• Firestone created the first pneumatic suspension device in 1938 and continually aims to preserve and enhance ride quality for on and off-road vehicles.
• The company’s robust aftermarket Ride-Rite™ air helper spring kits have earned a place on every utility essentials list, offering precision-engineered leveling for heavy loads or towing needs.
• Firestone has fashioned two solutions for its Airide customers—an Air Command app or wireless remote—depending on your personal preference or usage cases.

By now, Pit+Paddock readers don’t have to guess whether Firestone’s air suspension upgrades are top-grade or not; we’ve proven that its systems have massive benefits for towing and standard level load support. Indeed, the question that most prospective Firestone Airide customers have isn’t about their Ride-Rite™ kit. It’s about whether it’s best to control the kit with Firestone’s newest app or wireless remote. It may seem like an obvious choice one way or another, but the battle has been waged so long that we thought it best to lay out all of the benefits so customers can make the most informed decision possible.

ALL IN THE INTERFACE

Depending on who you ask, the app is the clear winner. Chances are, you’re already fiddling with a multitude of things on the device concurrently—music, Instagram, texting—so another click to make some on-the-fly adjustments isn’t cumbersome. But adjustments are only part of the app’s overall benefits. The user interface also offers live diagnostics, so owners can monitor every aspect of their system’s performance or identify potential issues at a glance. There aren’t service or maintenance interval notifications built into the system (at least not yet), but you will get one if there is an active leak in the system. Naysayers will be quick to say that Firestone’s app would be useless when you’re off the beaten path, but I’m happy to report that all the syncing is done via Bluetooth, which has no bearing on your cell phone reception.

The app’s interface is well-designed and easy to navigate. The menu is organized logically—the settings that you’ll likely want to toggle most frequently are at the top—and each screen’s diagnostic readouts are logically thought out: green for good (or within spec), red for bad. Once you’re in the thick of it, each air helper spring’s actual and target PSI values are easy to interpret. The adjustment arrows are large and well-spaced so that you’re not accidentally toggling in the wrong direction. When you first load the app, you’ll see that the actual PSI is already hovering above zero. The system is designed to maintain 5 psi at minimum to reduce the risk of damage under 0 pressure.

It sounds like Firestone has thought of everything, but if there’s one bone I could pick with the app solution, it’s this: there are two different apps. Yes, depending on whether you’ve got a single-path or dual-path system, you need to download the corresponding software; however, Firestone is working on a plan to consolidate the two into one. It’s also working on new technology integration that will allow the app to function via CarPlay, which would be a game changer. Stay tuned.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Still, while everything seems to be going the way of touch screens and gestures, there’s something nostalgically satisfying about clicking a physical button on a device that isn’t your smartphone. This is where Firestone’s wireless remote shines. This solution was specifically designed for users who prefer to have quicker access to make changes to their system—no Face ID, swiping, or logging on required.

“Commercial users benefit from the convenience of not needing to download an app or use a smartphone,” added Mark Semmler, Firestone Airide’s National Sales Manager. As expected, there’s a real-world advantage for the remote here. Users can unclip the remote from the sun visor and toggle settings without having to go through an unnecessary process. In all likelihood, they’d be able to change settings on the remote without taking their eyes off the road, similar to changing the channel on the TV. Remote users seem to appreciate the Bluetooth functionality, too, which again works well in locations with sparse network connectivity. Connecting to the air spring is simple; it’s similar to pairing a Bluetooth speaker.

Like the app, there are distinct remotes for single or dual-path applications. The readouts aren’t nearly as intuitive, especially for users who’ve never used one of these remotes before, but once you get some reps in, it’s easy enough to know what’s what. Battery life is stellar—the remote’s singular function and spartan UI help considerably—and charging is accepted via USB. Happily, one side is a USB A connector so you can plug it into your truck directly. The screen’s brightness is acceptable in every situation except for blaring sunlight. Compared to the app, it’s likely you’d use the remote inside your truck 95% of the time, so that point is mute.

WHICH IS BEST?

Choosing between the two in 2024 may be tougher than it will be five years from now; there are notable benefits to each controller depending on where and how you’ll be using it. But it’s hard to deny that the app will have longer legs as both Bluetooth pairing and Firestone’s technology expands. “We [already] see the rapid evolution of Bluetooth pairing technology,” comments JP Moncada, Global Marketing Director at Firestone. “Air Command will have ongoing upgrades to ensure that it works with the most current tech. As the demand grows beyond just leveling a load, this technology can be an additional tool for fifth wheel and other applications.” Indeed, that’s the inherent advantage of the app—it’s expandable as technology, or our demands,  change.

In 2024, my honest answer might be both. The remote is a great tool for someone who prefers a tactile experience to controlling the system. But supplementing this with the app isn’t out of the question. The user gains all of the latest technology and software changes via over-the-air updates. While the remote and the app have memory settings, the app offers additional data on system performance—such as runtime, aux port use, cycle times, faults, and leaks—that could help reduce maintenance costs and downtime by providing early warnings before problems arise. But just like we started this article, there’s peace of mind knowing that the Firestone hardware underneath it all is ready for whichever path you decide to take.

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