Shop TalkSquatting is for the Gym –Not for Your Truck

For a while, truck owners have been hooking their trucks up with cool accessories to help when hauling heavy loads like camping and hunting gear, outdoor toys, or loaded trailers. When you are pulling a heavy load, adding a rear air spring can make a big difference in the towing experience. The result is better overall control of the vehicle, improved handling, and a safer ride.

One of the questions we get at Rough Country is, "I have lifted (or leveled) my truck; what do I do when it squats as I am hauling a trailer?". The solution to that is our Rear Air Spring Kit. Each bolt-on kit is vehicle specific and will allow you to elevate the squat you get when pulling a trailer. With a static setup, you have to make a choice. Do you want to be level when not towing and unlevel when towing, or do you want to be level when towing and rear high when not towing? With our solution, you don't have to make that choice anymore. It's the best of both worlds. So, whether you are loaded down with toys for the weekend or hauling equipment for work, you can stay level-headed with the Rough Country Rear Air Spring Kit.

After installing the air springs, the next thing you will want is our Onboard Air Bag Compressor Kit. The perfect complement to the air springs, this kit has everything you need to install on your vehicle. It includes the compressor, an air inlet, replacement elements, all T-fittings, a pressure sensor, an in-cab gauge, and the activation switch and dump valve. In addition, the kit has all tubing, wiring, and mounting hardware needed.

The Onboard Compressor Kit is universal. You can mount the compressor under the hood, on the frame, or even in the bed. The one thing you want to make sure of is that your inlet is in a dry location. If you mount the compressor down below, we provide tubing and a fitting so that you can remote mount your inlet in the cab or up and out of the way. You no longer have to carry an air tank or hope that your destination will have an air compressor available. Anytime you need air in the airbags, you will have it at the touch of a button. It'll make for a safer tow, keep the headlights in the correct location, and reduce squat and sway.

So, if you are hauling a heavy load this summer – or anytime for that matter – we highly recommend adding a rear air spring. Your towing experience will be improved, and you'll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is under better control and providing a safer ride for everyone on board.