What are Air Lift helper springs?
Air Lift helper springs, like most airbag upgrades, have basically five components:
- Air bags
- Air lines
- Air tank
- Air compressor
- Height control valves
Before we try to explain how they work, let’s take a quick look at the basic working parts of an airbag suspension with onboard air supply for the rear suspension:
- First of all, rear airbags - one for each side of the truck - are connected by air lines to the air tank and the compressor via the height control valve.
- When the level of compressed air in the tank drops to a certain level, the height control valve kicks in the compressor and the air tank is filled once again.
Suspension airbags are adjustable. In other words, by adding compressed air into the airbags, you are able to lift or lower the frame of the truck to the desired ride height.
Suspension airbags improve weight distribution by leveling the load. A load that’s level helps provides more control over steering and braking.
A basic air bag system costs about $1000.00 plus installation. If you’re looking for onboard air, this price does not include the air tank, air compressor, or height control valve.
What are Timbren rubber helper springs?
Timbren Industries first introduced the North American market to Aeon® hollow rubber springs back in 1968. All Timbren SES suspension upgrades fit virtually every truck, van, and SUV that rolls off the assembly line. To date, there are over 400 SES kits available to the North American consumer.
Timbren SES products are constructed around Aeon® hollow rubber spring technology. We’re talking about ‘airbags’ with no air!
Much like an airbag system, Timbren SES suspension helper springs replace the existing bump stops. But unlike an airbag system, Timbren SES suspension upgrades don’t depend on compressed air to enhance the ride. In fact, they’re an alternative to air ride. Aeon® hollow rubber springs are made of natural rubber engineered to lift the vehicle without the use of compressed air.
If you have a few common tools and know how to remove a bump stop, Timbren SES upgrades are easy to install. The basic components of an average SES suspension kit explain why:
- 2 Aeon® springs
- 2 metal brackets
- All necessary hardware and fasteners
An SES suspension upgrade for a half-ton truck runs about $300.00 US. There are no extra mechanisms to purchase.
How does Air Lift compare to Timbren SES?
How do airbags compare with Timbren SES?
SIMILARITIES
- Load leveling: Both products can keep your truck level even under heavy loads.
- Ride quality: Both products promise better ride quality with or without a load.
- Warranty: Both products come with a Lifetime Warranty.
DIFFERENCES
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Technology: Obviously, Timbren SES and air bags use two very different technologies: Aeon® hollow rubber springs vs airbags. Airbags use compressed air to lift and lower the truck. Timbren SES products use hollow rubber helper springs.
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Cost: An airbag kit costs much more than a Timbren SES upgrade. 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.
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Installation: Due to the large number of parts needed for it to function, an airbag system can take up to 4 hours to install. Timbren SES DIY products typically take about 30 minutes to install.
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Maintenance: Airbag systems are high-maintenance and require periodic checks for leaks and broken airlines. Timbren SES kits require zero maintenance.
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Adjustability: Airbags require height-control valves that adjust the amount of compressed air sent through the airlines to the air bags. Timbren SES products are self-adjusting.
It’s fair to say that airbag suspension kits bring to the table certain benefits as do Timbren SES upgrades. It’s their differences that bring clarity to which choice is correct...
Air Lift vs Timbren SES: Which one is best for towing?
Above, we compared airbags to Timbren SES suspension helper springs. So, which one of these suspension systems is the better choice?
A quick observation shows 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:
- Maximum stability
Additionally, Timbren SES upgrades aren’t susceptible to malfunctioning like an airbag system. In fact, a Timbren SES system is completely bulletproof. (Quite literally!)
Unlike an airbag system, Timbren SES truck helper springs allow you to set it and forget it. In other words, Timbren SES requires zero maintenance.
Additionally, an airbag system doesn’t provide enough stability if you’re hauling a top-heavy load like a truck camper or towing a heavy 5th Wheel.
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 very reasonable 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
