5 Things most people get wrong about airbag suspension

Let’s face it, air suspension is one of those mods that sparks a lot of pub talk. You’ve probably heard everything from “they’ll wreck your chassis” to “they leak like a sieve.” And while everyone seems to have a mate who reckons they know the truth, there’s still a heap of airbag suspension myths doing the rounds.

So we had a chat with the crew at Airbag Man (the pioneers behind Australia’s first fully air-bagged GU Patrol and caravan, and makers of more than 1,200 vehicle-specific kits) to get the facts straight. Here are five of the most common airbag suspension myths they’ve come across.

Myth #1. Sleeves are just there to protect the bags

Yeah, nah. While the protective sleeves around coil helper airbags do help shield them inside the spring housing, that’s not their main job. These sleeves are specially engineered to let the airbags handle up to twice the pressure. This means more support, more control, and a safer way to carry loads (as long as you stay within your GVM).

Oh, and about that rumour that Airbag Man make them from Kevlar? The exact material is top secret, but rest assured, the design is patented and built for serious Aussie conditions.

Myth #2. Airbags are a maintenance nightmare

We’ve all heard someone say “they leak after a couple of years”, but it’s rarely the airbags at fault. Most of the time, if you’re losing pressure, it’s down to the airlines or fittings, not the bags themselves.

If you choose a supplier who uses premium components and look after them properly, these setups can last well over 15 years. Airbag Man says they have kits still running strong after two decades. Hardly what we’d call high maintenance.

Myth #3. Airbags boost your GVM

Here’s a big one. Helper airbags won’t increase your GVM on their own. They work alongside your existing coil or leaf springs to help level your ride and improve handling under load. They’re a brilliant solution to reduce sag and take stress off your suspension, but unless you’ve had a proper GVM upgrade certified, your legal limits stay the same. Sorry, this one is most certainly an airbag suspension myth.

Same goes for tow ball weight. Airbags can help distribute it better, but they don’t change the numbers stamped on your compliance plate.

Myth #4. Airbags are only for heavy loads

Not even close. Sure, load support is a huge benefit, but airbags do a lot more than just stop your rig from sagging. Think improved ride quality, adjustable levelling (especially handy for caravans), reduced body roll, and even better steering and braking.

Whether you’re towing, touring, or just want a smoother ride on the blacktop and beyond, air suspension can seriously dial in your setup.

Myth #5. Airbags bend chassis rails

This airbag suspension myth does the rounds a lot. But after nearly 30 years in the game and thousands of kits out in the wild, Airbag Man hasn’t had a single case of a bent or cracked chassis due to their products.

If a chassis does bend, it’s almost always the result of overloading or incorrect use and not the airbag kit. Don’t believe us? There’s independent engineering data available on their website that backs it up.

Wrap-up

Whether you’re hauling a camper across the country, loading up for a weekend escape, or just chasing better ride comfort, air suspension isn’t the fragile, finicky system some folks make it out to be. And with the right setup from a trusted name, you’re not only getting more performance, you’re cutting through the bull.

Find out more at airbagman.com.au