Rite-Ride 2551 - Manual (Page 7)

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SAFETY TIPS
Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
As with your vehicle’s tires, an air helper spring is a pneumatic device that supports a portion of the vehicle’s weight.
The air helper spring may fail as a result of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, improper installation, or
improper usage. To reduce the risk of failure, we strongly recommend the following:
Never overload your vehicle. The manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is stated on the specifi-
cation plate on the chassis. You should weigh your vehicle on a truck scale when it is fully loaded and in a level
condition to determine if your are exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended GVWR.
Inspect the inflated air springs to verify that they do not contact any component of the vehicle under normal
suspension operation. The air helper spring must flex and expand during normal operation. There must be at
least 1/2” of clearance between the inflated air spring and any other component of the vehicle under normal
suspension operation.
The kit is designed to clear all chassis components. If there is
any interference, please call Firestone at 1 (800)
888-0650.
Inspect the air line tubing and the air spring to verify that they have not been too close to the exhaust system.
If the distance between any portion of the air spring or air line tubing and the exhaust system is less than 6”, a
heat shield should be used.
Never inflate the air helper springs beyond the maximum pressure indicated in the installation manual.
Never attempt to remove any component of the air spring assembly when the air springs are inflated.
If an air helper spring has failed while you are on the road, operate your vehicle at reduced speeds. High speed
over rough roads will result in severe bottoming of the air spring and may damage other vehicle components.
Never attempt to drive the vehicle in an unleveled condition. Failure to level a heavily loaded vehicle may result
in excessive body roll and possible damage or injury.
If unidentifiable problems exist with your air helper spring kit, visit Firestone on the web at www.riderite.com or
call 1 (800) 888-0650 for technical assistance.
Never cut, weld, or modify the air helper springs or brackets.
Do not use aerosol tire repair products in the air helper springs or a tire patch of any kind on the air helper spring.
If there is a hole in the air spring it must be replaced.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Firestone air helper springs are heavy duty, quality air springs designed to supplement your vehicle's existing sus-
pension system. These durable air springs allow you to maximize your vehicle's load carrying capacity through the
use of air pressure. Proper installation, use, and operation will provide the maximum service life and performance
your air spring kit is capable of delivering. These instructions will help you obtain the maximum benefits available
from your air spring kit.
RIDE-RITE™ AIR HELPER SPRINGS
Ride-Rite ™ air helper springs are installed between the frame and the suspension of trucks, vans, and motorhomes.
Ride-Rite ™ air helper springs are capable of supporting loads up to 5000 lbs per pair.*
SPORT-RITE™ AIR HELPER SPRINGS
Sport-Rite ™ air helper springs are installed between the frame and suspension of light trucks, and utilize a sleeve-
style air spring to enhance the ride when the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. Sport-Rite ™ air helper springs are
capable of supporting loads up to 3000 lbs per pair.*
LEVEL-RITE™ AIR HELPER SPRINGS
Level-Rite ™ air helper springs replace the existing shock absorber with a fully-protected, reversible sleeve air
spring paired it with a high-performance Bilstein monotube shock absorber for perfectly matched performance
characteristics over the entire operation spectrum. Level-Rite™ air helper springs are capable of supporting loads
up to 1000 lbs per pair.*
BASIC OPERATION
As your vehicle is loaded, the stock suspension is compressed under the weight of the load. Your vehicle's stock
suspension system has been designed so that it will provide optimum performance and handling with a specific
load on the vehicle. When your vehicle is loaded, its performance, handling characteristics, and ride quality may
be compromised. As the stock suspension is compressed, the ride may become "mushy", and you may encounter
sway and handling problems. As weight is added to the vehicle, the air helper springs become an active part of
*Do not exceed the vehicle’s recommended gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)