Kelderman Air Ride Suspension: How It Works and What to Know Before You Install One
If you've been researching aftermarket suspension upgrades for a heavy-duty truck or work vehicle, Kelderman's name comes up quickly. Their air ride suspension systems are well-known in the diesel truck, towing, and overland communities — but what exactly are they, how do they work, and what factors shape whether one makes sense for a given vehicle and use case? Here's a clear breakdown.
What Kelderman Air Ride Suspension Is
Kelderman Manufacturing, based in Iowa, produces aftermarket air suspension kits primarily designed for heavy-duty pickup trucks, medium-duty vehicles, and commercial applications. Their systems replace or supplement the factory leaf spring or coil spring suspension with air bags (air springs), typically paired with a compressor, air tank, valves, and an onboard management system.
The core idea: instead of a fixed spring rate, air springs let you adjust suspension firmness and ride height on demand — either manually or through an electronic controller. Load the truck bed, adjust the pressure up. Running empty, dial it back for a softer ride.
Kelderman offers several system types, including:
- Full replacement air ride kits — remove factory springs entirely and install air springs in their place
- Add-a-leaf and air-over setups — supplement existing springs with air bags for added load support
- Front and rear combinations — some builds use Kelderman systems on both axles; others only on the rear
- Lift-capable kits — some systems are engineered to add ride height alongside the air ride function
Their products are commonly installed on Ford Super Duty, GM Sierra/Silverado HD, Ram 2500/3500, and similar platforms — vehicles where payload, towing, and long-haul comfort intersect.
How Air Suspension Works at the Component Level
A Kelderman system — like most air ride setups — relies on a few key components working together:
Air springs (air bags): Rubber-and-fabric bladders that compress under load and expand when inflated. They take the place of traditional coil or leaf springs in handling vehicle weight and road input.
Compressor: An onboard electric air compressor fills the air springs. Most systems include an air tank to store a reserve of compressed air for faster adjustments.
Valves and lines: Solenoid valves control airflow to each air spring independently or in pairs, routed through air lines to each corner.
Controller: Most modern systems include a cab-mounted or wireless controller that lets the driver raise, lower, or adjust pressure with a switch or app.
Ride height sensors (on auto-leveling systems): Some configurations include sensors that automatically maintain a set ride height regardless of load.
The result is a system that can self-level under uneven loads, maintain a set ride height while towing, absorb road input more smoothly when empty, and be raised or lowered for specific terrain or clearance needs.
Variables That Shape the Installation and Outcome 🔧
No two Kelderman installs are exactly alike. The following factors determine which kit applies, what installation involves, and what performance to expect:
| Variable | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Vehicle make, model, and year | Kelderman builds kits specific to cab/bed configurations and axle specs |
| Factory suspension type | Leaf spring vs. coil spring rear ends require different kit designs |
| Intended use | Daily driving, heavy towing, off-road, and work use all call for different setups |
| Lift vs. stock height preference | Some kits add 4–6+ inches of lift; others are designed for OEM ride height |
| Cab location of controls | Compressor and tank placement, wiring, and switch mounting vary by truck layout |
| Professional install vs. DIY | These are complex systems; most require significant mechanical knowledge |
| Existing modifications | Leveling kits, aftermarket shocks, or previous lift work can affect fitment |
Installation complexity is real. Most Kelderman full replacement systems involve removing factory suspension components, drilling or modifying frame mounts, routing air lines through the chassis, and wiring the compressor to a switched power source. It's not a Saturday-afternoon bolt-on for most vehicles.
What the Ownership Experience Actually Looks Like
Owners who tow heavy trailers regularly often describe a noticeable difference in stability, reduced squat, and improved rear-end control compared to factory leaf springs. Drivers who run their trucks empty most of the time report a softer ride once they've adjusted pressure down.
That said, air suspension introduces components that don't exist on factory setups: air lines can develop leaks, compressors can wear out, and solenoid valves can fail. Long-term maintenance costs depend on climate (cold and heat both stress air components), how frequently the system is adjusted, and installation quality. A poorly routed air line or an undertorqued fitting becomes a problem eventually.
Repair costs for air suspension components vary widely — a failed compressor, a leaking air bag, or a faulty control module can each range from a modest parts-only repair to a more involved labor job depending on the shop, region, and specific failure. 💡
Legal and Inspection Considerations
In most states, suspension modifications are subject to vehicle inspection and modification laws. Some states restrict how much a vehicle can be raised, require that all lighting and safety systems remain functional after modification, or mandate that aftermarket components meet specific standards. What's legal in one state may trigger a failed inspection in another.
If the truck is used commercially — for work, hauling, or fleet purposes — DOT regulations and state commercial vehicle rules may also apply. Weight ratings, GVWR, and axle load limits don't change just because the suspension does.
Where Individual Circumstances Diverge
A rancher in Montana running a diesel dually with a gooseneck trailer has a completely different calculus than a weekend overlander in Colorado or a contractor in Florida hauling equipment five days a week. The kit that suits one truck, one load profile, and one climate doesn't automatically suit another — even if the vehicles are the same make and model year.
Your specific truck's condition, your state's modification rules, your intended load, and how you plan to maintain the system over time are the pieces that determine whether a Kelderman air ride setup is a practical upgrade or an overly complex solution for your actual use.
