We plan on trailering with this setup to review the improvements. We did not have time to do it that day.

@kingarthur1953

6 жыл бұрын

I have this on my 1/2 ton with happy and max towing packages and it is great.

@The101Point1

6 жыл бұрын

You should put tow mirrors on the F-150

@rvalltheway2796

5 жыл бұрын

Big Truck Big RV can you install with this air bags

@stephenpowstinger733

5 жыл бұрын

As to the debate of advocates vs skeptics: it would be nice to have a Ford (or other truck) engineer sign off on this .

@jimmygreene284

5 жыл бұрын

How does this compare to adding a helper leaf?

THIS IS AMAZING FOR TOWING!!!! Doesn't tow anything! Doesn't measure anything! Doesn't justify anything they just did!

@Metal_Stacking

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly lol

@williampostgate3171

10 ай бұрын

But they jumped on it. 😅

@puphouse

8 ай бұрын

I got these and they do nothing. Seems to make things worse in some regard.

@100pyatt

4 ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣💯💯💯

I put it on my 150 after seeing this video. Driver's side (the 1st side I did) took a long time to install, but since I knew what I was doing the passenger side took no time. I told them I saw it on your channel and they gave me maybe a 10% discount. I love them. Took about 2" of squat out with my ATV in the bed which is why I added it. Thank you.

I've had these on my truck for over 100,000KM and they make the truck drive really well, and smooth it out when unloaded.

I put these on my Chevy 1500 and I love them! I have my horse trailer hooked up every weekend and noticed such a positive change in the handling. Going over bridges or rough spots in the road, the amount of bounce was dramatically reduced instantly! I recommend these 100%!

@silverazteca09

4 жыл бұрын

What year is your Chevy?

@MajTom-wd2yt

9 ай бұрын

1500? Must be a very tiny horse. 😂😂

I installed this over 4 months ago. I pull a travel trailer that weighs 8000lbs. I’d say 90% of my trailer sway has disappeared. I bought this because even with my weight distribution sway control hitch setup, the sway was horrible. And yes I set the hitch set up correctly. This has been the best purchase I’ve done. The new f150 trucks leaf pack on a 4x4 are not strong enough compared to a 4x2. Most folks with a 2 wheel drive are not having the sway issues the 4x4 trucks are having. I’ve done enough research and found that out along with other differences. Hope this helps anyone

@BigTruckBigRV

6 жыл бұрын

Great! Thanks for the reply

@chrisharris9115

6 жыл бұрын

When you installed it on your truck did you take it to a shop or dyd you do it yourself? Looks pretty easy to do. I was thinking about putting in airbags for my 150 since it sags a little with my atv, but this seems like a set it up and forget it type of thing.

@bottlefed91

6 жыл бұрын

Chris Harris I installed it myself. It was really easy. Just make sure the axle is fully extended to get these to work correctly

@johnmills837

6 жыл бұрын

I'd forget it all together

@JurjenHettinga

5 жыл бұрын

If you're still getting sway with your weight distribution hitch, your hitch is possibly not setup correctly.

I'm surprised that you didn't measure the ride height before and after installation.

Just an idea, but maybe should have dropped a trailer on there first to do a before and after to compare squat. Also maybe a test drive to compare the ride with the same trailer. Keep up the work love the content

@stevessteve2920

6 жыл бұрын

if they we're companies trying to make more money yes.but no are regular people that just wants the best

@matthewgardner7529

6 жыл бұрын

Don’t understand your comment.. just stating that yes they want the best and want to show the best. If that’s what u meant. But it was a idea to show how the product works towing.

@mobgma

6 жыл бұрын

agreed. how can we know it worked without any damn trailer on it before and after (initial squat comparo and driving test).

When I first saw this product 5 years ago, I thought it was snake oil. After my mechanic highly recommended it due to his personal experiences, I gave it a go because it had a 30 day money back guarantee anyways so I figured it wouldn't hurt. I'm sure as hell glad I did! Wish I had done it 5 years ago!! I didn't need that 30 day money back guarantee because its the best product I've ever put on my truck! With or without my camper, this thing is smooth riding, sway control, axle wrap eliminated, and YES it helps with fuel savings ( when my camper is on). Id suggest anyone who is skeptical, or thinks this is snake oil like I originally did, to give Roadmaster a call and take them up on the 30 day trial. You wont be dissapointed.

@Icutmetal

5 жыл бұрын

huhhman Ok.

You always do a fantastic job of presenting information. I went with Summo Springs that install in the area of the bump stop. No rattling, never wear out, and install easily. They ride about 3/4" above the rear end frame on my truck and so don't change my excellent ride when the GMC 1500 is empty. As you add weight, they become more effective. My experience pulling my 7500 pound (when loaded) travel trailer has been great. Very little squat and more stable. This might be a good product for you to review.

@Bcharns

Жыл бұрын

Which set of sumo’s did you go with, blue, black or yellow?

@SF-fm7ov

Жыл бұрын

@@Bcharns Been a while but I believe it was the black.

I absolutely love this product. Because there is no drilling or screwing, it is easy to install yourself! Just make sure you use jack stands. That's scary having the truck only supported by a single jack.

@BigTruckBigRV

6 жыл бұрын

Correct, this is a 1hr install max.

@fntony4967

6 жыл бұрын

Oh I believe there is some screwing going on here.

Its always special to see a budding “Bromance” blossom over a series of KZread episodes. So sweet, you and Robbie. KIDDING. Please don’t take it any other way!

Reminds me of the timbrens I had on my excursion to keep it from sagging in the rear. Worked great and unloaded you can’t even really feel it.

the pivot point of the RAS (the brass piece that the spring bolt feeds through) needs to be closer to the axle. It's too far back. You need to extend the assembly to make it longer. That's why there's more than one set of holes for the bolt and sleeve that fit under the leaf spring. Common oversight.

Personally, I went with a regular add-a-leaf, Timbrens and Bilstein 4600s on my '17 HDPP F-150 and I couldn't be happier.

Timbren Bump stops, No altered ride, no clanky parts, all the overload when needed.

@Icutmetal

5 жыл бұрын

I put SumoSprings (similar to Timbren) on my 2500HD, and can’t tell they’re there until I put weight in the bed or tongue weight on a hitch. I agree; they work great.

Do a trailer test ! Thanks for recording the process. Keep making these how-to vids.

I usually agree with your recommendations but this time I do not. Individually controlled air bag assist is best for maintaining desired ride height. They also will not sacrifice empty ride quality. I have them on two of my trucks (Ram 3500 with factory rear air ride and an F550 with aftermarket air assist). Each truck now provides a far more stable ride when loaded and the same ride it had empty.

@jerrydewitt8585

5 жыл бұрын

I too have the air lift assist kit on my truck, by far better system along with a auxiliary tank for air to whatever you want to use air for.

I've had this on the truck for past 1.5 years and it does stop wheel hop when you punch it.

@manzano5620

4 жыл бұрын

Does it help towing/squat?

I have a 2011 F 150 with the max tow package. My trailer only weighs about 7,000 lbs. The I run load range E tires, an Anderson hitch with air shocks. We have been caught out on the prairie with 45-50 mph winds and it rig is pretty stable. Up grading from the factory tires to the load range E’s made the most difference. Plus they are lasting longer. I like being able to adjust the air shocks to maintain the ride when using the truck solo.

When is part two testing with the trailer? Love your videos!

I have looked at the RAS systems, but ended up with the Hellwig Progressive spring system. Had it on my 97 F150 and now on my 13 F150 and they work best for me. I've never had air bags before, so can't really compare, but when I looked at those too, I have just never liked the fact you have to adjust them for every load.. With the springs, it's set it and forget it... I have some Bilstein 5100 shocks too, so the combo works very well for me. Anyway, thanks for the vid to show the other product in more detail, but in the end, I like my Hellwigs.. :)

@pains

3 жыл бұрын

so air bags not good ?

Thats one hell of a rake ! Why all these install and ride videos but no one ever hook up a trailer ??

A lot of f150 guys say use the 3rd hole not the first

These systems have been around for a long time. Stiffens the ride and good for bending the u bolts. Air bags are much better.

@orvalstuckemeyer127

6 жыл бұрын

Bending u bolts? No. Stiffer ride? No again.

@charleshenson4183

4 жыл бұрын

You're smoking crack

My stock 4X4 already sits up high in the back

how can we know it worked without any damn trailer on it before and after (initial squat comparo and driving test).

Would love an update on this

That test drive looked like the roughest ride I have seen out of a modern truck. The pendulum on the mirror was swinging on every bump and everything in there rattled like crazy until you muted the interior noise. After trailering for hundreds of miles, I would like a tail bone when I get to my destination. Good idea but not a product I would invest in. Good video though, thanks for all that you do for the community!

LOVE THIS VIDEO! This looks like it would help older trucks too.

I’d be worried that by arcing the leaf spring that you’re likely changing the driveline angle.

This thing could fatigue a leaf and if they're not military wrapped, you're in a really bad spot if they break. It will put weird stresses on the leaf pack centering pin, u-bolts and axle pads too. Firestone airbags and add onboard air while you're at it.

lol 😂 I like that off the cuff comment, “because you can’t actually increase the carrying capacity of a truck”. Sounds legit 🤔. 😏

Best half ton upgrade is a three-quarter ton.

Mana music on the background hahaha!!! Me vale todo!

You had me convinced on the bounce test!🤣

This is an interesting product and a good review. I have a ‘12 F150 that I used to tow an 8800 lb trailer and I added something similar with the Heilmann Helper Spring kit which was used to stiffen up my backed for towing. Curious as to your thoughts on that product? It would have been neat to have you hook up a 7000. Lb trailer and do a pre and post install squat test in seeing how much of a difference those springs would have made. Maybe in another video do a measurement? Helpful video and good introduction to an overall inexpensive product with some good upside.benefits.

@lobbyrobby

2 жыл бұрын

I'm going to be pulling a 8,000 lb 20 ft inclosed car with my 2011 f150. I bought a weight distribution hitch and this system. How does your truck do pulling 8800 lbs?

Also needed, a longer wheelbase.

Pretty sure you install these with a load on the axle... why you have a helluva rake on it

set it to 2mm gap, and pull the rear 4x4 block. You'll be at stock height with all the benefits of RAS

I have set that I had on my '13 F150 with max payload/max towing package. They are good for helping with the braking and axle wrap but the gripe I have with them is that the bolts that go under springs tend to bend too easy. Last time I pulled them off, I had to beat the bolts out of the spacers to get them off. Not Fun!

@lobbyrobby

2 жыл бұрын

I'm assuming you're talking about the U bolts that hold the leaf pack?

The best upgrade for a half ton truck is trading it in on a 1 ton truck....... ;-)

@mitocaf1

5 жыл бұрын

D W exactly, someone with knowledge, I will it town a Rv with that 1/2 ton.

@titirititiri6360

3 жыл бұрын

There is no 1 ton that is reliable yet , so far the most reliable truck in existence according to a multitude of statistics is 1/2 ton tundra

You should have also driven the test loop with and without a trailer before the install and measured wheelwell height before and after. This would have provided a better basis to determine the effectiveness of the product. And also a test ride pulling a trailer after the install.

Fuel economy rating may be due to less wheel hop = more power to the ground not wasted. Regardless that’s a lot of money for what it is, engineering is expensive. I’d go with airbags.

@timesup6386

6 жыл бұрын

fuel usage with nose up vs nose down

@EGGINFOOLS

4 жыл бұрын

Air bags don't compare to this system for towing

Load range E tires and Roadmasters make big difference together. Factory tires are a bit soft.

@Raptorblitz1

5 жыл бұрын

The load range change was highly suggested by my older brother ..said that alone makes a world of difference!

I had them on a 2007 f150 with the 5.4 and they worked exactly as advertised. Pulled a 32’ and a 34’ bumper pull and, with a WDH of course the RAS made a difference in towing. Unloaded it did ride a little rough but was never too much to cause an issue.

In my opinion, all this does is stiffen the leaf spring by adding some additional spring rate to half of the arch. It does nothing to combat the effect of the tongue weight on the axle loads. It absolutely does not increase the towing it hailing capacity of the truck. It does not increase the resistance to sway any more than adding an overload leaf or air bags would. (Again, it simply stiffens the springs) Fuel economy? Yeah, right. How? Got some test data to back that up? The primary thing these do is reduce the distance the rear suspension squats under any given load. That's it.

I own a dodge with coil springs and I have no idea why I’m watching this, but it’s interesting. I wish that you had a camera on the suspension to see how it worked while driving.

At 9:10, nice set of Goodyear Duratras!

You can put enough spring or bags under the back to carry an oil tanker, but the trucks gvwr cant be fooled. Frame strength, rear axle gawr, transmission, brakes, all the same.

Thanks for showing this.

I saw that years ago on Two Guys Garage.

Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls

Ha! Just watched your video. I thought I recognized those back roads. Then when I saw Saratoga I knew I was right. BTW, on my 3rd RAS (different trucks) and have always enjoyed the difference the RAS makes. Won't go into your install methods.

I got a set of these for sale for a 2018 f 150 2wd. They make hooking up a wdh difficult and the stance of the truck looks odd.

I didnt like the rake on my truck, and since the leveling kit for these trucks is absolute garbage and just plain not safe, and the factory springs are not heavy enough to haul much, I use a auto level air bag system from ridetech and lowered the back to keep the truck level. Works like a dream. And to those that want to disagree about the leveling kit for these newer f150s put one on, jack the front end off the ground and watch the upper ball joint. The only "leveling kit" that works is the fox struts for the front, they lift the truck alittle without allowing the suspension to travel downwards farther than factory bottoming out the upper ball joint.

I saw this on either Truck U or Two Guys Garage.

What if i have a lift kit on my truck ?

I still think I’d prefer an airbag set up for the money. More adjustability. I’m aware it doesn’t help with axle wrap and all of that but honestly if you’re getting a ton of axle wrap on an f150 you probably over loaded it.

It seems this helps with the lowering of the tail end of the truck, but you should never exceed your GCWR. Even though you truck does not say in the back.

For safety reasons Robbie needs to be wearing safety glasses from debris falling from above.

Good video. Have seen this product before. Question is: can this be used together with sulastic shackles? Just installed one for the stock Ford Excursion v10 in the rear...the truck is for everyday use and long road trips and not necessarily for towing. Just looking for a smooth ride with less or no sway and vibration when hitting a pothole. your thoughts on how the sulastic springs (stock and not lifted) and the Roadmaster can work in tandem...

@hb0292

4 жыл бұрын

Anymous vint what do you think of the sulastic shackles I have a f250 4x4.

😂 Mana Playing Me Vale Todo in the back ground was an added plus 👍 . My suv has independent suspension on the rear the helper bags helped me so much . I need front and rear shocks now and I think my sway will be ok 👌

What about air bags wouldnt that be better

Don't doubt that this works, just curious why they'd call it "Active Suspension" when it's anything but. When I heard the name, I thought this would be some sort of automatic self-leveling suspension.

I tried it. Didn’t work on my ‘17 F150. Porpoising and away was still present. Sold the truck and got a Titan XD. Night and day difference. 1/2 tons just aren’t made for towing big loads.

I used to have one on my T100 from 10 year ago. F150 on this video looks too raked with the Roadmaster yielding virtually no negative rear end travel with the bed empty. Too much preload on the spring unless this truck will be always driven with 1000+lbs weight on the bed.

If you want to tow with a half-ton, go with the Ram with active 4-wheel air-ride/load-leveling and get the off-road height adjustment and “kneeling” to let disabled grandma in easier as side-benefits.

Definitely looks like a dramatic height difference i was still waiting for him to let the the truck down at first have to be atleast 2+ inches taller should of took measurements

coil over shocks are around 100 to 150 dollars

Add-on gizmos? Why not just get a proper TV that can tow the trailer? The problem is most folks get it wrong. This is the one time when you can put the Cart before Horse. It's better to know the limits of the TV before you buy the trailer. The first question you should ask the RV salesman is, what is the weight of that unit and what is the max load capacity?

Have you done a review of 5th wheel hitches for short bed trucks? Personally I think a long bed would be the best.

Really cool upgrade

It prevents the back half of spring from flexing....... ok. Don't need this on a RAM.

Why not just "add a leaf" kit and some Bilstien or Rancho rear shocks?

@BigTruckBigRV

6 жыл бұрын

Add A Leaf harshen the ride considerably AND requires far more labor to install as well as requires replacing the U-Bolts. Not a bad solution (As it's what I did on my 2011 F250), just doesn't have as many benefits as this system does.

@mikegarcia7452

2 жыл бұрын

@@BigTruckBigRV how much more weight can it hold?

Not a fan of how the RAS "prevents" axle wrap by pre-wrapping the axle. That has to put added stress on the spring pack.

Had ras on my max tow 2014 f150. It was not nearly as good as my current air bag setup. Was pretty disappointed in them honestly

Now that a year has passed how does your friend like it?

Seems like this would be okay for more payload while not towing but for RV towing wouldn't the proper weight distribution/anti sway set up be better?

@jloydsot

5 жыл бұрын

www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/RAS/RAS3611-Y.html. Think is works better. There are more videos on KZread about it also. Check out the comments with the link.

Thanks

After reading my equalizer weight distribution hitch manual a few times and setting up my Tundra for a trailer with a 900 lb tounge weight, the goal is to transfer weight to the front tires, not to raise the back end. This mod is counter productive, for trailering, in my judgement, as it reduces the drop when the trailer is put on. It’s the drop that loads the sway bars , transferring weight to the front and increasing the friction to reduce sway. To be sure , the back end does come up some due to weight transfer to the front, but in my case, still squats some. The manual only has you measure the front when setting up.

@niceatrya3477

6 жыл бұрын

With that much tongue weight you can adjust your WD to your hearts content, but the back end is still going to sag a bit. Adding this with only using the 25% spacer will solve that problem immediately. We have the roadmoaster AS, and the same tongue weight you describe.

@markwh2

6 жыл бұрын

Nicea Trya You setup brings the front end down per equalizer instructions?

@RoadActiveSuspension

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Mark, You can never go wrong with a weight distribution hitch, and we recommend utilizing a weight distribution hitch when possible! We do receive calls from many folks that have already installed the WDH, made readjustments but are still experience instability, rear squat and the affects of that rear squat. RAS does work well in conjunction with WDH, we recommend an adjustment be made to the WDH if it's been towed with prior to installing the RAS. The feedback that we've gotten from customers and dealers that sometimes recommend RAS and WDH, is that they LOVE the set up and made towing much easier.

How well would this work for towing a 6,000-6,500 (3,000 lbs + 2 show steers) 14-16 ft. livestock trailer? I have 2 kids and I would prefer to stay with a 1/2 ton pickup. The majority of the shows are within 3 hours driving and I'm confident my 2013 Sierra 1500 with that has a HD towing package (HD engine and transmission cooling) can handle the weight but I'm unsure about what upgrades to do for the hitch weight and what braking upgrades I would need. I will install a trailer brake controller in the truck too and have electric brakes on the trailer.

They installed it wrong. You need take out the tire and while the leave springs is supported at both end you need to let the axel hang in the middle than put on the active suspension. You can't tighten is while the the tire is on, the leave springs aren't being stretch

It probably lessens global warming also!

👋🏻Florida☀️🏝🇺🇸

I’ll bet the rear will settle a bit after it’s ran in some.

The link you gave was for a 2012 F-150. Do you have a link for a 2018 F-150?

Pretty cool. Would you say this replaces need for sway bar, sulastic shackle or Timbrens? Would love review before and after with a trailer.

@RoadActiveSuspension

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Seth. Effectively it's going to do the job all 3, but obviously just in a different manner. Sway, smooth ride &less bounce(especially when loaded) and reduced squat. Fingers crossed he has a part two with a trailer involved!

Hi, the roadmaster active suspension mod is attractive. I wonder if it would void the truck’s dealer warranty.

Interesting idea just pre-loading the springs! Is this better than like a SkyJacker add a leaf kit? I’d be worried it would put a lot of additional strain on that front U bolt

I never really liked how trucks have gotten with the rear sittin higher than the front. Hate how that lean or stance looks. I know when you put weight in the back or a trailer on a hitch itll level out the truck, but i just prefer mine to be level all the time.

That ride height/rake looks terrible, like comical bad. Air bags are the way to go. I have sumo springs that work very well for towing but are harsh enough that I remove them during the time of year that I don't tow my 5th wheel. I would adjust those to a lighter setting, or get that front level kit on asap

I'd take a set of Hellwigs over that contraption any day.

Does this improve your payload by beefing up the spring ?

Interesting product. Your videos are always informative. Question here how ever. Is the sleeve and bolt in the correct hole? I have watched other videos that put the bolt further up the line like the third hole as to put the other end of the bracket closer to the axle. Thank you in advance for clarifying this.

EXCEPT, if you have a Toyota Tundra... The anti sway bar and the Firestone Ride Rite (rear air bag) system... I have it on mine and it works great... well those and a Tekonsha 90195 P3 Electronic Brake Control and I work at a RV center and tow all the time.. my poor little Tundra.. ..

That is if you have a 4x4

I want to see what improvement their is with a load.

Will this work for a midsize pickup truck like a Nissan Frontier or a Toyota Tacoma?

I'm curious, why this option vs air bags? Outside of the obvious in and done for the install. No adjustments after?