There seems to be one of two extremes that some of our customers navigate toward:
- Not enough capacity
- Too much capacity
Extreme mistake #1
In an effort to save a few bucks, the first extreme mistake takes place when a new customer buys an 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.
Tip #1 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.
Extreme mistake #2
Wanting to get the biggest bang for their buck, some customers make an extreme mistake when they decide to buy a “severe service” kit. They want the most stability and the highest capacity. They think more is better.
But here’s 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 are shorter and wider, designed to resist weight more aggressively. The result is reduced ride quality in exchange for more stability.
Tip #2 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 kit recommended for your vehicle.
If you’re not sure, send us an email, or call customer service 1-800-263-3113.
