Air Bags, Timbrens or Nothing?

[Redbaron32]

As we prep for our 377 to arrive, I’m considering beefing up the ride on our F-350 SRW with airbags or timbrens. The reviews out there are confusing regarding which is better. We are not full-timers by any means, but will be towing around 7,000 miles/year. Have read that Timbrens are great, but make for a rough ride when not towing, that air bags are the way to go and also that neither are going to make a big difference. What are your thoughts? If we get airbags, an onboard compressor will not be in the cards.

[LabMan]

Have had Timbrens on our 2015 GMC 3500 SRW for 82,000 mile, about 1/2 of that towing. Highly recommend them. If installed correctly with the gap while unloaded, they have no impact on the ride not towing.

[klassic]

I never noticed my timbrens in my 2012 F350
Rough ride? Yes. It’s a one ton truck.

[Lowmiler]

Just added timbrens to my 70k mile dually. Gap of about 1” when unloaded. Was surprised how much I could feel them bouncing off the axles even on light bumps in the road. A little annoying. However, large expansion joints taken square no longer send the rear axle flying, so things are more controlled in other respects.

Maybe my shocks are tired.

Taking a 3k mile road trip with the 377 next week, hoping the hiway dips are more controlled now. Lots of squat before.

You may already know, but neither timbrens nor airbags will make up for the rear load capacity deficiency on a SRW with a 377. They may control squat, but you’re pushing the weight limits of your tires.

[Redbaron32]

Originally Posted by Lowmiler

Just added timbrens to my 70k mile dually. Gap of about 1” when unloaded. Was surprised how much I could feel them bouncing off the axles even on light bumps in the road. A little annoying. However, large expansion joints taken square no longer send the rear axle flying, so things are more controlled in other respects.

Maybe my shocks are tired.

Taking a 3k mile road trip with the 377 next week, hoping the hiway dips are more controlled now. Lots of squat before.

You may already know, but neither timbrens nor airbags will make up for the rear load capacity deficiency on a SRW with a 377. They may control squat, but you’re pushing the weight limits of your tires.

Thanks and yes I’m aware of the payload. DRW is not in the cards right now. Just trying to figure out how to get the best ride...


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[cariboocreek]

Love my Firestone air bags. No compressor needed. I carry a small hand pump. We run 5 psi empty and 25 psi with the fifth wheel hooked up.

I don’t think you could go wrong with either option.

[prm99v6]

Originally Posted by Redbaron32

As we prep for our 377 to arrive, I’m considering beefing up the ride on our F-350 SRW with airbags or timbrens. The reviews out there are confusing regarding which is better. We are not full-timers by any means, but will be towing around 7,000 miles/year. Have read that Timbrens are great, but make for a rough ride when not towing, that air bags are the way to go and also that neither are going to make a big difference. What are your thoughts? If we get airbags, an onboard compressor will not be in the cards.

I am waiting for my 377 as well. Putting airbags in my 450. Not because I really need them but the rear will sag and I don’t want my headlights pointing up any higher when towing. I get enough people flashing me because they are LEDs. I already had the compressor from my old truck so it was only $120 for the bags.


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[2naEagle]

I've had both and prefer the air bags. A good rear sway bar and some Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks will help also.

[TexasRT]

I'm a big fan of the airbags. You can adjust as needed, they eliminate almost all bounce and I've never had mine bottom out. Mine have the internal joust bumps also. With an optional on-board compressor they can be adjusted on the fly depending on road conditions.

[Cannon]

I have air bags on rear of 350 DWR with 11/2" blocks removed from spring mounts. This lets it set a little low when trailer is hitched. I run around 50lbs air which makes it level and puts some weigh back on front steer axle. When not towing lower pressure to 10lbs for softer ride. Still rides like dump truck but it did that before air bags.

[Slurugger]

another vote for Firestone air bags. You can add air when towing and remove when not. We carry the VAIR RVpump in the 377 already to it's perfect for airing up the bags.

[nwminnesota]

I have Timbrens. I don't notice them while being unloaded. The reason why I went with them is because the 2 people I know who have air bags said the air bags made the ride rough when not towing.

Also another reason is that they are very easy to install and where cheap.

[bankedtime]

Timbrens, had them on a 2005 3/4 ton, now have them on my 2015 1 ton, simple, does the job well, great investment, reasonable cost, easy installation

[flhtc05]

I installed Timbrens on my 2015 Toyota tundra for pulling our Fifth wheel and noticed a difference right away. Love them and easy to install. Would recommend them.

[goducks]

Originally Posted by nwminnesota

I have Timbrens. I don't notice them while being unloaded. The reason why I went with them is because the 2 people I know who have air bags said the air bags made the ride rough when not towing.

Also another reason is that they are very easy to install and where cheap.

Thats what I've found as well. I've used airbags on two different trucks and even with the min 5 psi thats required the ride is rougher than without. I went with Aircells this time. They seem to provide all the support I need and are a tad softer than Timbrens. Easier to adjust if needed.

[Redbaron32]

Originally Posted by goducks

Thats what I've found as well. I've used airbags on two different trucks and even with the min 5 psi thats required the ride is rougher than without. I went with Aircells this time. They seem to provide all the support I need and are a tad softer than Timbrens. Easier to adjust if needed.

Really appreciate all the comments. I think for us the Timbrens a are the way to start. Overall people sounds satisfied with them and we will be doing major travel...would love not to add airbag pressure check to our daily list....in any case amn on board compressor is not gonna happen right now...


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[klassic]

Originally Posted by Redbaron32

Really appreciate all the comments. I think for us the Timbrens a are the way to start. Overall people sounds satisfied with them and we will be doing major travel...would love not to add airbag pressure check to our daily list....in any case amn on board compressor is not gonna happen right now...


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If you’re going the Timbren route, will you be picking up the rig before or after you install them?
I would like to hear what you think about them from a tow without them, then installed.

[Redbaron32]

Originally Posted by klassic

If you’re going the Timbren route, will you be picking up the rig before or after you install them?

I would like to hear what you think about them from a tow without them, then installed.

Would probably install before. Picking the coach up 600 miles away so would like them on when I get it. That's not until early May but I'll update the thread.


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[davisenvy]

I have done air bags and Timbrens and didn't like either. I ended up going with Sumo Springs 1,500 lb. They are softer than Timbrens and don't hold as much, but the ride loaded and unloaded is wonderful. They have higher rated versions, but I only needed the 1,500 lb set and am very happy with the results. Plus, on my Ram 2500, I can lean under the wheel well and spin them off or on in a matter of seconds if I decide I don't want them on at all.

[33 RLDS]

I have the Firestone airbags in my 2500 Avalanche. I think it helps with bounce. Really stiffens up the TV and TT as one unit.