Choosing Firestone or Timbren Suspension System for Towing 3-Horse Trailer

Updated 01/29/2015 | Published 01/28/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6319)

$269.36

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2620)

$24.09

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3009)

$349.71

Lift Spacers for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - 2" Spacers - Qty 2

(45)

$101.68

Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

(63)

$179.77

Reese Weight Distribution - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(62)

$556.73

Reese Weight Distribution System w/ Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(51)

$848.31

Timbren Suspension Enhancement System - Severe Service - Rear Axle

(840)

$269.36

Question:

I have a Ford F150 2005 truck and pull a three horse trailer. Fully loaded I have a drop of four inches the hitch. I see you can adjust the contact point for firestone but only has a 1000lb capacity. You cannot adjust the timbren which has a capacity of 6000lbs. Which would reduce the the most? Fully loaded I do not exceed weight limits.

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

Given the choice between the Timbren system ( # TFRTT1502D for 2wd or # TFR150D for 4wd models) or the Firestone # F2350, I'd choose the Timbrens because although the springs won't have any effect on the vehicle ride when there isn't load being applied, they'll get progressively stiffer as more weight is added. The Timbrens have a 6K capacity, but you'll be limited by the payload capacity of your truck. The Firestone springs don't carry a weight capacity, per my contact at Firestone. If you should decide on the Firestone product, if you have the heavy-duty payload package, you'd also need the # F2366 spacer kit. The Firestone air springs aren't compatible with F150 FX2 models.

Since you're wanting to counteract the squat caused by tongue weight being applied to the rear of your truck, a weight distribution system would actually work better, as helper spring systems are specifically designed to suspend weight carried in the bed of the truck.

To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the cargo area of the SUV or truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.

If the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight ranges between 600-1200 lbs, the Reese Trunnion Bar system # RP66542 would be ideal. The system includes the weight distributing shank, but the 2-5/16 trailer ball would be sold separately as part # 19286.

If the tongue weight was heavier, ranging from 800-1500 lbs, a higher rated system like part # RP66131 would be recommended. This system doesn't include the shank # RP54970 or the ball mentioned above which are sold separately.