Air Bags or Timbrens For 2018 Ford F-150 That is Sagging When Towing

Question

Question:

I have a 2018 F150 SuperCrew with a 2 inch leveling kit installed. Truck also has a camper shell/truck topper full time, which makes the truck sag a bit. When hooked up to our 24 foot travel trailer, the sag increases greatly, even with the WDH installed. Would the Timbrens help with the sag or should I look at an air bag setup to level out the ride height while under tow?

asked by: Larry C

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Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Ford F-150 that is sagging when towing, the best option between Timbrens and air bags to help with the sag, as well as help stabilize the truck, is definitely an air bag set up. The right fit for your '18 F-150 is going to depend on if you have 2WD or 4WD:

- 2WD: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57268

- 4WD: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57385

Air bags are going to be the better overall route than Timbrens as they will enable a much better ride overall. Timbrens work well, but can give you a harsh ride, particularly if then engage frequently, which will seemingly be the case with your camper shell/topper and the large amount of sag you are experiencing.

The air bags, on the other hand, not only won't have that issue, but they allow you to customize the amount of support you need. So with the topper on and a bit of sag you can engage the air bags to a specific psi, and when you are towing, you can set a different psi to give you the best support at all times. Being able to get the precise amount of suspension enhancement you need will enable you to get the best possible ride with your F-150.

During the installation of these air bags, you are going to want to ensure your air lines are cut perfectly straight, and the best way to do this is by using the Air Hose Cutter # AL10530, and since you mentioned you had a 2 inch leveling kit you will want the Air Lift Universal Air Spring Spacers for LoadLifter 5000 and 7500XL - 2" Lift # AL52420.

Finally, I do recommend considering a compressor, as it will simplify inflating as well as maintaining your air bags, the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System # AL58WQ.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

The best solution for you will depend on when you're experiencing the sway. The Timbren Aeon springs you'd looked at, part #TFR1504E do a good job with the suspension, but will only come into play once the truck's suspension…

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Answer 2

I sure can; I checked directly with Timbren for you and can verify that the correct part number for both the 2WD and 4WD models of 2023 Ford F-150 is the following: - Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System #TFR1504E You made a nice choice with…

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Answer 3

Since you have a 6 inch suspension lift on your 2015 Ford F-150 a trailer what you will need to use is the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System #TFR1504E. The reason for that is the SumoSprings do not have lift spacers available to make up for…

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Answer 4

You will be able to use either the SumoSprings Solo #SS88UV or Rebel #SS53UV on your 2021 Ford F-150 4x4 since you only have a leveling kit installed. The leveling kit only raises the front suspension and leaves the rear at stock ride height.…

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Answer 5

Based on the fact that you haul heavy loads frequently I recommend the SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs #SS53UV. These have the highest weight capacity at 3,000 lbs which sounds like it will work best for your application. As you already know,…

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Answer 6

Yes, the AirLift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs part #AL57268 are a fit for your 2017 Ford F-150 5 1/2 foot bed with a B&W Turnover ball install part #BW77FR if your truck has 4WD. We do not have an installation video at this time that shows…

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Answer 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

The Hellwig Adjustable Big Wig Rear Anti-Sway Bar #HE94FR is only going to leave a few inches between it and the spare tire, as you can see in the attached picture. Depending on how far forward you have the tire it could potentially interfere with…

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