Timbren vs. Airbags - Page 3 - Diesel Forum

**techkdb** · 08-13-2007, 03:55 PM

Good sources for these Timbrens online?

newbie_101 · 08-13-2007, 04:06 PM

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I have had air bags and timbrens and I will go with timbrens again if I ever need more capacity than the factory camper package provides.

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Can you give some likes and dislikes? You're a great resource as you've had both.

01F350PSD, do you think the leaking was from the heat? The kit I have sitting in the garage has a heat shield.

atrantham · 08-13-2007, 08:27 PM

www.truckspring.com is a good source.

wingnut60 · 08-15-2007, 01:50 AM

CoryG--my pin weight is 42-4300--the Timbrens work just fine.

another source: anythingtrucks.com

tripdaddy · 08-17-2007, 08:04 PM

I had the same question and talked with the guys at trucksprings.com. I decided to go with the Timbrens (rear only). The things are 20 minutes max to install. It really helps to stop the porposeing of my 5th wheel.

As he explained to me the airbags need to checked to be sure there is always some pressure. If the pressure leaks out it can wreak the air springs. The airbag system was more $$

win for Timbrens

Btravelen · 08-18-2007, 12:35 AM

This topic has come up over the years repeatedy and the comments are similar regarding both methods.

I have a set of Air Lifts on the second truck in 7 yrs. Only problem with them was a leaking valve core in the fill valve. They provide nearly unlimited adjustment of load control and 'level', and suit my needs well.

The Timbrens apparently work well for those who choose them, it's hard to understand the concept of load support with them. How, with an increasing load upon them, do they maintain level? The truck needs to sag before they 'engage' and they certainly don't provide the lift that was lost with the 'sag. You must lose some unrestricted suspension travel with them when they're not needed.

Take Care

redrocker · 08-19-2007, 02:12 AM

a bout time someone new whats they was saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

arisley · 08-19-2007, 02:23 AM

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a bout time someone new whats they was saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Can't argue to much with this. I am not saying that airbags don't work. But pictures and people that I trust goes a long ways also. To me, when I am face with the situation af needing more suspension, I will try the Timbrens first (they make great sense to me). If I have a problem with them I will remove them and install air bags (and then be mad at Jim). [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

JimTJr · 08-19-2007, 10:31 AM

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a bout time someone new whats they was saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Can't argue to much with this. I am not saying that airbags don't work. But pictures and people that I trust goes a long ways also. To me, when I am face with the situation af needing more suspension, I will try the Timbrens first (they make great sense to me). If I have a problem with them I will remove them and install air bags (and then be mad at Jim). [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]I don't know what happpened to that link above, it seems scewey, and takes you to an "EDIT" page?
Hey, you wouldn't be the first, I have been married for 28 years, I am USED to someone being mad at me!

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The Timbrens apparently work well for those who choose them, it's hard to understand the concept of load support with them. How, with an increasing load upon them, do they maintain level? The truck needs to sag before they 'engage' and they certainly don't provide the lift that was lost with the 'sag. You must lose some unrestricted suspension travel with them when they're not needed.

[/ QUOTE ] The above pictures in my posts of my truck is pretty level, isn't it?
That is with quite a bit of pin weight on it.
Suspension travel is not "Lost" while empty, because they do not TOUCH the springs when empty, and while empty I don't imagine your rear springs move much as far as travel goes, if they do make contact, they will cushion some too, they have some travel available in them too. (In other words, when your "ON" them, your not riding in a "Rigid" suspension truck,,,,) Hard to explain.

Where as, (and I have NEVER had bags, so this is just MY LOGIC and some of the things I have read on them) They are ALWAYS in your suspension, and even with 5 lbs of air in them will change your ride some, empty. Right?

So understand, Now I am not trying to talk anyone OUT OF BAGS, I could care less if you get them or Timbrens, to each their own and find what works for you.
I just want to offer what works for me, with pics of them with loads on. Make your own decisions then [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img] and enjoy towing with these great PSDs!

StoneMan · 08-24-2007, 10:22 PM

Did I read somewhere a caution re: lifting the PSD by frame with air
bags installed. Is this a no-no or what is the deal

THX

Stone [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

JimTJr · 08-25-2007, 11:48 AM

It may not be a good idea to let the axle hang, with the airbags, (I have never had them and never read that, but it makes some sense if you think about it... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img])

mmcspadden · 08-25-2007, 11:56 AM

I had air bags and took them off. If I need something again I will get Timbrens. If you pump up the air bags to keep your truck level with a large load your sidewalls will take the hit. I used to buble them all the time SRW.

a93bowtie · 08-25-2007, 05:10 PM

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I had air bags and took them off. If I need something again I will get Timbrens. If you pump up the air bags to keep your truck level with a large load your sidewalls will take the hit. I used to buble them all the time SRW.

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The sidewalls of the tires? Timbrens ain't gonna make much difference there...

I have timbrens on the front and airbags on the back of my truck. I do not like the feel of timbrens in a loaded condition. It felt like riding a pogo stick to me. FYI, "loaded" is a 1,000# snowplow. I did like the progressive nature of the timbrens over the abrupt hit of the stock bumpstops. I had a spring shop add a leaf in the front, which makes my truck sit about 2" higher than stock, and when I pick up the plow, the timbren is about a half inch from the axle. Now I have the right amount of spring for the load being carried, and a nice big progressive bumpstop. I've been really happy with the timbrens since the add-a-leaf.

I hadn't planned on adding anything to the back, but the add-a-leaf nearly leveled the truck, so any significant load/tongue weight will settle the rear suspension and make it look like it's dragging tail. The suspension is right in its working zone, but because of the front lift, I needed a PROactive suspension supplement in the rear. The timbrens are a progressively REactive solution. Timbrens do not work without squatting. There has to be suspension travel to engage the timbren, and more suspension travel to cause it to compress. Airbags are engaged in carrying the load throughout the range of suspension. You decide how much of the load you want the 'bags to carry by how much air you add to them.

When I go plowing, I have a small snowblower, the plow, a salter in the hitch, a few shovels and as much as 2,500# of salt. GVW is around 12,200. I put 65# in the bags and she's good to go. It runs level, doesn't squat when I pick up the plow, and will push a house down.

Take that, weight nazis!!

Fred Gosch · 08-26-2007, 01:22 PM

I have had Timbrens on 2 trucks and now on the 2nd truck w/ Firestone air bags (Same set of bags on second truck). Both work, but air bags allow some flexibilty loaded whereas the Timbren is very,very firm when you have them loaded and you'll feel the road bumps. We pull a 14000 # 5er.

**Jinco** · 08-26-2007, 07:34 PM

I have Timbrens in my truck and like them a lot. Mine are in contact all the time as my truck is always loaded and the ride is fine.