There seems to be one of two extremes that some of our customers navigate toward when choosing a Timbren SES kit:
- Not enough capacity
- Too much capacity
Timbren SES extreme mistake #1
In an effort to save a few bucks, some people buy the SES kit with less capacity. They’ve done their research, and deduced that the kit for a 1500 pickup will fit their 3500 as well. (After all, the brackets are almost identical.)
Their reasoning continues like this:
“The kit for the 1500 is rated at 5600 lb. So, that should be enough to tote my “little” one-ton load.”
And for a while, it works great.
Then, one day, they decide to buy a fifth wheel. Wow – so cool! What fun and excitement. And they head out on its maiden voyage, only to discover that the Aeon® springs (from the Timbren SES kit) have kicked out sideways… or, worse, have fallen off the tow vehicle.
Don’t try to cut corners in order to save a few bucks. Spend the money on the right kit – the one designed for your vehicle – and avoid the chaos further down the road.
Timbren SES extreme mistake #2
Wanting to get the biggest bang for their buck, some customers decide to buy the “severe service” kit. They want the most stability and the highest capacity. They think more is better.
But the truth about severe service? Not everyone needs it!
Here’s why:
Most rubber springs used on pick-up trucks are double-convoluted, providing a perfect blend of capacity and ride quality. But the rubber springs used for “severe service” are single-convoluted.
Single-convoluted springs – made shorter and wider – resist weight more aggressively. The result? Reduced ride quality in exchange for more stability.
Unless you’re hauling a slide-in camper or using a salt spreader, you don’t need a severe service kit.
Hey, don’t make the same mistake twice…
Whether you have a 1500 or a 3500, buy the Timbren SES kit recommended for your vehicle. If you’re not sure, send us an email, or call customer service 1-800-263-3113.
