As light truck sales in the U.S. continue to exceed industry expectations, climbing toward a six-year high in market share and increasing 18.8 percent from a year ago, the Air Lift Co. has added six new products for half-ton pickups to its line of more than 500 aftermarket suspension enhancements.
“We’ve engineered these applications in direct response to customer demand as smaller tow vehicles gain in popularity, in-part because of rising gas prices,” says Kevin Mehigh, the company’s president. “Half-ton trucks are also in greater demand because RV makers have created more half-ton towing fifth wheels and sliding hitches.”
Established in 1949 with six employees, the third-generation family-owned firm has grown to encompass a 70-plus workforce at its Lansing, Mich. headquarters.
An early focus on racing suspension products found widespread popularity among competitors on NASCAR’s Grand National Circuit.
“By the 1960s we were already introducing sleeve-type air springs on pickup truck suspensions,” Mehigh recounts. “Then, in the 1980s, we provided air helper springs for motor homes and ambulances; our constant ingenuity paved the way for street rods and lowered vehicles in the 1990s.”
Marketing manager Aaron Lundy recently answered a series of questions about the current marketplace for add-on suspension products:
Q: As the OEM engineering on pickup trucks becomes increasingly sophisticated, is there still a need for aftermarket air springs?
A: Yes. OEMs always have to balance between maximum GVWR ratings and a comfortable ride for daily driving. Because many pickup owners only tow, or haul a small percentage of the time, OEMs balance their suspensions on the lighter side. While the vehicle can technically handle the load, it will do so with vehicle squatting.
Q: Your marketing materials note that “squat is not normal.” Could you please explain?
A: Vehicles are designed from the factory to ride level or slightly high in the rear. When vehicles are loaded and squat is induced, it causes headlights to not clearly illuminate the road and it also causes suspension bottom-out.
Q: What is the sales potential for aftermarket air springs?
A: There is a large demand for air springs based on the average age of pickups on the road and given the fact that the recreational market is bouncing back after the 2008-2009 dip in the market.
Q: How much training is required to sell, install and service aftermarket air spring systems?
A: Air spring systems are engineered to be vehicle-specific, so selling and installing is very easy. If a person can sell hitch products they can sell and install air spring systems.
Q: Under what conditions and circumstances should air springs be considered on a customer’s particular vehicle?
A: Air springs are a good option for anyone who is hauling or towing. Even if the vehicle is not squatting when sitting static, dynamic driving events will be drastically improved if equipped with air springs.
Q: What are the differences between bellows and sleeves?
A: Bellows air springs are generally designed for higher payload applications, and sleeve air springs are designed for lighter payload applications because of the softer rate curve.
Q: Will adding air springs increase the weight rating of a vehicle?
No. Adding air springs will not change the weight rating (GVWR, GCWR and GAWR) of a vehicle. Air springs simply increase the suspension’s ability to support heavy loads. We strongly recommend that you never exceed a vehicle’s weight ratings.
There is some confusion in the marketplace as to what leveling capacity means and how this differs from gross vehicle weight rating. Whether you’re towing a trailer or driving a heavily laden vehicle, it’s important to understand what they mean and the difference between the two.
First, we need to know that the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or gross vehicle mass (GVM), is the maximum operating weight of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer, including the vehicle’s chassis, body, engine, engine fluids, fuel, accessories, driver, passengers and cargo but excluding that of any trailers.
On vehicles designed for the U.S. market, the GVWR can be found alongside other vehicle technical specifications on the ID plate located on the interior of the B-pillar.
There’s also a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) that refers to the total mass of a vehicle, including all trailers. GVWR and GCWR both describe a vehicle that is in operation and are used to specify weight limitations and restrictions. These are extremely important and should never be exceeded.
Considering the GVWR; it would be totally acceptable to fit a 900-pound snow plow to a truck rated to carry a ton, as the GVWR would not have been exceeded. However, the front end of the vehicle will squat quite severely, creating several ride and handling problems for the driver.
This is where our adjustable air spring kits –also called air bags – come into play. The Load Lifter 5000 series air springs, for example, have a lifting capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which can easily level a vehicle, bringing it back to a normal and safe ride height. This lifting capacity can therefore be termed the leveling capacity of the air springs.
However, should the truck also be loaded with a 700-pound payload, the vehicle would now exceed the GVWR. So, even if the vehicle’s ride height was corrected using adjustable air springs in the front and/or rear, the vehicle’s GVWR would still have been exceeded. A vehicle under these conditions would not be safe to operate on the roads and it puts a dangerous amount of stress on stock components like axles, brakes, powertrain, etc.
On a heavily laden vehicle, our air springs can effectively correct the ride height and distribute the additional weight, thereby improving ride comfort and handling. In spite of the air spring’s leveling capacity, they do not in any way increase the GVWR or GCWR of the vehicle. It’s up to the operator to ensure the vehicle complies with the GVWR/GCWR at all times.
Q: How long do air springs last?
A: If they are properly installed and maintained, air springs can last indefinitely. Just check the pressure regularly or use an on-board air compressor to maintain it for you.
Q: A customer’s vehicle is riding roughly when loaded. Will adding air springs improve the ride?
A: Absolutely. Air springs are engineered to increase ride quality when carrying heavy loads and they help fatigued springs ride smoothly.
Q: Will raising a vehicle on a lift for service work damage the air springs?
A: No. Most vehicles can be lifted on a hoist for short-term service work such as tire rotation or oil changes. However, if the vehicle is on a hoist for a prolonged period of time, support the axle with jack stands to take the tension off the air springs.
Q: Do air springs always have to be kept inflated?
A: Yes. You should always maintain the recommended minimum air pressure, even if your vehicle isn’t loaded. This keeps the air springs “in shape” and able to perform without rubbing or wearing. Check the air pressure periodically as you do for your tires.
Q: Does an on-board air compressor system have to be added when air springs are purchased?
A: A compressor isn’t required, but it is convenient. An on-board system allows you to inflate and deflate the air springs while on the go. Compressors remove the hassle of pulling over or searching for service stations with air pumps. With some on-board compressor systems adjustments are automatic and made with the touch of a button – all while driving.
Q: What is a jounce bumper?
A: A jounce bumper is a protection device located between the vehicle’s frame and the axle. It is generally a micro-cellular urethane material and is designed to protect the axle and frame from crashing during a severe bottom out.
Q: What advice can I offer my customers on how to properly load a trailer or a pickup bed?
A: When loading a trailer or pickup bed it is best to keep the load centered over the axles and as low as possible. When loading a trailer, it is also important to maintain the proper amount of tongue weight.
Subscribe to Aftermarket Business World and receive articles like this every month….absolutely free. Click here.
