Timbren usage

[RSamples]

I use Reese weight distribution bars when I pull my travel trailer. some times I have heavy loads to carry in the bed without a trailer. Can Timbrens be used on my truck for loads in the bed, and load distibution bars with the travel trailer without interference to either? My truck has the 1. 5 inch lift on the back.

 

[Wertles]

Not sure how it works with a lift, but I used them in my Dakota with great success. Loved it when towing and loved them when empty. The only time they sucked was when there was just enough weight in the bed or on the hitch to just engage the Timbreens. Then it was a rough ride. Cheap solution to increase the safety factor of towing or adding lots of weight to the bed.

 

[HBarlow]

I used them on an '06 Ram dually when I was transporting. Much cheaper to buy than air bags and never had problems with air leaks or other problems related to air lines, fittings, valves, compressors, etc.

 

[LRutigliano]

I would think they would be even better with the 1. 5" lift.

I have Timbrens (and I really like them). However they have only approx 1/2" space between the axle. As the suspension travels over bumps and such when empty, they engage like a bump stop.

With the increased space (1. 5" + 0. 5"), they should work even better when empty.

I really like them because without them, my rear suspension squats over 4" with the 5th wheel loaded. Hitching and unhitching meant playing with the landing gear alot... Unless you have a 5th wheel, you probably don't understand what I mean, but you have to get the kingpin not to high center into the locking mechanism...

Now the rear suspension barely squats, so the hitching and unhitching is much better.

 

[ACerf]

I would think they would be even better with the 1. 5" lift.



I have Timbrens (and I really like them). However they have only approx 1/2" space between the axle. As the suspension travels over bumps and such when empty, they engage like a bump stop.



With the increased space (1. 5" + 0. 5"), they should work even better when empty.



I really like them because without them, my rear suspension squats over 4" with the 5th wheel loaded. Hitching and unhitching meant playing with the landing gear alot... Unless you have a 5th wheel, you probably don't understand what I mean, but you have to get the kingpin not to high center into the locking mechanism...



Now the rear suspension barely squats, so the hitching and unhitching is much better.

I have a B & W hitch on my 03' and I have never had the problems you were referring to hooking and unhooking!

 

[TCDiesel]

Air Bags, Rubber Springs are not the correct solution when installed TDC on Axle. Look at the geometry of springs they divide and distribute the weight much better then bags and rubber spring add-ons. You are much safer with adding additional leaf or over load springs. Look at the increase Body roll Air bags will produce when vehicle is NOT level.

Two years ago I and the Wife were traveling back Home form Wyoming (We spend several weeks every winter traveling the West for Snow we average 6/8K yearly in the Rockies) The road conditions on I90 at Murdo worsen to the Point I and decide we would Stay in Murdo until the roads clear Up, About 1/2 mile ahead of us was someone pulling 5th wheel toy hauler, a big gust of wind develop and blew the truck and toy hauler off the road about 4/5ft into the median ,When the truck/trailer all of a sudden tip on its side and slid into the cross over and the trailer rip the hitch form the frame and the toy hauler crushed His Daughter and son-in-law killing them instantly, I inspected the truck after the emergency was over. . Sure enough it had Air bags and one of those Bolt on (POS) B&W 5th wheel hitches. All my trailer(s) are Goose neck with custom build hitch install in all our Pulling Vehicles. . They are designed NEVER to be broken the Truck frame will have to Buckle before it will be rip off. I special order all our trailers, Sure the GNs are NOT popular and adding springs cost More $$$,but look at the price this owner Paid, Putting faith into these add-on products may nor always be the safest choice ,it In most cases is designed to be convenient NOT safe.

 

[ACerf]

Even as a GN the hitch is still bolted into the frame. And since Dodge does not want the hitches welded in place that is not going to change regardless of who makes it. I think it is important to note that an inspection of the hardware should be done periodically. I know I do it, and as far as I am concerned the B & W hitch is still one of the best on the market, whether used as a GN or fifth wheel companion!

 

[TCDiesel]

Who said anything about welding? and it doesn't change the facts the 3gen Bolt in POS B&W is 2-4 inches behind TDC. . Any one with some knowledge will spec hitch and tow vehicle. . this requires measurements. . B&W just states it fits. . they do not have custom built hitches. . have an expert spec and build YOU will never regret that you did.

 

[AHolt]

Even as a GN the hitch is still bolted into the frame. And since Dodge does not want the hitches welded in place that is not going to change regardless of who makes it. I think it is important to note that an inspection of the hardware should be done periodically. I know I do it, and as far as I am concerned the B & W hitch is still one of the best on the market, whether used as a GN or fifth wheel companion!

Who cares what Dodge wants, you can weld these frames like

anything else. I cut 20" out and welded back, no problems

I know a lot of other people that did the same.

 

[CUMMINZ]

I did not like the ride with my Timbrens on my 2500 04. 5 ... I ended up adding 2 full length leaf springs and they worked real well.

 

[HBarlow]

Yeah, I agree with you. The Timbrens were a fine low cost solution on my '06 but the basic problem was weak and sagging rear leaf springs. As long as I was loaded all the time with a heavy trailer the Timbrens functioned well but without a load and with weak springs they provided a bad ride bouncing on the Timbrens.

I had a leaf added to each rear spring to restore ride height and spring strength then the Timbrens only touched under heavy load.

 

[HBarlow]

Air Bags, Rubber Springs are not the correct solution when installed TDC on Axle. Look at the geometry of springs they divide and distribute the weight much better then bags and rubber spring add-ons. You are much safer with adding additional leaf or over load springs. Look at the increase Body roll Air bags will produce when vehicle is NOT level.
Two years ago I and the Wife were traveling back Home form Wyoming (We spend several weeks every winter traveling the West for Snow we average 6/8K yearly in the Rockies) The road conditions on I90 at Murdo worsen to the Point I and decide we would Stay in Murdo until the roads clear Up, About 1/2 mile ahead of us was someone pulling 5th wheel toy hauler, a big gust of wind develop and blew the truck and toy hauler off the road about 4/5ft into the median ,When the truck/trailer all of a sudden tip on its side and slid into the cross over and the trailer rip the hitch form the frame and the toy hauler crushed His Daughter and son-in-law killing them instantly, I inspected the truck after the emergency was over. . Sure enough it had Air bags and one of those Bolt on (POS) B&W 5th wheel hitches. All my trailer(s) are Goose neck with custom build hitch install in all our Pulling Vehicles. . They are designed NEVER to be broken the Truck frame will have to Buckle before it will be rip off. I special order all our trailers, Sure the GNs are NOT popular and adding springs cost More $$$,but look at the price this owner Paid, Putting faith into these add-on products may nor always be the safest choice ,it In most cases is designed to be convenient NOT safe.

A tragic story.

 

[CUMMINZ]

TCD,



I agree with you on the adding of leaf springs. On my 2004. 5 2500 when I added the 2 full length springs I could not believe the difference in handling. I posted 3-4 years ago the idea that I did not like Timbrens or air bags. Your reasoning about support is right on. Timbrens & air bags are constantly pushing up and never pulling back down. Which is something that springs are doing. I did install air bags on my present truck and I do like them but someday I plan to add a single full length spring and a Helwig rear sway bar. The truck is very stable now but I like the idea of the stability addition of the sway bars "just in case" there is a situation like your example. I also had the spring shop take the upper most spring addition all the way out as long as possible to support the first factory spring.



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[TCDiesel]

CUMMINZ. . Yep nothing wrong with bags to help support springs. What happens is these trailer Sellers tell the Buyer JUST BUY AIR BAGS OR RUBBER SPRINGS (TDKC),their are 1 or 2 companies making add a leaf ,but they are top springs and not bottom, buy the way nice arch on those springs. . the company did a nice professional Job,it has My stamp of approval.

 

[CUMMINZ]

TCD,



The problem with adding an extra leaf or 2 to your overloads is you can break the frame supports. I posted photos of a 5500 that did that. These trucks are designed very good but they are often put to the test way over what they should be. The addition of air bags to my present truck was to mainly get me just off the bottom and top overload.



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[TCDiesel]

A tragic story.

HB. . I have over 1 million log miles of commercial travel (OTR) I am certified crane operator,I also have HM, Doubles/triple,tanker and you name it. I have seen the worse carnage imaginable on Americas road ways. . I have rescue people form burning vehicles, off the tops of the highest points in the rockies,tag and Bag bodies I found in avalaches. . All these tragic and deathly events are almost away related to stupidity,BC some Idiot told them "you don't need to do that",Or "everybody does it this way". Companies are motivated by Profits. . They will tell you just about anything to gain them.

 

[TCDiesel]

TCD,



The problem with adding an extra leaf or 2 to your overloads is you can break the frame supports. I posted photos of a 5500 that did that. These trucks are designed very good but they are often put to the test way over what they should be. The addition of air bags to my present truck was to mainly get me just off the bottom and top overload.



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Yep. . that is a possibility. . The correct arch should absorb the impact to the point the main spring can handle the load.

 

[ACerf]

I don't notice that the B&W hitch is not in the correct pos, when I look down the hole with hitch out it is dead center of the rear end. I still prefer my B&W hitch over anything on the market. It works well, it is made well, and it is easy to convert to ball or remove for a flat floor!

 

[LBARTLETT]

I called Timbren and they sent me new shorter rubbers so I now have about 1 1/2" between the spring and the axle



I no longer have the axle ever hitting the spring unloaded



you should be fine with your lift and the application called for for your truck