Author: Lynne Fedorick
caravanning is supposed to be about relaxing and enjoying the journey. However, towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel that sways and rolls behind you is anything but relaxing. Rear end sag is often the culprit behind handling problems when towing a caravan. With that said, rear end sag and the problems associated with it are easy to solve by adding a suspension upgrade. Both airbags and Timbren SES Suspension Upgrade can be good choices for caravan towing. What’s more, either of them can be installed on both the tow vehicle and the RV to help level the load.
“It took 10 minutes to install the product. Ease of installation is always appreciated and the product fits perfectly. The stability under towing is excellent for peace of mind.”
- Steven H via Timbren.com
Airbags are rubber bags filled with air. They need to be inflated or deflated according to the load you’re carrying. While you could do this manually, it’s a hassle. That’s why most people who use airbags choose to install an air compressor system to automatically inflate and deflate the airbags as needed. However, this means you’ll need to install air lines and a regulator as well as the compressor itself.
A big downside of airbags is that each of these components requires regular maintenance. Not only that, but the airbags themselves will need to be replaced after a few years of use. If you need a suspension upgrade to give your truck better handling and a smoother ride, airbags will definitely do the job. However, compared to Timbren SES, they’re expensive ($2,500 expensive!), require labor intensive installation, regular maintenance and replacement every few years.
Aside from improved ride quality and handling, airbags offer the advantage of being adjustable to let you customize your ride according to your specific needs.
Aside from their obviously different appearances, there are key differences in the way Timbren SES and airbags work. For one thing, Timbren SES doesn’t rely on air. Instead they use durable patented Aeon® rubber springs that take the load off your vehicle’s OEM suspension and level the load under all conditions. This gives them some notable advantages over airbags whether you’re towing or carrying a heavy camper. Here’s a YouTube video that can provide more details regarding what Timbren SES kits are and how they can help you tow and haul while maintaining a smooth ride quality.
One of the most beautiful things about Timbren SES is their simple installation and operation - DIYers begin to salivate! It takes about 30 minutes for the average caravanner to replace the OEM bump stops with Timbren SES. Replacing bump stops with a Timbren suspension upgrade is a super easy job that requires no special tools.
Of course, ease of installation isn’t everything. Because they don’t rely on air, Timbren SES never needs maintenance or adjustment. There are no other components for Timbren SES - what you see is what you get. The patented Aeon® rubber springs simply work away, helping your suspension and giving you a superb driving experience. Ease of installation and reliable operation have made Timbren SES the favorite suspension upgrade for caravanners who venture down the world’s most rugged backroads.
However, you don’t need to be a backcountry adventurer to appreciate the Timbren SES Suspension Upgrade. Timbren SES reviewers report improved ride quality and vastly improved handling no matter where they're going or what they’re towing,
“We tow an 13,000 lbs 5th wheel with our 2014 F250. We are close to the towing limits of our vehicle and we didn't have the stability we would like. This upgrade has made a huge difference. The truck is much more stable, and large bumps do not impact the truck nearly as much. The ride quality is greatly improved when towing and we haven't noticed a negative impact on ride when the truck is empty. This is a great solution if you want to upgrade your tow vehicle and you can't afford, or don't want the complexity of air bags.” B. Trankina, Amazon.com
Whether you choose air bags or Timbren SES for towing a caravan, the result will be better handling and improved ride quality. As complex and expensive as they can be, airbags offer one advantage that Timbrens don’t- they can be adjusted to fine tune the quality of your ride.
However, Timbren SES is the more cost effective and easier suspension upgrade of the two options. Unlike air bags, anyone can install a complete Timbren SES suspension upgrade in under 30 minutes with no special tools. And once they’re in, they’ll be there for the lifetime of your vehicle with no additional components. Timbren SES never needs maintenance or adjustment. It’s such a simple and effective upgrade, especially compared to relatively complex systems that use air bags.
“Definitely plus value for the money.Truck leveled out with the fifth wheel on and steering felt like there was lots more tire on the road.Two thumbs up!!” - Ken T
Oh, and one last thing - every Timbren SES comes with a 100 Day Money Back Guarantee and a No B.S. Lifetime Warranty. Timbren has your back as long as you own the vehicle.
Ultimately, the choice between Timbren SES and air bags will depend on your personal preferences and how important fine tuning your suspension is to you. One thing is certain: Timbren SES is an upgrade you won’t regret.
