|
|
Post by Chuck on Jun 1, 2017 9:20:49 GMT -5
jetzen I looked at Timbrens but felt they were not enough for me at least, I had friends that had air bags an really liked them an made a case to me why I should get them instead of the other ... What funny out here in the west we have a tire dealer thought-out the western states that sells Firestone Air Bags, installed was $700 plus tax without the compressor... They would not install them on my truck because they had to drill one hole in the 5th bracket attached to the frame. I went down the street to my go to RV guy and he stated no problem and put the Air Lift bags on with air inlets like Edd in the bumper for $900. He guaranteed them for the as long as I owned the truck against damage or workmen ship both from their installation and the bags them selves... Safe Travels & Don't forget about the Kz Rally this Summer  Chuck |
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on Jun 1, 2017 9:32:29 GMT -5
Chuck,
There are different grades of Trimbren. You have to query the manufacturer to get the correct one. Mine are 6000 lb.. That is what was recommened. They are also lifetime warranty. I just wanted something that was simple. |
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Jun 1, 2017 9:50:52 GMT -5
Hey Walter simple is good and easy as well, I looked at a few web pages on them an talked with a few friends in our camping group and they all agreed I should go with air bags ... Now saying the above if my fine feathered friends in the camping group told me to jump of the bridge I'd have to ask them if they would go 1st LOL Safe travels my good friend BTW I test drove a small corn roast the other day, were gonna need a big fire pit for 200 ears of corn, along with 20pds of butter (only kidding) LOL Chuck Chuck |
|
RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20 
|
Post by RGB on Jun 1, 2017 18:15:00 GMT -5
I visited the local dealer here in Colorado Springs (Pikes Peak Traveland). I mentioned that they do not have the model that I am after, but would they be able to provide service if needed. I would imagine that they would provide warranty service, but I'm still not completely clear about it. For service issues (outside of warranty issues) I would be getting in line with everyone else. I can clarify that later. I would like to give them my business and place an order for the unit, but I was told that KZ - Durango is backlogged 12 weeks or more. That is a long time to wait, in my opinion. I could build a Tiny Home in that amount of time. ...just kidding. Edd & Chuck & Jetzen-- I checked at Rocky Mountain Spring and Suspension, a local business here in Colorado Springs, and asked about air bags. His opinion was that they are too expensive for what longevity that you get out of them. They can weather and rot in a period of about 5 years or so and then you have to replace them (his professional opinion). Of course, as you mentioned Chuck, getting lifetime warranty on the install and the bags is a good thing and something worth investigating. His recommendation was to use adjustable shocks that give, basically, the same function -- a stiffer, compensating ride when towing a good sized rig. He recommended the Rancho RS9000XL adjustable shocks, all around @ about $125 each installed. Far cheaper than the airbags install that I was looking at ( $820 just for the parts, Firestone 2802 with compressor and wireless controller). Out the door would be considerably more. He also recommended Timbren SES bumpers as an added bonus. ....good video timbren.com/timbren-ses/ Also, as I mentioned, I like Durango 2500 325RLT, floorplan, weight, etc. But a slight move up to Durango Gold is the 355RLT, all with the benefits of Gold. Gold does offer a better bang for the buck, too. Check it out: www.kz-rv.com/products/durango-gold-fifth-wheels/G355RLT.htmlThx to all of you for your advice and great commentary. ...much appreciated. I'm trying hard to fit the purchase to the dates of the Rally. ...be good to meet all you advisors. Ron |
|
|
|
Post by lynnmor on Jun 1, 2017 19:40:34 GMT -5
The idea that a shock and an air bag can be the same thing makes me doubt the knowledge of the "professional."
An air bag acts as an additional spring and can be adjusted to the load to restore ride height. A shock simply dampens motion and will not lift the truck unless it is an air shock.
I have Air-Lift bags with a wireless controller on my F250 6.7L. The front has the snow plow prep springs, and with the bags on the rear, it will do anything that an F350 can do. The F250's are noted for their soft rear springs.
|
|
RGB
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 20
|
Post by RGB on Jun 1, 2017 23:02:37 GMT -5
Thx Lynnmor for your comments. I had air shocks on my 64 Malibu way back when. I believe you are correct about the action of the shock, just simply a dampening motion.
I don't believe the intent with the shocks was to lift the truck, at least not in the comparative sense, like air bags. So, I concur with what you said. And I do believe
that Timbren SES bumpers could offer some assistance when air bags are being fully used. The wireless controller for the airbags interests me, as well. It would also seem to
help when hitching/unhitching. Raising and lowering the truck while standing next to it might provide some comfort to these old bones.
Also, looking at that big 5th wheel next to my F250 appears somewhat intimidating. And I haven't pulled a 5er before. So, my intention is to get as much info as I can and
stop this money from burning a hole in my pocket. The info I'm getting at this forum is quite helpful.
Thx again. RGB
|
|
|
|
Post by johnr on Jun 2, 2017 7:03:23 GMT -5
rgb, 12 weeks really isn't unusual at least for KZ. I understand that they set up the line for a specific build (say Durango Gold 353RKT), run those for however many production units are needed, then they tear down the line and set up for the next build. So, depending on where your order falls and the next time they set up that line, you'll have to wait.
Otherwise, you need to check all the dealers around you for something close to what you want and buy it off the lot.
|
|
|
|
Post by lynnmor on Jun 2, 2017 7:22:58 GMT -5
I used the Air Lift bags with the bumpers inside. With a wireless controller they are currently $636.62 at sdtruckdprings.com. I installed the compressor above the spare tire.
|
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on Jun 2, 2017 7:40:09 GMT -5
I use the Timbrens, they are a variable rate overload spring that replace your jounce bumpers. They come in varying rates. On the Timbren website they have a program to evaluate what rate spring you actually need. Just punch in you numbers and out pops the answer. The one that I use is 6000 lb. The average street price is $215.00. I purchased mine on ebay for $185.00 minus another $15.00 for using paypal and free shipping. They are a real easy do-it-yourself project most often no more than 6 bolts and usually you don't even need to take the wheels off.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Jun 2, 2017 11:45:18 GMT -5
rgb What air bags do is for the most part keep you rig level and take care of the extra shocks fro ruff roads. When I hook to my 5th wheel my truck without air bags only dropped 3 inches, which is not bad, with air bags at 40 psi it is level and gives me a better ride .... As far as helping when hitching/unhitching I never take the air out of my air bags, I set them to 40psi and leave them that way while on the road. Since the truck is level I do not have Raising and lowering the truck and with the auto hook function on the trailer I never worry about hooking to such ... I agree that if you have never towed a 5th wheel it can be a little intimidating, just remember that when you turn a corner to swing a little wider because the trailer wheels do not track in the same path your truck is tracking. I recommend that you drive around the dealers lot to get use to pulling it, then get some orange cones and go to a shopping center parking lot far away from any parked cars, set up the cones and practice going around them. Also set up the comes like a camp site and practice backing into them as you would do if you were at a RV park .... I wish I was closer I could help you, do not be scared, 5th wheels are much easier to pull than a TT and the are far easier to back into sites than a TT ... I will say since you are to familiar backing ask for either a pull thought site or one you can back in from the drivers side not the passengers or what the call the blind side ... There are a number of videos on U-tube on how to back up 5th wheels, just take your time and you will be ok After a few thousand miles you will not think twice about going down the road :0 We are all waiting to see what you 5th wheel you get Safe travels Chuck Also, looking at that big 5th wheel next to my F250 appears somewhat intimidating. And I haven't pulled a 5er before. So, my intention is to get as much info as I can and Read more: kzfamilyforum.com/thread/1535/tow-vehicle-capabilities-f250-7l#ixzz4irYhpXUg |
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on Jun 2, 2017 18:10:31 GMT -5
Chuck,
pretty much what the Trimbrens do, make the TV sit level and smooth out the ride when loaded except there is no air compressor to go bad or bags to leak. There is nothing to maintain no air pressure to monitor it is a passive system, bolt it on adjust it once and forget about it. |
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Jun 4, 2017 18:28:34 GMT -5
Jetzen I'm sure that they do, it sort of like what do you like, Ford or Dodge, I like Ford and you like Dodge, would I buy a Dodge. possibly but right now I have a Ford. I would never try to change you mind nor anyone else to buy a different brand of truck nor would I try to change yours nor any one else's mind on Trimbrens or airbags I'm just stating how I feel Chuck |
|
|
|
Post by jetzen on Jun 4, 2017 19:28:23 GMT -5
Jetzen I'm sure that they do, it sort of like what do you like, Ford or Dodge, I like Ford and you like Dodge, would I buy a Dodge. possibly but right now I have a Ford. I would never try to change you mind nor anyone else to buy a different brand of truck nor would I try to change yours nor any one else's mind on Trimbrens or airbags I'm just stating how I feel Chuck Exactly Chuck, just a lot of people do not know what Timbrens are and I was trying to give an explanation/description of how they compared to air bags. |
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Jun 7, 2017 10:33:46 GMT -5
Amen bother I see where your going |
|
pawpawcamper
Newbie RV’er
2017 Durango 2500 - 2017 F450 Ford - Sailun Tires
Posts: 22
|
Post by pawpawcamper on Dec 12, 2017 0:54:29 GMT -5
I was also concerned about pulling with a 2008 F250 super duty. I added Air-Rite air bags and pulled the trigger. I will upgrade to a F450 in couple years. I have Durango 2500 D347BHQ (bulk house model) . Pulls with ease. Just drive like you are pulling 15k. My motto is no hurry or stay at home.
PawPawCamper
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Dec 12, 2017 14:03:06 GMT -5
pawpawcamper Lots of 5th wheel owners I see do like you, drive about 60 to 65mph an then there are the owners of TT that think they are in a race to get someplace LOL... I see some postings on other boards that state they can go over a hill or mountain at 65 an 70mph, I wonder how long their vehicle will last. Some of them have gotten to the camp grounds about 3 minutes ahead of us at times, I smile at them in the checkin office an say "man the traffic was bad" they just look at me Safe travels Chuck |
|
