Choosing Firestone or Timbren Suspension System for Towing 3-Horse Trailer

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Question:

I have a Ford F150 2005 truck and pull a three horse trailer. Fully loaded I have a drop of four inches the hitch. I see you can adjust the contact point for firestone but only has a 1000lb capacity. You cannot adjust the timbren which has a capacity of 6000lbs. Which would reduce the the most? Fully loaded I do not exceed weight limits.

asked by: Bob

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Expert Reply:

Given the choice between the Timbren system ( # TFRTT1502D for 2wd or # TFR150D for 4wd models) or the Firestone # F2350, I'd choose the Timbrens because although the springs won't have any effect on the vehicle ride when there isn't load being applied, they'll get progressively stiffer as more weight is added. The Timbrens have a 6K capacity, but you'll be limited by the payload capacity of your truck. The Firestone springs don't carry a weight capacity, per my contact at Firestone. If you should decide on the Firestone product, if you have the heavy-duty payload package, you'd also need the # F2366 spacer kit. The Firestone air springs aren't compatible with F150 FX2 models.

Since you're wanting to counteract the squat caused by tongue weight being applied to the rear of your truck, a weight distribution system would actually work better, as helper spring systems are specifically designed to suspend weight carried in the bed of the truck.

To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

If the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight ranges between 600-1200 lbs, the Reese Trunnion Bar system # RP66542 would be ideal. The system includes the weight distributing shank, but the 2-5/16 trailer ball would be sold separately as part # 19286.

If the tongue weight was heavier, ranging from 800-1500 lbs, a higher rated system like part # RP66131 would be recommended. This system doesn't include the shank # RP54970 or the ball mentioned above which are sold separately.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

Suspension enhancement systems can be used with a weight distribution system without any problem, in fact, a weight distribution system is going to be more effective at leveling out your load than the helper springs in the sense that it will…

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Answer 2

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 3

If you are considering Timbrens like the #TDR1500DQ and the SumoSprings like the #SSR-307-47 for your 2022 Ram 1500 4x4, I recommend the SumoSprings #SSR-307-47. The SumoSprings will offer the same quality as the Timbrens in terms of suspension…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

Hey Michael, thanks for reaching out! The Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops #T28GR you installed on your 2018 Ford F-150 unfortunately have that reputation among users (although Timbren claims their systems provide a smooth ride). Because of this we…

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Answer 7

Hey Travis, congrats on the new 2024 Jayco Flight 284BHS! Your travel trailer looks to have a GVWR of 7,950 lbs so I recommend going with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37121ET and pairing it with the Shank…

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Answer 8

According to RoadActive Suspension the spring rate for the standard kit #RAS3611-S is 2,400 lbs. For the heavy duty #RAS3611-SHD it is 3,600 lbs. The heavy duty #RAS3611-SLHD is the same but only designed to fit if you have factory top overload…

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Answer 9

Hi there David; we do have truck camper jacks that can work for your F-250 with a lift and large tires. What you can use are camper jacks from Brophy, which have a 17" to 67" lift range, which is the highest possible lift height. There are…

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Answer 10

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 11

Hi there Ryan; thanks for the question and the easiest weight distribution hitch to connect and disconnect after initial set up is the B&W Continuum, with the right one for your 2-1/2" hitch being the following: - B&W Continuum Weight…

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Answer 12

Hey Dennis, we have a replacement 7-way plug with the part #A7WCB which would work great to replace your damaged one. I attached a diagram for 7-ways for you to check out as well.

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Choosing Firestone or Timbren Suspension System for Towing 3-Horse Trailer

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