out_for_a_rip
Michigan
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Joined: 08/25/2017
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Hi all - I have a 2019 F150 3.5l EB w/6.5' box, and a 24' Coachmen Apex BH. The rig tows fine and I have good WD, but am considering helper springs or air bags to help with the slight sag I have. I have also read that helper springs can aid in sway control, and I am curious of its validity. I don't have sway issues, but naturally a strong cross wind can lead to some white knuckles.
I would appreciate any opinions from those with experience with either.
Thank you in advance!
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Geo*Boy
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Joined: 04/27/2020
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I have had very good results with Timbrens. They make a kit, FR1504E, for your truck and you can remove the supplied spacer to adjust the ride.
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Joined: 05/06/2013
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Quit finding solutions to problems that don’t exist and go camping.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29
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C.B.
APPLETON WI USA
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Joined: 12/15/2003
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Geo*Boy wrote:I have had very good results with Timbrens. They make a kit, FR1504E, for your truck and you can remove the supplied spacer to adjust the ride.
Ditto:
Timbrens work great on my F-350. No messing around with air compressor.
C.B.
CBVP2004~FORD~F350~CC~LARIAT~SRW~SB~4X4~6.0D~
AUTO~PULLRITE 16K SUPERGLIDE~DEMCO GLIDERIDE~
PRODIGY CONTROLLER~C-BETR MIRRORS~EMS-HW50C~
Butch/Barb=2013-Cedar Creek 36CKTS
Kris/Katy=2006-Cherokee 32B
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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Helper springs and timbrens are full time support. Airbags can be easily adjusted for the load, or no load at all.
Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.
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TurnThePage
North ID
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Joined: 10/08/2003
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On various light duty trucks, I've used helper springs and Timbrens. The helper springs made the unloaded ride a bit rougher, but not bad, and they worked outstanding for towing and stabilization. Timbrens caused my Ram 1500 to have a jarring ride that was completely undesirable. I won't consider them again in a light duty application. Another option is Sumo Springs bump stops. I've never heard a bad thing about them.
2015 Ram 1500
2004 Pioneer 18T6
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Itakethe5th2011
Moreno Valley, Ca
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Joined: 04/07/2011
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If price is no object, air bags would be the best way to go. The problem with air bags, you will need a air compressor, a controller in the cab, (to adjust the bags hight) and the air bags with mounts. Then you have to hook it all up. I removed my bump stops and installed Timbren Suspension System. It took less than a hour to install. The bottom of the timber sits one inch above the axle so it will not change the ride of my truck. Once I load the 5th wheel, my truck squats a little over a inch. It is more stable side to side and no maintenance required.
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theoldwizard1
SE MI
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Joined: 09/07/2010
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Quick and inexpensive. Find an old fashioned spring shop and have them add a leaf. It will raise your unloaded rear ride height.
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IdaD
Idaho
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Joined: 08/06/2014
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C.B. wrote:Geo*Boy wrote:I have had very good results with Timbrens. They make a kit, FR1504E, for your truck and you can remove the supplied spacer to adjust the ride.
Ditto:
Timbrens work great on my F-350. No messing around with air compressor.
C.B.
x3
I probably have a little less than 1" of space between the Timbrens and axle unloaded, and it settles down with a heavy load. I think it improves the heavily loaded ride quite a bit without being overly harsh. About $200 and zero maintenance.
On a Ram 2500 specifically they also ride outside of the coil springs so they effectively widen out the suspension on the axle.
2015 Cummins Ram 4wd CC/SB
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valhalla360
No paticular place.
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Joined: 08/19/2009
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Itakethe5th2011 wrote:If price is no object, air bags would be the best way to go. The problem with air bags, you will need a air compressor, a controller in the cab, (to adjust the bags hight) and the air bags with mounts. Then you have to hook it all up. I removed my bump stops and installed Timbren Suspension System. It took less than a hour to install. The bottom of the timber sits one inch above the axle so it will not change the ride of my truck. Once I load the 5th wheel, my truck squats a little over a inch. It is more stable side to side and no maintenance required.
Having a fully automated system is nice but not needed. Run the valves back to the rear bumper and use a bike pump. Unless you are airing them up and down several times a day, it's not a huge imposition. They don't hold a lot of air. You still have to worry about leaks over time.
That said, we went with sumosprings on our F250. 1 bolt per side. Biggest issue was getting the old rusty bolt out. On a newer truck without rust, should be a 15-20min job.
They are progressive, so unloaded, they don't create a harsh ride.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
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