I found a local installer that is recommending Tembren over air bags. Claims bags will leak, hoses etc. What are your opinions. I am expecting some sag when I hook up my not yet ordered new fiver with approx. 2100 lb pin wt.

 

Timbrens are a good low cost option. Just remember that they are not adjustable for varying loads. They are essentially bump stops, not unlike the bump stops on the stock truck. Except they bump sooner and are a bit more elastic than the stock bumpers. You may also find that when you are not towing, you will hit the timbren stops when going over rough road, and that can make for a harsh ride.

Air bags on the other hand are adjustable for whatever load and ride height you want. When not inflated, they don't change the stock ride at all. Yes you might have leaks, but it won't be the bags that leak. It would be the plumbing that wasn't routed or restrained properly. If installed correctly I just don't think this is an issue. About the only downside really is the expense, particularly if you want to automate it with in-cab controls. As you can imagine, that is very convenient.

 

I am not familiar with tembrens, but I am familiar with suspensions stops.
It is not pleasant memory.
Air suspension sure require more maintenance, but thanks to the characteristics it is way superior to the mechanical bumpers.
I did my airbags myself after buying them used. Had to redo the connections, but now my system holds the pressure for weeks, what sure makes it low maintenance.
Guess what 80,000 lb semitrucks are using?

 

check out supersprings i have them on my 2011 and really like them easy to install and no maintinance

 

I have timbrens...there is about 2 1/2" before they come into contact with the blocks. They do not hit when unloaded as our suspensions are much to stiff. When loaded you still have full range of travel in your springs and some flexibility in the timbrens but you have no side to side rocking motion, very stabile.

I chose timbrens because I did not want to be bothered with air, hoses, leaks.

 

I have Timbrens. They come with spacers so you can chose at what suspension compression that they come into play. I think their greatest benefit is that once they are installed, you don't EVER have to think of them again. No stops at the gas station to air up, no wiring compressors, no leaks, no trying to explain to the wife how to air up or air down the suspension because you're not there and she's taking the truck. The only time I think of them is when the truck has a big load and I'm surprised how level the truck is and how secure and stable the drive feels. In fact the "install and forget" effect actually bit me in the *** when insurance wrote off my truck. I forgot to remove them before it was towed away. Doh!

 

I like my timbrens also. They really help control the weight.

 

Okay, but that seems odd. They recommend 1/2" to 1" clearance when unloaded.
Timbren SES Kits are Easy to Install

I can see why yours don't bump on rough roads. But I don't think that is typical. AAMOF, with 2.5" of clearance I'm not sure why you even have them.

 

The 2-1/2" space does seem like alot. I use a 1" spacer and have a 1/2" gap on mine. That setup works well on my truck and the ride isn't harsh over rough bumps.