Timbrens or Airbags

[Cyrus]

My truck drops about 3 ½ inches when I hook the Mountaineer up. Handling is not a problem but I want to get the headlights down. Not often that I drive at night while pulling but it does happen. I was at Camping World yesterday and picked up data on Air Lift products (air helper springs). I have also looked up the Timbrens . My truck came with a Timbren type device on it but it does not kick in with the Mountaineer hooked up, guess it’s not heavy enough. I am sure it does kick in on some of the dips on the highways.

Any comments/experience with airbags or Timbrens will be appreciated.

[tjuhl]

Had same problem with 2500 Dodge, picked Timbrens because of lower price, ease of installation (simply bolt in place of axle bumpers) and no fooling with them from then on. They have worked perfect.

[mgdg]

Cyrus I had the Timbrens on my 2500 Dodge also. When traveling with the 5ver it ran smooth, but without the 5ver it was pretty bumpy. When I get my new 3500 in Jan. I will not use anything as it has plenty of payload capacity. If I were to do it again I probably would spend the extra on the airbags so the ride would smooth with or without the 5ver

[Cyrus]

tjuhl,
How much do they help with the headlights, effect on the ride when pulling and running empty compared to factory axle bumpers? I don't know if the factory bumpers even touch when camper is connected.

[Ozz]

If properly installed, they do not come into play until fully loaded. You can 'shim' them to load sooner, but they should be passive until loaded. The axle overloads from the factory only come into play when overloaded.
I have had air bags, they are nice, and worked well, I just bought the Timbrens because of the cost and ease of installation and use.

[skypilot]

Mark (mgdg): When I hook up my 3500 drops quite a bit -- I'm looking at airbags at this time as my Christmas gift to myself. You may want to test load your vehicle to see if your going to need something or not. (pin weight is 1800, about 350 less than book).

[Charlie]

Firestone Ride-Rite Air-Bags, I would not be without them.....

http://www.fsip.com/riderite/

[Craig A]

Timbrens are GREAT. Easy install, no maintenance, and a level, loaded ride. Wouldn't consider anything else.

[dscott]

I just put Firestone Ride Rite air bags on my truck, yesterday only took about 2 hours to in stall,bought them on E-bay for 199+29 shipping.They work great.

[mgdg]

Skypilot I`ll check that out when I get the new truck in Jan. Book pin weight is 1920-70 If I remember correctly. Will weigh it also for correct pin weight when I get the truck etc...

[rickfox]

I like the airbags because the are adjustable. When I weekend, I do not carry as heavy a load. When I take out on long trips the load and pin weight goes up. I simply measure the ground clearance at the back of the truck, and air the babies up to make things level.