What Kelderman air ride suspension is

Kelderman air ride suspension is an aftermarket suspension system that replaces your truck's factory springs with air-filled bags. Instead of metal coils or leaf springs holding up your vehicle, pressurized air does the work. You control the air pressure — and therefore your ride height — from inside the cab using a switch or control panel, letting you raise or lower your truck on demand.

The system is made by Kelderman Air Suspension, a company based in Iowa that specializes in suspension upgrades for pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Their air bags work alongside your existing shock absorbers and frame to create a smoother ride and give you the ability to adjust how high or low your truck sits without visiting a shop.

People choose air ride systems for different reasons: some want a smoother ride when towing, others want to lower their truck for appearance, and some need the height adjustment for loading and unloading cargo at different heights. The system lets you do all three without swapping out your entire suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Kelderman air ride replaces coil or leaf springs with air bags you can adjust from the cab using a control switch.
  • The system improves ride quality when towing or hauling heavy loads by keeping the truck level and reducing bounce.
  • You can raise your truck for ground clearance or lower it for easier loading, appearance, or highway stability.
  • Installation requires removing your factory springs and installing air bags, lines, and a compressor — a job that takes a full day at a shop.
  • Kelderman systems cost between $2,000 and $5,000 installed, depending on your truck model and whether you add extras like automatic leveling.

How the air bags and compressor work together

The core of a Kelderman system is a pair of rubber air bags — one on each side of your truck — that sit where your factory springs used to be. These bags are connected by air lines to a compressor mounted under the truck, usually near the frame or inside a fender. The compressor fills the bags with pressurized air, and a control module manages how much pressure goes into each bag.

When you press the raise button on your cab control, the compressor pumps air into the bags, pushing your truck higher. When you press lower, a valve releases air from the bags, letting your truck settle down. The whole process takes a few seconds. Most systems hold air pressure even when the engine is off, so your truck stays at the height you set it to until you change it again.

The compressor runs on your truck's battery and electrical system. It only runs when you're actively raising or lowering the suspension, so it doesn't drain power constantly. Some Kelderman systems include a backup air tank that stores pressurized air, so you can make a few adjustments even if the compressor isn't running.

Ride quality and load-leveling benefits

One of the main reasons people install air suspension is that it rides smoother than factory springs, especially when towing or carrying a heavy load. Air absorbs bumps differently than metal springs do — it compresses gradually rather than all at once, which reduces the sharp jolts you feel in the cab.

When you're towing a trailer or hauling a full bed of cargo, your truck's rear end normally sags. This changes your truck's angle, makes the front end point upward, and can reduce your headlight effectiveness and steering control. A Kelderman system lets you add air pressure to the rear bags to keep your truck level no matter what's in the bed. Level suspension means better handling, more predictable braking, and less strain on your frame.

The leveling also protects your truck's components. When your suspension is level, weight is distributed evenly across all four wheels instead of concentrating on the rear axle. This reduces wear on your rear springs, shocks, and frame over time.

Adjusting height for different situations

Kelderman systems let you change your truck's ride height in seconds, which is useful for several common situations. If you're loading cargo at a dock or picking up materials from the ground, you can lower your truck to make the bed easier to reach. Once you're loaded, you can raise it back up for highway driving or to clear obstacles.

Some owners lower their trucks for appearance — a lower stance is a common truck modification. Others raise their trucks for off-road driving or to increase ground clearance in rough terrain. Because you control the height from the cab, you can adjust on the fly without stopping or getting out of the truck.

A few Kelderman systems include automatic leveling, which adjusts air pressure based on how much weight is in your truck bed. You set it once, and the system maintains level suspension whether you're empty or fully loaded. This feature costs extra but eliminates the need to manually adjust height every time your load changes.

Installation and what to expect at the shop

Installing a Kelderman air ride system is not a DIY job for most owners — it requires removing your factory suspension, installing new components, and running air lines and electrical wiring through your truck. A may have access to suspension shop typically takes a full day (6 to 8 hours) to complete the installation.

The shop will remove your factory springs or leaf springs, install the air bags in their place, mount the compressor and air tank under the truck, run air lines to each bag, and wire the control module and cab switch into your electrical system. They'll also test the system to make sure it raises, lowers, and holds pressure correctly before you leave.

You'll need to choose a shop experienced with air suspension — not every general repair shop has done this work before. Kelderman publishes a list of authorized dealers and installers on their website, which is a good starting point. Getting a quote from a local shop is also reasonable; prices and labor times vary by truck model and local labor rates.

Cost and maintenance considerations

A complete Kelderman air ride system installed on your truck typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on your truck model, whether you add automatic leveling, and your region's labor rates. Simpler systems for lighter trucks run closer to $2,000, while systems for heavy-duty trucks or those with extra features can exceed $4,000.

Maintenance is minimal compared to factory suspension. You should check your air pressure occasionally (the system will show you the current pressure on the cab display) and listen for the compressor running — if it runs constantly, you may have a slow leak. Air bags themselves last many years, but they can eventually wear out and need replacement, which costs $300 to $800 per bag plus labor.

The compressor and air lines are the most likely parts to need service over time. A compressor replacement costs $400 to $800, and a leak in the air lines can usually be found and fixed for $100 to $300. These are not common failures, but they're worth budgeting for if you plan to keep your truck long-term.

Kelderman versus other air suspension brands

Kelderman is one of several companies that make aftermarket air suspension systems for trucks. Other brands include AirLift, Firestone, and Ridetech. Each brand has different price points, features, and dealer networks.

Kelderman is known for durability and for systems designed specifically for heavy-duty trucks and commercial use. Their air bags and compressors are built to handle frequent adjustments and heavy loads. AirLift and Firestone offer systems at various price points, from budget-friendly to premium, and are widely available at tire shops and suspension specialists. Ridetech focuses on performance and appearance, often used for lowered trucks and show vehicles.

The best choice depends on your truck, your budget, and what you plan to use the system for. If you're towing heavy loads regularly, Kelderman's heavy-duty reputation may matter. If you want a lower price or easier installation, another brand might suit you. Talk to local shops about which systems they install most often and what their experience has been.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Kelderman system on any truck?

Kelderman makes systems for most common pickup trucks, but not all models. Their website lists compatible vehicles by year and make. If your truck is listed, installation is straightforward. If it's not, a suspension shop may be able to adapt a system, but that costs more and takes longer.

Will an air suspension system damage my truck's frame or other parts?

No. Air suspension replaces your springs but works with your existing shocks, frame, and steering. In fact, by keeping your truck level under load, it reduces stress on the frame compared to a sagging factory suspension. The compressor and air lines are mounted securely and don't interfere with other systems.

What happens if my compressor fails while I'm driving?

Your truck will stay at whatever height it was set to when the compressor stopped working. You won't lose suspension function — your shocks and frame still support the truck. You just won't be able to adjust height until the compressor is repaired. Most shops can get you a replacement compressor within a few days.

Do I need to refill the air bags like a tire?

No. The system is sealed and holds air pressure on its own. The compressor only runs when you actively raise or lower the suspension. You don't add air manually unless there's a leak, which is rare.

Can I tow with an air suspension system?

Yes — in fact, towing is one of the main reasons people install air suspension. The system keeps your truck level while towing, which improves handling and braking. You can adjust air pressure to match your load, so your truck rides smoothly whether you're towing empty or at full capacity.