Firestone Airbags vs Timbren vs Summo

I’m doing all my homework like I tend to do on everything. Pricing everything out and asking those that have been there and done that.

I plan on purchasing the OME BP-51 Kit with either medium or heavy duty springs (going to rely on headstrong’s recommendation) with a a snug top rebel and decked system installed at all times.

Anyhow, I’m worried about being nose high when I tow. Heaviest item being a pontoon boat in the summer around ~4K pounds. Out of the 3 load helpers in the subject, which one is best for 50% on-road 40% off-road and 10% towing use without hindering off-road capability?

 

The snug top and decked system are going to add quite a lot of weight so I would recommend the HD dakars. I did the medium duty with an RTT and canvas topper and it started to sag after it settled. You can always remove a leaf if it's too stiff but I seriously doubt it will be (after it settles).

I was in the same boat as you, so to speak, with about the same ratios except I tow my dirt bike on a hitch mount carrier and not a trailer. What I took away from my research is that Timbren's (load helpers, not off road version) would be great for towing but stiff otherwise. Airbags are the best choice if you have the money. You can adjust the PSI to suit all your needs and they shouldn't hinder performance off road.

I opted for the sumo springs for a few reasons. I have a constant load of about 500 lbs and occasionally tow the dirt bike. The HD Dakars hold the weight well but will sag a bit with the dirt bike. The sumo springs add just enough support to hold the weight without sagging. With the constant weight, they are not harsh as bump stops. They are inexpensive compared to air bags, Daystar cradles and OBA to fill them up on the fly. They are maintenance free which is also a plus since I take everything (bike included) way out for extended camping/riding trips. Lastly, they fit perfect with the HD dakars. With my constant load, the strike plates are 1/2" from the sumos and with the extra load they rest on them and keep things level.

I took a chance on the sumos springs with the intention of getting air bags if things didn't work out. Luckily, they seem to be the perfect solution to my situation. You won't know how the sumos will fit or if you would even like the ride until you try it.

 

Airbags are the only set up you can adjust level with any load. Doesn't make them the best for all circumstances but it is a consideration. I hate bottoming out but also dislike springs so stiff they don't allow for travel when light. For fixed loads a simple solution like Dakars or Sumo's might be preferred. HD spring packs weigh more than any of the other choices.

 

Thank you for the insight!

 

I just added Firestone air bags to help with leveling when towing our 19' Scamp (sorta bed-mounted gooseneck hitch) which weighs around 3,500#. So far it looks to be a good choice but will know more after returning from trip to Glacier NP which starts Thursday.

 

I went with Firestone air bags and Daystar cradles. You get all of the adjustability and ride quality of air bags and the cradles allow you full travel of your suspension without tearing the bags. I'm constantly changing what tools/cargo I have in the rear for work or play so the adjustability is a must and it rides like a stock truck when it's unloaded.

 

Few questions if you don't mind:

• Do you have aftermarket springs to accommodate the extra weight of the topper you have on your truck? Just looking at your avatar photo.
• From what I've read, you keep 5lbs of air in the bags at all times, and it should ride like normal with full suspension travel for off-road use. Then if you have a load that makes your rear sag, or you are towing you add air to bring it back to level/factory rake, is this basically how it works?
• Also, what are you using for the onboard air?

Thanks for the help and the pic.

 

I was thinking of doing the same. Try the non-airbag approach and if it worked, I'll get out lucky. If not, then sell them and spend the $$ on the air bags. I'll be reaching out to dakar to see what they recommend on a spring pack after I get the final numbers of weight added. Thanks again.

 

I've got completely stock rear besides the bags and cradles. I'm saving up for some bilstein bypasses. I keep around 10psi in mine to compensate for the weight of the canopy and my work tools. I also have 885s in the front so the extra psi helps level it out some. Firestone says that each psi holds a extra 50 pounds of cargo in the bed. I usually just fill it up to whatever levels out my rear and call it good. It also does a great job of taking care of taco lean.

For on board air I'm using a Costco jump box with a mini compressor on it. That way I can always jump my battery or fill up the bags as needed. It's a little weak for a tire but it would work in a pinch.

 

Thank you for the details! This might be the way to go for me right now since ARB is offering a free compressor with a purchase of the BP-51 suspension, which I've been eyeballing for awhile now.

 

In my experience, medium duty for an empty bed with occasional load. I had about 300lbs constant and would sag when loaded up with camping gear (2 big bins, cooler and a few bags). I had to spend a lot more time and money to buy the additional leaf, spacer and shim later. I would recommend buying the HD and give it a few months to settle. If after all that time, you still want to remove the leaf (making it a MD pack) you can, and probably sell it to another member who needs it.