Air bags versus Timbren Suspension

[Ynot4me2]

I used the timbrens. They worked great on smooth roads. We went into Mass, and the axle hitting the timbrens was out of control. I took them off after that that trip and installed airbags. Fully adjustable and rides so much better. Those timbrens are in the shed where I put them 2 years ago.
For the ones that love them, great. I will never put those things on any thing I own ever again.

Curious what TV they were on?

[COGrandDes]

I used the timbrens. They worked great on smooth roads. We went into Mass, and the axle hitting the timbrens was out of control. I took them off after that that trip and installed airbags. Fully adjustable and rides so much better. Those timbrens are in the shed where I put them 2 years ago.
For the ones that love them, great. I will never put those things on any thing I own ever again.

I'm with you. Tried the Timbrens for one 200 mile trip and immediately returned them. Air bags are the way to go with the on board compressor....IMHO.

[Hoopy Frood]

I'm with you. Tried the Timbrens for one 200 mile trip and immediately returned them. Air bags are the way to go with the on board compressor....IMHO.

Again, just curious. What was it about the Timbrens that you didn't like? I'm not looking, but I do like to be aware of issues with stuff.

[COGrandDes]

Again, just curious. What was it about the Timbrens that you didn't like? I'm not looking, but I do like to be aware of issues with stuff.

Well I'm sure it was personal preference for me but the Timbrens were too harsh of a ride. They are either unloaded or fully loaded. I didn't like the feeling when the truck and camper would hit a bump and it was a solid and harsh engagement and rebound. The air bags are night and day different. They are not even in the same class as the Timbrens. With the bags and an onboard compressor, one can tailor the feel, air pressure, and ride of the truck with the loaded weight. You can adjust the pressure while driving down the road with the wireless remote and with different load types and weights. The Timbrens are nothing more than a larger jounce bumper like the one that comes from the factory. If you were to try them both side by side---it would make much more sense. I have had bags on my last three GMC trucks and would never go back to anything else. I didn't like them on my truck nor would I consider them for the fifth wheel which is why I installed the Comfort Ride shocks on the camper. instead The combination of the air bags, shocks, and the Trailair pin box allow you to tailor the ride for how you have the rig loaded and the terrain you are encountering.

[Hoopy Frood]

Thank you for the expanded explanation. I've never seen Timbrens in operation, so was unsure where the problem arose.

[huntindog]

Well I'm sure it was personal preference for me but the Timbrens were too harsh of a ride. They are either unloaded or fully loaded. I didn't like the feeling when the truck and camper would hit a bump and it was a solid and harsh engagement and rebound. The air bags are night and day different. They are not even in the same class as the Timbrens. With the bags and an onboard compressor, one can tailor the feel, air pressure, and ride of the truck with the loaded weight. You can adjust the pressure while driving down the road with the wireless remote and with different load types and weights. The Timbrens are nothing more than a larger jounce bumper like the one that comes from the factory. If you were to try them both side by side---it would make much more sense. I have had bags on my last three GMC trucks and would never go back to anything else. I didn't like them on my truck nor would I consider them for the fifth wheel which is why I installed the Comfort Ride shocks on the camper. instead The combination of the air bags, shocks, and the Trailair pin box allow you to tailor the ride for how you have the rig loaded and the terrain you are encountering.

I bagged my truck. Not so much to help with the load as to be able to raise or lower the rear to help with ground clearance entering/leaving boondocking sites on F.S. land. My first trip with this rig requiered a LOT of shovel work on the berm the grader makes.Now I just adjust the height as needed.