Would Timbrens Help
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New User
Joined: Aug 2018
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Would Timbrens Help
Would like to get opinions on whether Timbrens would be beneficial to my set up. I have an 18' 350 6.7 and tow a 9,000# (unloaded) fifth wheel trailer every now and then but will be going on a 3 week trip from New Mexico to Canada next month. Truck pulls trailer beautifully and I have no complaints at all but always find my self looking for ways to improve, even if minimal. Yesterday I measured and the truck only drops about 1-3/4 inches when the weight of the trailer is put on. Now that is an empty trailer with no water or gear and the truck was empty with a 1/4 tank of gas (I have a 55 gallon Titan tank). So I am not so much interested in helping with squatting but would they help with handling or cushioning on bumps?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
Timbrens are just bump stops to help keep the suspension from bottoming out. If that’s happening to you, then they’d help. I don’t think they’d help with handling.
I used them years ago on an Expedition that I had a plow on.
I’ve seen them discussed over the years and many folks suggest using airbags instead of Timbrens. No experience with airbags myself.
I used them years ago on an Expedition that I had a plow on.
I’ve seen them discussed over the years and many folks suggest using airbags instead of Timbrens. No experience with airbags myself.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 206
Likes: 5
Before I got my 02 F350 I pulled my fift wheel with 2 different F150 both of them 2004 models I put air bags on the first and timbren on the second. I preferred the Timbren over the air bags less to deal with. Like if you jack truck up with a lift you had to chain axle to frame so springs would not pull airbag apart Ford dealer had to replace one when they worked on my transmission. Both systems work for that application mainly to take bounce out of suspension when I hit dips in the road.
The 350 just starts to ride smooth with the fift wheel and front of bed full of firewood. If you are experiencing bounce I would pick one and go with it if not enjoy the smoother ride.
Shawn
The 350 just starts to ride smooth with the fift wheel and front of bed full of firewood. If you are experiencing bounce I would pick one and go with it if not enjoy the smoother ride.
Shawn
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 276
Likes: 183
I haven't tried them on my F350, but did have them on my F150. They did what they are made to do, but if I could go back in time, I would have opted for air bags. The jarring over even the smallest bumps were crazy harsh. They helped with the rear sag when loaded, and did help with the handling, but other products perform similar functions with less impact when not loaded IMO. These are just my opinions and many have and LOVE their Timbrens. It really comes down to a Pepsi/Coke preference with some of these options.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 2,494
From: West Michigan
I run them on my current truck. Day and night difference. My cardinal is heavy, and I am near my RAWR when loaded. Keeps truck level which is most important at night. Unloaded they do not engage, and i disagree with prior poster about harsh ride unloaded because of them.
I like them best because there is no fussing with airbags.
I like them best because there is no fussing with airbags.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 369
Likes: 4
From: McCalla Alabama
Would like to get opinions on whether Timbrens would be beneficial to my set up. I have an 18' 350 6.7 and tow a 9,000# (unloaded) fifth wheel trailer every now and then but will be going on a 3 week trip from New Mexico to Canada next month. Truck pulls trailer beautifully and I have no complaints at all but always find my self looking for ways to improve, even if minimal. Yesterday I measured and the truck only drops about 1-3/4 inches when the weight of the trailer is put on. Now that is an empty trailer with no water or gear and the truck was empty with a 1/4 tank of gas (I have a 55 gallon Titan tank). So I am not so much interested in helping with squatting but would they help with handling or cushioning on bumps?
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 562
Likes: 45
I run them on my set up below, the trailer is 15,800 loaded and a 3000 pin weight. I honestly don’t think you’ll see much improvement with such a light trailer. If your truck only drops around 1.75”, that shouldn’t even level the truck. I added them to limit the bouncing on bridge seams, etc and they’ve worked perfectly. I did swap the rubber springs for a shorter one to improve the empty ride and level the trailer. Very happy with the new ones.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 206
Likes: 5
I run them on my current truck. Day and night difference. My cardinal is heavy, and I am near my RAWR when loaded. Keeps truck level which is most important at night. Unloaded they do not engage, and i disagree with prior poster about harsh ride unloaded because of them.
I like them best because there is no fussing with airbags.
I like them best because there is no fussing with airbags.
Shawn
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Call customer service and explain what you have going.
Timbren will help you dial in the stiffness of the Timbren and unloaded gap from axle for your particular needs.
They will set you up with a set that will just touch the axle when loaded and is soft enough to cushion the jolts. They really shine when hitting bridge and railway crossings and of course the crap roads you are going to run into in Canada.
Wouldn't leave home without them. I have had both airbags and Timbrens. Wont go back to airbags due to the cost and adjusting required.
Cheers
Timbren will help you dial in the stiffness of the Timbren and unloaded gap from axle for your particular needs.
They will set you up with a set that will just touch the axle when loaded and is soft enough to cushion the jolts. They really shine when hitting bridge and railway crossings and of course the crap roads you are going to run into in Canada.
Wouldn't leave home without them. I have had both airbags and Timbrens. Wont go back to airbags due to the cost and adjusting required.
Cheers
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 889
Likes: 38
I had timbres on my F250 before I put airbags on. Timbres are install and forget it but a little stiff if you hit a big bump. Held my 5er below nice and level and I didn’t mind the ride haulin or empty. Installed airbags and didn’t really notice a difference. It is a truck after all.
If I had it to do all over I would have kept the timbrens.
If I had it to do all over I would have kept the timbrens.
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