is installed on the outside of the frame rails, and there are no brackets on the inside of the frame rails to interfere with the air springs, then this part number will work on your truck.
The air helper springs are a bolt on application,... view full answer...
If your 2011 Ford F-250 has Firestone Ride-Rite system # F2550 then take a look at the instructions and the video I have linked. This should be able to tell you if your system was installed incorrectly or not.
The heat shield will be used on this system on the exhaust side only and it is supposed to be placed between the upper bracket and the top of the Firestone spring. It sounds like it might be a little out of position. In some cases you can bend or trim a heat shield without having... view full answer...
For your 2001 Ford F-250 we have one Firestone Air Bag kit that is compatible with a B and W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch like what you have. For that you'd want the part # F2550. The part # F2320 that you mentioned does not fit with any in-bed style of hitch so it would not work.
I attached an install video for this air bag kit for you to check out as well. view full answer...
I spoke to my contact at Firestone and he informed me that the Firestone Air Spring Kit you would want is part # F2550. You may have a hard time towing a fifth wheel trailer level with a truck as high as yours, but this kit is designed to work with fifth wheel rail kits.
Normally for lifted vehicles we recommend lift spacers for the kits. But the highest spacers we have go up to 6 inches. My contact at Firestone said your only option would be to have a 8 inch continuous metal spacer made... view full answer...
We only sell the Firestone Ride Rite part # F2550 with the air bags. If you were to try and piece together a kit without the bags you would end up spending more money. It would be easier to just order the # F2550. You would also be getting brand new bags this way.
I attached an install video for you to check out as well. view full answer...
For a Firestone air suspension kit confirmed as a fit for your 2015 Ford F-250 2WD with a gas engine you would want the part # F2550. This kit will work with the fifth wheel rail kit you ordered and will be installing as well.
I attached an install video for this kit for you to check out as well. view full answer...
When you tow your 5th wheel trailer with your 2000 F-250 that has a set of air bags like Firestone # F2550 you will not need to do anything special when you're decoupling the trailer from the truck.
The main thing to do when coupling and uncoupling the trailer is to have both on level ground and in a straight line. This will put less tension on the king pin/jaw connection and ease both processes.
It is possible that in certain specific circumstances inflating or deflating one or both... view full answer...
The Firestone Kit part # F2550 that you have installed on your 2012 Ford F-350 is the exact same kit that is recommended for your 2015 Ford F-350 so yes, you can transfer over your old kit to your new truck. view full answer...
By the time you piece together a kit you will have spent more than just buying a new kit like the part # F2550 which is a confirmed fit for your 2002 Ford F-250. Plus I do not know which air bag brand you have or if they are the recommended size/capacity for the application of your truck. view full answer...
The bags your 2014 Ford F-250 4WD are not the same as what you have so you are going to need to go with a new kit that includes new bags and everything. Also, even if you could piece together a kit with replacement parts the cost will be better to just get the whole new kit part # F2550.
This kit fits with fifth wheel rails like your B and W kit. view full answer...
Minimum air pressure in all Firestone Ride Rite air bags is 5 psi.
This allows the bags to retain their shape properly and not end up folded over or in any other position that might cause a portion of the bag to wear out prematurely. You would not feel 5 psi in the bags either. view full answer...
Yes, the Firestone Ride Rite kit part # F2550 that you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2008 Ford F-350 King Ranch.
I attached an install video for this kit on a similar 2008 Ford F-250 for you to check out as well. view full answer...
If you refer to the linked video at the 1:25 mark you can see the process for removing the factory bump stop. This video shows Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Spring Kit # F2550 installed in a 2002 Ford F-250 like yours. You'll need to keep the bump stop's metal collar for re-installation. view full answer...
This kit was designed as such that it will work with most installed 5th wheel or gooseneck kits, including the Blue Ox. There should be a large frame hole just along the frame rail of your truck that is just above the axle where the Firestone kit will mount. You will want about 2 inches on either side and hole to be exposed and clear of interference for the # F2550 Firestone kit to fit.
This # F2550 kit is confirmed to fit your 2008 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Diesel Long Bed. It's important... view full answer...
With Firestone air bags you always want to keep a minimum of 5 psi in the air bags at all times.
This allows the bags to retain their shape properly and not end up folded over or in any other position that might cause a portion of the bag to wear out prematurely. You would not feel 5 psi in the bags either. view full answer...
You can use air bag helper springs such as # F2550 and weight distribution at the same time. You may need to make adjustments on each to get the best ride but they can be used and work together. I have included a link to a video showing an example installation for you. view full answer...
The Firestone Ride Rite air bags inflate with a standard valve stem like what you see on vehicle wheels/tires. Unless the camper came with a compressor installed as well you should be able to find the valve stems.
Best option would be to trace the air lines from the air bags to see where they go. You should be able to easily determine if they go to a compressor or to a valve stem.
There would be no adapter needed. view full answer...
The correct Firestone no-drill Ride Rite air bag kit that fits your 2000 Ford F-250 4WD is the part # F2550. We had the chance to install this kit on a similar 2000 Ford F-250 as yours which you can see at the attached install video link on this page. view full answer...
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