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Air Bags for 2019 Ford F-250 For Heavy Hauling  

Updated 10/08/2026 | Published 10/05/2026

Question:

I have a 2019 F-250 6.7L 4x4 long bed crew cab with the standard tow package 2+1 leafs used as a daily driver and for various heavy hauling, primarily in-bed. How do the AirLift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimates affect unloaded ride quality? I would like to have the internal jounce bumper for peace of mind when loaded, especially off-road, but don’t want to sacrifice daily unloaded ride quality if I will constantly be hitting them. I’ve read through lots of reviews and your QandA and see conflicting reports. Would I be better off with a standard bag like the Firestone RideRite? Thanks for your time

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Expert Reply:

Hey Kyle! I do prefer the jounce bumpers if you get the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 # AL88399. However, the Firestone # F35FV is going to be the best option here. Firestone air bags are more durable and reliable, so a jounce bumper as a backup really isn't necessary. That also means no impact on unloaded ride quality, just run them at the minimum 5 psi when you aren't hauling heavy loads or towing.

I also recommend adding an air compressor so you can adjust the air bags wherever you go from the cab of your truck. The # F44XV includes the air bags and has a wireless compressor, or we have the # F74XV if you prefer the analog gauge.

What do you haul the most with your truck?

expert reply by:
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Robin H
Firestone Ride-Rite
Firestone Ride-Rite
(click to enlarge)
John A. profile picture

John A.

10/7/2026

Have put on last 4 trucks have had few problems with lower mounting brackets but they have taken care of issues for most part they work very well loaded and unloaded.

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

10/8/2026

@JohnA thanks for sharing your experience! Four trucks is a pretty good track record, and I'm glad to hear they've worked well for you both loaded and unloaded.
Smitty profile picture

Smitty

10/7/2026

Agree with other comments. Can't go wrong with the air bags. I have had them on my last 5 trucks including current 2020 F250. Won't sacrifice the ride since you can just dump the air on bags and it's back to factory suspension. Not only do the bags stabilize the load in the bed but they make a huge difference when towing. Add an on-board compressor and you have on demand suspention change from the cab. I will say the Firestone compressor kits are a bit pricey. There are other options out there.

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

10/8/2026

@Smitty thanks for sharing! Five trucks definitely speaks to how well air bags work, and I agree that an onboard compressor makes it much easier to adjust the suspension for whatever you're hauling or towing.

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