Are Leveling Kits & Airbags a Good Idea for Super Duty Owners Who Tow?

What real truck owners are saying about ride quality, towing performance, and whether leveling kits are worth it.

Ford Truck Enthusiasts member pblair18040 recently started a thread in the 2023+ Super Duty Forum. The thread is titled “To level or not to level and Airbags or not.” Based on the descriptive title, you can probably figure out what is being asked. But do you know the answer? Well, like many things in life, the answer is not cut and dry. There are pros, cons, facts, and opinions to consider. The thread starter has a 2026 F-250 Super Crew and is considering leveling it. And at the same time, he is thinking about installing airbags at the rear. Does it make sense? He tows a decent-sized trailer and uses a weight-distributing hitch.

The concern is that when the trailer is hooked up, the truck loses nearly all of the stock 3.5-inch rake. Therefore, if it is then leveled, will it be raised too high at the front when loaded? He is trying to avoid the ‘Carolina Squat‘ look. He is not new to Ford trucks. In the past he has had two leveled and bagged F-150s, but this is his first F-250. The F-250 has a much stiffer suspension. Does that change the equation? Let’s take a look at what other Ford Super Duty owners are saying.

Let Me Level With You

A leveling kit on the new Super Duty trucks is more for aesthetics than any functional advantage. And while it may look nice and level when unloaded, once you put some weight in the back, the front is going to tilt up, and your headlights will be illuminating the tops of trees. Forum member DPelletier chimed in.

“Not a fan of leveling kits at all and they seem to have more issues with wobble/wander, etc. I don’t get the logic of raising the front then having to add airbags to raise the rear when towing or hauling anything; seems like a waste of time and money for a functional negative.”

Others echo the basic sentiment. Still others suggest that the snowplow/camper package is a good compromise and helps keep things a bit more level.

Airbags

Adding rear airbags got more favorable responses overall. If the decision was made to level the truck, many felt that airbags were almost required to keep the truck from pointing towards the sky when loaded. If airbags are added, most strongly suggest going with an onboard compressor for ease of use. Of course, there are always dissenting opinions out there.

The Dissenters

Some folks felt that leveling the truck was a smart move. It not only improved the looks but also provided more grand clearance. But those who did recommend leveling the truck suggest that it be done using proper components such as coil springs, track bar, shocks, etc. If you just go with a set of spacers, you are asking for trouble.

On the airbag side of the argument, some complained about the system leaking and being troublesome overall. Another suggestion was to install overload/helper springs to avoid the sag. It is a more cost-effective solution. The point is, everyone has opinions on the topic. Although the overall sediment was to skip the leveling kit. However, if you get it, you are going to want airbags. What do you think?

Images: Ford Truck Enthusiast Members gatorblue92; The Seeker; Username12

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.