Timbrens vs Air bags

I've had bags on 2 trucks. I separated the lines on the 97, at first, but then I teed them together to make airing simpler, plus I went to in-cab control. I couldn't tell any difference having the bags teed together cuz my loads are always centered. My first in-cab air was a $15 Costco compressor and I put it under the drivers seat. I ran the bag line into the cab and used hardware store fitting to tee in a gauge and connect to the compressor. I pulled the cord from under the seat and plugged it into the cig lighter to air up and I had a Schrader to let out the air. It was CHEAP and it worked great! I moved that setup to my 03 I didn't build a nice, full system with a Viair compressor and tank til I put a PRXB on the truck. In-cab air is the only way, IMO, so you can adjust for bad roads while driving. Craig

I have no Timbren experience, but this is my second truck to have air bags. I like the leveling ability when hauling the occasional heavy load. Also, the option to air them with different pressures to take care of side to side leveling.

I have had both and will not install Timbrens again. Am about to order air bags for current F350 but will buy Air Rides this time instead of Firestone. Bags seem to be more substantial than the Firestones.

I've had Timbrens on for 10 years and the ride loaded or unloaded has been pretty smooth for a pickup. Never felt the need for airbags as the truck is still level with the 5er hooked up.

Travelon

Have had both on differect rigs. I think they both worked well.Timbrens a lot cheaper and easier to install.

Hansel wrote:
Good topic, I was getting ready too pull the trigger on some Timbren's because on my truck an 01 F-250 I would need too cut off the rivet heads too remove the bump stop bracket for an airbag set up so that make the install a lot harder than just bolting on some Timbren's.

I think it would be worth it to go with the Air Bags.

Good topic, I was getting ready too pull the trigger on some Timbren's because on my truck an 01 F-250 I would need too cut off the rivet heads too remove the bump stop bracket for an airbag set up so that make the install a lot harder than just bolting on some Timbren's.

I'd go for the in cab controls too!
Thanks!

Jeremiah

As stated, air bags will level the load and allow you to adjust for certain load ranges, but doesn't add anymore cargo carrying capacity to ones truck. Read information given by airbag manufacturers themselves on this topic. Need more payload, one would need to add higher weight rated spring pack without exceeding the rear axle weight rating.

Thanks for the info, everybody. I know my dad has bags on his 1500 and it does ride nice, but he's also got heavy tool boxes and tools (probably 300 lbs worth) so it'd ride nice anyway. :-) I guess I'll opt for bags, then.

Lyle