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

[youngone]

I have read many postings on this topic. Here's my situation: I have a 2013 GMC 2500HD. New 5th wheel on order. I will be 200-400lbs under my payload capacity. Am I ok with Timbrens or should I just install the air bags? I will only need them while towing my 5th wheel. Not sure how much truck will sink down without doing anything. Thanks for all the great info you give me!

[monkey44]

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 unloaded.

X2 .. exactly correct. No load on the Timbrens unless weight or the camper in this case, loads up with enough drop to engage it. SO, with no load, it's like a stock ride.

Used them on my 2003, and intend to put them on my 2015 as well ... very nice product. Only issue, if you're empty, and hit deep or high bumps, the travel of the axle might be enough to "hit the Timbrens', which acts like a bump stop unless engaged. And you can feel that hit - pretty stiff pop sometimes. Otherwise, these work very well, especially with anti-sway bar. AND, right, no maintenance!

We're in a trip now, but I intend to install Timbrens and anti-sway on my truck when we get home.

[ford_truck_guy]

Don't discount Torklift Stableloads.... I have had airbags for years , switched to Stableloads and they work great.... Check them out....

[chevor]

I'm plan to add airlift ultimate bags to the truck and dropping the rear springs 2". They are a combination of both.

[iawoody2]

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.

[VoodooMedicineM]

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

[KD4UPL]

I had Airlift airbags on a Dodge 1500 for 7 years and no leaks. I've currently got Airlift airbag on my Chevy dually, they've been on it for 3 years. Before that the same bags were on a Chevy SRW for 2 years.
I've never had any leaks.
I really liked having the adjust ability of the airbags, my camper is heavier on one side than the other. Also, sometimes it's just me and the camper, sometimes it's the whole family, the camper, and the boat. I run different air pressures for different situations.

[BradW]

Also consider forklift stable loads

[mlts22]

Timbrens look interesting, but don't appear adjustable like the FS airbags, so one can't air up when the camper is on the rig, and when off, air down the bags for a better ride.