Difference Between the Sport-Rite and the Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs for the 2003 Chevy Silverado

Updated 07/06/2010 | Published 07/03/2010

Question:

I have a 2003 Chevrolet Z-71, it isnt a HD but what really is the difference in the Sport rite which should go on my truck and the ride rite that fits HD models only 1500 series trucks? It appears the ride rite gives better cushioning than the sport rite, I have a 2007 superlite weekend warrior and I have to stop the bouncing and hoping to install these suspension parts to reduce the bucking while traveling down the road. Do you also sell a T for these so I only have the one access to fill air bags?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

Air-spring kits are vehicle-specific kits. Kit compatibility is based on your vehicle suspension, all kit types will not work on every vehicle.

The Ride-Rite, item # F2190 will provide additional support for existing suspension and have higher weight capacities. These kits are designed for vehicles with heavy duty suspensions like the 1500 HD series Chevrolet trucks.

The Sport-Rite will also provide additional support for the vehicle but not in the same capacity as the Ride-Rite system. The Sport-Rite system actually provides a smoother ride than the Ride-Rite system.

The frame and suspension design is different between the Chevrolet 1500 and the 1500 HD models so the Ride-rite system will not work on your Z-71.

For your situation air springs may help but there are other solutions that may provide a better solution. I checked the internet and it is hard to determine if the trailer you mentioned is a fifth-wheel trailer or a bumper pull style. From your description of bouncing, I believe you have a fifth-Wheel trailer. A good solution for a fifth-wheel is an air ride pin box in conjunction with trailer loading. Typically fifth-wheel trailers should have about 20 percent of total trailer weight on the king pin. I have posted a link to the 5th Airborne Air Ride Couplers that we have available for you to review. If you decide to go in this direction let me know the pin box model number on your trailer and I will be glad to make a recommendation for you.

If you have a bumper pull trailer then I recommend checking tongue weight and using a weight distribution system on the trailer. I have posted a link to weight distributions systems that we have available for your to review. When selecting a weight distribution system you need to know the loaded tongue weight of your trailer and the total weight of the trailer.

With either of these systems air ride suspension enhancements are a great way to supplement the vehicle suspension and improve your ride quality. If your trailer is a fifth-wheel trailer you need to make sure that the Firestone kit will bolt up with the under-bed fifth wheel brackets installed.