Tundra suspension enhancement

[tjdavisjr]

Hello,

New to the forum. I am ordering a Rockwood 8280WS and will be adding suspension enhancement to my 2010 Tundra. I was wondering about the difference between Tembren rubber springs and the Firestone Airbags. It looks like the Temren is the simplest to install and if you are not loaded they give you the original ride. I would appreciate it if anyone has any experience they could share on the pros and cons of the two options. Thanks.

[SaskCampers]

First welcome to the forum, I am sure you will enjoy the new trailer.

Air bags will also give you the original ride as you deflate them when they are not required. You only air them up to level out your truck. I hope you are only looking at these as a way to level your truck when hauling and not as a bandaid to getting a truck rated for the proper payload as none of these increase your payload or towing capacity because and I am just guessing your hitch weight will be up around 1300 loaded and your truck probably has a payload of around 1500 to 1600lbs if it is a crew cab so taking that into account you would only have 2 or 3 hundred pounds for people baggage and fuel in the truck. Again I am only guessing as you did not mention what configuration your truck is.

[donn]

There are literally hundreds of posts over this subject. IMHO Timbrens are only a larger version of the original factory bump stops. Many claim that they are a rubber(urethane) spring. What ever they are, they offer some additional support after the vehicles springs sag a certain amount. The problem is that there are lots of comments of how much rougher the ride is when unloaded. Due to the soft original springs compressing and slamming into the Timbrens. Personal research led me to air bags. They took me all of two hours to install. If I had read the instructions better the lob would have been about an hour.
Be aware that either will not add one pound to your vehicles GVWR or GCWR so they should be used only to adjust your vehicles level when towing.

[tjdavisjr]

Thanks for the response guys. I know that these don't do anything to increase GVWR but sounds like the airbags are the best option for leveling and keeping the same ride when not loaded. I also appreciate the concern for overloading the Tundra.

Tom

[ernestmiller]

2015 4x4 5.7 tundra pulls great has all the tow package.

[PhoneDude 8289]

I have the firestone airbags on my Tundra, they are awesome at leveling out the load. Installing "D's" or "E" rated tires on the Tundra will also be a +, the stock "P" tires are too soft and would be near max on there load rating. If you are still in the ordering stage I would press for "D" rated tires for your 8280, I think they come with "C" rated tires that are real junk. Work the dealer for Maxxis 8008's "D's" or Good Year Marathons "D's". Read the forums, lots of info. Good luck

[ernestmiller]

thanks

[ernestmiller]

2015 flagstaff 2015 sr5 tundra
w/tow package

[HONDAMAN174]

Nice setup!

[Scootdawg]

Another option is Roadmaster Active Suspension. Tightens the backend up nicely, and easy to install.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUmGX0mxUJU

[ernestmiller]

does your tundra pull good ?

[donanddona]

Been pulling my 5r just fine, no mods to the Tundra. Got about 30,000 on towing full time. Love that Toyota.

[ernestmiller]

yes sounds good i have had 3 tundras and this last one does the job fine , love mine to.

[Brush]

My 2008 Tundra with Super Springs pulls our TT just fine.

[PhoneDude 8289]

Our Tundra does a super job. I had it super charged a couple of years ago when we had the Cougar. We pull allot in the Rockies and Cascades, the 5.7 doesn't work near as hard in the mountains with the S/C. Probably have 15K miles of mountain towing, geared down to 3rd on a couple of 10% grades, able to hold speed limit very well. 500+ HP and 550 #' torque.

[ronb707]

I too have the 8280ws and pull it with 2010 Dbl. cab SR5. My setup pulls like a dream. Maiden trip of 5K miles out West up and down the Rockies. I have the Air Lift style bags with wireless control.

Don't really need the bags for leveling as the truck only squats about 1 inch when hooked to 5er. However, they shine when under way as you are able to change pressure and reduce bounce when underway to your hearts desire.

My Tundra is not really happy unless it is towing. A whole lot of truck to not put to work. I may have overdone the suspension setup. Air bags, E rated Michelin tires, and Bilsteen shocks. However, absolutely no issues in the Rockies whether on Interstate or 2 lane winding highway. It was solid. Now around town....it no longer rides like the luxury car it started out as. I added the E rated tires last and that's likely where the "truck like" ride comes from.

I would recommend the air bags over the Timbrens because of adjust-ability. Have had multiple issues with the Air Lift brand. Spent a lot of time on them problem solving. Techs are good to work with you and send you replacement parts. Finally solved the electronic issue by putting on on/off switch on the dash with hot wire going directly to battery. Guys are happy with the Firestone Ride Rites. I choose Air Lift because of a better mounting design.

Lot of info about your inquiry on the Tundratalk forum.

[seeray40]

I'm pulling a 8280ss with a 2012 Crewmax, tow package, Firestone bags, with no problem, I agree with Ronb707, don't need them only to level out the rig a little, mine squats about 1-1/2 inches, makes the ride smoother. I installed mine in a couple of hours also. Good luck and safe travels.

[cbennett51]

I pull my 2015 8329SS with a 2014 Tundra Crewmax Stock Suspension with 4:11 gears and a stabilizer hitch...it does great!

[Tow Yoda]

We have Firestone airbags, work great. No sag at 35 psi

[Tow Yoda]