Timbrens or Airbags

upsfella wrote:
This is my first post in some time on this forum. I'm looking to assist the payload and was wondering what you guys are using? I have had airbags on a previous unit and loved them until I disconnected the camper. With 10 psi made the ride a bit rougher. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

You can do a forum search on here and read for hours on this very subject as its been discussed in great length many times.
But in a nutshell its opinion and nothing more. Timbrens install and forget them. Air bags are more versatile but more costly and require attention and adjustment.
I did a custom add a leaf and Bilstein shocks. Squat disappeared and ride actually improved slightly thanks to the Bilstein shocks. But if using an AAL, get a long custom one. Not a mass production general short one that will kill the unloaded ride.

Add Torklift Stableloads to your info search.

In a way, kind of an apples to oranges comparison as they have different means to an end. I have Timbrens and they work for my situation. Air Bags are great and have a lot of advantages. Depends on your goal.

Don't have any experience with air bags or stable loads.

I've had Timbrens on two trucks. They don't engage until there is enough weight to make the vehicle start to squat. They have no effect on your unloaded ride. Also, very easy to install.

Another vote for Timbrens. Love mine.

If you go down the Timbren route, look at the Firestone Work Rite. It's the same concept as the Timbrens, but it's made of a material that stays flexible when it gets cold outside. People complain that Timbrens get too stiff when the temperature drops.

I had Pac Bags that have springs in the bags,they rec to run 5psi in them empty, i ran them with 0 psi for 3 yrs with no problem.

I have both, I did the the air bags first, then the Timbrens. I put air in the bags after loaded and going down the road to adjust the ride. I can adjust when driving. I have a gauge in the cab to see the lbs in the bags , and I can inflate or deflate to adjust the ride on the move. I have a pump onboard.

I rarely drive my van unloaded, so I went with custom leaf springs (plus stiff tires and shocks, good alignment, steering adjustment). After MUCH helpful and insightful discussion with folks on this forum! I love the result. No squat, no llonger wobbly in the wind, decent handling.

So my first question for you would be: do you drive it unloaded much?

Naio wrote:
I rarely drive my van unloaded, so I went with custom leaf springs (plus stiff tires and shocks, good alignment, steering adjustment). After MUCH helpful and insightful discussion with folks on this forum! I love the result. No squat, no llonger wobbly in the wind, decent handling.

So my first question for you would be: do you drive it unloaded much?

Yes the truck would be driven often unloaded. This is the reason I am looking for something that won't make the ride so stiff when unloaded. Thanks to all who responded to this.