air bags or timbrens

[JSzewczyk]

I want to stiffen up or stabilize the rear end of my 2006 2500 4x4 mega cab srw for towing a heavy 5th wheel toy hauler. All my research says that I need either air bags or timbrens. Everyone makes the suggestion to add either one of the two in the same sentence. My question is which is better and the pros and cons of each. I would appreciate any thoughts.

 

[AClayton]

I prefer and have air bags. But do a search and so much information will come up it will spin you sideways.



Alan

 

[JSzewczyk]

I've been spinning, that is why I'm trying to get info from those that have each system.

 

[stick]

I had Timbrens on the 03, and never had one air leak!!



Stick

 

[MChrist]

I have the remote controlled air bags in my sig. I love them. The remote control is like a garage door opener, and I can hook up to any load, stand outside the truck and bump the air pressure up until it sits level, and go on my way. 2 years so far, and no problems.
Makes a huge difference in ride height and quality.

 

[ChrisOlson]

Hello



I have firestone airbags installed in 2000 with the incab controller.

LOVE the flexability if the wind is blowing sideways from one side when I have the cabover camper on the truck I pump up the opposite side airbag.



Fifth wheel driving levels and softens the ride I love it.



empty truck driving thru canada over the frost heaves 25 lbs and i can drive 60 mph over the frost heaves love the in cab controller love the airbags.



it is now 2011 and time for a new compressor I got my moneys worth other than that no leaks.



good luck



chris

 

[SSage]

I think I would try Timbrens on a casual towing set up since the bags will leak some day and cause you some hassel. Though I have not gone that route yet. I figured the bags would be better for getting the ride just right and the RV dealer also liked the bags better.



I have the Firestone 5K bags and they do leak down after a while. When new I could tow all week and only loose 5 pounds or so. Right now I have a leaking air line again on the passenger side, looses 10 pounds or more per 12 hours. So, if you go air just expect leaks and get some extra line and fittings. Its been too messy and cold for me to replace the air lines lately.



I couldn't go with the built in compressor, too much money for three or four times a year. I can say its very nice being level and you can change the pressure for your present load. I pulled a KZ New Vision 41KG with my bags and they were a must have for me, I guess the Timbrens will still settle a good bit.



How much does the Timbrens squat with 4K plus pin?

 

[rluft]

Air bags have the ability to be adjusted to whatever the load is.



Timbren 'springs' are install and forget. For your application they offer 6,000lbs of capacity and 'Improves your vehicle's ride and protects against the effects of overloading' according to the Timbren advertisment.



I installed Timbren on a F-750 that really needed new front springs, and they worked great.

 

[MMeier]

Airbags and in cab controller on the '03 !!

 

[Riverboy]

Airbags with the in cab controller on my 06 3500. They are great.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I installed Firestone bags on my 95. they are still on it and still working

I installed PacBrake bags on my 04, VERY nice install, very nice bags and a great ride with a load. I would recommend the Pac setup over Firestone anytime.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Timbrens do not limit the unloaded suspension travel nearly as much as do air bags which affects the unloaded ride of the truck. Even with the air bags deflated to 5 PSI, my wife complained about the stiff unloaded ride of our dually. When I changed over from air bags to Timbrens, no more complaints.



Bill

 

[smitty3500]

Custom Timbrens here and love the ride. Mine do not touch the axle when unloaded. I went with a custom rubber spring length to allow my truck to squat a few inches to allow my trailer to be level.



Timbren was Great to help and get me the correct length spring for my application.

 

[DaveHess]

Smitty3500: How did you figure out the appropriate length to tell Timbren for your customs?

 

[Grizzly]

I don't have either on my 05 Dodge 3500 dually and don't feel that I need them, however if I had to choose one over the other, I'd go with Timbren because of no leaks to deal with.



george

 

[smitty3500]

Smitty3500: How did you figure out the appropriate length to tell Timbren for your customs?

My trailer is a 44' Gooseneck two car race trailer. 24,000 loaded rig on a Cat Scale. I have 16" wheels and 235/16 E tires on my trailer. The trailer when hitched to my truck before the Timbrens would be just level. The truck would squat and lean in the rear. I wanted to bring the rear of my truck up a few inches but mainly just the added drive quality.



When ordering the Timbren Kit for my truck the engineer at Timbren informed me that the kit would locate the rubber srpings less then one inch from the axle when unloaded. I explained I was in need of more of a gap so that the rear of my truck would settle a few inches and then reach the Timbrens. He did some measuring and suggested the shorter rubber spring that would work for my needs.



Installed the kit and it works perfect. With my truck unloaded there is a 2 1/2 inch gap from the timbren spring to my axle. This allows some squat in the rear of my truck, but looks level when loaded. My trailer is then just raised a few inches in the front. Pulls perfect. Love just hooking up and going. No Air or leaks or adjustments to make. The ride is OEM when not loaded.



Picture was before the 19. 5's and some other adjustments but shows the ride setup.

 

[CToney]

I have had timbrens on my last 3 trucks a '97, '03 and my old '92. One thing is when it is really cold out the timbrens are stiffer than a ... . But other than that I am very pleased. Biggest problem with them is that people don't read the intructions and install the added spacers. Two of my friends who have bought them per my advice did this and complained but them removed them and were happy.

 

[BILLVO]

I got a set of timbrens on my 05 and after the install I drove about 100 miles into a 4000 mile trip last spring and had to pull over and take them off as the empty ride was like it was rock solid and my kidneys couldn't take it any more. Mine are the same height as the gap in between the axle and stop so there is no gap. If I pull a heavy trailer I put them in but other than that its not practical to run them installed all the time unless one does like Smitty did.