I want to thank you all again so much for your helpful input (see my previous post "Do we have enough Truck?") http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/thread-view.asp?threadid=11772&posts=16

We still have not weighed the unit - truck scale is 45 minutes away and poor DH has been digging out floor and raising roof on our trailer shed so the new one will fit.  He's been at it for 4 days (It's a good thing he's retired - he says he doesn't know how he had time to work)  

I know, I know - get to the point, right?  Ok- I am convinced that even if we are okay with our pin weight that we should have some help for our current suspension.  I have looked at and have been reading up on the Timbrens - they seem to be the easiest and cheapest alternative.  What am I missing?  How would air bags be a better choice?  When I google and read about airbags, it's like reading a different language.  It's difficult for me to sort through and find the information that is pertinent to our situation.  Can anyone point me towards an easily understood comparison between the 2?

Thanks again for any input.

Mary

Mary, Simply my opinion, but here goes.  A) Timbrens are a relatively solid rubber bumper that physically keeps your truck from squatting too much. Work great, nothing to go wrong. Idiot proof.  Can be known for riding rough when loaded.   B) Air bags are springs that use air to carry the load. Have more give and take. Can actually improve the ride of a loaded truck. Cost more. Can leak. Need an on-board compressor to be truly useful. If run flat, can tear them up. So they are not idiot proof.  So in a nutshell- low cost & convenience vs. good ride & potential trouble.

RTSmith

Mary

I'm for sure not an expert but I Installed Timbrens on a F-250 pulling a Kiefer 3 horse full LQ. They are working great and do not effect the ride empty. Installed in approx 30 mins.

I have the firestone air bags and will never have anyting else and I do not have an on-board compressor, I check the air pressure everyweek when I check my trailer tires, yes a little pain in the rear but I know for sure what the pressure is.....  Well until I get the money for a full Kelderman air ride system.....

As RTSmith stated if you do not have the on board compressor you have to air them up, but it WILL not hurt them running with no air, however running with around 50psi (in my case) while unloaded helps my unloaded ride.

Bottom line the air bags are adjustable with adding or removing air from either the on board compressor or the valve stem.