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If you only occasionally carry heavy loads or tow trailers, a permanent suspension upgrade may see you bouncing down the road when the vehicle is unladen and sagging when the vehicle is heavy.
What you need is something to temporarily beef-up load-carrying capacity. Installing suspension load assists can help improve performance and make your HiLux ride smoother and safer. These aftermarket components are designed to provide additional support to your vehicle's rear suspension, reducing sag and sway and distributing weight more evenly.
- What it is: Devices designed to temporarily increase the load-carrying capacity of your rear suspension. These are typically air bags that fit on the rear axle to supplement the leaf springs.
- Why you need it: The OE suspension can't evenly balance the normal (light) weight you run for the majority of the time and heavy weights you occasionally carry, unless you fit auxiliary helpers that stiffen up the suspension when loaded.
- Buying tips: Look for in-cabin controls, and whether the kit will still fit if you have a suspension lift.
Here are two products we recommend. They’re intended as a starting point, to give you an idea of what’s available.
JUMP AHEAD
| Replaces bumpstop? | In-cab control | On-board air compressor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boss Air Suspension | Yes | Optional extra | No |
| Airbag Man | Yes | No | No |
Boss air suspension
Boss Extreme air bags are rated at 2500lb or 1136kg per side and have been government-approved to over 750psi. Boss states the average dual-cab ute will run around 15-45psi in the air bags, depending on load. These air bags are suitable for vehicles with up to a two-inch lift.
Specifications
- Replace bump stop?: Yes
- In-cab control: Optional extra
- On-board compressor: No
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Pros
- Some of the toughest bags on the market
- Rated air lines
- Mounts to factory points
Cons
- You can potentially double the price if you option up on accessories like in-cab control and inflation kits
Airbag Man air suspension
Airbag Man specialises in air suspension systems for various vehicles, improving ride comfort, stability, handling and overall performance. Providing options for either stock-height vehicles or vehicles with up to a two-inch lift, Airbag Man has you covered. Airbag Man recommends a maximum inflation pressure of 50psi for these air bags and claims these can be installed in around two hours.
Specifications
- Replace bump stop?: Yes
- In-cab control: Optional extra
- On-board compressor: No
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Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind
- An experienced company that has been in the game a long time
- Simple to fit, utilising factory points
Cons
- Optional extras can really blow out the price
How we review products
4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles and aftermarket products for more than 40 years.
When looking for the best accessories for your make and model of 4WD, there are some things essential to making sure you have the best off-roading experience.
When we compare products, here are some of the things we consider:
- Warranty
- Build quality
- Value for money
- Time and ease to set-up/install
- Weight
- Fit and finish
- How well it gets the job done
- What materials they’re made from
- Corrosion/UV resistance
- Coatings
- Compatibility with other accessories
- Compliance with ADRs and vehicle safety systems
- Country of manufacture
- Load ratings, to determine what's the best product across each price point.
We also consider user reviews and our own experience with these products to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.
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