Air bags or Timbrens??

[glc52]

I just bought a Wolf Creek truck camper for my 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 short bed megacab.

I was planning on putting on FS airbags, but local RV specialist said that they used to put on a lot of air bags but had many come back with leaks, so now they suggest Timbrens.

I plan on driving from WA state to Anchorage, AK via the Alaska highway, so wondered what folks would suggest??

Thanks for your replies!

Gerald

[mooring_product]

I have stable loads and Firestone work rites. They are similar to the Timbrens just a little less in price. They help keep the truck level and you don't notice them unloaded. Side to side is almost non existent.

[Tarkin75]

I love my timbrens on my F-150... with the camper on, and nothing in the bed.

But... drive the truck around with even 100 lbs in the bed, and the ride is a bit bouncy as the 1" gap get's eaten up fast or... Or drive around towing something with 200 lbs or so tongue weight, and the trailer bounces all over the place.

I'd do the timbrens over the air bags any day of the week myself, after hearing all the thoughts\recommendations\opinions about Air bags, even though, disclaimer, I've never used them myself. The timbrens are great, but they do have some disadvantages in terms of "multi purpose use".

Later
C

[ejfranz]

I have had no issues with my Timbrens. Improved ride with camper.

[Marshfly]

I love my adjustable stable loads. Swing them in when loaded and an absolutely stock suspension when empty.

[Americamper]

I did not like my Timbrens . They gave a very harsh ride loaded and they were installed correctly. To me it was like losing your rear suspension.

[TCBob]

I lucked out, my 1999 F350 DRW came with Airbags when I bought it in 2007 (so I have no idea how old the airbags are). I have never had any leak issues or trouble. I did break a mounting bolt once - after a rough off road trip. simple repair.

Learned a GREAT advantage of airbags this year. Never had to worry about height. But moving into my new storage barn and thought I had clearance issue. Was thinking about all kinds of works arounds. Then Daha.... Let the air pressure out of the bags lowered by about 3" giving me just enough to squeak into the barn.....very carefully - only about 3/4" clearance on my A/C unit which I rarely use!

I have been sold on airbags for a long time now. Especially with the cab control. Calms down my TC roll going down the road. I and can always adjust the ride with or without the TC on loaded!

[jimh406]

Obviously, you should look into a different installer for the airbags if his are coming back a lot with leaks. You do have to use care cutting the tubing with a somewhat special tool. You'd here more of the problems here if it was that common.

Obviously, timbrens have less to go wrong. I'd also consider upper and lower Stabile Loads. I think all of the options can work. I like the adjustability and ride quality of airbags.

[Reddog1]

It is a mater of what do you want the Airbags, Stabil loads or Timbrens to do. If your objective is to maintain the adjustment of your headlights, prevent the back of your truck from squatting when loaded, or have the rear of your truck to squat the same distance as the front, then your only choice is airbags.

In my opinion, if the Stabil loads or Timbrens or spaced away from the springs, then by design the truck will squat that amount. Additional squat will be as the spring compresses. There is no practical way to avoid this.

If installed properly, airbags will allow you to raise the truck to the level you want. They are always engaged, and the height is fully adjustable. As with most things, they have to be properly installed.

I believe there are advantages to each of the three, but although the airbags are more difficult to install, and potentially develop air leaks requiring minor maintenance they are much more versatile.

I have been running a pair of airbags I received used, since 2002. I have had three likes during the 12-year, which required tightening a fitting each time. This is with my single rear wheel, no overload springs, 4,200 pound TC.

[jaycocreek]

I used Hellwig 1 ton helper springs on my F-250 for my 35ft fifth wheel and lance camper. Worked great for both.

I user air bags now for hauling firewood.

[NHIrish]

iawoody2 wrote:

VoodooMedicineMan wrote:
Timbrens should have a 1" gap between the rubber spring and axle when unloaded so they have no effect on ride quality when uploaded.

Exactly my Timbrens are about 3/4in above the axle do not touch when unloaded. Loaded they are compressed and ride great. Very easy to install did it myself in about 45 minutes.

Same here....we tow a 15000 lb fifth wheel with about 3000 lbs pin weight...they have worked very well for our application.

Best of luck.

[Highway_Runner]

I operate a Host slide in on my F350. I am equipped with Timbrens for the axle, Torklift Stableloads for the leaf springs, and Rancho 9000 shocks set on the most rigid ride.
4500 lbs on my back and the truck handles just fine. Airbags are ok, but will include more maintenance. On the other hand, I camp more often than the average guy and just don't want to be bothered making minor adjustments.
Good luck and remember, either way you equip your rig, camping is fun!

[MORSNOW]

TorkLift StableLoads first, then if you want more support at a reasonable price, Timbrens do the job.

The best thing with StableLoads is that you don't get the sway of airbags, your suspension works as designed by the factory, just engaging the overloads sooner.

[homefor2]

I have both Torklift Stable Loads and PacBrake airbags. Hands down the Stable Loads are a much better choice. Airbags caused to much side to side sway. Stable loads stiffen up the ride with my heavy camper and it rides nice and level.

[Wheelholder]

You can always install the airbags after you get the 5th wheel and it squats too much.

I have both , the stabil loads and timbrens. They work very well together. No air bags and the truck rides well with the 3200# camper in the bed.