What are helper springs?
There are quite a few suspension upgrades for trucks that are available online. If you have done a Google search, no doubt you’ve seen the following:
Add-a-leaf: Hellwig leaf spring helpers and SuperSprings are designed to bolt to the top of your leaf springs to prevent sag, helping to eliminate bottoming out.
Air: Airbag suspension helpers like Firestone Air Bags and Air Lift Air Bags allow you to adjust the pressure to compensate for different payload conditions. You can adjust the amount of air to get the ride you want.
Foam: These helper springs - made of microcellular polyurethane - replace the original bumpstops.
Rubber: Timbren helper springs are made from natural rubber, designed to replace the original bumpstops. Timbren SES is an easy-to-install DIY system. Sometimes called shock helper springs, these hollow rubber springs can absorb road shock just like shock absorbers.
How do suspension airbags differ from other helper springs?
An airbag suspension for trucks – also known as a pneumatic suspension or air ride – is a type of active suspension that uses compressed air helper springs to keep the vehicle level.
Modern air helper springs work by adjusting the air pressure in the airbags to respond to changes in the road. Individual springs keep the truck level, create a smooth ride, and improve handling.
How it works step-by-step:
The entire air ride cycle happens almost instantly and runs constantly while a vehicle is in motion. Here’s how it works:
- Sensors take ride height readings: Mechanical or electronic ride height sensors take a reading of the ride height.
- Suspension computer processes readings: The suspension control module receives the readings from the ride height sensors.
- Control module provides instructions: The suspension control module activates the air compressor to make the necessary adjustments.
- Air travels through the system: The compressor pushes the air into the reserve tank The manifold sends air through rubber air lines into the air springs as instructed by the control module.
- Air springs adjust: Finally, the vehicle’s air springs inflate or deflate to make the necessary adjustments based on the initial readings.
Disadvantages of Airbags:
While an air bag suspension for trucks have a few clear benefits – like superior ride quality – it also has a few notable drawbacks. These include:
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Expense:
Air suspension systems have far more components than other suspension systems which means they’re more expensive to buy and more costly to repair and maintain.
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Complexity:
Due to the number of components in the system and their intricate function, maintenance is more difficult and time-consuming.
- Lack of durability:
Even as technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the last few decades, air suspensions are still relatively fragile because they tend to wear out faster and are more susceptible to failure.
What are the advantages of Timbren SES helper springs?
Technology: Obviously, Timbren SES and air bags use two very different technologies: Aeon® hollow rubber springs vs Airbags filled with compressed air. Airbags use compressed air to lift and lower the truck. Timbren SES products use hollow rubber springs. The rubber - not air - does the job of keeping the truck level and stable.
Cost: Airbag suspension kits cost way more than Timbren SES products. In fact, cost is one of the biggest differences between the two systems. Installation charges plus the number of additional conveniences and upgrades (e.g., air compressors) can really add up. Retail price for air: $2500.
Retail price of Timbren SES: $297.
Installation: Most Timbren SES products take about 30 minutes to install. Due to the large number of parts needed for it to function, an airbag system can take up to 8 hours to install. Professional installation is recommended!
Maintenance: Timbren SES kits require zero maintenance. Airbag systems are more high-maintenance and require periodic checks for leaks and broken airlines.
Adjustability: Timbren SES products are self-adjusting. Airbags require height-control valves that adjust the amount of compressed air sent through the airlines to the air bags.
Here’s the thing: If you’ve got deep pockets, an AirLift suspension helper is certainly doable. If you’re looking for a more economical solution, Timbren SES is the clear choice.
Why are Timbren SES helper springs the best suspension upgrades for trucks?
Timbren helper springs review...
We compared Airlift airbags to Timbren SES suspension upgrades. A quick observation suggests that Timbren SES products have the best price and the most capacity. And if you were to take a closer look, you’d notice that Timbren SES wins big points for:
- great ride quality loaded or unloaded
- maximum stability
- lifetime warranty
Additionally, Timbren SES upgrades aren’t vulnerable to malfunctioning like an airbag system. In fact, a Timbren SES system is completely bulletproof. (Quite literally!)
Think about it: For the past 50+ years, Timbren SES products have remained the smartest choice because they guarantee you maximum control and safety, loaded and unloaded... all at a great price!
“Whether we’re towing with our Nissan Titan or our Toyota Tundra, our Timbren SES kit has been a game changer. Reduced all sag in the rear plus helps the tow rigs gain maximum control. Over a year with SES and we would never go back.” @ClicOutdoor
For more information about Timbren SES products, please visit Timbren.com
