timbrens or airbags??

[carsonc1974]

i know this has been asked all over the web, but I trust the opinions on this website so thought I would ask anyway. As some may know I started my search for a truck camper a few weeks ago and ended finding one the other day. It ended up being quite a bit more then I was initially looking at but it was a good deal. Camper tag says it weighs in at 3100 lbs with 30 gallons of water and full propane tanks. From what i'm reading online, all manufacturers fib about their weight figures too.

Anyway this is going on a 1993 first gen 4x4 Dodge Cummins, and it needs some help in the suspension department. Im deciding between airbags and timbrens. I really like the idea behind airbags, but LOVE the simplicity of timbrens. Currently it doesnt even sit on the overload springs but I need something to help with sway. I only had 55 psi in my tires so i know that was pretty low, but am sure I will need some additional help. any opinions?

 

[Caleb]

I like airbags for the sake of adjustability. Never used Timbrens though.

 

[SLC97SR5]

You are right about the Timbrens being an easy to install and maintenance free component but the adjustability of airbags is infinite. I have installed a few sets and given thoughtful routing of the air lines, have never seen a set fail.

I've heard they can limit articulation but Daystar, among other manufacturers has a urethane bucket that solves that.

Really either is a good choice but I like the adjustability of the bags for hauling varying loads. I think you get a bigger bang for your investment considering that the Timbrens are pricey.

 

[anderson750]

I have never used Timbrens, but love the airbags I put on my dually for towing my trailer. Easy to adjust pressure with the push of a button in my glove box.

 

[I Lean]

I put airbags on mine to help with the sway--they didn't help the sway much at all, but did provide a nicer ride when loaded, so I'm not too disappointed. I'm thinking the best bet for my truck (2000 Superduty) will be a thicker rear swaybar from a later-model truck.

 

[Bart]

Air bags all the way.

 

[Bobzilla]

i like air bags better because they are adjustable,

have used Timbren springs before and they come in many sizes but it can be a pain sometimes to find the one that works best for the application.

 

[flexyfool]

I put airbags on mine to help with the sway--they didn't help the sway much at all, but did provide a nicer ride when loaded, so I'm not too disappointed. I'm thinking the best bet for my truck (2000 Superduty) will be a thicker rear swaybar from a later-model truck.

I was disappointed in the airbags on my truck too. I think if I fab'ed some mounts outside the frame, on top of the springs, they would control sway better.

 

[carsonc1974]

I was disappointed in the airbags on my truck too. I think if I fab'ed some mounts outside the frame, on top of the springs, they would control sway better.

are your bags on seperate lines? if they are plumbed together then air can pass from one bag to another when you sway... if that makes sense. I plan to plumb each bag independent of eachother. I think you guys have convinced me to go with bags.my truck ride rough enough without adding another bump stop.

Now I just have to figure out what im going to do about tires... while mine are E rated they only handle 2600 lbs each and 65 lbs of pressure. yuck

 

[flexyfool]

Good point. They are on the same line. Not sure how to put them on separate lines, and maintain in-cab control, other than install a 2nd independent system.

I would still recommend putting them on top of the springs. Mine sit about 3 ft apart with the mounts included with the kit.

 

[Gravy]

you'd need two solenoids, but it wouldn't be impossible.

 

[I Lean]

Mine are each plumbed separately, and they are mounted outside the frame/on top of the springs. So, best-case scenario for them I suppose...

 

[RogueJeepr]

are your bags on seperate lines? if they are plumbed together then air can pass from one bag to another when you sway... if that makes sense.

I see this a lot. 2 bags ran to a T (wrong) . It actually makes you sway more .
Run em' separate and that will cure the sway problems .
I had to fix my dads truck when they ran his to a -- T-- . I ran two separate lines and since he didn't have a compressor we ran it to the rear license plate. The 2 upper screws is where he airs up the bags .

 

[N-Smooth]

The 2 upper screws is where he airs up the bags .

This is how my cummins was. I plan on duplicating it on my 1500

 

[Caleb]

I never had any sway problems with my airbags, but I had them plumbed separately and I also always used a huge weight distribution hitch (that wouldn't help in the case of a slide-in camper). I just kept one of those portable 12V air compressors in my truck and I never had a problem. Mine never leaked down over time either. The downside to airbags is you are supposed to keep some air in them at all times (can't remember if I kept 5 or 15 lbs in mine when unloaded), and if you have any air in them when unloaded it will make your ride a bit stiffer.

 

[Brad J]

... if you have any air in them when unloaded it will make your ride a bit stiffer.

I installed bags and a compressor on my 99 F250 a couple weeks ago & found just the opposite. It rode so rough before & now its fun to drive. I can't wait to tow with them to see how it does.

 

[jentzschman]

I have Timbrens on my Tacoma. I have been happy with them.

 

[Maverick]

I put Ride-rite bags and a swaybar on my X when I got it in '05. I plumbed in a surge tank to soften the spring rate. I run about 50lbs most of the time...it also serves as the rear 2" lift. One of these days I will add rear blocks and run lower pressure, but it's not bad.

It has a T but sway isn't an issue. I'm also not hauling a 3100 lb camper.

 

[flexyfool]

you'd need two solenoids, but it wouldn't be impossible.

So, open the solenoids when filling or releasing air, then close them. Yeah. Doable. Thanks for the tip. Could be done with only 1 solenoid too. I'd probably just install a 2nd independent system. The pumps are cheap and a backup is nice to have.

 

[Maverick]

What compressor do you use? I never bothered to do this but now I think it might be handy.

I think that I'm going to install 2" add-a-leafs on the back of mine and let the bags just help out when needed.