Timbrens installed on Dodge

by oldelmer1 on 1/11/2011, 11:07 am

After talking with Maxtor about the truck still looking like it was sagging a little,

I decided to install the Timbrens on the truck. Here is a picture of before and after the install.

Before install, about 5" gap from the stop to the axle.

After install, 1.5" gap to the axle

But since its dark and snowing, I wont be connecting up to see if its level or not. I do have a 1" space that goes between the rubber and the bracket that I did NOT use at this time.

by kcnielsen on 1/11/2011, 1:00 pm

I installed Timbrens on my Dodge 2500 about year ago and the found them very stiff at first causing chucking. After towing about 4000 miles they softened up and the ride is much better. I am quite happy with them now. They do need a break-in period.

by oldelmer1 on 1/11/2011, 1:36 pm

Thanks Ken, hopefully by the end of the month we will be heading south.

If the snow stops soon, I might hookup and go back to the school yard where I took the first picture oat to see how we look with them on.

Did you add the 1" space in or not?

by kcnielsen on 1/11/2011, 3:00 pm

Hi Tom. No I didn't install the spacer. I have about 1" gap to the axle and that is just enough so that they do not affect the ride when driving solo.

by Stanford on 1/12/2011, 2:15 am

Tom
How far South are you heading? Might want to go all the way to Key West, FL as it's getting to the low 30's here at Cocoa Beach.
Have a Safe trip.

Jim

by Maxtor on 1/12/2011, 4:39 am

Looks great Tom;

I bet your TV will ride level now. The person that developed the Timbrens had a great idea. No maintenance like air bags. goodjob

Go west young man, go west,,,,,,Quartzsite Arizona.

http://www.weather.com/weather/extended/USAZ0180?par=yahoo&site=www.yahoo.com&promo=extendedforecast&cm_ven=Yahoo&cm_cat=www.yahoo.com&cm_pla=forecastpage&cm_ite=CityPage

by oldelmer1 on 1/12/2011, 8:14 am

Stanford wrote:Tom
How far South are you heading? Might want to go all the way to Key West, FL as it's getting to the low 30's here at Cocoa Beach.
Have a Safe trip.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Yes, we've been watching the weather down south, we cant leave till after 1-24-11, DW has to take her mother to the Dr's. So hopefully, by end of Jan beginning of Feb it will be warm in Georgia. I'd like to explore Brunswick GA area and DW loves Savannah & Charleston too.

by oldelmer1 on 1/12/2011, 8:16 am

Maxtor wrote:Go west young man, go west,,,,,,Quartzsite Arizona.

http://www.weather.com/weather/extended/USAZ0180?par=yahoo&site=www.yahoo.com&promo=extendedforecast&cm_ven=Yahoo&cm_cat=www.yahoo.com&cm_pla=forecastpage&cm_ite=CityPage

I would love too, but DW cant leave her mother for that long. Of course, I could go by myself cheers

by Maxtor on 1/12/2011, 2:24 pm

oldelmer1 wrote:
Maxtor wrote:Go west young man, go west,,,,,,Quartzsite Arizona.

http://www.weather.com/weather/extended/USAZ0180?par=yahoo&site=www.yahoo.com&promo=extendedforecast&cm_ven=Yahoo&cm_cat=www.yahoo.com&cm_pla=forecastpage&cm_ite=CityPage

I would love too, but DW cant leave her mother for that long. Of course, I could go by myself

Without the DW you would starve... lol!

by Mopar_Earl on 1/12/2011, 6:16 pm

Maxtor wrote:Looks great Tom;

I bet your TV will ride level now. The person that developed the Timbrens had a great idea. No maintenance like air bags.

Go west young man, go west,,,,,,Quartzsite Arizona.

http://www.weather.com/weather/extended/USAZ0180?par=yahoo&site=www.yahoo.com&promo=extendedforecast&cm_ven=Yahoo&cm_cat=www.yahoo.com&cm_pla=forecastpage&cm_ite=CityPage

My air bags don't require or need maintenance. Put them on over two years ago and never touched them since. Am I missing something here?

Earl

by Maxtor on 1/12/2011, 7:00 pm

Mopar_Earl wrote:
Maxtor wrote:Looks great Tom;

I bet your TV will ride level now. The person that developed the Timbrens had a great idea. No maintenance like air bags.

Go west young man, go west,,,,,,Quartzsite Arizona.

http://www.weather.com/weather/extended/USAZ0180?par=yahoo&site=www.yahoo.com&promo=extendedforecast&cm_ven=Yahoo&cm_cat=www.yahoo.com&cm_pla=forecastpage&cm_ite=CityPage

My air bags don't require or need maintenance. Put them on over two years ago and never touched them since. Am I missing something here?

Earl

Anything that has air, looses air and needs to be aired up from time to time. Over time, some have had air bag failures. I am glad that you have not had any trouble, and might not ever have any trouble. The timbrens are install and forget about them. All this being said, if you guys bought FORDS, you would not need air bags or timbrens.

Ford

by Mopar_Earl on 1/12/2011, 7:47 pm

Maxtor wrote:
Mopar_Earl wrote:
Maxtor wrote:Looks great Tom;

I bet your TV will ride level now. The person that developed the Timbrens had a great idea. No maintenance like air bags.

Go west young man, go west,,,,,,Quartzsite Arizona.

http://www.weather.com/weather/extended/USAZ0180?par=yahoo&site=www.yahoo.com&promo=extendedforecast&cm_ven=Yahoo&cm_cat=www.yahoo.com&cm_pla=forecastpage&cm_ite=CityPage

My air bags don't require or need maintenance. Put them on over two years ago and never touched them since. Am I missing something here?

Earl

Anything that has air, looses air and needs to be aired up from time to time. Over time, some have had air bag failures. I am glad that you have not had any trouble, and might not ever have any trouble. The timbrens are install and forget about them. All this being said, if you guys bought FORDS, you would not need air bags or timbrens.

My system maintains itself (keeps bags at the 5 psi needed to prevent damage) so I never have to worry about it. Heck the remote batteries are the same cheap ones that it came with. Air bag failure is due by too low or no air pressure and the bag rubs on it's self till it rubs through. This human error. All I need to do is press a button on my remote to air up to my preset pressure or another to drop back down to 5 psi. I can run 5 to 100 psi on the fly. This is sweet when on the road and weights change or the roads. Also I can run different pressures on each side if needed to balance an unbalance load. There are pros and cons to both systems. Truck makes have nothing to do with either system nor the need or lack of need. I bet you'll find Fords lead the sales on both systems. deadhorse

Earl

by Maxtor on 1/13/2011, 6:04 am

Well Earl;

I am glad you are happy with your airbags, as many others are. What I said is, and you confirmed, is the Timbrens are a install and forget system, airbags are not. One other cause of airbag failure is road debris damage. Both systems have their good points. Every year load capacities change for our trucks, but for years Ford has lead the way with the highest load capacities of the big three. All this being said, airbags are a good product and many owners love them.

char124

by oldelmer1 on 1/13/2011, 1:36 pm

The reason I went with the Timbrens was cause of the install and forget, and after doing lots of reading on airbags there are a good bit of folks complain about leaks. Then of course, air up when towing, air down when not, etc etc.

My brother has air shocks front and rear on his 1998 Dodge, and has to air up every 3 days, although he has the onboard compressor, so he just pushes a button and up they go.

I guess I didn't know there was a remote control for them, hmm, that could have been tie breaker on decision. Although I paid $224 for the Timbrens, I'm sure airbags with compressor and remote would have been lots more.

But, I think I will be happy with the Timbrens. I was going to take the camper back over to the same school yard this weekend and see how it looks with the Timbrens installed, but now the weather is saying snow for Saturday.

by Mopar_Earl on 1/13/2011, 7:08 pm

Maxtor wrote:Well Earl;

I am glad you are happy with your airbags, as many others are. What I said is, and you confirmed, is the Timbrens are a install and forget system, airbags are not. One other cause of airbag failure is road debris damage. Both systems have their good points. Every year load capacities change for our trucks, but for years Ford has lead the way with the highest load capacities of the big three. All this being said, airbags are a good product and many owners love them.

Well Maxtor (had to see that coming, right? lol)

I never once disagreed that the Timbrens weren't an install and forget it system. You stated no maintenance like air bags. What I was debating that there's no maintenance on my air bag system, which there isn't. I even check my install/owners manual and it has no maintance listed just to confirm I knew what I was stating. Maybe you meant to say simpler? Self operating? Unless you consider operating something as part of maintenance. Either way, it's all goods. My air bags don't need or require maintenance. My system DOES require human input on two buttons for operation if you want to dump the air for a better ride. If you don't, than it's self operating as the compressor system will always maintain the air pressure you set. But I'd rather not run around empty with 30 to 40 lbs of air in the bags, the 80 lbs in the rear tires is enough!

So we're both on the same page, here is how I feel about both systems:

Timbrens
Simple=yes
Adjustable=no
Maintenance free=yes
Cheaper than air bags=yes
Human input required=no
Lifetime warranty=don't know
Vehicle make matter=no

Air bags
Simple=no
Adjustable=yes
Maintenance free=yes
Cheaper than Timbrens=no
Human input required=yes and no, depends on which system you choose
Lifetime warranty=yes, my airlifts are
Vehicle make matter=no

As far as road debris taking out a air bag, I'd believe that would be very rare. If something did that you'd have more issues than an air bag to worry about. Also unless the Timbrens have a force field they'll be taken out as well.

Air bags can be a "install and forget it" system like the Timbrens if you go with one of the automatic self leveling systems available. They offer electronic and old school mechanical systems. I almost went this way but I wanted human input system so I could adjust it myself on the fly.

The Timbrens are a great alternative to air bags or any other helper spring as long as you don't want something that's adjustable.

Anytime you would like to debate on something, I'm game. I love a good debate! Well, not on vehicle makes, I don't believe in vehicle make bashing.

Earl

by Mopar_Earl on 1/13/2011, 7:30 pm

oldelmer1 wrote:The reason I went with the Timbrens was cause of the install and forget, and after doing lots of reading on airbags there are a good bit of folks complain about leaks. Then of course, air up when towing, air down when not, etc etc.

My brother has air shocks front and rear on his 1998 Dodge, and has to air up every 3 days, although he has the onboard compressor, so he just pushes a button and up they go.

I guess I didn't know there was a remote control for them, hmm, that could have been tie breaker on decision. Although I paid $224 for the Timbrens, I'm sure airbags with compressor and remote would have been lots more.

But, I think I will be happy with the Timbrens. I was going to take the camper back over to the same school yard this weekend and see how it looks with the Timbrens installed, but now the weather is saying snow for Saturday.

Tom,
I also believe you'll enjoy your Timbrens. I don't think you use your truck for much other than pulling your trailer so you'd probably be ok with a system that's not adjustable.

I've never had any luck with air shocks. They always leaked out the bellows for me or leaked fluid.

I think you'll find 99% of all air leaks on a air bag system is installer error. Under tighten, over tighten, not cutting the plastic tubing square, not doing a leak test and etc. My system never had a leak (I use to plumb air lines on class 8 trucks) and after 2.5 years still no leaks. Other than how the air bags mount it's no different than air bags on a semi truck. Even the plumbing is the same. They just use leveling valves for a automatic system.

I spent months researching air bags, Timbrens, automatic air systems, basic air systems, remote systems and etc. Also different brands. I almost went with Timbrens but the fact they aren't adjustable was a major issue for me. Also a few guys on TDR said they rode bad with a light load. They said if they were loaded light the Timbrens would be lightly touching the axle and made it ride bad.

To be honest, I'd of probably tried the Timbrens if Airlift didn't have a remote control system. I didn't want any parts of running wiring and air tubing into the cab with big ugly gauges and air switches mounted to the dash.

The remote system is sweet! The only thing in the cab is the remote. The rest of the system is on the frame rail. It's not a cheap system but man is it the poop!! Also the remote system maintains your pressure set point at all times. Truck sits a couple weeks, as soon as you turn the switch on it'll air up to the set point if it leaked down. Normally it's just a short burst on the compressor.

Keep us posted on your Timbrens.

Earl

by oldelmer1 on 1/14/2011, 5:57 am

Earl,
I agree with not wanting all the hoses and gauges and what not coming into the cab, that why I shied away from the airbags. Again, didn't know there was a wireless setup.

Heaven forbid I'd cut a hole in my new dash!!!

Oh, and the Timbrens are lifetime warranty too, and the company will do anything to make you happy, including giving your money back if you are not 100% satisfied.

So, we will see....

by etrailer on 1/14/2011, 7:40 am

oldelmer1 wrote:Earl,
I agree with not wanting all the hoses and gauges and what not coming into the cab, that why I shied away from the airbags. Again, didn't know there was a wireless setup.

Heaven forbid I'd cut a hole in my new dash!!!

Oh, and the Timbrens are lifetime warranty too, and the company will do anything to make you happy, including giving your money back if you are not 100% satisfied.

So, we will see....

I can vouch for Timbren's service. They are one of the best manufacturers to work with. They always field any questions we have and are always willing to help make our Timbren customers happy.

Tom, I think you'll be happy with them. I haven't heard any negative feedback on them yet. Did they install pretty easily for you?

by Maxtor on 1/14/2011, 8:10 am

Mopar_Earl wrote:
Maxtor wrote:Well Earl;

I am glad you are happy with your airbags, as many others are. What I said is, and you confirmed, is the Timbrens are a install and forget system, airbags are not. One other cause of airbag failure is road debris damage. Both systems have their good points. Every year load capacities change for our trucks, but for years Ford has lead the way with the highest load capacities of the big three. All this being said, airbags are a good product and many owners love them.

Well Maxtor (had to see that coming, right? lol)

I never once disagreed that the Timbrens weren't an install and forget it system. You stated no maintenance like air bags. What I was debating that there's no maintenance on my air bag system, which there isn't. I even check my install/owners manual and it has no maintance listed just to confirm I knew what I was stating. Maybe you meant to say simpler? Self operating? Unless you consider operating something as part of maintenance. Either way, it's all goods. My air bags don't need or require maintenance. My system DOES require human input on two buttons for operation if you want to dump the air for a better ride. If you don't, than it's self operating as the compressor system will always maintain the air pressure you set. But I'd rather not run around empty with 30 to 40 lbs of air in the bags, the 80 lbs in the rear tires is enough!

So we're both on the same page, here is how I feel about both systems:

Timbrens
Simple=yes
Adjustable=no
Maintenance free=yes
Cheaper than air bags=yes
Human input required=no
Lifetime warranty=don't know
Vehicle make matter=no

Air bags
Simple=no
Adjustable=yes
Maintenance free=yes
Cheaper than Timbrens=no
Human input required=yes and no, depends on which system you choose
Lifetime warranty=yes, my airlifts are
Vehicle make matter=no

As far as road debris taking out a air bag, I'd believe that would be very rare. If something did that you'd have more issues than an air bag to worry about. Also unless the Timbrens have a force field they'll be taken out as well.

Air bags can be a "install and forget it" system like the Timbrens if you go with one of the automatic self leveling systems available. They offer electronic and old school mechanical systems. I almost went this way but I wanted human input system so I could adjust it myself on the fly.

The Timbrens are a great alternative to air bags or any other helper spring as long as you don't want something that's adjustable.

Anytime you would like to debate on something, I'm game. I love a good debate! Well, not on vehicle makes, I don't believe in vehicle make bashing.

Earl

Any bashing by me on any make is joking on my side. As I have written many times, all makes have good vehicles. Of course not as good as FORDS... affraid

Now that is not bashing,,, that is elevating the best brand to it's top position.

lol!

Life is short,,, make someone smile today... Idea

by oldelmer1 on 1/14/2011, 1:18 pm

Patrick,

Yes, the install was as simple as could be.

by oldelmer1 on 1/16/2011, 5:49 am

Took the camper out to the same school yard yesterday to see if the Timbrens made any difference, as a reference, here is the before picture again:

and the after install picture:

I did put a level on the ground and it is on a slight downhill slant.

Also put a level on the bed rail of the truck and its on an uphill slant.

I think the after looks worse than the before, and you can see the same telephone poll behind the cab, so I'm in the same spot.

Maybe I need to add the 1" space on the Timbrens.

by Maxtor on 1/16/2011, 6:29 am

With the 5th wheel attached, are the timbrens touching the axle? Both pictures look about the same to me. Also what looks different is that the 5th wheel hitch looks like it is behind the center of the axle. I know you have stated that the attachment is a few inches in front of the axle "as it should be" but it looks like it is behind the center of the axle. I know that when you had your Montana connected to your Ford, you said that it looked level and normal. You would think that the springs on the Dodge would be the same or close to the same as the Ford. Since the new hitch made for the 2011 Dodge trucks is a new design, maybe they should have put if further forward than they did????

by kcnielsen on 1/16/2011, 7:19 am

I agree you should install the 1" spacer to the timbrens. I think the overload springs are still carrying most of the load and the timbrens are not coming in contact with the axle soon enough.

by MountainMan on 1/16/2011, 8:06 am

I'm really surprised a one ton dually truck would squat like that with an unloaded 5er.

Just think when the camper is loaded and your auxillary fuel tank is full...

I can't help but think something is not right with the truck springs, hitch install or something. Its just doesn't make sense that a one ton dually should squat so much with an unloaded 5er of that size. I've never owned a dually so maybe I'm just naive and expect too much.

by oldelmer1 on 1/16/2011, 8:39 am

Here is a picture of the Timbren with the camper on the truck:

Doesnt look very compressed to me.

by Sean on 1/16/2011, 8:58 am

oldelmer1 if you add the spacer would it not also make the ride harder when your towing due to having more contact on the axle?
Sean

by kcnielsen on 1/16/2011, 9:45 am

Tom it looks like it is only compressed about .25". Adding the spacer will definitely help.

Sean the timbrens act like an over load spring. They have to be compressed to carry a load. Check out their website.
http://www.timbren.com/index.htm

by oldelmer1 on 1/16/2011, 1:05 pm

Sean,
They are suppose to work like your bouncing truck in your signature Laughing

Like Ken said, they do act like the overload springs. They are just a hollow cylinder of rubber, the more weight on them the more they compress. And looking at the picture of them, they are not compressed very much at all.

I did take a lot of measurements the first time I had the camper on, but I am going to hookup again and take some more measurements with the Timbrens on.

by Maxtor on 1/16/2011, 3:21 pm

Tom;

Your DW said that you had TWO bags of potato chips in the back... Take out one,, and you are good to go....
lol!

by oldelmer1 on 1/17/2011, 5:03 am

2 bags of potato chips and a Coke!!!

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