Comparing Timbrens Jounce Style Springs To Firestone Air Springs For A 2013 GMC Sierra

Question:

I have a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. Im considering a travel trailer rated at approximately 7500# GVWR. I contacted one of your reps a few months ago asking about the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs. Since then, Ive heard and read about the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Item # TGMRCK15S. My question is what would be the benefit to the Timbrens vs the Firestone Ride-rite? Other than the obvious difference, one being airbags and the other being jounce style? Thank you.

asked by: Aaron

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Item # TGMRCK15S replaces the factory jounce bumper so they are easy to install on your 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. Because the Timbrens are bigger than the factory jounce bumper, when weight is added to the back of the vehicle, the spring is going to make contact with the rear axle sooner. This means it is providing support sooner than a factory jounce bumper would. With the Timbrens you also have no maintenance and when there is no weight in the vehicle the spring doesn't touch the axle so you don't know they are there.

The down side to the Timbrens is if you have too much weight on the vehicle, when the vehicle sags and the spring is touching the axle, it may ride rough. You have no adjustability for weight so once they are on they are what they are. With the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle Item # F2430, you have adjustability, not only for weight in the bed of the truck or on the ball but also side to side. The air pressure can be adjusted by the weight you are hauling to help the back of the truck maintain a normal ride height. This means with an air spring you are getting more support in a wider variety of applications. With an air spring, if you have extra weight in the vehicle, the spring can be adjusted accordingly so your ride quality remains the best.

expert reply by: Shane H