Comparing Timbren and Firestone Suspension Enhancement for a 2003 Ford F-250

Question

Question:

I have a F250 crew cab 6 bed srw 2003. Im pulling a 5th wheel toy hauler, 30. Whats the difference between the TFR 250 and the 350 other than $ 100 and which application would be better, TFR or F2550 ?

asked by: William G

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Expert Reply:

The main difference between Timbren suspension enhancement # TFR250SDE and # TFR350SDE is capacity. The 250 model has a 6,000 pound capacity and the 350 model has an 8,600 pound capacity. Since the pin weight of a 5th wheel is not normally as high as 6,000 pounds, the 250 system should work well.

However, there is an issue. Most 5th wheel trailer hitches have brackets mounted to the outside of each frame rail. These brackets will interfere with a suspension system that installs on the same side of the frame rails. This includes both systems listed above. This is unless there is already a factory bump stop mounting bracket and the 5th wheel mounting brackets go around it. I have included a link to a video of the 250 system that shows the bump stomp mounting bracket.

Timbren systems are great for improving suspension and handling and also reduce road shock and increase roll stability. But if you carry different size loads and need to level the bed side to side, you would want to go with a Firestone system.

The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs, # F2550, are compatible with a 5th wheel hitch because they install on the inside and bottom of the frame rails. When used with the Firestone Level Command II, # F2219, you can level the bed side to side. I have included a link to the installation details for the springs and Level Command for you.

I have also included a link to our suspension FAQ articles for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The correct Firestone Ride Rite Kit for your 2002 Ford F-250 is the part #F2550. This kit is compatible with fifth wheel rails as well so it would fit with your current rail kit. Normally we don't recommend suspension enhancement for vehicles…

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Answer 2

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 3

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 4

Hey David, from previous customers of ours who have the same 2020 Keystone Raptor 424 we have determined that your pin box style is the Lippert 1621 which means for a Gen-Y gooseneck adapter you'd want the #GY58GR that you referenced.

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Answer 5

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 6

The best air bag kit for your 2022 Ford F-350 that has a single rear wheel axle is the part #F95FV which has the 5,000 lb capacity you are wanting. Firestone bags are superior Air Lift bags. The ply rating of the rubber is higher, the attachment to…

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Answer 7

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 8

Since you are pulling a trailer that weighs around 8,500 lbs. you would just want to stick with the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs #F35FV (5,000 lb.). You really only need to spend more for the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air…

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Answer 9

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

You'll need to do some slight measuring to ensure the fit of the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs #F95FV on your 4WD 2022 Ford F-350 FX4 dually. Just measure from the top of the rear axle to the top of the jounce…

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