Timbren SES Review - Ford Superduty F-350 7.3L + 5th Wheel

We experienced a good bit of sag with our setup so we installed Timbren SES bump stop replacements.
2021 Ford F-350 SRW Short Bed 7.3L Gas
3,787 lbs payload
20k lbs tow capacity
2021 Montana High Country 335BH
12,500 lbs dry
15,000 lbs loaded
A sharp eye may catch that I am using the severe service version of the Timbren SES. On our AT4 HD we used the normal Timbren SES setup, which is softer. I want to try out new products so I can share my thoughts on KZbin. I'm going to stick with this setup a bit longer, but I'm thinking these are a bit too stiff. If you want my recommendation as of right now, I suggest going with the regular Timbren setup. After a few more tows, I might switch to the normal Timbren setup on my Ford to get a good comparison.
Here's a few links where you can buy these products. Some of them are affiliate links and I will get a commission.
timbren.com/p-...
www.etrailer.c...
If you buy through this Amazon link, I get a commission: amzn.to/44h4W9b
SumoSprings offer a similar product made from stiff foam instead of rubber. They are a similar price and just as easy to install. I've heard good things but have not used them myself. I hear they are better than Timbrens in constant load situations, like a motorhome.
www.supersprin...
www.etrailer.c...
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Travel trailers with weight distribution hitches:
Suspension enhancements are generally not a good idea. The rig may look better, but that doesn’t mean it is better
Weight distribution hitches generally rely on the dip between the truck and trailer in order to transfer weight away from the drive axle. The bars on the Equalizer, for example, create tension across the low point to spread weight forward to the steer axle and back to the trailer axle(s). By jacking up the rear axle with Timbrens, SumoSprings, or airbags, less weight is distributed. This may be okay, but it depends on your vehicle numbers. You. may very well be better off with just the WDH.
Need a weight-distribution hitch? We had a good experience with the Equalizer. It is a bit noisy. There are pads to quiet it down a bit.
I've heard good things about the Blue Ox hitch, but no personal experience.

[@6582rg]

As long as you have sufficient payload capacity, I’d add some air bags. I have a 21 F350 dually and it gets a few inches of squat when my 5th wheel is loaded heavy. I installed RiteRide Heavy Duty air bags and hooked it up to my on-board compressor that also runs my air horn. All adjustments are made from the cab.

[@oldnumber6]

First time using timbrens and I like them better than the air bags. I do feel that I am still sagging a little too much in the rear, but it might be because my truck is leveled. As you said, unloaded, they do not affect the ride.

[@Ian-xw1ge]

Thanks for the information. I am new to trucking. 18 wheeler and Four wheelers are a different set up. Ford Tremor 2023 is impressive looking 4×4

[@wayneharris2666]

Just came across your channel and like all of your videos. They’re very informative. Ive been full timing for 2 years and have an f150 with 25ft travel trailer and looking to upgrade to a 5th wheel and an f350 7.3 like yours. Did you build and buy your truck? I’ve noticed there’s not many f350 7.3 engine options when shopping around online. Also do you have the 6.5 ft or 8 ft bed? Thanks!

[@JavierRivera]

Great video. I almost buy air lift airbags with he compressor 2200 installed. I did not know there was another alternative for sagging.

[@bullboss7698]

The problem is, people don't want their truck to ride like a truck. So, the manufacturers soften up the suspension for a better ride quality. Mt F250 rides better than our car does. If you are towing a heavy camper, you are better off adding something to carry the load better. Like you, I installed the Timbren's and they work for me. I had airbags on my previous truck and one failed, Timbren's are all most fool proof and less expensive.

[@coderedfit]

I have a 23 F350 with snow plow prep so it has the stiffer front springs and sits almost totally level when unloaded. When I hook up my 13,000 5W it barely touches one side of the overload springs. The rear end sits about an inch lower than the front so it looks like it's sagging a bit but it's not.

[@JavierRivera]

Any opinion about sumosprings vs Timbren

[@wildwest6771]

Hi Ryan. Do you mind giving out your RV numbers? GVWR, total length, average pin (hitch) weight per tow? I have the same truck in a Tremor package (F350) and trying to gage what I can pull (5er) w/o over working the truck. Thanks.

[@SmoreRV]

11,300# GVWR truck 16,000# GVWR trailer Last weight I was a combined 23,820 pounds Montana High Country 335BH is 37' with a rear slide that makes it 39' when parked. Empty weight on the tag is 12,250# and is about 15k loaded. It can handle 16k but I don't have room to add anymore stuff. 3,280# on the hitch last time I weighed. That makes 6,880# on the drive axle, which is rated at 7,230#. Front axle is under too but I'm maxed on total payload. I think your biggest Tremor problem will be the extra bed height. I towed the same trailer with an AT4 HD, which had 1.5" higher bed height. The fifth wheel chucked more being nose high. I'm in the Smoky Mountains now and I haven't felt like I'm overworking the truck at all. I'm sure the Rockies are a different story, but these grade are no problem.

[@FordF250Tremor]

What is your PIN weight?

[@SmoreRV]

Roughly 3k pounds. I think I have to call it hitch weight though before someone else points out I have a gooseneck-type hitch and not a traditional 5th wheel hitch. The rear axle is rated to 7,230lbs and last check I'm around 6,800lbs. That was right after moving out of the house though so we've been lightening up that hitch weight a bit further and removing some things from the bed.

[@coderedfit]

What is your pin weight?

[@FordF250Tremor]

What foot/lbs did you torque the bolts?

[@SmoreRV]

timbren.com/n-109-how-to-install-a-timbren-ses-kit-in-7-easy-steps.html Check step 7 in that link. Basically, just get it tight without over-powering it. You don't need your torque wrench on this project. Those metal U-nut things you're going into probably won't handle much torque. The pressure of the load on one side aand axle on the other are doing all the work.

[@bultacowally]

why buy a 1 ton if you STILL have to beef up the suspension??? Sounds like a case of more money than brains....

[@RyanSpencerPlus]

Nah, you’ll notice it’s a standard bad single rear wheel. I could have gone with a long bed dually that would handle the weight better for a bit more money, but then I’d have a longer, wider truck with a worse turning radius. Since we use this truck as our way of getting around, it makes sense to have the smaller vehicle with a few modifications.