Air Lift 1000 or Timbren SES for towing?

T

tcc11tcc

New member
Just traded my Nissan Armada for a 2012 SR5. I knew going into this the SR5 was not going to be the same for towing but the Armada seemed overkill for my boat. I tow an 18 ½ foot bass boat with single axle trailer with surge brakes. Total load is 3500lbs max. I am looking for ways to ensure the towing experience is a smooth as possible. I did searches on towing here and other forums and it seems installing one of these two items really helps. I totally understand how the Air Lift 1000 works but not quite sure about the Timbren SES kit, although I understand it is permanent. Anyone have experience with these and knows which one is better?

Also read about installing an additional tranny cooler. I am on the fence about that one. I tow a lot to lakes around the south so it’s somewhat hilly and hot. Might be a good idea for that.

A weight distribution hitch seems not to be an option for trailers with surge brakes so that’s out.

Any other suggestions would be welcome.
 
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I have never towed anything but I did have Timbren's on the rear of my 08' Tacoma for a little while.

I would vote for the Air bags. The bags when aired up will keep you at the same level you started out as whereas with the Timbrens, the rear will need to sag some before they touch and start doing their job. Of course with the stock rake of the 4Runners, you may be running level after the rear sags some but still, you'll get a better ride and it will look better with the airbags. Plus I think they are cheaper.
 
No, you don't need a tranny cooler. No, you don't need a WD hitch. There are a couple members towing fishy boats or campers, probably about your same weight, using the Airlifts.

I thought Timbren's website explained pretty well how they work.

They'll be along soon. Any idea of your tongue weight?
 
This is same person as tcc11tcc. Account isnt working.

I did view the web site for Timbren. Looked like it just helped absorbed the weight keeping it from applying directly to spring. Not real mechanical regarding cars – know the basics.

I looked up weight of my boat and motor. It’s about 2000lbs. The trailer weight isn’t listed but from other forums Ranger trailers are 600-800lbs. So with a 30 gallon gas tank (gallon 6.15lbs) full that’s an additional 185lbs. Tackle, batteries and gear would have to weigh 500lbs to hit 3500lbs.

I have only towed once. The only thing I noticed on a very steep hill at a stop sign I wanted to roll backwards (like a driving a stick) but that’s normal of any vehicle. I think I will get a better idea when I tow it to Kentucky Lake or Guntersville from Nashville.

I am very happy with my purchase. Love the Nav, Entune, and heated seats but I am REALLY loving the MPG!
 
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The Timbrens are cheap and super easy to install-around $200 I think. They just bolt on in place of the factory bump-stops on the axle. I have a set on my work truck, a 2011 Suburban 2500, and I love them. I have almost no sag even when hauling 85% of the rated capacity. I think the air bags would be better overall, but way more expensive and harder to install.
 
^^ The Air lift kit tcc11tcc/4RunnerFishin is looking at is around $100. Amazon sells it a little cheaper I think as well.
 
That's cheaper than I thought, but it does not include the compressor, which runs another $250. Without the compressor, you have to manually inflate and deflate the air bags with a tire pump. In my experience, the cheaper air systems tend to leak and lose pressure. I like the Timbrens better then any air system I've used, but I have not used them on a 4Runner.
 
Had Airlift and Timbren on past vehicles. I prefer the bags for weight specific adjustment. The Timbren ride was a little more harsh after it takes up the inch or two of free travel, but they do work. I have a $10 mini air compressor I use adjust the bag firmness, it only takes about a minute to do.
 
Airlift 1000 and a MV-50 compressor.....best, single mod I did so far.

Congratz on the truck and glad you're getting out fishin'...good luck!
 
Titanpat57 said:
Airlift 1000 and a MV-50 compressor.....best, single mod I did so far.

Congratz on the truck and glad you're getting out fishin'...good luck!
Click to expand...

I googled the MV50 compressor. Glad you recommended one. Need one anyway for trailer tires, rafts, etc.

Question...different brands appeared...Q Industries, SmittyBilt, and Superflow. Which one do you have?

I fish all the time, fished as a "pro" this year on the women's circuit. Still a co-angler in BASS. I know I will get trashed for not buying a "real" tow vehicle but I also fish out of an 18.8 ft boat with 175hp when most run 20-21ft with 250's. Fish dont care about your boat or your tow vehicle. :fishing:
 
I think mine is the Q jammie...although there pretty much all the same machine. The claim to fame, in my world at least, is it's all contained in a nice, neat bag, with all the parts you need.

There is also the MV-90...which is a bit bigger and quicker, but also some extra dough (here it is for 141.00 SuperFlow MV-90 Portable - Air Compressor ) .

and just we understand each other...I automatically hate you if you fish "all the time"......life isn't fair.....;):


Welcome to the forums...you'll find some great info here for the new TV!

Pat
 
Titanpat57 said:
and just we understand each other...I automatically hate you if you fish "all the time"......life isn't fair.....;):
Click to expand...

I wish I fished full time. I am a Business Intelligence consultant during the week and try to fish on the weekends. I take about 6 weeks off a year to fish a tour. The BASS stuff is a weekend series.

Thanks for the info. I will be ordering the Airlift and pump.

Question – how much air do you put in or how do you know how much? Just fill it?
 
I usally run about 10lbs running around town...and 20-23 lbs when towing.

My trailer is about 2600#'s loaded...and also carry several hundred pounds in the truck...

Camping gear is like fishing lures.....you never have the right one......and most are specifically designed to seperate you from what's in your wallet (or purse)
 
Another question- The last 2 SUVs I owned had a button for Tow Mode. If it was a really steep hill I would manually shift and climb usually in 3rd gear. I have been told not to tow in “D” on the highway so I suppose that means I would manually shift it to “4”. Is this correct? What gear do you tow in?
 
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