Can Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancements Be Used With Weight Distribution On 2008 Ford F-150

Question:

Do you recommend the use of rear suspension enhancement, such as air bags or the timbren system, to be used in conjunction with a wdh? There seems to be a lot of controversy on the use of both together as to whether it helps or hurts the overall effectiveness of a wdh....with that being said, with wdhs being designed to distribute weight evenly across the rear and front suspension, would it make sense that if you were to enhance the rear suspension you would also have to enhance the front suspension for the wdh to work effectively with the tow vehicle?

asked by: Leonardo

Expert Reply:

The use of rear suspension enhancement along with a weight distribution kit is not recommended. They will tend to work against one another.

If sag on your 2008 Ford F-150 is caused by a load or a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer then suspension enhancement is the way to go

If your F-150 is a 2-wheel drive I recommend part # TFR1502D. This system helps provide additional support to give you a smooth, comfortable ride and will not affect the ride when your truck is empty. It will become more rigid when weight is added and reduces sag. These also work independently so that when you have off center loads helps maintain a level ride.

If your truck is a 4-wheel drive the part number is # TFR1504D.

If the sag is caused by a trailer the weight distribution is what you need. Weight distribution is recommended when your trailer weighs more than 50 percent of your vehicle weight. To determine the best weight distribution system for your trailer, you will need to go by the total tongue weight. This is done by using the tongue weight of the trailer, when fully loaded and ready to tow, and adding the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. Typically tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight.

I have attached a helpful article that explains the Timbren rear suspension and also an article that explains weight distribution, along with a link to an article that explains trailer tongue weight.

When you have determined what your tongue weight is you can email me back with that number and I will help set you up with the best systems options for you.