If you’ve ever hooked up a heavy trailer and noticed your pickup’s rear end sinking while the nose points to the sky, you’re experiencing Truck Squat. While it looks bad, the real danger lies in how it compromises your vehicle's physics.
For new owners, understanding the role of helper springs is the first step toward a safer, more controlled towing experience.
1. The Hidden Dangers of Truck Squat
When your truck squats, the Weight Distribution of your vehicle shifts drastically. The rear axle acts as a pivot point, and excessive Tongue Weight lifts the front tires away from the road.
This leads to three major safety issues:
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Loss of Steering Control: With less weight on the front axle, your steering feels "light" or disconnected.
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Poor Braking Performance: Most of a truck’s stopping power comes from the front brakes. A lifted front end significantly increases stopping distances.
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Porpoising: This is that annoying (and dangerous) rhythmic bouncing motion after hitting a bump. With a high search volume for Porpoising, it's clear this is a top frustration for many drivers.
2. Why Air Bag Suspension is the Solution
Unlike permanent mechanical upgrades, an air bag suspension system like the RETRUE RIDEHELPER™ provides an adjustable solution to these physics-based problems.
By installing air helper springs, you gain the ability to:
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Level the Load: Restore your truck to its factory ride height, ensuring your Weight Distribution is balanced.
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Enhance Trailer Sway Control: A level truck is a stable truck. By firming up the rear suspension, you minimize the side-to-side movement known as trailer sway.
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Adjust on the Fly: With a range of 5-100 PSI, you can keep the ride soft when empty and pump them up to 5,000 lbs of leveling capacity when it’s time to work.
3. Air Lift Suspension vs. GVWR: The Facts
A common question in the air lift suspension community is: "Does this increase my towing capacity?"
The answer is No. While air bags help your truck handle heavy loads with ease, they do not change your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). You must always stay within the manufacturer's limits. What these springs do is allow you to carry those loads safely and level, protecting your suspension and improving tire wear.
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Don’t let Truck Squat or Porpoising ruin your trip. By managing your Tongue Weight with a high-quality helper springs kit, you ensure that your steering, braking, and overall Trailer Sway Control remain at peak performance.
