Heavy Loads
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4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 17
Heavy Loads
Have a question......I have a 2025 F250 and i have almost 4k lb of payload. Love the truck! We have a truck camper and we're just under payload capacity that said I put on timbrens to help with rear squat and stability. Factory sway bar, camper and plow package with 10500 GVWR. Rides "good enough" but would like a little less bounce. Timbrens are fully engaged. What would be the next suspension upgrade? Swap timbrens for air bags? RAS kit? upgrade leaf? Not sure if I need much more but id like a little ride quality back if possible. I know i know get an F350 but that's not gonna happen now. Maybe in a few years. I just paid cash for this truck and its a daily driver. And to the "payload nannies" i already know. Just want to see how the heavy haulers set up their rigs. TY
5th Wheeling
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 38
Likes: 18
On my old 6.0, I installed air bags, and thought they helped until I forgot to fill them one day and I noticed no difference in ride quality whether filled or not. 11 k fifth wheel.
They definitely did help with squat and keeping the trailer leveled, just did not notice any difference in ride quality between 5 psi and 65 PSI. I had a compressor that could adjust left and right with a remote.
Also changed shocks and noticed nothing.
I look at this as one of those projects you feel better about after you did something, but others are likely to not notice anything.
Im taking the new 350 out on the first haul with the same trailer this weekend. I’m sure with the three of us knowing it’s a new truck we will notice the superior ride quality.
They definitely did help with squat and keeping the trailer leveled, just did not notice any difference in ride quality between 5 psi and 65 PSI. I had a compressor that could adjust left and right with a remote.
Also changed shocks and noticed nothing.
I look at this as one of those projects you feel better about after you did something, but others are likely to not notice anything.
Im taking the new 350 out on the first haul with the same trailer this weekend. I’m sure with the three of us knowing it’s a new truck we will notice the superior ride quality.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 225
Likes: 24
From: Columbus, Ohio
Ditto on the bounce for the Timbrens. I added them on my 2025 F350 & it’s noticeable when you encounter sudden change in angle like when going down a steep hill & encountering a level bridge abutment. Thinking about switching to air bags.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 77
I ran Timbrens on my F350 SRW. I shortened the mounts so that the timbrens didn't engage so quickly. The ride was ok. I currently run airbags with a self leveling valve and upper stable loads on the overload mounts on my dually. The ride is level and soft so I also added Rancho RS9000 shocks. When the truck camper is on the truck I turn them all the way up, and when it's empty, I run them all the way down. This combo works great.
I also have the Helwig big wig sway bar on both trucks. That was the biggest difference on both.
I also have the Helwig big wig sway bar on both trucks. That was the biggest difference on both.
Last edited by SwensonBarrettBunch; May 19, 2026 at 05:34 AM.
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 82
Likes: 77
There is a recent post started by Jefe4x4(Final suspension tuning)in the towing and rvs forum/toppers & slide ins section regarding our recent experience with Helwig overload helpers. I have a very similar setup to yours ('23 F250xlt camper pkg 10500gvw with a 3000lb+ hardside slide in). The details are in the post. Several posters (myself included) have installed these and are pleased with the results.
Last edited by koolhandluke1; May 19, 2026 at 03:30 PM. Reason: Additional content
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4wd Low
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 17
Yes I have overload springs.Sits fairly level. I think im 3/4 of an inch lower in the back ao its basically under noticeable. Its just that with the timbrens every bump or road imperfection is felt in the can.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 250
Likes: 100
From: New England
Hellwig progressive springs are often overlooked. A lot cheaper than airbags which have the potential to leak, easy to install, can’t leak, no adjusting, and the best part is the overload aspect does not kick in until you have a load, otherwise ride like stock and not stiff. I put these in two previous F250s with a FW and worked perfectly. And Timbrens…. A waste of money for what they do (or don’t do) IMHO. Have an F350 now and that was the ultimate answer.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 1,119
I don't like airbags for slide in truck campers. I would suggest Torklift Stable loads (lowers first), a sway bar if you don't already have one and some HD shocks. If that didn't do it, I'd upgrade my overload springs.
Dave
Dave
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,153
Likes: 1,659
Hellwig progressive springs are often overlooked. A lot cheaper than airbags which have the potential to leak, easy to install, can’t leak, no adjusting, and the best part is the overload aspect does not kick in until you have a load, otherwise ride like stock and not stiff. I put these in two previous F250s with a FW and worked perfectly. And Timbrens…. A waste of money for what they do (or don’t do) IMHO. Have an F350 now and that was the ultimate answer.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 140
Likes: 49
From: Eastern Panhandle of WV
A view from the other side. Properly scale your truck. Gross, and each axle. Are you within the tire, axle and door sticker limits? If yes, then just ignore your impressions, and drive. That is the fleet answer for trucks. You cannot expect the same ride empty and loaded.
