Why Does My Rear Suspension Bang on My F250 When Hitting Dips With Truck Camper Loaded?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Vern,

Thanks for the picture, that is quite the nice set-up you have.

It sounds like the bang you’re hearing happens when your loaded truck hits a sharp dip and the rear axle jumps up faster than the truck body can react. Since you have Timbrens installed, what is most likely happening is the axle is hitting those rubber stops hard. Timbrens are great for supporting weight, but when the suspension compresses quickly, they can engage all at once and create that loud clunk you’re hearing. With your camper in the bed, and sometimes a little extra tongue weight from the trailer, your truck probably sits close to the Timbrens already, which makes the problem easier to trigger.

Your factory shocks also play a big part in this. They aren’t built to control the extra weight and higher center of gravity that comes with a truck camper. When you hit a dip, the axle rebounds too quickly, the shocks can’t slow it down, and the Timbrens take the hit. That is why it feels like the truck is bottoming out.

The best fix is to upgrade your rear shocks to something designed for heavy loads. Shocks like the Rancho 9000XL, Bilstein 4600 or 5160, or Fox 2.0 offer much stronger rebound control and usually eliminate most of the harshness. This is the first and biggest improvement. We do not carry the shocks for the trucks, so you will need to find them elsewhere.

The next option is replacing the Timbrens with air bags. Air bags support weight smoothly and progressively, so you don’t get that sudden jolt. Many truck camper owners find the ride much nicer with them. StableLoads are another choice if you prefer to keep things simple while improving stability. For air bags, I would go with the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL57399. If you wanted to pair the bags with an onboard compressor, I really like the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System # AL74000EZ, you don't even have to leave the cab of your truck to air them up with the provided remote.

So in short, the noise is almost certainly the Timbrens being hit hard during fast suspension movement. Better shocks will help the most, and air bags can make the ride even smoother.

Do you do a lot of Boondocking? What was your greatest adventure for 2025, where did you go, what did you see?

expert reply by: Kate F

0

Remote for Compressor
(click to enlarge)

Vern B.

12/9/2025

Kate,,,, I appreciate you taking the time to answer me. We havent done a lot of boon docking. We are set up to do some and hopefully 2026 will be a great year to get off the beaten path. We have done a lot of camping and exploring. We do like southern Missouri, West coast of Michigan and the upper u.p of Michigan.. Southern Illinois has some interesting things to do. Actually their are so many states that offer great adventures.. We are going to Colorado mid summer of 26, Michigan mid 26 and probably N. Carolina, etc.. I hope you have your best day ever.... Once again,,, I appreciate you answering me... If I can be of service to you.. Please let me know... Vern

Reply

Kate F.

12/9/2025

@VernB My pleasure Vern! Sounds like you have quite the adventures on the road ahead. We are actually located in Missouri, Wentzville to be exact, about 40 minutes from St Louis. I have always wanted to go to Michigan, and my boyfriends daughter just moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and I cannot wait to pay her a visit, she absolutely loves it out there. The road less traveled usually has the most amazing views! If you ever have any other questions along the way, you know where to find us. I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season filled with your most favorite people.

Reply