How to Set the Right PSI for Your Air Bags

Written by: Nicki B.

Last Updated:10/03/2025

When it comes to setting air bag pressure, there isn’t one magic number that works for everyone. The right PSI depends on your truck, the load you’re carrying, and even how you like your ride to feel.

Most drivers figure it out through a little trial and error, and by swapping tips with other truck owners. This guide pulls together those lessons — from manufacturer recommendations to what we’ve seen in the shop and on the road — so you can get your setup dialed in. And if you ever feel stuck, that’s the kind of thing we help with every day at etrailer.

In this article:

Is There a Standard PSI for Air Bags?
How Do You Set Air Bag PSI?
How Do You Know If Your PSI Is Correct?
Do You Need an Onboard Air Compressor?
How Do You Check for Leaks in Air Bags?
What’s the Best Way to Keep a Truck Level With Air Bags?

Is There a Standard PSI for Air Bags?

Short answer: no. There isn’t one set PSI that works for every truck or load.

One driver summed it up perfectly: “At 60 PSI and no load, the truck rides like it has no shocks. I’ve been running 10 PSI and it seems to be great.”

Here’s a good starting point (treat it like a guide, not a rule):

Light loads / daily driving: 10–20 PSI
Moderate loads / small trailers: 30–50 PSI
Heavy towing / 5th wheels: 60–90 PSI

(Always follow your system’s max pressure rating — usually 100–150 PSI.)

Think of these ranges as the balance between support and comfort. Too little PSI and the truck squats, which makes steering and braking feel loose. Too much, and every crack in the pavement feels like a crater. The sweet spot is usually the lowest PSI that gets you level and steady.

How Do You Set Air Bag PSI?

Getting the pressure right isn’t about guessing a number and calling it good — it’s about a process. Think of it like tuning an instrument: small adjustments until everything feels balanced.

Here’s the step-by-step approach I recommend:

Measure your truck’s stock ride height. Park on level ground and measure from the fender to the ground, front and back. Write it down — this is your baseline before adding any weight.
Load your trailer or cargo. Don’t skip this step. Your PSI only matters under real-world conditions. If you normally tow a camper or haul gear, set it up exactly how you’d hit the road.
Add air in small steps. Start low and work up, adding 5–10 PSI at a time. Big jumps make it hard to know what actually made the difference.
Recheck the ride height. After each adjustment, measure again. The goal is to bring the rear of your truck back close to that unloaded height. You don’t have to hit it perfectly — “close” usually means the suspension is doing its job.
Take a test drive. This is where you’ll really know. Roll over a few bumps, take a corner, hit the brakes. If the ride feels harsh and jarring, you’ve probably added too much. If it feels loose, bouncy, or squats more than you’d like, you need a little more air.

There’s no chart that can tell you exactly what your truck needs, because no two setups are identical. A quick spin around the block with your normal load will give you more useful feedback than any printed guideline. Once you find that sweet spot, you’ll feel the difference immediately — the truck will sit level, handle better, and and give you a steadier ride.

How Do You Know If Your PSI Is Correct?

The easiest way to know you’ve nailed your PSI is simple: the truck just feels right. It sits level, it drives steady, and you’re not fighting the steering wheel every time you hit a bump.

Here are a few clear signs your pressure is where it should be:

Your truck sits close to its original rake. When you look at it from the side, the stance should be nearly the same as it was unloaded. A little drop is fine, but if the rear is sagging noticeably, you need more air.
The ride feels planted. You shouldn’t feel like you’re bouncing down the road, but you also shouldn’t feel like you’re being rattled out of your seat. A good setup makes the truck feel steady without beating you up.
Steering feels steady and braking feels firm. If the front end feels light, or braking feels stretched out, you’re still underinflated. If the steering feels twitchy or the brakes grab too sharply, you may be overinflated.

And here are some telltale signs you need to make adjustments:

Too much pressure (overinflated): The ride feels stiff and jarring, like every crack in the pavement is shaking the truck.
Too little pressure (underinflated): The rear squats, you get a lot of bounce or sway, and the truck feels unsettled when cornering or stopping.

It really comes down to balance. Air bags aren’t there to lift your truck sky-high or make it ride like a luxury car. They’re there to level your load and give your suspension some backup.

Do You Need an Onboard Air Compressor?

Not always — but once you’ve had one, it’s hard to imagine going without.

Here’s the tradeoff: without a compressor, you’re locked into whatever PSI you last set. That works fine if your load doesn’t change much. But if you go from empty to loaded, or light duty to heavy towing, it means stopping to add air — or driving with less-than-ideal pressure.

A compressor system changes the game. With a wireless setup, you can add or release air right from your phone. Heading out empty? Drop the pressure. Hooked up to a heavy fifth wheel? Bump it up before you hit the highway. No crawling under the bumper with a bike pump, no guessing.

A compressor is worth considering if you:

Switch between different trailers
Haul changing loads (mulch one day, camper the next)
Want quick, no-hassle adjustments

Popular systems like the Air Lift WirelessAIR and Firestone Air Command are designed exactly for this kind of flexibility. You don’t need one to run air bags, but once you’ve had it, you’ll wonder how you managed without.

Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System for Air Helper Springs.

Air Lift WirelessAir Compressor System on 2023 GMC Sierra

How Do You Check for Leaks in Air Bags?

Even the best setup won’t hold pressure if you’ve got a leak. The good news is, testing takes just a couple minutes.

Spray soapy water on every fitting and valve stem
Watch for bubbles — if you see them, air is escaping
If you spot a leak, cut the air line clean and re-seat it firmly

Leaks are sneaky because they don’t always show up right away. You’ll start your trip with the perfect ride, but by the time you arrive, the truck feels saggy again. A quick leak test before a long haul can save you from that frustration.

What’s the Best Way to Keep a Truck Level With Air Bags?

Air bag suspension only works as well as the PSI you put into it. Too much air, and your truck rides like a brick. Too little, and you’re squatting down the highway.

The sweet spot looks different for everyone, but once you take the time to dial it in — and maybe trade a tip or two with a fellow driver — your truck will tow straighter, ride smoother, and handle safer.

If you’re serious about towing or hauling, give yourself the time to fine-tune your setup. And if you’d rather not figure it out on your own, our team at etrailer is always here to help you get it right.

Nicki Sitting on picinic table in front of rv.

About Nicki B.

I’ve always loved learning and teaching. Every day I get the chance to help a neighbor pick up something new, whether it’s understanding how to tow with more confidence, setting up camp a little easier, or just finding the right gear for their next trip. For me, the real joy comes from turning those little “aha” moments into solutions that make life safer, smoother, and more fun.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me outdoors. I love fishing, camping, and hiking the trails with my family and our golden retriever (who insists on carrying the biggest stick he can find). I spent years as a Cubmaster and scout leader, and now I get to put those skills to good use running our team campouts—my favorite part is dreaming up fun games and activities that get everyone laughing.

When I’m not outside, I’m probably curled up with a book or unwinding with some old Top Gear reruns. At the end of the day, I just like finding ways to make things a little easier and more enjoyable—on the road, at camp, or at home.