Air bags or 'Timbren' on my pickup for camper support?

overfitty · 05-11-2007, 12:50 PM

Les Schwab recommends air bags for $450...a local place recommends 'Timbren' hollow rubber stoppers for support on my '05 Nissan Frontier & Perris Valley camper. Any thoughts or advice much appreciated!! Thanks...

Norm · 05-11-2007, 01:58 PM

I had firestone air bags on my last truck, they work great. You can adjust them with air pressure to level the truck when loaded, then drop the air pressure when empty to get a stock ride. They really help the stability with a camper.

Thumper · 05-11-2007, 02:01 PM

Les Schwab will recommend anything that makes Les Schwab money. I'm not a fan of air bags, though I've had them on numerous vehicles.

What does Nissan recommend?

ICHTHYDEMON · 05-11-2007, 02:51 PM

I'd go airbags myself. Like was mentioned,when you're not loaded you can lower the PSI and get a decent ride back.

Every truck I've ridden in with helper springs has had a pretty harsh ride.

overfitty · 05-11-2007, 03:22 PM

The airbags Schwab's recommended were Firestone...said they would have to order them.

Chromaflage · 05-11-2007, 03:41 PM

Is the price they quoted you with a compressor or manual fill/relief?

RODACTION · 05-11-2007, 04:37 PM

Air bags are what you want, but check prices, and make sure they are installed correctly, and will fill correctly.

Air bags, the correct tire, and shocks is what you want.

The little rubbers ad nothing in my veiw, just a stiff ride.

fortywinks · 05-11-2007, 06:12 PM

I recently had LS install air bags on my 1/2 ton. I haul a lightweight but tall camper and without the bags there was quite a bit of sway. And I also tow a 2500 lb boat/motor/trailer with it. Made a big difference in the stability and leveled up the boat/trailer. They did a decent job and it is easy to adjust the air. $450 well spent IMHO.

someguy29187 · 05-12-2007, 05:36 PM

You'll want to get Firestone airbags, probably the best thing you can buy. Don't forget the in cab air pressure controls.

Herring Impaired · 05-12-2007, 07:52 PM

I put Air Bags in my Dakota and they worked excellent. One compressor and switch for both bags for towing a boat.

I have heard people say that individual left/right controls are desirable for a camper for both leveling and to reduce the see-saw effect while cornering. Basically it helps reduce leaning on turns.

HellWig also makes a good airbag setup.

Hanapa'a Time · 05-12-2007, 08:06 PM

I had the Firestones on my '95 p/u, didn't like the way they mounted on the axle, modified the bases so that they wouldn't rotate under load. Ended up adding a helper spring set up like the 1 tons have. 9' Elkhorn camper w/ 21' inboard sled.

Put the Air Lift brand and compressor with separate valves on my '02, mounting brackets are positioned like they should be and the bags seem more heavy duty. No need for the additional overload springs. I did add a rear sway bar to help with the sway hauling the camper. 10' Northernlite camper w/ same 21' inboard sled.

The overload springs do make the truck ride alot stiffer than the air bags, especially w/ moderate loads that don't put enough weight to have the springs sit on the pads.