Timbren rubber springs

[Hargus]

Hi All,
       My question is about installing Timbren rubber springs on my 04 Ford Freestar. Tracy, I saw your post so I know you had them on a similar vehicle to mine. I've heard of that or a similar product out there. I'm not sure if I understand them correctly. It helps the spring with the extra weight? Does the spring have to be removed in order to install these? How much of a job is this?
I've added more weight to my PU this year with an AC and I did some mods last year that I know added some weight.
Tracy were you towing the Coleman with your Winstar? I know that Coleman has got to be heavier than my 12' Starcraft, I hope. My only problem is rear end sag. I try to keep my weight distributed properly and keep weight off the tongue and load the van with weight in mind. One of my other problems is that I live near a cabinet factory and I can have all the firewood I want for free, I just have to cut it to size. I try to stay away from free firewood, but it's hard.
 Tracy, how was your first trip of 07? I know it was wet part of the weekend. Were you able to dry out before the cold set in? Hope all is well.

Mike

[wernstriumph]

Hello, I don't know much about the Timbren springs except they run about 150 bucks and their website says they install "in minutes". However  I have a 2003 Windstar and I use the Air-Lift air bags. They fit inside the rear coils and it took me 45 min to install them by myself. They were around 75 bucks. I tow a '99 coleman Sun Valley(approx. 3200 lbs.fully loaded). I fill the airbags to about 35 psi. and the van and camper are absolutely level. When I disconnect the trailer, I just let the air out and go. I keep a little air compressor in the van to pump it up. I think the Freestar is basically the same vehicle. The reason I went with the Air Lift product is I've used them before (I used to do conversion work on Ambulances and we installed heavy duty versions of these airbags). This is just my opinion, if you feel the Timbren springs are better then by all means get them. Good luck and keep us posted as to how you made out.

[HersheyGirl]

I put Timbrins on my Caravan as per Tracy's advice. Mine cost $120 online, I installed them in less than 30 minutes by myself with a little bit of help, and I don't have to do anything once they are installed. I think they are great and worth every penny. I can load up the car and I never have any  sag. These things are great and hassel free.

[tlhdoc]

Hi Mike,

I wasn't online for a few days.  Sorry it took me so long to reply.

There is a small rubber stop that is removed from the vehicle and the Timbren springs replace it.  One bolt off and one bolt on for each side.  It is that simple.  I did tow my current camper for 3 years with the Windstar.  The Windstar rode low and I had problems with it bottoming out even when not towing.
 
As for the first trip of the year.  It was WONDERFUL.  14 of us went out for dinner on Saturday.  We had a fire Friday night thanks to Copcarguy and Saturday night thanks to emtdad.  It rained Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.  I waited to pop up at home until Tuesday and closed the trailer on Thursday.  I was lucky it wasn't raining when I popped down, so I could wipe the tenting down before popping down.  I would like to have had the trailer dry, but I would go again.  No second thoughts!:)

[Hargus]

I did tow my current camper for 3 years with the Windstar.  The Windstar rode low and I had problems with it bottoming out even when not towing.

Tracy, But you were all set after you put on the Timbren rubber springs, correct? I really haven't had any problems towing with my Freestar with the exception of it riding low once I'm hitched. Once you did put them on was the vehicle higher when not hitched? I'm definitely giving some thoughts on our next purchase of TV but I'm making what I have work for now. Did you purchase them on line also?
 I'm glad the first trip was a success even for the rain. We could be ready soon. My RV dealer gave me some passes for the RV show in town. I've already gone three times. I see something different every time. If I was younger and more nimble those teardrop trailers are interesting.
Thanks.

[tlhdoc]

Tracy, But you were all set after you put on the Timbren rubber springs, correct?

Yes the rubber springs took care of the van's back end sag.  I did not need a weight distributing hitch with the rubber springs.

[PatB]

I installed them on my Honda Odyssey 2007 because there were no compatible AirLift products. The most noticeable thing with my installation is that the bags themselves are pretty short. They do not get engaged until the van is close to bottoming out. So they don't help with the overall ride- they're mostly there to keep the van from bottoming out over a big bump.

At least in my case, they didn't help with the sag. I'm wondering if they help others with the sag because they were perhaps already bottoming out, or perhaps the design of the airbags for their vehicle are designed differently.

I can't wait until the Airlift adjustable bags are available for my vehicle.