SumoSprings-vs-Airbags-vs-Timbren

SumoSprings vs Airbags vs Rubber Bump Stop

Alex HodschayanSumoSprings 3 Comments

Embarking on the journey to upgrade your suspension brings forth a myriad of options. In the realm of sagging, vibration, and body roll, SumoSprings emerge as a distinctive solution. But what sets them apart from airbags and traditional rubber bump stops? Let’s delve into the key differences, unraveling the unique features that make SumoSprings a revolution in suspension enhancement.

What Makes SumoSprings Different?

SumoSprings stand out as a suspension enhancement that defies the conventions of rubber and airbags. Crafted from micro-cellular material, these springs require no maintenance, eliminating the need for cumbersome lines or compressors. All SuperSprings International (SSI) products, including SumoSprings, proudly carry a lifetime warranty.

The distinguishing factor lies in their composition. Unlike solid rubber or air-filled bladders, SumoSprings operate as progressive springs. Positioned in the same location as the original equipment (OE) bump stops, SumoSprings are designed to make contact sooner, delivering a unique level of load support. This innovative approach effectively reduces body roll, prevents rear-end sag, and absorbs chassis vibrations.

Multiple Options: Blue, Black, and Yellow

SumoSprings come in three distinct colors or densities: blue, black, and yellow. This variety allows you to tailor the support precisely to your vehicle and its specific requirements. For a comprehensive understanding of the colors and their significance, explore our in-depth blog post on the meaning of SumoSprings colors.

SumoSprings Colors and Densities

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SumoSprings vs Airbags

First let’s take a look at airbags and SumoSprings side by side.

Airbags excel in leveling super-heavy loads, making them ideal for applications like diesel motorhomes, semi-trucks, and school buses. However, there are noteworthy considerations. Airbags essentially replace your vehicle’s suspension, rendering the factory suspension obsolete. They also impose limitations on vertical travel, and the need for adjusting PSI based on load requires additional components like airlines or onboard compressors. This ongoing maintenance can compromise unloaded ride comfort.

In contrast, SumoSprings complement your factory suspension without the need for lines, air compressors, or maintenance. Our Solo and Rebel SumoSpring designs offer robust load capacity and support while allowing unrestricted vertical travel. As showcased in our torture test video, SumoSprings prove to be virtually indestructible.

SumoSprings vs. Rubber Bump Stops

Now let’s look at a more common bump stop upgrade and SumoSprings side by side.

While some rubber-based bump stops may perform well in cold temperatures, they exhibit linear characteristics. The engagement with the frame is harsh and immediate, making them less suitable for unloaded conditions. The linear nature of rubber bump stops results in a jarring experience on the road.

SumoSprings, on the other hand, are not made from rubber. Functioning as progressive springs, they offer a soft and almost imperceptible initial engagement. This unique characteristic ensures that as weight increases, the springs become firmer, providing the necessary support and control. Even in unloaded conditions, SumoSprings minimize the impact on your factory ride.

Check out this video where we discuss the key differences between SumoSprings, airbags and rubber bump stops.

Use our application guide to see what we have for your vehicle.

Comments 3

  1. Hello Francois,

    Camping World may have told you that as a precautionary measure, however it is not 100% necessary. If you do want to double-check the torque on the SumoSprings bolts though, here are the recommendations:

    For bolts that secure the bracket to the frame: 35 foot pounds

    For bolts that secure the bracket to the SumoSprings: 25 foot pounds

    Carriage bolts: DO NOT torque. Securely tighten, but not too tight, in order to avoid bending the brackets.

    You can activate your warranty here: https://superspringsinternational.com/warranty/

    I hope this helps! Please let us know if you need anything else.

  2. Have SumoSprings for 18K Forest River FR3 . Very satisfied. Been told at Camping world Savannah that the bolts have to be re-torqued at 500 miles, Wich ones ? How many foot-pounds ? Haven’t had warranty certificate , do we need it ? Actually they were installed at Kissimmee Camping world store , but the the left front was installed the wrong way, the top part installed at the bottom and vice-versa. Caused a big slide in a rain storm as we entered Georgia. Being from Québec, used to icy roads, corrected the slide and went to the Savannah store were they found and corrected the problem.
    Thank you.

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