Firestone AirRide vs. Timbren's
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Firestone AirRide vs. Timbren's
O.K. Guys - I have had the Firestone Air bags with the onboard air compressor, cab gauge and holding tank in my last two trucks. That said I have been looking at the Timbren solution for the new F350.
I really liked the Firestone solution but had issues with the compressors multiple times! Also didn't like the fact I couldn't adjust ride height once I hooked up the trailer.
Will the appropriate Timbren solution offer the same ride and sway control when loaded?
Thanks in advance for your input....I am really torn on this one.
I really liked the Firestone solution but had issues with the compressors multiple times! Also didn't like the fact I couldn't adjust ride height once I hooked up the trailer.
Will the appropriate Timbren solution offer the same ride and sway control when loaded?
Thanks in advance for your input....I am really torn on this one.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2011
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I have also hadFirestone Bags on my last 2 trucks. Never considered Timbren cuz i didn't know about them. Looking forward to seeing what others have to say as I was planning on yet another set of bags for my 2011. Thanks for the post!
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Senior User
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Expect this to be a lively thread.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2002
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Depends on what your going to carry. I have a Lance truck camper. Weights around 4k. I had air bags since 2001 and on this truck I put Timbrens. Easy to put on but the truck sagged still and headlights were in their eyes. So I added more spacers from Timbren but now any bump on the road it will bottom out hard. I will be installing air bags again and taking the Timbrens off. This spring when the weather gets better and I'm taking the camper out.
I guess if you go just once in a while for a load of gravel it would be o.k. with Timbrens with a fair amount of space between the truck and Timbren to give a normal ride unloaded.
I guess if you go just once in a while for a load of gravel it would be o.k. with Timbrens with a fair amount of space between the truck and Timbren to give a normal ride unloaded.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: LONG ISLAND N.Y.
Depends on what your going to carry. I have a Lance truck camper. Weights around 4k. I had air bags since 2001 and on this truck I put Timbrens. Easy to put on but the truck sagged still and headlights were in their eyes. So I added more spacers from Timbren but now any bump on the road it will bottom out hard. I will be installing air bags again and taking the Timbrens off. This spring when the weather gets better and I'm taking the camper out.
I guess if you go just once in a while for a load of gravel it would be o.k. with Timbrens with a fair amount of space between the truck and Timbren to give a normal ride unloaded.
I guess if you go just once in a while for a load of gravel it would be o.k. with Timbrens with a fair amount of space between the truck and Timbren to give a normal ride unloaded.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
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From: Greenwood, SC
I don't understand why you could not adjust your ride height w/trailer hooked up. All you have to do is add/remove air with the compressor from the switch/gauge in the cab, right? I do it every day.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
I have them in mine as well. I have dual controls so I can add/subtract individually. I did mount my compressor under the truck but it is up on the fuel tank bracket.
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Senior User
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From: Minneapolis, MN
I had the same spring shop install my last two systems and had the same issue. Based on your response I can only think 1- I had lower psi air compressor or 2- They did not install the system correctly.
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From: Ohio
I would go with incorrect installation, don't know how they could but anything is possible. I installed the Ride Rite on my Bro-In-Laws truck and he can air up/down while pulling his Teton 5th Wheel.
Only problem he ever had was the control relay corroded, swapped a new one in this time with dielectric grease after cleaning the connector. So far so good.
Only problem he ever had was the control relay corroded, swapped a new one in this time with dielectric grease after cleaning the connector. So far so good.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
I've got the AirLift wireless air setup on my 2006 F250 and have been very pleased. The compressor and manifold is mounted above the spare tire, so they are as out of the weather as possible for still being mounted under the truck. I have a travel trailer and have no issue adding or removing air from the bags when I am hooked up. I would put bags on any truck I got because they are adjustable. I can level the truck out no matter what I have in the bed or what I've got on the trailer.
That said, I have a set of Timbrens on my wife's 4Runner. They work great for what they are. These are only about 1/4" from touching the axle unloaded, so when I hook up the boat, the vehicle sits nice and level. The boat is about the only thing we haul with the 4Runner though, so adjustability isn't really necessary.
That said, I have a set of Timbrens on my wife's 4Runner. They work great for what they are. These are only about 1/4" from touching the axle unloaded, so when I hook up the boat, the vehicle sits nice and level. The boat is about the only thing we haul with the 4Runner though, so adjustability isn't really necessary.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 191
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From: Ca Wine country
I had Airlift bags with bumper fills on my 2001 250 and they were great with the Cyclone and Fuzion. When I bought the 350 I thought what the heck lets try Timbrens for the ease of install. I have about a 2000- 2500 lb. pin I have not towed yet so not sure how I'll like them, but I'll let you know next week.
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From: Minneapolis, MN
I had Airlift bags with bumper fills on my 2001 250 and they were great with the Cyclone and Fuzion. When I bought the 350 I thought what the heck lets try Timbrens for the ease of install. I have about a 2000- 2500 lb. pin I have not towed yet so not sure how I'll like them, but I'll let you know next week.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: WY
I had Timbrens on my '78 F-250 cuz I had a 11' cabover and it took the side sway out of the top heavy camper. Also, when I had the camper on, my overload spring would just about touch the spring stop, but, not quite. It would chatter like crazy and drove me nuts. Empty, never knew they were there.
I had airbags on my '05 Chevy 2500 with individual air fills on the bumper. Bought it that way. Liked the ride and the ability to adjust. Didn't keep it long enuf to mod the air fills into one.
I put Timbrens on my '07 Chevy 2500 Duramax after we traded one 5er for a bigger 5er. Wasn't much clearance between the Timbren and the bump stop when empty. Used to pound you relentlessly at the slightest little bump. Hated it!!!
If I ever do another suspension assist, it will be airbags with all the bells and whistles. Shouldn't need it now tho.
I had airbags on my '05 Chevy 2500 with individual air fills on the bumper. Bought it that way. Liked the ride and the ability to adjust. Didn't keep it long enuf to mod the air fills into one.
I put Timbrens on my '07 Chevy 2500 Duramax after we traded one 5er for a bigger 5er. Wasn't much clearance between the Timbren and the bump stop when empty. Used to pound you relentlessly at the slightest little bump. Hated it!!!
If I ever do another suspension assist, it will be airbags with all the bells and whistles. Shouldn't need it now tho.