Single vs. Dual Bellow Air Bags: How to Choose

A single bellow air spring has one visible fold. A dual bellow spring has two stacked folds. That describes the shape of the spring. For a pickup truck, compare complete kits by vehicle fitment, installation space and the manufacturer’s ratings before choosing a design.

Single vs. dual bellow air bags at a glance

What to compare What to look for
Spring shape One fold for single bellow, two stacked folds for dual bellow. Some catalogs call these single and double convoluted springs.
Load support Use the rating for the complete kit and the manufacturer’s conditions for that rating. The number of folds alone does not establish load support.
Fit and clearance Compare bracket spacing, installed height and clearance around tires, brake lines and the exhaust. Follow the kit’s measurements for lifted or lowered trucks.
Pressure settings Use the limits in the specific kit manual. A pressure setting for a different air spring or truck may be inappropriate for your setup.

How to choose a kit for towing or hauling

  1. Find a kit listed for your make, model, year, drivetrain and rear suspension.
  2. Check the bracket layout and installation guide for your suspension and any hitch or lift modifications.
  3. Compare the support rating and operating limits of the complete kits that fit.

Air helper springs can help manage rear ride height under load. They do not raise your vehicle’s factory weight ratings. For help reading the number on the kit, see how air spring support ratings differ from payload.

Browse air bag kits by truck

Start with the RETRUE air bag kit fitment guide or browse kits for Ford, RAM and Dodge, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Toyota trucks. Read the installation instructions for your kit before ordering if you have questions about clearance or brackets.

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