Recreational Vehicles
Firestone air helper springs – RideRite – are designed to maximize safe load carrying capacity, stability, and overall ride quality. The Air Springs used in RideRite kits are designed and assembled in the USA. RideRite air springs use the same Firestone technology used on many heavy duty trucks, trailers, and buses on the road today. That means in addition to Firestone’s reputation for commercial grade durability, quality, reliability, and service, you’ll get:
Adjustability
- By increasing or decreasing the air pressure inside the air springs your vehicle can be levelled from no load to full load and anything in between.
Levels Vehicle
- This will improve steering control and braking effectiveness, level headlight beams and reduce tire wear.
- Levels Off-Centre Loads i.e. vehicle can be levelled from side to side as well as from front to rear.
Reduces Suspension Fatigue
- Keeps leaf springs from permanent sagging under repeated or constant load.
- Reduces Bottoming Out.
- Protective air cushion softens contact between the axle and frame.
Increases Vehicle Stability
- Absorbs road shock – providing ideal ride conditions for your passengers and load.
How it works
- Ride-Rite air helper springs utilize a pair of convoluted air springs, which can be adjusted for changing loads. These pair of Firestone air springs are capable of 1 500 KG of load levelling capacity. RideRite air helper springs enhance the ride by reducing inter-leaf friction.
- Please remember that air springs do not increase the load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
- *DO NOT EXCEED THE VEHICLE’S RECOMMENDED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR)
Installation Basics
RideRite air helper springs is installed between the frame of the vehicle and the suspension, providing load support through the use of air pressure.
Ride-Rite Basic Kits
Everything is included for a quick, easy installation.
- Top and bottom Brackets
- 2x Air springs
- 5m x ¼”Tubing
Separate “tyre valves for manual inflation, the same as you would use for inflating a tire.
Air Spring Supply Company has developed various Air Supply systems that will compliment your Air Helper Springs system:
| Part number | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| AS-1001 | KIT – LIGHT DUTY 01- Single cab control, 12V 15% duty cycle, 8 BAR (VIAIR) compressor. | Inflate Air Helper Springs only |
| AS-1002 | KIT – LIGHT DUTY 02 – Dual cab control, 12 V 15% duty cycle, 8 BAR (VIAIR) compressor. | Inflate Air Helper Springs only |
| AS-1003 | KIT – MEDIUM DUTY 01 – Single cab control, 12V 33% duty cycle, 8 BAR (VIAIR) compressor+-53L/MIN @ 3 BAR, 6m hose pack. | Inflate Air Helper Springs and tyres as well. |
| AS-1004 | KIT – MEDIUM DUTY 02 – Dual cab control, 12V 33% duty cycle, 8 BAR (VIAIR) compressor, 6m hose pack, | Suspension & tyres |
| AS-1005 | KIT – HEAVY DUTY 01 – Single cab control, 12V 100% duty cycle, 8 BAR (VIAIR) compressor +-29L/MIN @ 3BAR, 6m hose pack, INCLUDING a 7.5L air tank. | All applications |
| AS-1006 | KIT – HEAVY DUTY 02 – Dual cab control, 12V 100% duty cycle, 8 BAR (VIAIR) compressor, 6m hose pack, INCLUDING a 7.5L air tank. +-29L/MIN @ 3BAR COMPRESSOR. | All applications |
| AS-1007 | KIT – MEDIUM DUTY 01-Single cab control, 12V 33% duty cycle, 8 BAR (VIAIR) compressor, 6m hose pack, INCLUDING a 7.5L air tank. +-53L/MIN @ 3BAR COMPRESSOR. | Suspension & tyres |
| AS-1008 | KIT – MEDIUM DUTY 02-Dual cab control, 12V 33% duty cycle, 8 BAR compressor +-53L/MIN @ 3BAR COMPRESSOR., 6m hose pack, INCLUDING a 7.5L air tank. | Suspension & tyres |
Technical Tips
Air Spring Alignment
Air spring alignment is important to the operation of your air helper spring kit. Upon installation, visually align the air spring. Most kits allow for adjustment of the upper and lower brackets to assist in making the air springs vertical. In most instances, position the upper and lower brackets so that they are parallel. Remember to maintain proper design height. Refer to the installation manual for kit-specific procedures.
Push-to-Connect Fittings
Firestone’s push-to-connect air fittings are extremely easy to use. Once the length of the air line has been selected to span the distance from the air springs to the inflation valves, simply use a sharp knife or tubing cutter (9009) to cut the air line as square as possible (Do NOT use side cutters or other devices that may smash the end of the air line). Then push the air line into the fitting as far as possible.
Air Spring Clearance
After installing your air helper spring kit, make sure you have at least 1/2” of clearance around the entire air spring when infl ated. A good rule of thumb is to use the thickness of your hand and feel around the entire air spring. If your hand comes in contact with anything on the vehicle, you may have an interference issue. If the object can be moved, relocate it. If the object cannot be moved, contact Firestone for further assistance.
Air Accessory Systems
Firestone offers a wide range of air accessory systems for all your air helper spring requirements. Some quick tips that apply to all Firestone air accessories:
1.) All compressors are direct drive units (NO oil or belts). This means the compressor can be mounted in any position without detriment to the compressor.
2.) In systems using tanks, when connecting the compressor to a positive wire on the vehicle, make sure the wire is ignition activated. This will eliminate the possibility of the compressor running while the vehicle is turned off, draining your battery.
3.) The compressor can be mounted under the hood or on the frame rail behind a cross member. In order to allow enough air flow to the compressor, place the unit in a well protected area free from debris and large amounts of water.
