Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 vs BOSS Load Assist Kits: An Honest Comparison

The Air Lift 5000, sold as the LoadLifter 5000, is one of the best-known air bag kits for pickups. BOSS load assist kits do the same job: they level a truck that sags when it tows or hauls. If you're deciding between them, this guide sets out how they compare on the things that matter, using each brand's published specs.

We're the exclusive U.S. distributor for BOSS, so we've stuck to facts you can check, and pointed you to Air Lift's own pages for their figures.

What both kits do

Both are "helper" or load assist air bag systems. They don't replace your springs. A pair of air bags mounts between the axle and frame, next to the factory suspension, and you add air when you carry a load. The bags take part of the weight, and the truck comes back to level. When you unload, you let air out and the truck rides on its springs again.

Both work with leaf-spring trucks, and both brands make kits for specific makes and models.

Side-by-side

BOSS load assist kit Air Lift LoadLifter 5000
Load rating 2,500–2,600 lb per side, depending on kit (see each product page) "Up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity" (per kit or per pair not stated)
Bag style Double bellow on most kits, triple bellow on lifted and selected kits Not stated on Air Lift's product pages
Working pressure Listed per kit: 5–45 psi or 15–45 psi Not stated on the kit pages; see each kit's instructions
In the box Typically 2 air bags, 4 brackets, hardware, SAE J844 air line, dual Schrader valves on a stainless panel, instructions 2 air springs, mounting brackets, hardware and an installation guide; some kits add roll plates. Exact contents vary by kit.
Inflation Schrader valves; add a compressor or air bag compressor kit if you want Not stated on the kit pages
Vehicle coverage Chevrolet/GMC, Ford, Ram/Dodge, Toyota, Mercedes Sprinter, Buick 1946–1953, universal kits 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-ton pickups and vans with leaf springs; some kits exclude Raptor models
Warranty 1 year from date of purchase, manufacturing defects (normal wear and tear not covered) Limited lifetime air spring warranty with no mileage restriction, plus a 60-day money-back guarantee

Load rating: read the fine print

"5000" in the LoadLifter name refers to its load leveling capacity. Air Lift describes it as "up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity", but its product pages don't say whether that's per kit or per pair, so ask Air Lift if you need a like-for-like figure. BOSS rates its bags per side. Most BOSS truck kits list 2,500 or 2,600 lb per side, so a pair gives 5,000–5,200 lb of support.

When you compare, make sure you're comparing the same thing: per bag, or per pair. And remember that neither kit raises your truck's gross vehicle weight rating or payload. Air bags level the load your truck is already rated to carry.

Pressure range

BOSS lists a working range for each kit, for example 5–45 psi for the Silverado 1500 2007–2018 and 15–45 psi for the Silverado & Sierra 2500/3500 2010+. Compare Air Lift's published minimum and maximum pressure for your kit. A lower minimum generally means a softer ride when you're empty.

Lifted trucks

If your truck has a suspension lift, check that the kit has enough travel. BOSS offers triple bellow kits for this, such as the lifted Sprinter 2500 kit and the lifted Ranger Raptor kit. If you're looking at Air Lift, check its fitment notes for your exact truck and lift. Some LoadLifter 5000 kits, such as kit 57385, state that they don't fit Raptor models.

What's in the box

BOSS vehicle kits typically include two BOSS Extreme Series air bags, upper and lower brackets made for that vehicle, mounting hardware, SAE J844 air line, and two Schrader fill valves on a stainless steel panel. Some kits add self-tapping screws for the panel. Check the kit page for the exact contents. Compare that with the Air Lift parts list for your truck.

Installation

BOSS kits are designed to bolt on, and our F-250/F-350 2017+ kit is a no-drill fit. Most installs take 2–3 hours, depending on the vehicle. Air Lift publishes its own install guides for each kit.

Ride when empty

Load assist bags are meant to be run at low pressure when the truck is empty and topped up when it's loaded. Running the minimum pressure lets your factory springs do most of the work, which keeps the unloaded ride close to stock. Keep at least 5 psi in BOSS bags. Whichever brand you choose, check its minimum recommended pressure and never run the bags flat.

Long-term care

Air bags last longest when they're checked now and then. Look for chafing on the bags and air line, keep the line away from the exhaust, and spray soapy water on the fittings if you notice a bag losing pressure overnight. BOSS bags are made from natural rubber, high-tensile steel and ballistic woven reinforcement. Ask any brand what its bags are made of, and how long the warranty runs.

Adding in-cab control

Both brands can be paired with on-board air. For BOSS kits, the Auto Pressure Controller adjusts the left and right bags separately from the cab, and stores three presets, such as empty, towing and loaded. Complete air bag compressor kits bundle a compressor with the controls. Check Air Lift's range for its equivalent options. Air Lift notes that its compressor systems keep a minimum of 5 PSI in the springs; see its site for the systems it offers.

Which should you choose?

Both kits solve the same problem. Choose on these points:

  1. Fitment: is there a kit for your exact year, model and axle?
  2. Rating: compare per side with per side.
  3. Travel: lifted trucks need a kit with enough extension.
  4. Support: where will you go with questions?

If you choose BOSS, you're buying from the brand's exclusive U.S. distributor, with stock and support in St. Louis. Browse BOSS kits by vehicle: Chevrolet & GMC, Ford, Ram & Dodge, Toyota and Mercedes Sprinter. Not sure which fits? Ask us.

Sources

Checked 29 Oct 2026. Specs can change, so confirm against the manufacturer before you buy.

Air Lift and LoadLifter are trademarks of their respective owner. They are used here only to identify the products being compared. Their owner is not affiliated with, and does not sponsor or endorse, Arch Country Auto or BOSS.

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