Air Bags or Timbrens For 2018 Ford F-150 That is Sagging When Towing
Published 01/07/2022 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2018 F150 SuperCrew with a 2 inch leveling kit installed. Truck also has a camper shell/truck topper full time, which makes the truck sag a bit. When hooked up to our 24 foot travel trailer, the sag increases greatly, even with the WDH installed. Would the Timbrens help with the sag or should I look at an air bag setup to level out the ride height while under tow?
asked by: Larry C
Expert Reply:
For your 2018 Ford F-150 that is sagging when towing, the best option between Timbrens and air bags to help with the sag, as well as help stabilize the truck, is definitely an air bag set up. The right fit for your '18 F-150 is going to depend on if you have 2WD or 4WD:
- 2WD: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57268
- 4WD: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57385
Air bags are going to be the better overall route than Timbrens as they will enable a much better ride overall. Timbrens work well, but can give you a harsh ride, particularly if then engage frequently, which will seemingly be the case with your camper shell/topper and the large amount of sag you are experiencing.
The air bags, on the other hand, not only won't have that issue, but they allow you to customize the amount of support you need. So with the topper on and a bit of sag you can engage the air bags to a specific psi, and when you are towing, you can set a different psi to give you the best support at all times. Being able to get the precise amount of suspension enhancement you need will enable you to get the best possible ride with your F-150.
During the installation of these air bags, you are going to want to ensure your air lines are cut perfectly straight, and the best way to do this is by using the Air Hose Cutter # AL10530, and since you mentioned you had a 2 inch leveling kit you will want the Air Lift Universal Air Spring Spacers for LoadLifter 5000 and 7500XL - 2" Lift # AL52420.
Finally, I do recommend considering a compressor, as it will simplify inflating as well as maintaining your air bags, the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System # AL58WQ.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Towing/Load Leveling
- Bump Stops
- Suspension Only
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Timbren
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Should Timbren SES Be Installed Before Setting Up a Weight Distribution Hitch
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Q&A: Suspension Upgrades for 2017 Grey Wolf 22RR
- Q&A: Is Leaf Spring Enhancement Worth it With 2018 Ford F-150 WIth Timbrens
- Q&A: Which SumoSprings For 2022 Ford F-150 Tremor Towing Trailer With Weight Distribution
- Q&A: Timbren Suspension Kit Recommendation for 2016 Ford F-150 4x4
- Q&A: What Are the Differences Between the Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems on a 2022 Ford F-150 4wd
- Q&A: Reducing sag on a 2023 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 Hauling a 5,500 lb Travel Trailer
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: The Best Trailer Tongue Locks for Preventing Trailer Theft
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: 5 Tips to Confidently Choose Your Weight Distribution Hitch
- Article: Best Air Bag Suspension 2025



