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Tembrens or Air

KevinSharonLuci
Explorer
Explorer
Would like to get some feedback on the Tembren system vs air bags.
28 REPLIES 28

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
capri180 wrote:
After reading numerous posts and reviews, I went with the Timbrens for my 2015 Ram 2500. I received them yesterday afternoon and had them installed 30 minutes later...so easy, 2 bolts on each side is all it took. I did not use the included spacer as it put the bottom of the Timbren too close to the axle stop. I won't know how well they work until the beginning of April, but I am hopeful that they will take out the 2" of dip that my 5th wheel puts on my truck's suspension.


Are you trying to maintain unloaded ride height? If your truck sits like this with the load on nothing is "needed"

2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

Big1
Explorer II
Explorer II
I just install Firestone air bag and love them so far, I can't speak of the other.
2022 Ram Laramie 3500 6.7L CTD CCLB
2019 Jayco Eagle 321RSTS

garyp4951
Explorer III
Explorer III
Air bags gets my vote, just mount the bolt on bag and hanger, run an air line from each one to the rear bumper, drill two holes beside your license plate for the valve stems, and your done.
I've used them since 2001 on two different trucks, and never had a leak.

overhill7
Explorer
Explorer
Second Chance wrote:
You'll get a lot of responses like those above - and mine. Those of us who have one or the other often have not used both. A few "rare birds" have used both and hate one or the other. In my case, I have Timbrens on the truck and really like them. They do the job, were inexpensive, and were easy to install. "Plug and play!.
Rob

X2

Dayle1
Explorer II
Explorer II
I've had both and cannot recommend Timbrens. I had inconsistent ride control especially when partially loaded as the suspension transitioned from no Timbren contact to full contact. And unbalanced load or road conditions would have each rear tire reacting different. Air bags (minus compressor) are no more expensive, have more consistent behavior, and can be adjusted for stiffness level as desired. I've pulled a goose neck trailer on a few occasions with manual landing gear and rather than so much effort to raise the trailer 5+ inches, I found it easier to deflate the air bags.
Larry Day
Texas Baptist Men-Retiree Builders since '01
'13 Silverado 3500HD LT 2wd CCSB SRW, custom RKI bed
'19 Starcraft Telluride 292RLS
Rig Photos

capri180
Explorer
Explorer
After reading numerous posts and reviews, I went with the Timbrens for my 2015 Ram 2500. I received them yesterday afternoon and had them installed 30 minutes later...so easy, 2 bolts on each side is all it took. I did not use the included spacer as it put the bottom of the Timbren too close to the axle stop. I won't know how well they work until the beginning of April, but I am hopeful that they will take out the 2" of dip that my 5th wheel puts on my truck's suspension.

Garry_Gayle
Explorer
Explorer
I have had both and prefer the air bags for the adjustability, air improves the ride loaded and unloaded.

IdaD
Explorer
Explorer
I have Timbrens and like them a lot. No change in unloaded ride and much improved loaded ride. Simple, no adjusting, rugged and inexpensive.
2015 Cummins Ram 4wd CC/SB

tinner12002
Explorer
Explorer
Had both and for ride I prefer air, hands down!!
2015 Ram 3500/DRW/Aisin/auto/Max tow/4.10s,Cummins, stock Laramie Limited--Silver
Tequila Sunrise 2012 Ultra Classic Limited
2018 Raptor 428SP

Second_Chance
Explorer II
Explorer II
You'll get a lot of responses like those above - and mine. Those of us who have one or the other often have not used both. A few "rare birds" have used both and hate one or the other. In my case, I have Timbrens on the truck and really like them. They do the job, were inexpensive, and were easy to install. "Plug and play!."

Rob
U.S. Army retired
2020 Solitude 310GK-R
MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
2012 F350 CC DRW Lariat 6.7
Full-time since 8/2015

sele
Explorer
Explorer
I used timbrens on my last F150 and liked how they worked once installed I never had to mess with them again. I have never had airbags so I can't compare.
scott

JTrac
Explorer
Explorer
I have had both and prefer the air bags. We bought a 2012 GMC 3500 srw at the same time we bought our Excel. I put a set of Tembren's on before we did our first tow so don't know how they affected the ride versus not having them. I do know we were not happy with the ride with the Tembren's, too harsh for our comfort. I then changed to a set of Air Lift 5K bags which helped a bunch, probably because they can be adjusted to suit the load. They even improved the empty ride somewhat.

We were still plagued with chucking which I think was because we were pushing the weight limits of the truck. The dually solved all those problems but I did transfer the Air Lifts to it. Again, I think they help refine the ride, both loaded and empty so my vote is for the air bags.
JimT
2020 Jayco Pinnacle 32RLTS, 2020 Ford F350, Platinum, 6.7 diesel, 4X4, CCLB, SRW, 12,400 GVWR

mtofell1
Explorer
Explorer
Love my Firestone 5000 airbags. The ability to adjust based on load and conditions is great. To be fair I've never had Timbrens so can't really compare. I just know I love the airbags.

F-TROUP
Explorer
Explorer
I've had Tembrens on my F250 for 14 years now with no problems. I never have to worry about what air pressure to run.....