What Kelderman Air Suspension Does

Kelderman air suspension replaces your truck's factory coil or leaf springs with an air-based system that lets you raise or lower the vehicle on demand. Instead of metal springs, pressurized air chambers do the work of supporting your truck's weight. You control the system from inside the cab using a switch or electronic control module, adjusting ride height in real time without stopping or leaving the driver's seat.

The system is built around air springs (also called air bags), a compressor, an air tank, and electronic controls. When you set up the switch, the compressor pumps air into the springs to raise the truck. When you release it, air vents out and the truck lowers. This gives you the ability to level a loaded bed, clear obstacles, or adjust stance for towing — all without mechanical modifications to frame or axles.

Kelderman is one of several manufacturers in this space, but their systems are common in the heavy-duty truck market, particularly for commercial vehicles and serious off-road builds. The company has been making suspension components since the 1950s and focuses on trucks that carry heavy loads or tow regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Kelderman air suspension uses pressurized air instead of springs to support your truck's weight, and you control the height from the cab with a switch.
  • The system includes air springs, a compressor, an air tank, and electronic controls, all of which must work together to function reliably.
  • Installation typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000 depending on your truck model and whether you use a dealer or independent shop.
  • Air suspension requires regular maintenance — checking air pressure, inspecting hoses and fittings, and replacing compressor seals — to prevent leaks and system failure.
  • The main benefit is load leveling and ride height adjustment; the main drawback is that repairs are more expensive and harder to diagnose than traditional springs.

How the Components Work Together

The air springs are rubber and fabric chambers that sit where your coil or leaf springs would normally be. They compress and expand as air pressure changes. Unlike a traditional spring, which has a fixed rate, air springs can be tuned by adjusting pressure — higher pressure equals a stiffer ride, lower pressure equals softer.

The compressor is an electric pump that builds pressure in the system. It runs on your truck's battery and is usually mounted in the engine bay or under the frame. The compressor only runs when the system needs air — when you raise the truck or when pressure drops below a set threshold. A pressure switch tells the compressor when to turn on and off.

The air tank (or reservoir) stores pressurized air so the compressor does not have to run constantly. This also helps the system respond faster when you hit the raise switch. The tank is typically mounted under the frame or in the bed.

The electronic control module and switch in the cab manage when air flows into or out of the springs. Modern systems use solenoid valves — electrically controlled gates that open and close to direct air where it needs to go. Older or simpler systems may use manual valves, but most Kelderman kits sold today are electronic.

Installation: What to Expect and What It Costs

Installation is not a bolt-on job. The work involves removing your existing suspension, mounting the air springs in place of the old springs, running air lines and electrical wiring through the frame, and mounting the compressor and tank. A full installation typically takes 8 to 16 hours depending on your truck's design and whether the shop has done this model before.

Cost varies by truck model and shop location. A complete Kelderman air suspension kit for a heavy-duty truck (like a Ford F-250, Chevy 2500, or Dodge 2500) runs $2,500 to $5,000 installed at a dealer or specialized suspension shop. Some independent shops charge less for labor, but you need someone who has experience with air suspension — a general mechanic may not be comfortable with the electrical and pneumatic work involved.

You can buy the kit alone and install it yourself if you have frame-up experience and the right tools, but this is not a weekend project. You will need to lift the truck, support it safely, disconnect and remove the factory suspension, and route air and electrical lines without kinks or damage. Most owners choose professional installation to avoid costly mistakes.

Maintenance and Common Failure Points

Air suspension requires more regular attention than springs. You should check air pressure in the springs and tank monthly, the same way you would check tire pressure. Pressure that drops over time signals a leak — usually in a hose, fitting, or the air spring itself. Small leaks can be hard to find; a shop may use soapy water to spot them or connect a pressure gauge to isolate which component is leaking.

Hoses and fittings corrode or crack over time, especially if the truck is used in salt or wet climates. Replacing a hose is inexpensive (often $50 to $150), but finding which hose is leaking can take an hour or more of labor. Air springs themselves can fail — the rubber and fabric can tear or the seal can degrade — and replacement typically costs $300 to $600 per spring plus labor.

The compressor can fail if the motor burns out or the pump seals wear. A new compressor runs $400 to $800 depending on the model. Solenoid valves can stick or fail electrically, usually costing $150 to $300 to replace. The electronic control module is the most expensive single component; replacement can run $500 to $1,200.

Because these components are interdependent, a failure in one part can cause problems that look like they belong to another. A stuck solenoid valve might make the truck unable to lower, but the real problem is not the air springs — it is the valve. This is why diagnosis at a shop familiar with air suspension is worth the cost.

When Air Suspension Makes Sense

Air suspension is most useful if you regularly carry heavy loads or tow a trailer. A loaded bed can sag the rear springs, changing your truck's angle and making the ride harsh. Air suspension lets you add pressure to the rear springs to level the truck and keep the ride smooth. When you unload, you lower the pressure and the truck returns to normal ride height.

It is also valuable for off-road work where you need to raise the truck to clear obstacles or lower it for stability on slopes. Some owners use it for show trucks, where the ability to lower the truck for display and raise it for driving is part of the appeal.

Air suspension is less useful if you drive a light truck with a light load most of the time. The added cost and maintenance burden may not pay off. A traditional suspension upgrade — better shocks, heavier springs, or a lift kit — might serve you better and cost less to maintain.

Air Suspension vs. Other Suspension Upgrades

A traditional spring upgrade (heavier coils or leaves) is cheaper to install and maintain but does not let you adjust ride height on the fly. Once installed, the truck sits at one height. You get a stiffer ride if you go with heavier springs, which some owners dislike.

A mechanical lift kit raises the truck permanently and gives you more ground clearance, but it also raises the center of gravity and can make the ride rougher. Lift kits do not level a loaded bed the way air suspension does.

Coilover shocks (adjustable shocks with coil springs) let you dial in ride height and stiffness, but they require you to stop and physically adjust them — you cannot change height from the cab while driving. They are also less suitable for very heavy loads.

Air suspension is the most flexible option if you need both load leveling and on-demand height adjustment, but it is also the most expensive and requires the most maintenance. Choose based on how you actually use your truck and what problems you are trying to solve.

Warranty and Long-Term Reliability

Kelderman typically offers a warranty on the kit itself — usually 1 to 3 years depending on the product line — but this covers defects in materials and workmanship, not wear items like hoses or compressor seals. Labor is not usually covered after the first year. Read the warranty document carefully to understand what is and is not included.

Long-term reliability depends heavily on maintenance and climate. In dry climates with light use, an air suspension system can last 10+ years with minimal issues. In wet or salty climates, or with heavy use, you may see hose and fitting corrosion within 5 to 7 years. Compressors and solenoids typically last 7 to 10 years before needing replacement.

The electronic control module is the wildcard. If it fails outside warranty, replacement is expensive and can take time to source. Some owners keep a spare on hand or budget for replacement as a known future cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Kelderman air suspension kit myself?

You can if you have frame-up suspension experience, the right tools, and a safe way to lift and support the truck. Most owners use a professional shop because the work involves electrical wiring, pneumatic lines, and precise mounting — mistakes can cause leaks, electrical shorts, or unsafe suspension geometry. Professional installation also usually includes a warranty on the work.

What happens if the compressor fails while I am driving?

The truck will stay at whatever height it was at when the compressor stopped working. You can still drive it, but you will not be able to raise or lower the suspension until the compressor is repaired. If you are at highway height and the compressor fails, you can drive home at that height without damage to the truck.

Do I need to check the air pressure regularly?

Yes. Check it monthly or before long trips. Pressure that drops over time means you have a leak. Small leaks may not be obvious, but they will eventually cause the system to fail to raise or lower properly. A pressure gauge costs $10 to $20 and takes 30 seconds to use.

Is air suspension worth it for a truck I use mostly for daily driving?

Probably not. If you rarely carry heavy loads or tow, the cost and maintenance burden outweigh the benefit. A quality shock upgrade or a modest lift kit will serve you better and cost less to own over time.

Can I use air suspension with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer?

Yes. Air suspension is actually popular for heavy towing because it lets you level the truck under load and adjust ride height to match the trailer hitch height. This improves stability and reduces wear on the suspension. Make sure the kit you choose is rated for your total towing weight.