Everything To Know About Airbag Suspension PSI
Author: Toby Date Posted:17 April 2025
Getting your airbag suspension dialled in properly isn’t just about comfort — it’s about control, safety, and keeping your vehicle level no matter what you’re carrying. From tradie utes to touring rigs, more Aussie drivers are turning to air suspension for its flexibility and load-handling benefits.
It’s not just a 4WD thing either — luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi use air suspension in their high-end models to give drivers adjustable ride height and a smoother drive.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to set your airbag pressure for different conditions, common pitfalls to avoid, and give you a handy PSI chart to make adjustments easy.
What Is an Airbag Suspension?
Airbag suspension swaps out your coil or leaf springs with inflatable airbags (or air springs). They’re great for 4WDs, utes carrying tradie gear, performance builds, and even towing caravans. With adjustable pressure, you can tailor your suspension for a smoother ride or better clearance—no tools required.
Why Airbag Suspension PSI Actually Matters
If you’ve got airbags fitted, knowing the right PSI (pounds per square inch) isn’t something you can just guess and hope for the best. The pressure you run directly impacts how your vehicle handles weight, whether it’s tools in the back, a trailer on the towball, or a full load of camping gear.
Too much pressure and your ride gets stiff and bouncy — not great for comfort or control. Too little, and you risk sagging suspension, poor handling, and uneven tyre wear. Over time, that kind of strain can even damage your vehicle’s frame or suspension mounts.
Getting your PSI right helps you:
- Keep your vehicle level under load
- Improve safety and braking performance
- Protect your gear and passengers
- Extend the life of your suspension setup
In short: knowing your airbag suspension PSI is essential if you want to get the most out of your investment.
What PSI Should Your Airbag Suspension Be?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number when it comes to airbag suspension pressure. The ideal PSI depends on a few key factors that can vary every time you drive:
Vehicle Weight
The heavier the vehicle, the more air pressure you’ll need to keep it level and supported. A stock sedan or lightly loaded 4WD might only need around 5–10 PSI, while a dual-cab ute with a steel canopy and bullbar could require 10–25 PSI, even when it’s not fully loaded.
Loaded Up or Running Light
If your vehicle’s carrying extra weight — tools, cargo, camping gear, or a full family load — you’ll need to bump up the PSI to maintain proper height and handling. For example:
- A light load like daily tools or a couple of passengers might call for 10–25 PSI
- A medium load of 300–600 kg (like a full touring setup) would need 25–40 PSI
When you’re driving with an empty tray or cabin, you can safely drop the pressure down to 5–10 PSI for a smoother ride.
Road Conditions
Smooth highways allow for lower pressures, especially when running light — think 5–15 PSI. But if you’re hitting rough roads, gravel tracks, or corrugated off-road terrain, you might need to increase it to 25–40 PSI (or more) to maintain stability and reduce body roll. Some drivers will also add a few PSI to get extra ground clearance when needed.
Towing or Carrying Gear in the Tray
Towing places extra weight directly onto your rear axle and shifts your vehicle’s balance. In most towing cases — especially with medium-to-heavy trailers or campers — you’ll be looking at 40–70 PSI to keep things level and reduce sway. If you’re near your vehicle’s maximum load or towing capacity, you might need up to 70–100 PSI, but always check your airbag kit’s pressure limits and your axle weight ratings first.
Here’s a rough guide:
Airbag Suspension PSI Chart
| Load Condition | Front Axle Load (kg) | Rear Axle Load (kg) | Required PSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty / No Load | 800–1,000 | 600–800 | 5–10 PSI |
| Light Load (daily driving) | 900–1,100 | 800–1,100 | 10–25 PSI |
| Medium Load | 900–1,100 | 1,100–1,400 | 25–40 PSI |
| Heavy Load / Towing | 950–1,150 | 1,400–1,800 | 40–70 PSI |
| Maximum Load | 1,000–1,200 | 1,800–2,200+ | 70–100 PSI (check limits) |
Tip: Always check your airbag manufacturer’s specs. Running too low can cause the bag to rub or fold. Too high? You’ll get a stiff ride and uneven tyre wear.
How Often Should You Check Your PSI?
If you’re using airbags regularly—especially for towing or carrying—you’ll want to check your pressure weekly. If you're just using them for occasional heavy loads, give them a look before every big trip.
Also, don’t forget that PSI can change slightly with temperature swings, just like your tyres.
Signs Your Airbag PSI Might Be Off
You might notice:
- One side of the car sitting lower
- Bouncy or stiff ride quality
- Poor handling or sagging rear end
If your vehicle feels off, check your PSI before assuming there’s a mechanical issue.
Need Help Choosing Airbag Kits?
At Superspares, we stock airbag suspension kits and accessories for all kinds of vehicles—whether you’re towing, touring, or just chasing a better ride. Additionally, suspension upgrades can further improve ride stability and performance. If you’re not sure what kit suits your car or how to dial in your setup, get in touch with our team or explore our online range.
