As full-time RVers towing a 44-foot toy hauler across the country, we’ve learned that every upgrade to our towing setup needs to earn its keep. After experiencing the limitations of factory suspension and researching various solutions, we discovered a game-changing upgrade that’s transformed our towing experience. Here’s our complete guide to understanding and improving your truck’s suspension for safer, more stable RV towing.
Why Do Heavy-Duty Trucks Need Better Suspension for RV Towing?
Even with our Ford F350 dually, we quickly learned that factory suspension isn’t optimized for constant heavy towing. The science behind it is straightforward: when you place significant tongue weight on your truck, it creates downward pressure that can compromise your entire towing setup. Factory bump stops – those small rubber cushions that prevent metal-on-metal contact – are surprisingly inadequate for heavy-duty towing needs.
The Timbren Suspension Enhancement System (SES) works through progressive spring rate technology. This means the more weight you put on it, the harder it pushes back to maintain level ride height. Unlike the small factory bump stops, Timbren’s larger rubber springs provide consistent support and damping through their unique “hysteresis” quality. This self-damping property makes them particularly effective when used as helper springs.
Key impacts of inadequate suspension:
- Reduced steering control
- Compromised braking efficiency
- Increased wear on your truck over time
- Uneven weight distribution
- Safety concerns during turns and stops
How Do Timbren SES Compare to Traditional Airbag Systems?
The biggest advantage we’ve found with Timbren SES over airbags is the simplicity and cost-effectiveness. While airbag systems can run anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 plus professional installation, Timbren SES costs significantly less. For our dually setup, it was around $375, and single-wheel applications are even more affordable at about $275.
Benefits over airbag systems:
- No maintenance required
- Lifetime warranty
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- DIY installation possible
- No air pressure monitoring needed
- More cost-effective solution
Can You Really Install Truck Suspension Upgrades in Under an Hour?
We found the installation process surprisingly straightforward. The system simply replaces your truck’s existing bump stops with more substantial progressive springs. For our F350 dually, we needed a floor jack and basic socket set (9/16″ and 17mm). Single-wheel truck owners might not even need to get under the vehicle – just remove the wheel for access.
Installation essentials:
- Basic socket set
- Floor jack
- About 60 minutes
- No special expertise required
- Simple bolt-on replacement
What Real Improvements Will You Notice While Towing Your RV?
The difference was immediately noticeable on our drive through Tucson, especially on the bumpy sections of Highway 10 and dirt roads. While it’s not revolutionary, the improvement in stability is significant. The truck maintains better balance, and we’ve experienced less bounce and sway when hitting rough patches.
Observable improvements:
- Better overall stability
- Reduced truck sag
- More controlled ride
- Improved handling on rough roads
- Enhanced weight distribution
Is This Suspension Upgrade Worth the Investment for Full-Time RVers?
For us, protecting our $80,000 truck while improving our towing experience makes this upgrade a no-brainer. We recently spoke with another RVer who’s dealing with expensive repairs after 110,000-120,000 miles, which reinforced our decision to make preventative upgrades. Remember, this isn’t about increasing your truck’s weight capacity – it’s about improving stability and reducing wear and tear over time.
Key considerations:
- Protects your investment
- Improves safety and comfort
- More affordable than repairs
- No ongoing maintenance costs
- Enhances overall towing experience
After using the Timbren SES on our heavy-duty truck while full-time RVing, we’re confident in recommending this upgrade. For less than $400 and an hour of installation time, you’ll get improved stability, better control, and added protection for your significant truck investment. While it won’t increase your towing capacity, it will make your current towing setup safer and more comfortable. The lifetime warranty and 100-day money-back guarantee make it a risk-free upgrade worth considering for any serious RV tower.
Visit the Timbren website to learn more and find the right product for your truck.
