Timbren SES or SumoSprings for my Ford F-150: Which is the better helper spring?

What is a SumoSpring?

At first glance, a SumoSpring looks a lot like a Timbren hollow rubber springs. Why is that?

Well, when a great idea turns up, everyone wants a piece of the action! That’s why there have been several companies that have tried to imitate Timbren’s products. They have all tried to improve on the original but with little-to-zero success.

SumoSprings is one such product that entered the market back in 2010 under the more-established brand of SuperSpring. As a new product based on the Timbren SES model, it was a weak copy of the original. Instead of using a natural rubber compound like Timbren SES, SumoSprings are made from gas-infused, microcellular polyurethane which is a fancy word for foam!  SumoSprings come in basically three shapes, sizes, and densities.

Due to the properties of polyurethane (foam), SumoSprings are perfect for vibration isolation but not durability. As we’ll will soon notice, springs made from polyurethane have limited use.

How does SumoSpring compare with Timbren SES

SIMILARITIES

There’s really only one similarity:  Just like Timbren SES, SumoSprings replace the original bump stops on the vehicle. In other words, they mount to a Ford F-150 the same way as Timbren SES suspensions for trucks.

DIFFERENCES

First, Sumosprings are not recommended for use in the super-cold winters of the Northern States and Canada. Timbren’s rubber springs, on the other hand, can handle extreme temperatures - hot or cold - anywhere in the world.

Secondly, SumoSprings aren’t meant to handle heavy-duty and severe-service applications. Timbren SES is particularly useful for severe-service applications.

Price comparison:

• Sumosprings SSR-623-40 @ $563.36 - rear kit for Ford F-150
• Timbren SES # FR1504E @ 297.00 rear kit for Ford F-150

Which is better for my Ford F-150?

SumoSprings doesn’t recommend using their products in extreme climate conditions, like the super-cold winters of the Northern States and Canada. Winter weather causes gas-infused polyurethane SumoSprings to become brittle and break down. Timbren’s rubber springs, on the other hand, can handle extreme temperatures - hot or cold - anywhere in the world.

Not only that, SumoSprings aren’t meant to handle heavy-duty and severe-service applications like 5th wheel trailers and truck campers. Timbren SES has over 400 kits that are engineered to custom fit virtually every vehicle that rolls off the assembly line. They’re particularly useful with severe service applications like truck campers, tow trucks, dump trucks, and aerial devices.

You can take your Ford F-150 anywhere in the world in any environment, and still be guaranteed maximum safety, stability, and reliability.

Should I choose Timbren SES for my Ford F-150?

As we noticed earlier, SumoSpring products look similar to Timbren SES products, but have a very different practical use. That’s because of the material they are made from: 

Timbren SES products can be used in the coldest weather without breaking down and falling apart.  It’s not recommended that SumoSprings be used in below-zero weather.

Timbren SES products provide maximum stability for severe service applications like car hauling, tow trucks, 5th wheel trailers and truck campers. SumoSprings provide excellent ride quality for RVs but aren’t able to improve stability on a severe-service application.

Without question, Timbren’s Aeon® rubber spring technology is more reliable than springs made from foam. That’s why SuperSprings - an expensive copy of the Timbren original - are no match for Timbren Aeon® rubber spring technology.

In order to understand why Timbren SES are superior to SumoSpring, you need to understand two innate characteristics of an Aeon® hollow rubber spring - used in every Timbren SES product:

1. Progressive spring rate
   Unlike metal springs that have a linear spring rate, Aeon® rubber springs have a progressive spring rate, a rate that increases as more weight is added to the truck.
   
   
2. Hysteresis (self-damping)
   Unlike metal springs that need shocks to absorb the energy created when they compress, Aeon® rubber springs are self-damping, able to absorb the kinetic energy all on their own.
   
   

• Their progressive spring rate means they automatically adjust to the load, preventing sag and squat
• Increased stability (reduced roll and sway) when towing or hauling super-heavy applications 
• Self-damping means they act like a shock absorber providing the smoothest ride even with the heaviest loads
• A soft, quiet ride empty or loaded
• Prevents damage to your suspension
• Installs quickly and easily
• Reasonably priced
• Comes with a Lifetime Warranty & a 100-Day Money Back Guarantee

As you can see, SumoSprings are no match for Timbren SES truck helper springs!

For more information about Timbren SES visit Timbren.com