How to boost your ute's rear suspension
Does your pickup sag too much?
Perhaps you’re wondering, “Shouldn’t my new ute have better rear springs?” What’s the deal...?
Your new pickup might need helper springs for towing
Even though your new ute has a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 lb (4,627 kg), it doesn't mean you’ll somehow avoid rear suspension squat.
Here’s why: Metal springs (leaf and coil) are linear, i.e., their spring rate remains the same as it compresses all the way to the bottom.
On the other hand, a progressive suspension enhancement system – like the ones found in a Timbren SES kit – has a spring rate that increases as it continues to compress. What does this mean? It means that Timbren rubber suspension upgrades are actually stronger than steel!
FYI - Here are four factors that contribute to rear suspension squat:
- A heavy trailer
If the weight of your trailer exceeds the payload capacity of your tow vehicle, you will not be able to tow it safely or legally.
- Uneven weight distribution
Many people are within the weight limits on paper but still have uneven and unsafe loads. Setting up your trailer so you have the proper amount of tongue weight is just as important.
- Suspension problems
Some suspension issues, such as weak leaf springs, may not present themselves without a load. If you notice a drastic amount of squat when weight is added to your vehicle, have your suspension checked out.
FYI - If you are experiencing suspension sag and instability, you really should consider installing a set of Timbren SES helper springs for towing.
What are the signs that my pickup needs suspension helper springs for towing?
- The tow vehicle is not level with the trailer.
- You're getting a lot of body roll and sway.
- your ute suspension is frequently bottoming out.
- The headlights are pointing up into oncoming traffic.
- You feel extra sway when changing lanes or turning corners.
- Your steering feels "loose"
That said, here’s what helper springs can do for your suspension:
Load leveling: If your suspension is sagging or squatting under a load, helper springs are designed to keep the truck level under load.
Stability: If your ute leans too far on corners causing you to slow down, helper springs reduce roll and sway.
Ride quality: If your ute porpoises while loaded on rough roads, helper springs can smooth out the ride by absorbing road shock.
Protection: Helper springs will protect your suspension avoiding any serious damage to the vehicle.
Safety: Helper springs will give you more control over your loaded vehicle, increasing safety and driver confidence.
FYI - What helper springs cannot do: Increase the GVWR! Even with helper springs, you should not exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) set by the manufacturer.
Which upgrades are best for towing? (compare three different suspension upgrades)
Any suspension upgrade that improves the ride, levels the load, and increases stability are worth considering. Here are a few of the more popular suspension upgrades:
- SuperSprings are leaf spring helpers that are bolted to the top of your suspension. They work okay with lighter loads but can’t handle a large truck camper.
- Airbags: Even though compressed air keeps the vehicle from squatting under load, they’re not going to prevent roll and sway when pulling a top-heavy load like a truck camper or a 5th wheel.
- Timbren SES: Aeon® hollow rubber springs are the heart of Timbren SES products. They are guaranteed to level even the heaviest loads, increase stability with top-heavy loads, and smooth out the ride by absorbing road shock.
What’s so great about a progressive spring rate?
First of all, what the heck is a progressive spring rate? Secondly, what difference will it make for your ute?
Let’s talk about a spring rate that’s linear: A linear spring rate means that the spring rate is the same as the spring compresses all the way down until it can’t compress any more. In other words, a 300 lb (136 kg) per inch linear rated spring will compress 1 in (25.4 mm) when 300 lb (136 kg) is applied An additional 300 lb (136 kg) applied to the spring will make it compress another inch - and so on.
A spring that has a progressive spring rate (or variable spring rate) constantly increases its spring rate. In other words, if it takes 300 lb (136 kg) to compress the spring 1” it could take 3 times the load to make it compress an additional 1 in (25.4 mm) - and so on.
Timbren SES helper springs offer a progressive spring rate. Here are some of the benefits that you will enjoy using Timbren SES upgrades for towing:
- No more sag & squat when you hook up the trailer
- Increased stability when you turn corners
- Smoothest ride with or without a load
Are Timbren SES helper springs the best choice for towing?
Timbren SES upgrades for towing enable you to fully load your ute without it squatting, tow your trailer without it swaying, enjoy the smoothest ride ever.
Are you ready to experience the difference? See what Timbren SES suspension upgrades can do for your ute suspension. For more information, visit Timbren.com
