Timbrens or Airbags

[upsfella]

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.

[Norskeman]

I like air bags because I can adjust the pressure in the bags.

My rig:

2011 Chevy Silverado 3500HD LTZ CCLB LML SRW 4X4 Blue Granite Metallic.
Bed Rug bed liner, Luverne SS running boards, Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 air bags, Reese Custom Base and Rail Kit, Handy fifth wheel tail gate, rear wheel liners, rear seat storage tray, console storage tray, front lower bumper billet grill, Bushwacker bed rail cap, PML rear diff. cover, Bilstein 5100 shocks, steering stabilizer, Fumoto Oil Drain Valve , Edge Insight CTS.

[C_Schomer]

I've had the HD 5k bags on 2 trucks now, 18 years total, no problems. I wouldn't have anything else. Both trucks with very heavy hauler beds and both trucks acted totally different. The SRW rode like a dream empty with 20 psi but this DRW doesn't like any psi. I've been running this DRW at 0 empty for 10 yrs now and no problem. In cab air is priceless... I can fine tune the loaded ride going down the road and adjust the psi as the roads change. Craig

[RWDIII]

proxim2020 wrote:
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.

Work Rites are good.I had them for 3 years on my F150 and I put them on my F250 just because I had them and was able to adapt them.

I believe they help with the rebound,even though with the F250 springs
didn't need them for the weight.

[JustLabs]

I had bags on my '07 Ram 3500 SRW and currently have Timbrens on my 2500HD.

I prefer the Timbrens.

[JTrac]

I've had both and much prefer the air bags. The 5 pounds minimum pressure required in the Air Lifts actually soften the empty ride in my opinion. The on board compressor I got with the Air Lifts automatically brings the truck back to level so I never worry about pressures. I've towed about 15K miles with the new truck and the ride under load is good.

[upsfella]

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.

[Naio]

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?

[timflood]

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.

[alboy]

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.

[Community Alumni]

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.

[Sifter]

Another vote for Timbrens. Love mine.

[handye9]

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.

[Ron3rd]

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.

[wcjeep]

Add Torklift Stableloads to your info search.