Ride Control vs. Ride Rite vs. Timbren

[andersonjk4]

I am going to put some suspension helper springs on my 2007 F150 and am torn between the Air Lift Ride Control air springs ($200 after rebate), the Firestone Ride-Rite air springs ($337), and the Timbren SES rubber cushions ($200).  I have a pickup camper and also haul other heavy items and trailers often and am looking to level my pickup out and make it ride better while loaded down.  Anyone have any experiences good or bad with any of these options?

For anyone who may be curious... here are links to the three products

http://www.airliftcompany.com/products/air-springs/ridecontrol/     

http://www.firestoneip.com/RideRite/productInformation.aspx

http://timbren.com/timbren-ses/

[fishingfool]

Hey andersonjjk4, I have used the airride system on my 3/4 ton Silverado for 5 years now and would not be without it. I opted for the onboard compressor also. If the wind gets nasty, quartering,etc, you can up the pressure 5-10 pounds to stiffen up the rear end. We're pulling a 28 foot Cougar, it can be a handful if the wind kicks up. I used an E-Z lift weight distribution hitch before, haven't used it since the air bags were installed. ff

[andersonjk4]

Thanks for the info fishingfool!  What brand of system do you have? 

[Rick]

I had Firestone air bags on my '07 Ram 3500 SRW. I currently have Timbrens on my '11 Silverado 2500HD. I prefer the Timbrens

Timbrens are an install and forget it kind of deal. Being progressive,you don't have to worry about them being adjusted correctly. The more you load,the more support they provide.

[andersonjk4]

Thanks Rick.  Did you notice any change in the unloaded ride with the Timbrens?  I like the idea of not having to worry about adjusting and having to have a compressor available all the time.   

[fishingfool]

Hey andersonjk4, My bad, I said airride and should have said Air Lift system.

[Woodchuck]

Firestone, best system I have seen.

[Rick]

Thanks Rick.  Did you notice any change in the unloaded ride with the Timbrens?  I like the idea of not having to worry about adjusting and having to have a compressor available all the time.

Zero ride change. The Timbrens ride off the axle until a load is applied. The air bags required at least 5 psi at all times to prevent damage to the bags. Even 5 lbs creates an increase in ride stiffness.

[TopOfTheFoodChain]

Where I work we sell and install the Firestone air control systems. I cannot answer for the others but customers love the Firestone air bags. Looks like warranty is the same as Air Lift. The Firestone kits with the compressor and in cab controller are slick. You can purchase the single switch/gauge to control both bags at the same time, or you can purchase the dual switch/gauge to inflate each side individually for load leveling.

[andersonjk4]

Lots of great info here.  If I end up going with air springs I am definitely going with the Firestone's, but as I have been doing more research I found another option that I'm now considering.  This is the Roadmaster Active Suspension system.  Anyone have any experience with the RAS systems.

[Elkrunner]

I have the firestones and pump it up with small pump that mounts to the side of a bike.  They work great.

[Mark Brenckle]

Lots of great info here.  If I end up going with air springs I am definitely going with the Firestone's, but as I have been doing more research I found another option that I'm now considering.  This is the Roadmaster Active Suspension system.  Anyone have any experience with the RAS systems.

  That looks interesting, all I could find was from the manufacturer though.  I'd be interested in what others have to say.

[brush hunter]

Where I work we sell and install the Firestone air control systems. I cannot answer for the others but customers love the Firestone air bags. Looks like warranty is the same as Air Lift. The Firestone kits with the compressor and in cab controller are slick. You can purchase the single switch/gauge to control both bags at the same time, or you can purchase the dual switch/gauge to inflate each side individually for load leveling.

I have heard from other people that the firestones are the best, what do they sell for where you work, and where would that be? If you can't post that here shoot me a pm

[thinkingman]

I used the Ride Control bags under my Toyota due to the factory springs being completely sagged and flat.
The airbags worked great...Adjust it for whatever you want.
Unfortunately I did not want to be depending on them as primary springs so I took them out and put in real leaf springs.

Timbrens will not level your truck...They add spring rate as your primaries settle under load.
They are basically high-profile bump stops.

[TopOfTheFoodChain]

Where I work we sell and install the Firestone air control systems. I cannot answer for the others but customers love the Firestone air bags. Looks like warranty is the same as Air Lift. The Firestone kits with the compressor and in cab controller are slick. You can purchase the single switch/gauge to control both bags at the same time, or you can purchase the dual switch/gauge to inflate each side individually for load leveling.

I have heard from other people that the firestones are the best, what do they sell for where you work, and where would that be? If you can't post that here shoot me a pm

PM Sent