Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer puts a lot of stress on your truck’s rear suspension. That extra weight can cause sagging, reduce steering control, and lead to uneven tire wear. Towing helper springs address these issues by offering additional support, keeping your vehicle level and stable under load. Two popular choices are SumoSprings and Timbren SES. Below, we’ll break down what these products do, how they differ, and why they’re worth considering.
Why Use Towing Helper Springs?
- Less Squat: Extra load capacity prevents the tail of your truck from dipping under heavy weight.
- Better Control: A level ride helps your front wheels maintain good contact with the road, improving steering and braking.
- Sway Reduction: Helper springs can minimize the rocking motion caused by crosswinds or passing trucks.
- Longer Suspension Life: By sharing the work, they help reduce wear and tear on leaf springs and shocks.
Important Note: Towing helper springs don’t increase your truck’s factory tow rating. Overloading can still lead to safety issues or mechanical failure, so always follow the manufacturer’s towing guidelines.
SumoSprings: Quick Overview
SumoSprings are made from micro-cellular urethane that compresses as weight is added. The more load you put on them, the firmer they get—helping support your factory suspension without needing air lines or frequent adjustments. They’re ideal for drivers who tow off and on, since once installed, they work on their own.
- Maintenance-Free: No need to inflate or deflate like air bags.
- Progressive Support: Starts off soft for an unloaded truck, then gets stiffer as you add weight.
- Easy Install: Many kits bolt onto your existing spring mounts.
Timbren SES: Quick Overview
Timbren SES (Suspension Enhancement Systems) use heavy-duty rubber springs that replace or supplement your factory bump stops. When your truck is unloaded, they sit idle, but once weight is added, the rubber springs compress to support the load.
- Simple Design: Replaces stock bump stops with rubber springs that engage under load.
- Great for Heavy Loads: Widely used in commercial or utility vehicles that handle extra weight regularly.
- Low Upkeep: No air compressor or lines to maintain, just check for wear now and then.
Comparing SumoSprings and Timbren SES
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Ride Comfort:
- SumoSprings: Tends to provide a smoother transition from unloaded to loaded states, thanks to the micro-cellular urethane.
- Timbren SES: Rides more like a standard bump stop until loaded, then offers firm support under heavier weights.
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Load Adjustability:
- SumoSprings: Progressive resistance, soft when empty, firmer under heavy loads.
- Timbren SES: Engages when the truck sags enough to contact the rubber spring, then holds steady.
- Installation: Both typically bolt on with basic tools, though final steps can vary by truck model.
- Price and Availability: Both brands offer kits at different price points, often depending on load capacity and truck fitment.
Common Questions
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Do helper springs replace my leaf springs?
No. These products work alongside your existing springs to add extra support. -
Will my truck ride stiff when I’m not towing?
Both SumoSprings and Timbren SES stay out of the way until weight is added, so most drivers notice minimal difference on an empty bed. -
Is any special maintenance required?
Not really. Inspect the hardware occasionally for rust or loosened bolts, but there's no air to add or lines to check. -
What if my payload exceeds my truck’s rating?
Helper springs don’t increase your official towing or payload limits. Overloading is unsafe regardless of added suspension support. -
Do I need front helper springs, too?
Usually the focus is on the rear axle. However, some vehicles can benefit from front solutions if you mount a winch or plow.
Important Safety Tip: Always check your suspension components, brackets, and mounting surfaces for signs of fatigue or corrosion. If something looks worn out, replace it before adding helper springs.
Where to Buy
Looking for the right kit? Shockwarehouse carries a variety of towing helper springs, including popular models from SumoSprings and Timbren SES. Our selection guide and support team can help you pick the best setup for your vehicle. A reliable towing experience starts with stable, balanced suspension—make sure you have the gear you need.
