Instead of getting a bigger truck we did this | Timbren | 3/4 ton vs 1-ton truck? | RV Life | Towing
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We expected to get a bigger truck when we upsized our fifth wheel trailer. Instead we are keeping our 3/4 ton truck and we upgraded our suspension to Timbren springs. We now have what is essentially a one-ton truck and therefore saved about $30,000.
Chevy offers options on the 3/4 ton which are about the same as the one ton. Ford does as well, except their heavy duty rear axle on the one ton is not available for the 3/4 ton. However the one ton light duty axle is available on the 3/4 ton. Ram has multiple engine and transmission options.
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Liz and Paul are fulltime RVers who met on the road as solo travelers. Each of us had been on the road for a year before getting together as a couple. This channel provides entertaining and informative RV tips and tricks if you are thinking about living the RV life fulltime, part time or just on weekends.
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Interesting fact.
I work for timbren in whitby ontario. Been here 23yrs. Im a floor guy in our fab shop. Seeing vids like this, with real people who use our aeons really makes us proud. Thank you for sharing this.
Really glad you like them
Yay! Thanks so much. We worked with Andrew and had a very positive experience with him. We are very pleased with Timbren!
Hi mike , i purchased and installed the timbrens on my ram 3500 and i have a slide in truck camper , i have a horrible pogo or bounce now, what have i done wrong? i added front and rear timbrens. If i cant find a solution i will be removing them thanks
@@gordwenzel2098 hi gord. Sorry to hear about your issues with the kits. Im a floor guy. U need to call our customer service dept. They field these issues and things like this. Check the website for all the contact info. Hope this helps.
Take care
ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP ME WITH MY LOWERED 2019 F150 4x4 that i want to pull a 6000 lb rv trailer?
I have an F-350 and I've installed the Timbrens. It's an amazing upgrade. I'm very pleased.
Yay! Thanks for the testimonial. Enjoy your F350!
Great video Liz and Paul! I like how you stress people to do their research and watch their truck limit. From my experience, most truck dealers don’t even understand “truck/tow math”. They simply state what the tow limit is and that is all wrong! They usually don’t know about payload, axles, transmission ratio and they will often default to - just buy a bigger truck...
Hi Maarten! Yes, there's so much to learn with towing, payload, etc. And we learn from people like you. Someone from the A-Team asked us to check our tires load rating. Guess what? We bought four new tires today. So far this video has cost us $1500! ;-) Thanks for you comment and hope you are having a good summer. We are on the border just wishing we could cross into White Rock and beyond!
Good information. The main point being aftermarket equipment can increase the load carrying capability of a vehicle but does not increase the allowable rated load.
Exactly. We are close to the limit but not over the limit. Timbrens allow us to tow safer. AND saved us $30,000 by not having to upsize to a one ton. Thanks for your comment and safe travels to you, John.
@@871jamie why?
@@tincanboat timbrens don’t increase the load rating, but they help your vehicle manage the load better. It’s like the difference between a backpack with thin straps, or wide padded straps; it helps weight distribution really.
I live by a very simple saying with regards to towing. “It’s far safer to over-truck your trailer than it is to over-trailer your truck.” So whatever the max tow capacity is for my truck, I like to stay below that by at least 1,000 - 2,000 pounds. It’s just a feel good thing for me. And air bags are a great upgrade to any tow vehicle.
Hear! Hear! And God bless Air Rides.
I’m getting creepily close to my payload with a slide-in. Shockingly, people get heavier slide-ins for the same truck I have, and I don’t know how they do it. I’d be sweating bullets.
I had a truck that I added 5 springs, had custom shackles made, and then added heavy duty air shocks. You could load and/or tow anything with that beast.
That sounds like one heck of a set-up! Thanks for your comment and be safe.
Phenomenal video. There is so much misinformation out there in both camps of the 2500-3500 crowd. It is highly dependent on the specific engine, cab configuration, brand, on exactly what the "weakest link" truly is. Glad to see you did the proper research and didn't let the tow police (many of whom simply do not know the FACTS behind any given specific truck) force you to spend a lot of money!
Yay! Thanks so much for your comment! Yes, we wanted to give good information that would be helpful. We think everyone towing should use Timbrens, regardless if they have a 2500 or 3500. Stay safe out there!
Finishing story on previous post I upgraded from '05 2500 D'max to '15 D'max 1 t drw and would never go back this truck also got airbags so I can adjust the ride height of the truck depending on the load. I also installed a TPM for the truck and trailer which has saved me $$$ when alerting to tire pressue losses before failures and giving the peace of mind that I can see temps and pressures in realtime. I also added Sumo springs to front of the truck as well as Bilstien 5100 series shocks and Banks I8 gauge set to keep and I eye on vitals that the steper mtr GM gauges arent accurate enough to follow. Like you I had Anderson but had Reese Airborne pin box to isolate trlr from road shock. Now have 40' TH with 3 axle Morrryde 4" suspension, 20k# Goosebox TPMs on all 12 tires and glad to have the peace of mind that having 2 extra tires on rear of truck provides if God for bid I loose a rear tire the trucks tow height and manuverability wont be compromised while I find a safe place to exit and park. Happy camping and watch those overhead clearaces.
Ah! The rest of the story- thanks! Glad you have a TPMS!
Great video! I'd like to share some additional tips for anyone looking to ensure safety while using their truck, particularly those with Toyhaulers. It's common for Toyhaulers to be loaded beyond their weight capacity, potentially leading to safety issues. One crucial factor to consider is tire weight rating, as it directly affects payload capacity and is factored into the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating). Ensure that your tire weight rating exceeds the load you're carrying to prevent blowouts.
To accurately gauge your truck's load, run it across scales when fully loaded, weighing each axle individually. Then, compare the weights to the rating sticker on your truck and check the tire weight rating. Additionally, ensure your springs can effectively manage the weight. Inadequate spring capacity can make driving over dips on the freeway nerve-wracking, as the truck may struggle to recover from the bounce.
Consider enhancing spring capacity with aftermarket helper springs from reputable brands like Hellwig or SuperSprings. Another option is to install Air Bags or Timbrens. Personally, I've had positive experiences with Airlift air bags, as they allow for adjustment depending on the load being carried. Airlift 7500 XL bags, for instance, feature an internal Jounce bumper that enables safe operation even at 0 PSIG.
Lastly, maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial. Inflate your tires to the maximum PSI when cold to ensure they operate at their full weight rating. Despite pressure fluctuations of about 10-12 psi on the road, avoid adjusting it, as it typically stabilizes and remains constant.
For reference, here's the setup I typically use on my SRW, GM 1-ton truck, which is similar to what I had on my 3/4-ton truck:
Tires: LT295/65R20 with a weight rating of 4080 pounds
Springs: Hellwig contact overloads
Airbags: Airlift 7500 XL
Front Sway Bar: Hellwig Bigwig
Rear Sway Bar: Hellwig rear
It's all about the combination of the right parts working together!!
Prioritize safety at all times!
If you like the timbren upgrade, you'll love the Hellwig Big Wig sway bar upgrade. Huge improvement. I tow a 40' Raptoe 5w toyhauler that weighs in at 16340 loaded, with a tuned, f250 with bags and hellwig bigwig sway bar. Tows beautifully.
Haven't heard of it, will have to check it out, thank you!
I have upgraded the suspension on a 3/4 ton truck (diesel of course) and it "worked" OK...but when I decided to go to a 1 ton...it only made sense to go to a dually at the same time. One of the better decisions I've made! 😃 The added load capacity is one thing, but the added stability is a "game changer" IMO.
To the best of my knowledge you can get a re ratting of your cargo cap only in certain states and by a licensed agent.new springs and sometimes new tire are needed. If done correctly you can get a new pillar sticker.
Thank you for that. We are fortunate that we don't need that. Still, very good to know. Thanks again!
Payload is the key. One ton has larger springs for higher payload.
Adding timbrens does not increase your payload, it helps cushion loads, you can still break springs etc once your payload is exceeded.
Hi Joel, from a legal standpoint, Timbrens do not increase payload. You can tow safer with TImbrens with the added stability. They do more than cushion the ride as they add an extra contact point. We are actually more stable with our 3/4 ton with TImbrens than with a one-ton without Timbrens. And it's true that springs can break with either 3/4 ton or one ton. Wishing you happy and safe travels!
@@LizAmazing Correct, having those adds stability, but if someone misconstrued your pitch, and they don't pay attention to the payload of their 3/4 ton, they could break things or cause an accident. Payload carrying capacity is the key to safe towing. Timbrens are a great addition for cushion and stability, but it does not replace the weight load for the truck.
@@joelsmithers6887 I thought they very much emphasized not going over the payload weight.....
Well, i kind of agree with you. We haul a 13,500 gvwr trailer. It is a custom car hauler with living quarters. Atc's are really light. The nature of our load, heavy tools in the bed all of the time took our 2500 HD to 9300lbs (on the CAT scale) add the trailer and we were approaching 11k on the little truck. Took all the tools off and got it doan to 9600 without us in it. We get what you are saying. Our tongue pull ATC with the jeep inside and all our tools spare tires and all weighs in at the same 9600lbs truck and 10,200 on the trailer. The new 3500 is longer and sits higher. With the trailer level the truck at .25-.30° squat the ride is amazing. Our trailer sits lower. No wind under it. No sway. If you are under max weights have fun. One more thought. The histic spring you are using takes away from the cushion in a pot hole. They brake stuff on bad roads. Love to see you guys weigh in in one of your videos. Great video!
Thanks so much. Paul says the Timbren might do that. But a pothole could do damage either way. Thanks for watching and be safe out there.
I really like your new format for your videos! Thanks for the informative video. Just a couple of notes, the difference in the Ram trucks between a 3/4 ton and 1ton can be as little as $500 for the base model. I bought a Limited model and found the difference was more like $1-2000 for similarly equipped trucks on the dealer's lot. None of course were exact one for one matches. Part of this may have been demand, 3/4 ton's tend to be in higher demand in our area. Another consideration for some folks is that a 3/4 ton in some states is much cheaper to register. Thankfully that is not the case here in FL. I was really glad to see your disclaimers at the end of the video. Timbren themselves make it clear on their website, "You cannot exceed the manufacturers axle rating or GVW rating of the vehicle. A Timbren suspension enhancement system will greatly enhance the performance of a heavily-loaded vehicle by adding to the spring rate. You can expect reduced sag, and improved roll stability." They are emphasizing these are NOT designed to increase payload or GVR ratings of vehicles. I appreciate your integrity in pointing this out!
Hi David, Thanks for your comment! We found about $1000 difference when comparing Chevys. Yes, it's very difficult to find exact matches when comparing. We have heard insurance can be higher on one tons, too. Something about it being rated as a commercial vehicle.
Yes about the disclaimers. We wanted to be really careful. If we're recommending something we want to be sure that people do their homework.
What is the new format you mention? Paul and I want to know what we are doing right! Thanks!!!
@@LizAmazing regarding the format, many videos ago, when you and Paul first started doing them together, I had commented having the camera so close to your faces was a bit disconcerting to watch. With your new rig and camera setup I feel like we're sitting down for a chat together, I really like that! Interesting comment on insurance, ours actually stayed about the same from my Ford F150 Limited to the Ram 3500 Limited, buy hey, I'm about your age and no accidents so they probably didn't really care when I changed out. I wonder if changing to a diesel truck helped with the insurance costs not increasing, good question the next time I talk to my insurance agent.
Hi David! Thanks for your reply. Yes, there was quite a long learning curve with the camera and lighting but the new rig certainly helped in bringing it all together. Thanks for hanging in there while we figured it out. I would think a diesel truck would be higher only because they are more expensive. The Chevy is my first diesel and I couldn't be happier with it!
It is true that the major difference(s) is/are the spring/suspension between 3/4 and 1 ton. However, upgrading your suspension or putting in an airbag does not, will not increase the payload, tow capacity. It only "improves" the ride. Only the manufacturer can rate or rerate the truck.
And I learned that spring shops can also get your truck re-rated. We are within our tow limits and know that we tow safer with the Timbrens. In fact, we think everyone pulling a camper or trailer should look into them as they increase stability- and are cheap and easy to install. Plus, the unloaded ride is not effected. Safe travels to you!
@@LizAmazing how heavy is your camper? It looks huge. I imagine 12,000 lbs.l at least. If You have a 2500 diesel, I’d suspect the truck weighs 7400-7500 lbs, only leaving you 2500 lbs for the pin weight hitches, cargo and people. It is the 10000lb Gross vehicle weight that you will run out of first. Not the actual towing capacity. With that said, I pull a heavy 5ver with a 250 and Timbrens with no problem but have ordered a 1 ton single rear for my next vehicle.
@@DadofBallers Yeah, we are right at the line. Thankfully, like we say in the video, this 2500 is beefed up more than most, has the one ton axle, etc, BUT we travel without fresh water to lighten the load. We've been trying to buy a new one ton for the past year but are waiting until the market is more buyer friendly.
@@LizAmazing I am in same boat. Ordered a one ton in January and it is finally supposed to be here May 19-25. Good luck. I enjoy watching how much fun you two have together!
Air bags verses timbrem.
I have an 01 F350 crew cab dually.
I currently have ride rite air bags which are controlled from the cab.
It maintains 5 PSI.
The empty 1 ton rough ride before and after the install with 5 PSI was not noticeable.
After hooking up my 5th wheel (1,900 lbs tongue weigh ) my truck sagged 2”.
Adding air to 30 PSI put my truck height back to zero and she rides like a Cadillac.
If I were to do the same with timbrem, she would guarantee to sag 1” due to the gap and then more as the bags take the load.
Which is non adjustable.
Therefore transferring less weight off the front end and increasing more load on the rear axle.
In order to give a realistic option, and say you are still truly under your gross GVWR and axle load rating, you would need to go to a certified scale and get a weight of every axle to determine if you are still barely under your limit or if the weight you are transferring from the front axle to the rear axle when the vehicle is loaded does not put you over the specs.
Thanks so much, I have the same truck as you (but GMC Sierra) and was definitely wondering about a one ton, you just saved me a fortune, thanks..See you out there
Yay! We are so glad to hear that- glad that we could help. There is a link in the comments to the Timbrens or just use this one to get the ones we have: Timbren Chevy/GMC/2500/3500 2WD/4WD 2011-2020 amzn.to/3kpsCB1
Happy travels!
@@LizAmazing Yep I did, happy RVing
@@871jamie I think its a good idea to beef up my truck but I am still going way smaller in weight and size when towing so way under my limit
@@871jamie Here you are again. Tow police 🚔🤣
I enjoy your channel and appreciate you speaking slowly, clearly and reiterating people are not to exceed manufactures load limits. I like Paul pointing out saggy springs have to go. I truly feel you are a safety first traveler even if it means taking longer to get there.
Hi Christy! Thank you so very much for your comment. We love having you on our team!
Hubby and I have a 4cyl suv with towload 2800lbs, our 12ft travel trailer was 1500lbs dry, we figured with us and all our gear, full propane, 10gallons fresh water, we were at 2700lbs. We travelled in USA, 13,000MILES, 33 STATES, 5months...got 17 miles to the gallon!!! Stayed off interstates as much as possible, and bigger cities...had a sway bar...kept mindful of where we had our weight. Newbies who have only tent camped before this, but watched many great informative videos like this and we made it safe and sound, and had an EPIC time!!! Thx for this video, luv to see people share good info! Watching from Vancouver Island BC🇨🇦❤‼️
Hello from across the water! We are in Birch Bay WISHING we could get into Canada! Sounds like you made some great memories on your big adventure. Timbrens will certainly help your setup by increasing roll stability and decreasing squat.
I hope you get to get out and get some good camping- the weather sure has been nice!
You should not leave Paul out... he is amazing!!!
He sure is... and he always saves the day!!!
Smart people for checking on these items. My 05 Dodge 2500 / with the Cummins has towed our Montana 3750 just fine! We now live in a Beautiful Country Coach Affinity that we found that has very low miles on it and are very Happy!
Yay! Congratulations on your Country Coach. Wow, Paul and admire those Class A's very much. We love our fifth wheel but are tempted to try out a motorhome in the future. Looking forward to meeting you on the road someday! Enjoy your Country Coach!
Good video. Timbren has been around for years, and I have used them on a few of my trucks. I presently have them on my Chev 1500 after pulling some dead air bags that the previous owner had neglected. I am still within the numbers, and happy with the stability of the Timbren blocks.
Yay! Thanks for the endorsement. We love ours and can really tell a difference with them on. Wishing you safe travels!
Question? Homes and Life, do you pull a 5th wheel with a 1/4 ton? thanks
I agree with everything you guys said. We had a 2016 F250 with tow package and towed a large 36ft travel trailer with an Equalizer weight distributing hitch and while the truck squatted, it didn't squat too much and handled the trailer just fine even on the major hi-ways with semi's passing etc. I added air bags to that for two reason, 1st I hate the look of a squatting truck and 2nd, I put a large salt spreader in it during the winter and often had 2 tons of salt in it while plowing snow. When empty it road very rough even with only 5psi. Fast forward to now and we bought a new (back in 2019) F350 srw crew cab diesel with heavy tow package, 5th wheel prep etc. and just bought a large 5th wheel and was pleasantly surprised when we hooked everything up the truck only squatted about an inch. We're just under all the numbers, and just under lol but this truck tows and handles this 43ft 5th wheel just fine. It's so true though, when I posted a picture of our new rig in a Face Book group I joined, the tow police started thumping their chest, said I was a hazard to mine and his family, said I was grossly overloaded, bla, bla, bla and had no idea what my truck was capable of, I showed him the actual numbers of 3640lb payload and a CGWR was 27,900lbs and what my truck's actual weight was etc. and no more tow police comments lol
Durn those tow police!!! Ugh! Good for you for telling them what's what. Timbrens can also help with 350, you'll tow safer. Of course if you are only squatting one inch they may not engage. I'd measure the gap of the bump stops first. And happy travels and camping to you!
I’ve had experience with both, Timbrens and airbags and found that with the Timbrens our F350 rode like a logging truck while hooked up to our 5th wheel trailer. Because the Timbrens compress with the load, the more load the more compression, the more compression the more harsher of a ride. Switched to airbags and the ride quality remained the same regardless of load applied. Not happy with the quality of ride I installed an AirLift setup with the onboard compressor along with the automatic leveling system, which as it’s name implies automatically levels the truck. The bags I used had the built in internal jounce bumper (bump stop)which prevents damage when driving with the airbags empty, so yes you can drive these with no air in them. Also the Timbrens under load compress that is the nature of how they work so the rear of the truck is going to drop down even if only slightly depending on the load applied. Airbags regardless of the load applied will level the truck which is something Timbrens cannot do.
For what it’s worth this has been my experience and may not represent every other airbag user but I liked the system so much that I recently installed the exact same airlift system on our new 2020 f450 truck, not that this truck needed it as it only dropped about 1/2” when connected to our trailer but it smoothed out the ride and even more importantly is keeping the truck level, riding level is what the manufacturer designed these trucks to do, in that the headlights and alignment will always be set correctly.
Hi Peter and thanks for your comment!
I was not aware of the airbags with the internal bump stops that you're using and can certainly see how they would have no effect on unloaded ride quality.
The systems you're describing would certainly cost a good deal more than the Timbren's but if cost is not a factor then I see absolutely no downside to going that route. Again, thanks for the info! P.
Hadn't heard of these types of airbags. Thanks for letting us know and how they compare with Timbrens and other systems. Happy travels!
In Canada, if you are involved in an accident while pulling a RV, they will check the GVWR as registered by the manufacturer for the truck. I did as you just stated. I went through a DOT check stop and found out I was over weight on my axle by 2000 lbs.. I got a ticket and had to leave the RV until I had a truck that was rated for our trailer. I had a tow truck pull our trailer to a camp ground, the next day continued home. The DOT had our insurance and notified them.
I was also informed by our insurance that if I pulled anything with my truck not rated for the wright I was pulling, I would not have insurance coverage. My registration for the truck has the manufacturer rated weight allowable.
All the check offs you went through did not include the manufacture vehicle GVWR.
We go to many rallies, went to one in Indiana where a guy just bought a Ford F350, single rear axle, he got a ticket for the truck pulling over weight, manufacture rated it less than the 40 foot 5th wheel he was pulling.
Glad they monitor this in Canada. We absolutely do not recommend anyone exceed their tow rating. In fact, we were careful to mention this several times in the video.
Yes, since the 250 and 350 are the same chassis, etc, the GCWR stays the same. In fact, I think that's true for most when comparing 3/4 ton to one ton.
Better check the load rating on those fancy aluminum wheels too.
Yeah we need to do that. We are going to get new rims as we are thinking of going from 20" to the 18" to get a higher tire rating.
Those fancy rims look stock, so you should be fine if you are within the limits of truck
Liz Amazing Great video! We have the same truck with 20inch wheels. Our Nitto tires are rated 3300lbs each and our GAWR on the tear is rated 6,700 lbs.
@@871jamie You didn't watch the video did you? They mentioned more than once that they are within payload limits but just wanted to beef up the trucks suspension for safer towing.
@@LizAmazing For sure cause, I got a ticket for being over the tire weight ratings
Lots of trailer manufacturers advertising new, lightweight models. Consumers are now tempted to buy a longer trailer to tow with their lighter truck, than they could have towed in the past. Need to consider WHERE the trailer will be towed, paved freeways only, and/or back country. If back country, a lightweight trailer is not likely to stand up well to the added abuse/twisting placed on it in the back country. Where the suspension attaches to the lighter weight frame tends to be a weak point than may need to be beefed up with some additional metal and some welding.
Good point. And if you are going to fulltime in one you will rue the lack of insulation making it pricey to keep warm/cool or just not able to get it to a comfortable temperature. Thanks for your comment!
You have helped me so much with ur vids! I am stuck with an SUV
(Due to a divorce + title issues) and limits of 2000#'s tow capacity.
Which is hard, because I am a Van girl and hate small vehicles.
But Im putting a hitch on this year and in scoping RV's... This was very helpful about springs and leaf springs.
Thank You.
Glad its all working out for you.
Hey there! Thanks for your comment. We are glad we can help. Happy planning to you. This is a great life and it sounds like you are doing it right by doing the research before jumping in. Hope to meet you on the road someday.
HI guys, I have used both bags and the Timbren shocks. The Timbren is much better on my 3500. The drive, weight distribution and the squat is improved with Timbren shocks. The install is VERY easy, and the cost as of 2018 was about $350. Thanks for the video.
Yay! Thanks for the testimonial. We do love Timbrens and know that we tow safer with them. Thanks again and enjoy the rest of 2020. Wishing good things for you and your family in 2021.
Nice, I did the same thing for my minivan. It doesn't increase your tow capacity, but it does make things smoother with less dip in the back, making things more stable.
Yes! We really love the Timbrens! Glad to hear that they work well for your minivan.
Great video guys. I have a small truck camper with a 1/2 tone and put air bags in for more safety as the truck and camper are still under the weigh limit and they work great. Did a hole installation and review video on them. The biggest thing is people need to understand they do not change your weight limit and should not be used as such. Thank you sharing your awesome information 👍
Yes. Very true. You cannot legally change your tow rating and payload. You can, however add stability so you are towing safer. Happy travels to you and thanks for weighing in! :)
F250 here towing about 80% of tow rating. I did sumo springs,(American made), hellwig springs lp-25, hellwig front and rear stabilizers, and bilstein shocks front and rear and bilstein steering damper. Remember to do alignment after upgrades. Also putting sumo springs on 5th wheel very soon.
Awesome! Paul says he checked out Sumo because they seemed more robust. Either way, good for you for beefing up your F250. Stay safe out there!
I put timbrens on my 2006 Dodge Durango 5.7 l for when I can’t use the truck to pull our travel trailer and while it doesn’t change how much I can tow, it significantly changed how the load is managed and keeps the frame from being bottomed out on the old bump stops. The only downside for me is that it removed all of the travel in my suspension and makes the unloaded ride extremely bouncy now. I am looking into remedying that right now to add some space for the shocks and springs to work and remove some of the road vibration. When I have the 5,000 pound trailer hooked up, it pulls like a champ. The weight distribution hitch keeps the front end from lifting and the timbrens keep the rear up where it should be. I’m not afraid of breaking an axle if I hit a dip in the road because I know the frame isn’t going to slam down like it was trying to do before the timbrens. 100% game changer. Between timbrens and using 91 octane when towing, life has gotten significantly better.
There should be an inch to an inch and a half gap between the Timbrens and the axle. You should not have any change in unloaded ride. Since you are experiencing this, most likely your leaf springs are shot.
@@LizAmazing it has coil springs, but yeah, that is what I am thinking too
@@LizAmazing I have changed out the coil springs with a set from a junkyard (as they aren’t available anymore) from a new wrecked vehicle and it solved the ride height issues. It lifted the rear end about an inch and a half off the timbrens where it is supposed to be. Life is a whole lot smoother now.
We love the Timbred for all the things you highlighted. We installed on our Sons Tacoma, very easy and great ride after installing them front and rear. Thank you so much
Yay, so glad to hear! Thanks for sharing, Joe!
Thx for the infirmative video I have been dragging trls around for 40+ yrs with most recently 4 5th wheels. I like you started with 2500 Chevy Dmax mine was bought new in '05 the trlr I pulled was a used 35' Alfa Toyhluse with GVWR of 12k# which the 2500 handeled easily pin wt was 2100#s. I upgrded to a 38' KZ TH with a pin wt of 3000 #s I installed airbags on the truck, Banks power kit with Speed Brske, upgraded tires to larger size for additional capacity and thought I was ok but hit scales aftwr loading and like you was at the limit of capacity. I took this rig to my favorite boon docking spot high in Sierras loaded with fuel 30 gal and water, 3 MCs 120gal Without warning traveling at 25mph on steep climb 10% grade I had a GY "G" rated tire fail on passenger front axle of trlr bare in mind the road I was traversing was 1.5 lane width and we weremin a turn on the road no guard rails and steep drop on driver side. Luckiky I had tools and flr jack to mnt spare. Continued on to the camp site @ 8k' elevation. Drove to Bakersfield without trlr to CW got new GY "G" rated tire then back to CG. Enjoyed Sierras for a week then on way down with trailer empty of fresh water and most fuel but full black qnd grey tanks lost passenger side rear trlr tire at 55mph under tunnel on fwy. This time at that speed the tire bleew out and fragments damaged the under side of the slide andmfuel station. Lukily I had triangles and the replacement tire and rim ready to mount in the 120°desert heat with SIL to do most work. I upgraded to
Oh my goodness. That sounds epic! Paul and I are so glad that that you are safe and there was minimal damage. We learned that tires do indeed have a weight rating and so we upgraded ours on the truck to handle more.
We do recommend Timbrens no matter what you're towing they will help you tow safer. With that, we wish you safe travels!
In reading through the comments, I think a lot of people are confused… Timbrens are rubber overload blocks and don’t come into play until your vehicle has weight added to it… Basically a rubber overload spring, and you don’t feel them at all if your vehicle isn’t loaded (you always feel airbags even with no load). Unlike normal overload springs, Timbrens push back more as the weight increases. Unlike airbags, you don’t have to do anything to maintain or balance them, and there isn’t a compressor nor air lines nor any hassle, you can ignore them, they are completely passive, and they don’t break (and they are incredibly easy to install).
The anecdotes about which air bags someone used to tow something that 99% of people never heard of does nothing for viewers. The info y’all provided about the minuscule differences between 3/4 and 1 tons is good info that most likely helped a lot of people. But all trucks will experience huge benefits from having passive overload springs/blocks… No truck should ever squat, it’s not safe.
Everybody needs to watch your video ( Rv crash | Towing Mistakes | Jack-knifed Camper | Travel Trailer Fishtailed | Totaled the Camper ) This is all the reasons why you should not tow over 80% of your capacity. If you are running close to max capacity everything has to be perfect and the weather also has to be perfect with perfect road conditions. Just want everybody to be safe we all drive on the same roads.
That's a good point. The travel trailer I crashed had been recalled for having the axle too far forward. We, too, want to be safe. We know the Timbrens add roll stability and definitely make us safer on the road. Thanks for your comment!
I have ran Trimbrens on my 04 2500HD since new. I run upgraded tires to get the max load capacity for tire size available and also upgraded my shocks to Bilstiens. I now have several hundred thousand miles towing heavy fifth wheels and truck camper all over the country without any issues. Trimbrens with heavy loads are awesome but they are rough with light loads. Timbrens are 100% maintenance free. My current camper is a 42' Sundowner Toyhauler that I pull with a 100 gallon diesel tank in the bed.
Awesome, thanks for your comment. Paul says upgrading the shocks is a great idea and he may do that one day. Agreed about the tires. We are fine but we would be better if we went from our 20 inch tires to 18 inch so we are looking into that. We have the highest capacity tire available in the 20 inch but you get more with an 18 inch.
I had not heard that about Timbrens and light loads, but that makes sense. 100 gallons- sounds like you are prepared!
I have an 08 F250 and did similar research. I found the only difference between the F250 and F350 SRW is the badge on the fender, the GVWR sticker on the door jamb and a 2" spacer on between the spring pack and helper spring. Checking part numbers, everything else is identical. The 2" spacer raises the helper spring closer to the engagement stops so it comes into play sooner. That's it.
Yep. Paul was doing the same research checking parts from Rock Auto between the 3/4 ton and 1 ton and found similiar. Crazy, isn't it?
Here are Timbrens for your truck, $60 cheaper using this link: amzn.to/3kJnBUc
There’s only about 800 dollars difference in a single rear wheel 1 ton and a 3/4 ton . So not only do you have the added benefit of extra capacity you have a weight rating sticker that says your legal
That's true. That's why we say if you are shopping just go ahead and get the one ton. AND if you do have a one ton get Timbrens for it, too! Makes a big difference!
Night and day difference. I put them on a E450 class C" it stopped most of the side to side roll. The RV was extremely unstable prior to installing. I only did the fronts at first but then after driving it I immediately ordered the rear. Our next option was to get rid of the rv, It drove that bad.
Wow! Glad to hear how much they helped your Class C! Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know!
With GMC the only difference really is the rear spring pack, an easy upgrade. In my state licensure is less expensive for a 3/4 ton than for a 1 ton. I know about the tow/weight police, because I’m buying a truck camper. 😉
Good thinking. You can get Timbrens especially for carrying a truck camper. Put in your year make and model on the Timbren site and then come back here for a link to get a discount. (Make a new comment as I don't always see the replies.)
And congrats on your truck camper! Welcome to RV life and happy trails to you!
All good points made in the video. However, you can add everything you can to a truck and it will never legally change your payload, GCVWR or towing capacity unless it is re-certified by the original manufacturer. So, if you tow over the B-pillar ratings on payload with a fully loaded trailer and get in to an accident you may be liable. It's a can of worms that I'm sure not many people want to open. When we upgraded this is why we opted to go to a 1 ton and skip the 3/4 ton. We gained a significant amount of payload capacity for very little upfront increase in the cost of the vehicle.
Agreed. You cannot legally change your payload. The Timbrens give us more stability and less sag. If we didn't already have a 3/4 we would have purchased a one-ton because the price difference is not significant. And Paul would still put Timbrens on a one-ton. Happy travels and be safe.
For those who can't afford to upgrade, but want a little more stability cruising down the road, I think this is a great option to go along with my sway bars.
Fact! You cannot change the sticker inside your door. I have a 3500 srw with a payload of almost 4k . I have installed 7500lb airbags but it does not change the legal rating of my truck.
@@brucefilbert5758 Not trying to change the payload. Trying to make a smoother ride. Something to work with the sway bars.
@@brucefilbert5758 Its more about making what you have (within the rating of your truck) more comfortable towing. No one is advising to exceed payload or tow rating.
Great video. I added the Timbrens on my 1/2 ton Toyota Tundra. It makes a HUGE difference in towing our Jayco 31BHS (Rear tow with weight distribution hitch). The Tundra has a 4:30 rear axle with the 5.7 I-Force V-8 and has PLENTY of power. I also added the TRD Rear Sway Bar for added control. It's amazing how a few small inexpensive after market upgrades can save you $$$$ compared to purchasing a new truck. My 1/2 ton Tundra tows like 3/4 ton now. Keep the great videos coming.
Glad to hear! Thanks for the kind words, Chris. See you in the next video. And enjoy your Timbrens!
I added sumo springs to my tundra as well along with the TRD Sway bar, new bilistens all around and with the 4:30 rear end… pulls my 9,000 lb trailer with ease. These simple modifications makes a world of difference.
We added a similar upgrade on our Class C Ford e350 chassis, front and rear Sumo Springs. What a difference in ride performance. No more porpoising, body roll or sway.
Yay! So glad. I added leaf springs to my Ford e350 Chinook camper van and that made a huge difference as well! Be safe out there.
It doesn’t let u carry more load. Payload is payload It gives a more stable ride. Less squat less roll. Let’s u tow better. Great video
Agreed. Payload is payload. Thanks for watching and commenting. Be safe.
I have a 04 Avalance and I put these very same things on my truck and what a difference it made
Yay! Glad to hear. Timbrens really do make a difference.
I installed a set on my current truck today. I had them on my last and loved them. Thanks for the video.
Yay! So glad to hear that, Norm. Enjoy!
If you are buying a new truck and waffling between the 3/4 and 1-ton: get the one ton. It’s maybe $2k more, at most.
If you really want stability, go for the 1-ton dually.
Yes! Thank you! We say that in the video.
I put them on my 250 and absolutely loved them, I added a leaf and bagged it for level.
Yay! We recommend Timbrens for everyone who is towing. They make a big difference.
Do they increase payload
@@tropiczyt1944 they have different options for 5k or 8k payload depending upon vehicle. The added leaf springs helped as well
Timbrens and or supersprings dose not increase your load carrying weight but will level out your TV with a load on it. My paperwork that came with my supersprings stated that in bold letters. People are going to do whatever they want to so to each their own...
You'll definitely tow safer with Timbrens!
I use the roadmaster active suspension system and so far I don’t need them to tow my trailer but I don’t have a heavy trailer I’m only at 7400 loaded but also tow with a 1/2 ton Chevy Z71
Good to know! Thanks for your comment and be safe out there.
Thanks for making this videoI've been trying to figure out a solution to this problem for a while
Glad to hear this! Thank you for watching.
My 08 ford 250 is identical to a 350. The only difference is spring stiffness front and back. More leaves in the back. Bigger diameter coils in front. Frame, axles, transmission and engine are identical.
Exactly! Good for you for doing the research. And thanks for watching.
I am on my 3rd truck with these and they work great also I installed them myself without even jacking it up and removing the wheel
Yay! Paul has now installed them on two of our trucks and on a friend's truck. We highly recommend Timbrens for anyone who is towing.
Your Timbrens my help level your truck, and even stabilize it some in high winds. But, they do not increase the load carrying capacity of your truck. The load rate is stated on your door jam and that is as high as it gets. Over those numbers and have an accident and you could be in a jam.
Thank you. That's why we say that exact thing FOUR times in the video. AND we just did this, check it out: th-cam.com/video/KOk5e01bkXo/w-d-xo.html
I have Timbrens -- they used to be under $100 (20 years ago) before they renamed them "springs" so felt they could increase the price. If you're in the market for a truck just buy a one ton+ dually folks :). Otherwise Timbrens are great for adding some stability and preventing sag. I went with Timbrens in my F450 since I have a truck camper and wanted it to set level and solid -- although tbh with the F450 it likely still would have been level this just adds support. I didn't want the maintenance problem of airbags and didn't want the increased complexity of managing air lines. Brakes and axles are bigger in an F450 vs F350 now for irony: technically the F450 has lower payload then an F350 because the F450 is stronger and more capable = more weight but they want to keep from it being classified "Commercial". So an F450 at max payload is very safe with the huge brakes and axles - over built. vs. an F350 at capacity which would be pushing the envelope.
Good to know about the 450. We agree 100% that if you are in the market for a truck and the 3/4 is borderline, then just go ahead and get the one ton. If/when we upsize we will probably skip the 350 and go right to the 450. I have heard that some insurance companies automatically rate it as a commercial vehicle. I wish they made those with SRW.
Glad you are happy with your TImbrens- so are we. Travel safe and hope to see you on the road someday.
Liz Amazing what is SRW?
@@slalomking single rear wheel
Be sure to check your load range on your tires too, especially the rear.
Good point, we actually had to go up one size, 275 > 285 to get the load rating we needed. Interestingly, the speedo is more accurate now than it was with the stock tires.
@@LizAmazing Hmm wonder if your Chevy's speedo is measured at the transmission or wheel. If it's at the wheel, a bulging tire (due to load) would throw it off a bit I'd think. Anyway, appreciate your videos, they are helping in my research in an attempt to transition into the RV life!
Great video Liz and Paul!
Great video Liz and Paul!
Just one simple comment, watching Liz hold Paul's hand is one of the most wholesome part of this video and it builds a sense of authenticity and trust. Thanks guys!
That is so kind of you, thank you so much.
Great info! Now, before I get rid of my 4runner. I need to find a truck that gets good mpg.
I've learned mpg can make a big savings in money. Especially if your an outdoors person who likes to camp and travel. I want a razr truck camper. Small, compact everything I need for me and my dog. Now need a truck with great horsepower because of hill grades and of course mpg.
Yes. And do get the Timbrens on your new truck. That will help hugely with how it carries the truck camper. There's a big shortage of pickups in both new and used. Best of luck finding a good one, and happy camping!
A very interesting and complex, technical subject. Lots of things to consider in terms of towing capacities and easy of towing. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! A lot to think about and research, especially payload. Thanks for watching and commenting. See you in our latest video right here: th-cam.com/video/1RtLvAl3INk/w-d-xo.html
You would upgrade to tow legally if you are going heavier on the trailer. Most 3/4 tons have a gvwr of 10,000 pounds. That 10k is just simply too light when you minus the curb weight, hitch weight, passenger weight, and whatever cargo you have in the truck. Can you tow a lot with a 3/4 ton, yes. It just all depends on if you will be legal while towing. Save yourself the worry and buy 1 ton (just my opinion). Great video though, guys!
Yep. Like we say, if you are shopping for a truck, just get the one ton, the price difference is not that much. Happy travels to you!
👏👏👏👏👏 thank you very much for this video. Because if I listen to the" tow police" RV towing a 12000 pound trailer with a F-450 or a 550.
Yep!
I am so glad y’all did this.
Us, too! Thank you!
Timbren makes perfect since. Unhitched ride quality of 5 leaf over 9 leaf is night and day! You only need extra strength when a load pushes down greater than leaf capacity. As far as safe size of truck pulling X weight, it has more to do with weight of truck verses weight of tow when entering a curve at regulated speed limit. (push) Have seen many numb-nuts pulling too heavy of construction equipment flipped off the curve in 1tons.
Yikes! We are in Washington State and see logging trucks taking the curves like they think they are diving a sports car! I think a lot of drivers have a cowboy mentality. Thanks for your comment and stay safe.
Liz I'm a little late with this question but twice in this video you mentioned buying a 1 ton truck for 30k. Where can I go to make this happen. Every dealer I go to wants much more money than that. I think now maybe I should have bought Paul's 3/4 ton pick up. Thank you for the information. You 2 are so very informative on so many topics.
Great question. Sorry that was confusing. It would cost us an additional $30,000 for a new one ton on top of our trade, which is worth about $30,000. New one tons are typically $60,000 to $80,000, depending on how you want it. Paul sold his 3/4 ton for $28,000 for a quick sale. Now 3/4 tons and one tons are MUCH higher in price. If you can wait before purchasing the prices may eventually come back down.
My 10 year old daughter and I installed 5,000lb Air Bags(check out our video) on my 2019 Chevy 3500HD SRW. Before that I did consider Timbrens, but opted for the flexibility to adjust ride comfort. That being said, the simplicity of Timbrens is one of its greatest advantages. I am pulling a 36ft Grand Design 320G Momentum and before that a 36ft Reflection and the handling difference is substantial enough that I would ALWAYS recommend Air Bags or Timbrens a first upgrade for any tow vehicle. Thanks for another great 📹!
You are so welcome! We opted for the Timbrens over the airbags because much cheaper, especially if considering the on-board air compressor. Also Timbrens do not affect unloaded ride quality. (Paul tried air bags and did not like the unloaded ride.) We do believe everyone towing needs to upgrade their suspension for safer towing! TImbrens add an extra contact point, which is another bonus. Thanks for watching and commenting- safe travels!
I went with sumo springs $269.00 and I installed them myself.i have a Tundra sr5 towing package.my towing capacity is 10,300 lbs new camper 7567 lbs. I’m hoping it towers better with no squatting .thanks for your info Ron
We prefer Timbrens bc they carry more load but I am sure those Sumo Springs will help. Happy towing to you! See you in our latest video right here: th-cam.com/video/1RtLvAl3INk/w-d-xo.html
While I can see a benefit to this over just bump stops as a safety feature to the truck. Air bags are made to simply level off a truck while towing I can see pro & cons there. Theses more or less are just engaging your “bump stop” sooner to limit or slow movement down.
As long as your under the rated capacity of the truck it’s a enhancement. But don’t think you can make your 3/4 ton to a 1 ton. Your still limited to the failure point of tour leaf springs
Yes. The Timbrens add another contact point with the axles and help tow safer as they add stability.
To be specific you are speaking of the single wheel 1 tons, once you go to a dually you do get larger rear brakes,larger axle tubes and shafts and bigger heavier rear springs. Often the 2500HD diesels only limiting factor is an artificially low gvwr number and sometimes the rims and tires aren’t as heavy or rated for as much as the 1 ton single wheel offerings . Keep it under your axles maximum rating and enjoy your camping experience.
Yes, that's a good point. We were comparing single wheel to single wheel. In addition to axle rating, we learned that tires have a rating, too. Important to check that as well. No matter what you've got, we do recommend Timbrens for safer towing as they add stability.
I bet your outtakes are great. Show some on a Rainy day...we all need a good laugh.
Thanks Sep! We sure are having fun making these videos. Hope you can get out on the road soon and escape the heat. Looking forward to chatting with you next month.
👍 we did the same, 2500 beefed to take 35k with hemmi and I pull train.
38 ft plus 24ft boat with 19 ram 2500. Coil springs and beefed to 1 ton with assist.
Air bags are harder then springs, people just think it sounds cool.
Also leak
And air bags are more expensive than TImbrens. Glad you have them!
On my 1/2 ton Tundra, I went with the Firestone bags on the rear. Once
not towing, the bags go down to 5-10 psi and I get the same ride.
That's good to know. We've had many people tell us that airbags even when slightly deflated like that make the ride harsh. In fact, Paul had airbags and was not happy with the unloaded ride. Glad to hear that is not the case for everyone. Thank you.
Towing close to the weight limits have a negative affect on longevity and durability regardless of this piece of equipment inserted into the suspension, another thought is just because you can doesn’t mean you should. If you’re interested in long-term full-time RVing please don’t go close to the Weight limit as the years go by you keep adding in more crap and you’ll surpass your limits without even noticing. Consider what you’re towing if you just hooked up to a $75,000 fifth wheel the overall investment could also include longevity and durability of the tow vehicle, save money now spend money later, good luck
Hi Poof, Thanks so much. You make good points, especially about adding more stuff! We did just go to the CAT Scale, but maybe we need to make that a regular thing just to keep tabs on it. Wishing you safe travels!
Another important thing to consider. The manufacturer when they put the trucks together basically use the cheapest tire they can fine If you don’t know what it is and you assume that they’re using the proper tire for the load that you were going to put on them this is something you really need to look into and check for safety sake. Towing heavy loads all day every day every other day once a week it all adds up if you’re dealing with a cheap tire or one that’s not rated for the weight you intend to tow behind you, remember all flat tires don’t happen when you’re sitting in a parking lot and having a tire come apart at towing speeds is something that you do not want to happen to you. Tires are an Intercal part of this equation. don’t think you’re OK because of this Band-Aid you just put on. please be careful check your tires ratings and make sure you get a tire rated to the weight you’re towing along with the sufficient buffer to keep You safe.
Excellent video. Thank you. Also make sure your tires are weight rated for the load you want to tow. Sadly not all dealers put on the appropriate tire's.
Yes! Excellent point. We just upgraded our tires yesterday. We learn so much from the A-Team. Thank you!
also, make sure your tire center inflated them properly. I've seen tires meant to be inflated to 66PSI at 32PSI, and tires meant to be at 80PSI inflated to 40.
Hello I just stumbled across your channel; you guys are really cute together. I'm a retired truck driver and have seen so many of the RV’s and travel trailer overloaded. The problem is the lack of knowledge when it comes to payload, towing capacity axel ratings and overall towing safety. There is so much more to towing than most realize, so I suggest to do your homework for your safety and the motoring public. I really like your content and appreciate the time you took to gives us your recommendation on how to make our towing experience more stable. I too have the Timbren enhancement system and really like it. Keep up the good work, I just subscribed.
Hi and welcome to the channel! We are so glad to have you with us for our journey. We have several retired and active truck drivers in our audience. We sure learn a lot from folks like you. Thanks for endorsing our Timbren video. We do believe everyone towing should consider them. Thanks for subscribing, be sure to ring the bell to get an alert for our next video. See you there!
Great video. We are upgrading to a Grand Design 226RK. I'm a data nerd and have done the calculations and I can legally and safely tow it with my 2015 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost and max tow packages. I'm going to install the timbren ses on my truck before we pick up the new rig.
Good for you for doing the research. And Timbrens will help you tow safer. Congrats on your new rig and hope to see you out there.
You will always be happy with the truck you have until that fateful moment you realize, you over estimated what your truck can handle.
That usually involves seeing your life pass before your eyes.
That's why it's so important to focus on safety. You can definitely tow safer when adding Timbrens, which provide more stability.
So Paul I see on your jacket you are ASE . Did you work for a independent or a dealer? I worked for a dealership on and off for 34 years . When I didn’t work for a dealership I had my own shop . My last 10 years in a Pontiac dealership as shop Forman before going in with my son . In a new world of renovating hotels across the country . I retired in 2019 because of the out break of Covid . It now give me more time to camp . We have a 350M Grand Design Momentum . And yes I am pulling with a 2500 Ram but with air bags .
No after market is going to increase you enough to pull some of these monsters 5 wheels. Why because single rear wheel the limit is the tires. One ton duel means more cap on the tire end. Less side to side stress and more rubber for stopping and less tire heat.
Another thing you can do is get heavier duty tires, so that you don't have to get a dually.
Thank you for the information I am going to see how they do on my 07 GMC HD Classic Sierra. Pulling a 30 ft bumper pull.
They are great and we highly recommend them for anyone towing. Looks like yours is Timbren SES Suspension Enhancement System SKU# GMRCK25S - Rear Kit, but double check of course. Let us know how you like them!
Dont forgot to check your differential ratios as well. Sometimes the ratios bump up higher for the 1-Tons as well.
Yes that's true. You can get the same gears in either, it's just a good idea to check.
Good video, thanks. We have the 10k rated F250 and went with Timbren for pulling our 33' Airstream. Great improvement. Verified with Ford Mechanic about 250 vs. 350.
Thanks so much for backing us up! Enjoy your Airstream. Happy travels.
Great video, I definitely agree with you both. I have a half ton, checked my weights and I am safe but close to the top end, within 80% total capacity on my trailer weight tow capacity. I totally agree that you can not add payload capacity but the more stable you can make your trailer and tow vehicle, the safer you are. Sway issues can be a real pain like Paul mentioned, those can really make or break the day. I definitely agree that know what your truck is capable of, each truck is different with payload, tow capacity, etc. Stay safe and keep the awesome videos coming. Truly great content. 😊👍🏻👍🏻
Hi there! Thanks so much for your kind comment. We are so glad you are enjoying our channel. If you haven't already, please ring the bell to get notified of new videos. Stay safe out there!
I see ASE certification on jacket so your opinion is respected. I also am for 40 years ASE certified in all light weight vehicle classifications. What is the point? I agree with you completely! However some may not understand about their axles limits. Many 3/4 ton axles are supported by a roller bearing riding directly on the axle shaft and retained by a “C” clip in the differential but heavier duty “axles” have 2 bearings at the wheel thus they are inherently stronger. Of course each requires proper maintenance and lubricant. If the owner does not know for sure, I would reccomend gettind a consult from a powertrain expert, someone that repairs such on a regular basis, not someone who just sells you “helper springs”. My experience with RV’ers has all been about being safe as possible but yesterday a man asked about putting a 5th wheel hitch in a F150 with an EcoboostV6. I am hard pressed to believe he has enough truck. Thanks for helping us all!
Thank you for your comment! And yes that sure is an ASE certification. Good tips regarding consulting an expert. Happy and safe travels to you.
Great RV tips, but I think you guys are what is appealing about your channel. I like to see how you guys clearly support each other. I really enjoy your occasional drama moments. (nearly crashing rig into a canopy, bike stolen - sorry, no hot water!). I think your videos are thoughtfully scripted, but I would love it if you captured some truly off-script incidents, with dialogue of course. Even talking while driving, or cooking experiments (not demos). Small town exploration with your impressions, would be nice. Cheers.
Kevin, that is such great feedback, thanks so much! Paul and I sure are having fun making these videos- glad it shows! We will...see you in the next video!
Question. Is the gross combined vehicle weight between the 3/4 ton and 1 ton the same. Gross axle and combined as well as tow are not the same. You can be within you axle and tow capacity but the weight of the total package.. truck, trailer and contents can still exceed your combined max weight.
Yes. GCVW are identical. The difference is in payload.
Great video guys. One alternate option would be the Sumo Spring. I have had 2 trucks that I added the Timbren springs and really like them, but they were way too stiff on my last truck with a fifth wheel trailer. For my latest 3/4 ton I went with the Sumo Spring. It has a much lower weight rating. It mounts the same way as the Timbren, but it is a slightly softer ride. I do think either one is a good addition for any truck carrying a heavy load.
That's another great option. Paul looked at those, too. Decided given the weight we are pulling we needed something really dense. Just glad to have these options out there to make towing safer! Thanks for your comment.
Paul and Liz amazing 😉
Awww, thank you!
Just took Timbrens OFF my Ram 1500. They were great at reducing squat and sway, but the ride on rough roads was absolutely miserable. The Timbrens typically stocked and recommended for my 1/2 ton ton truck are rated at 6000 lbs. Think about it, you will never tow anything close to that payload with your truck. It’s also pretty obvious from this load rating that these spring assist devices are really going to be stiff. I called Timbren with the intention of trying to get a refund. They informed we that they also make a product that looks and works the same but is rated at 1800 lbs max load. Timbren shipped me out a set of these at no cost, plus told me to keep my current 6000 springs. Wow, what great customer service! Haven’t installed the lower rated Timbrens yet but I’m optimistic that they will be a great compromise in reducing squat and sway while at the same time providing a reasonable ride even on rough roads. The lesson from this is to ask yourself if you are willing to put up with a rough ride to use the 6000 lb Timbrens on your 1/2 ton truck. I can honestly say that my truck felt like it had absolutely no springs or shocks when I was towing with the original Timbrens. Based on my experience, for towing with a 1/2 ton truck I suggest using either the Timbren 1800 lb spring or a Sumo spring in a similar weight rating. FYI I’m towing a 30 ft travel trailer which is close to my max payload rating but well below the max tow rating. The Timbrens definitely make a noticeable difference in the stability of the truck towing this load.
Glad to hear you are going with different Timbrens! It's great that they have just something for everyone just about! Thanks for watching and see you in our latest video here: th-cam.com/video/iP5Xlb6awVo/w-d-xo.html
I actually just ordered them yesterday
Yay! I think you'll love them. Thanks for watching.
Just my personal experience. Timbrens seemed like a good alternative. Installed on my Ram 1500 towing about 5000 lb bumper pull camper with the intention to minimize sap of the rear coil springs. They did just that but the ride quality was absolutely terrible. Maybe it's due to trailer only having 500-600 lbs tongue weight. The issue was we were not engaged at all time with the timbrens. Took them out and returned after 300 miles of towing. Just not a fit for my situation.....glad they worked for you.
Oh that's good to know. Thanks for your comment. We learned there are actually spacers you can get from Timbren so that they engage sooner. We just installed (I mean PAUL installed!) them on our Chevy and they work even better. That might have helped in your setup, too. Happy travels to you!
May have missed this in the video, but if your truck is a 3/4 ton diesel, I bet the pin weight alone on that big 5'ver is already busting your payload. If it's a gasser, you've got a little more wiggle room. No Timbren, Sumo Spring, Add-a-Leaf or anything else is going to change that. The extra 1k plus of payload you get with the 1 ton over the 3/4 is well worth it.
Yeah, some people do need that extra 1000 pounds. That's why we tell people if you are looking for a 3/4 ton or a one ton, just get the one ton. The price difference is not that great.
Liz Amazing....curious...please post your payload sticker from the truck as well as the model/specs on your 5th wheel. Again, if diesel u are probably already well over your ratings. If gas, probably very close. Not nitpicking, but been there/done that and I think u need to be up front on this . U are potentially encouraging people to go over ratings by a substantial amount. Many respondents sound like they are not familiar with how to properly calculate ratings and your video is not providing sound info on how to do so.
I learn so much from you both. I love how you hold hands.
Aww, thanks so much! So very kind of you! See you in the next video.
Your learning wrong. Bad and dangerous info here. These people should be ashamed to pass along false info like this.
Dang watching the end of the video your 5th wheel is huge. Spot on information too.
Thank you- yeah we will definitely not be getting a bigger rig, lol! Glad you enjoyed our video. We think everyone who is towing would benefit from Timbrens.
Thanks for making this video. The tow police keeps telling me that I have to get a semi truck to pull my 30ft fifth wheel. SMH I ended up getting my first brand new truck 2500 ram AKA the "cowboy cadillac" and still within capacity! After doing the same research you did between the two trucks. And I'll be adding them timbern on my truck.
Yes sir! You can save a lot of money getting Timbrens, and tow safer, too. Let us know how you like them!
I am more concerned about pin weight, my tow weight for my RV was within specks, when I weighed the truck in travel mode and added the pin weight it was over by like 1000 lbs. 3/4 ton Chevy 2500 diesel and my 382 MBQ. Yes, it would tow it but my pin weight (truck GVWR) is over. No offense meant
Agreed. You don't want to go over payload.
I Will say on thing 60mph is safer than 70mph towing a tt
By far~! Thanks for making that very good point. We love Timbrens - we wish everyone towing knew about them. They make such a difference!