Boss Airbags vs Firestone Airbags – What’s the Real Difference?
When it comes to air suspension load assist kits, the two biggest names you’ll hear are Boss Airbags and Firestone Airbags (used by other brands like Airbag Man). At first glance, they might look similar – but the way they’re built, and more importantly, how they hold up in tough conditions, is very different.
The Weak Point in Firestone’s Design
Firestone airbags use what’s known as a plug-style end. The airbag is crimped onto a plug, and that plug is bolted to the mounting brackets with a single bolt. On the opposite end, the bag is secured through the air fitting itself. That means you’ve only got one bolt at one end and the air fitting at the other actually holding your suspension assist together. Push them beyond their limit – especially in full suspension droop – and there’s the very real risk of the bag pulling apart.
Why Boss Airbags Won’t Pull Apart
Boss Airbags are engineered completely differently. Instead of relying on a single plug and bolt, the bag is clamped into a beadlock-style aluminium ring. That ring sandwiches the bag onto a 6mm thick steel bracket using six high-tensile bolts. The result? A clamping force so strong you literally cannot pull them apart.
We’ve proven it in real-world tests. You can hang a diff off a set of Boss airbags on a two-post hoist with zero risk of separation. In fact, we’ve even lifted the back of a Hilux Ute clean off the ground using a single Boss airbag. It didn’t budge.
Confidence in Any Conditions
With a Boss Load Assist kit fitted, you’ve got nothing to worry about – even in extreme off-road conditions where your suspension is sitting at full droop. That’s why we back every Boss airbag with a 5-year on and off-road warranty.
Trusted by Thousands of Aussies
We’re not talking theory here. Over 45,000 Boss Load Assist Kits have been sold across Australia, helping ute and 4WD owners tow and carry loads safely, day in and day out. When you want reliability, strength, and peace of mind, Boss is the name to trust.
Bottom Line
Firestone airbags might work fine in everyday conditions, but if you push your vehicle hard – or just want to know your suspension assist won’t ever pull apart – Boss Airbags are the clear winner. Built stronger, tested tougher, and proven in the real world, they’re the only choice when you demand the best.
