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2,000-lb Capacity. Convert your vehicle's leaf springs into a mechanically active suspension system. RAS adjusts to your load to level your ride. The system also increases stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway.
Features:
Specs:
All-In-One Suspension System
When towing or hauling a heavy load, you may encounter a number of problems that can make your driving experience difficult or dangerous, such as sway, body roll, or bottoming out. When your vehicle is weighted down, your factory leaf springs can't counteract these problems to the extent that they are supposed to. The weight will overpower the leaf springs and cause them to twist or flatten out. When that happens, they cannot support, level, or stabilize your vehicle effectively. Additionally, because your factory leaf springs are passive, they won't begin to tackle problems such as sway until those problems have already started.
RoadActive Suspension (RAS) kits enhance those passive leaf springs by converting them into a mechanically active, all-in-one suspension system. RAS kits have variable-rated coil tension springs that automatically adjust to your heavy load. Other suspension systems only solve a few problems and usually at the expense of other improvements your factory leaf springs may need. RAS, on the other hand, is a unique kit that provides everything you want in a suspension system without any trade-offs. It eliminates bottoming out like air springs, reduces sway and body roll like sway bars, keeps your ride level like helper springs, and improves traction and braking control like traction bars. This improves your vehicle's stability, handling, and control while you are towing or hauling, as well as when your vehicle is unloaded. RAS also makes your overall driving and towing experience safer and more comfortable, which greatly lessens driver fatigue.
Each RAS unit has a powerful variable-rated coil tension spring that converts your passive leaf spring into a mechanically-active system. Once your vehicle is loaded, the tension springs immediately activate to absorb and support the weight. This allows your leaf springs to maintain their bowed position and keeps them from flattening out or flipping over, which greatly hinders their ability to bear a heavy load. The tension springs are variable-rated, which means that the heavier your load is, the more assistance they provide to your leaf springs. Because of this design, RAS reacts instantaneously, whereas hydraulics, air springs, and other suspension systems take time to react. And unlike your factory leaf springs, RAS stops sway and sag before they even start to happen. Additionally, when your vehicle is unloaded, the tension springs disengage, allowing your leaf springs to perform as intended without hardening your ride. RAS won't hinder your leaf springs' movement, nor will it cause any friction between any of the brackets.
When under a heavy load, leaf springs are especially susceptible to axle wrap, which can cause wheel hop. Wheel hop is when the tires lose their grip on the road, causing a jarring, up-and-down movement. Axle wrap occurs when the circular motion of the tires cause the leaf springs to twist or rotate. If the leaf springs twist far enough, wheel hop can occur. RAS stabilizes your leaf springs by absorbing the force of the load they're trying to support. This eliminates axle wrap and wheel hop, as well as prevents your vehicle from bottoming out. Because of this, less strain is put on your vehicle. And by reducing some of this wear and tear, RAS helps extend the life of your leaf springs, shock absorbers, shackles, and even tires.
When driving along a curve while towing or hauling a heavy load, the back end of your vehicle or trailer can start to shift with that weight. If your factory leaf springs have flattened or twisted under this load, they won't be able to prevent it from shifting. Because of this, your trailer will sway away from your vehicle. This makes driving challenging and dangerous, as it increases the risk of body roll, which is when your vehicle drastically leans to one side. This can often cause you to completely lose control of your vehicle. Body roll is especially prevalent with multi-passenger vans and vehicles towing long campers, trailers, or boats. RAS provides a much safer ride by reinforcing your factory leaf springs and stabilizing your load. This helps prevent sway from occurring and reduces the chance of body roll while cornering, turning, and swerving. RAS also lessens the rocking motion that happens during windy conditions or when a semi passes by on the road.
When your vehicle is overloaded, the bulk of the weight transfers to the rear axle. Your factory leaf springs then become overwhelmed by this weight, as they are not strong enough to support it. This causes the back end of your vehicle to sag and the front end to rise, which means that the front tires have lost some of the grip they need with the road. In addition to loss of traction, it can also cause poor headlight aim, unintentional swerving, and an extremely bumpy and uncomfortable ride. RAS bolsters your factory leaf springs and enables them to provide support for your load without compromising ride quality or comfort. This keeps your ride level from front to back whether you are hauling a load in the bed or towing a boat, trailer, or camper. RAS also ensures that your tires have the traction they require while braking and accelerating, which improves the overall driving experience.
RAS is also customizable. During installation, the coil tension springs can be adjusted to 2 different tension settings or anywhere in between for improved road handling and support. To do this, rotate the springs while keeping the threaded rod still. As you turn the spring, use one of the 2 included spacers as a gauge to measure the widening gaps between the coils. In order for the RAS units to work as intended, you must tension the coils to a minimum of 25 percent with the 1mm white spacer and no more than 40 percent with the 2mm spacer. The springs can also be independently adjusted to compensate for off-center loads such as a handicap lift.
This custom-fit kit comes fully assembled and is easy to install. Each RAS unit simply bolts onto your factory leaf spring with the included hardware, and drilling, welding, and cutting aren't required. First, position the eye hook bracket so that it wraps around the top of the factory leaf spring eye. Then the axle bracket secures under the leaf spring and around the factory U-bolts on the other side of the leaf spring pack. Once the maintenance-free RAS units are fully installed, you won't need to monitor them as you would with air springs.
RAS is extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. The units are constructed of high-grade alloy steel, and they have an epoxy e-coat on the coil springs to provide extreme corrosion resistance. The brackets on the ends of each unit resist the effects of water and other elements, and they have a salt spray rating of more than 800 hours.
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (719 Customer Reviews)
2,000-lb Capacity. Convert your vehicle's leaf springs into a mechanically active suspension system. RAS adjusts to your load to level your ride. The system also increases stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway.I received this kit in a very timely manner always do from etrailer have some issues with the instructions that come from roadmaster not a trailer the bump stop spacer didn’t say that you need to use the original bolt from the bump stop so it slowed me down greatly on the install however I took it out on a quick run without a load I do feel that this has made the unloaded ride smoother tomorrow I’ll be taking the trailer out for a bit and we’ll see how it works there and I’ll update this rating.
I read a lot of reviews before buying the Roadmaster Active Suspension system and was happy with what I read. I live in BC Canada and ordered the product at 01:30am April 27th 2022 and it arrived in perfect condition May 3rd. I was expecting to pay duty but there was non. Very happy with the fast informative service from etrailer. I could follow the item through transit updates as it was being shipped.
I have a 2020 Ford F-150 King Ranch with the 6' box. We're getting a 29' travel trailer, 5,000 lbs, this summer so I wanted to be prepared, at least regarding the suspension.
I installed the system the day it arrived. I took the wheels off for easy access which was pretty easy. The suspension has to be hanging free for the proper install. The system install was extremely easy. The installation instructions are simple and with pictures. Once the system was installed to spec I took it out for a test ride. It actually did make a difference for a smoother ride. It softened out the bumps without the jumping around an empty truck may experience. Not saying my truck was a rough ride to begin with but I did notice a change. Just have to get the trailer to test it out now. I'm already planning to get the Roadmaster Comfort Ride suspension kit for my new trailer so I should have a smooth riding system.
Jim S.
5/5/2023
Its been about a year since adding this to my truck. It still works great and does keep the truck level when hooked up to my trailer. I actually just spray painted it yesterday, 230504, for preventative maintenance.
I found this items cheaper on another site but etrailer match and then beat the price.
Item installed super easy, more work jacking up the truck and taking the tires off. Can be installed with out removing tires just make it easier to get it in. The item did lift the back of my truck 1 inch. See Pics.
William
3/30/2021
Makes the ride a little stiffer but its a truck. Great when pulling my 37 camper. Helps out a lot!!!!
This system is amazing. Installed on a Ford F-150 2019. Very easy to install in my driveway with basic tools. Instant improvement in handling around the town, way more planted feel and cornering improvement. Main reason I installed was to improve towing a boat and travel trailer. Wow this thing really worked and truck rode higher in the suspension. Overall great product. Only limitation is really heavy load, took them off and installed airbags to level for heavy loads. Very bummed this would not work with the airbags installed.
2016 Ford F-150 XLT 4x2 - We would get a gallop when we would be towing our travel trailer and after reading several reviews for the Roadmaster Active Suspension System we decided to purchase the system. Just like most of the reviews it took more time to jack up the truck and remove the wheels then it was to install the system. It did raise the bed of the truck about an inch. Anyone who owns a late model F-150 will tell you that it rides just like a sedan. It was no different after the installation. I did take a short drive with the trailer attached and it was a smooth ride (no gallop). At this point I would consider this a success. The one thing that I would like to point out is if you have the same F-150 model that I have I would purchase RAS3611-B not RAS3611-Y. The “B” model has a block that covers the emergency brake bracket on the passenger side install.
Good service. Fast shipping an very easy installation. Can tell alittle difference already. Haven't hooked up to anything yet but always have a good bit in the bed 85 gallons of diesel an 2 full toolboxes
I have not put them on my truck yet. The product was delivered today and the email to submit my came the same day. I will try to review them again after getting them on my truck.
David P.
5/2/2024
I used the product extensively last year while pulling a heavy loaded enclosed cargo trailer. Without the RAS this trailer would squat my F150 way down. This item was very easy to install. It took longer to jack my truck up and get it on stands and remove the rear wheels than the time it took to install this item. With the RAS dialed up to its fullest potential my truck only squatted less than one inch. I was very pleased with how it performed. Once I quit towing the trailer and sold it, I rotated my tires during an oil change and dialed the RAS back down to a more comfortable ride setting. It is nice knowing I have this if and when I may need it again.
This leaf spring enhancement was a great alternative to installing expensive air shocks to assist with off setting the tongue weight of my travel trailer. Overall pulling stability of my F150 was greatly improved and etrailer was available to answer questions and shipped this product promptly.
Awesome product. I just bought my F-150 in July and quickly realized it needed something to assist with rear sag while towing or hauling any weight in the bed. After much research, this is the perfect product. It was simple to install so will be simple to remove if needed. My truck used to feel loose in the steering but now feels more planted while driving at all speeds. Super happy!
Not to happy with the RoadActive suspension leaf spring kit. I loaded them on a 2017 f-150 with a 6” lift to pull a 6000lbs bumper pull trailer. Still squats pretty good even with the RAS torque to the highest/Safest tension and also quite a bit of bounce in it. I do have a weight safe brand adjustable ball hitch to try to counter the Small height from the lift. I do like the look of it on but don’t feel to safe towing the trailer
Jenny N.
10/27/2022
I reached out to the manufacturer about your experience and they did have a few suggestions. They advised that the HD version that is rated for 3000 pounds part # RAS3611-YHD, might have been a better option. It would be a fit for the 2017 Ford 150. They also advised that if you have set the tension at the suggested 2mm black disc there is still room for an additional tension setting. The absolute max tension that can be set on the spring, is 3mm gap between the coils of the spring. This would be the white and black disc together, keep in mind adjustment must be made with truck in the air - axle hanging free.
It's been about a year since I installed the RAS, still as happy today as I was then. Bought it mostly to help with towing but found it helpful for everyday driving and hauling material in the bed. Customer service has been good with etrailer on all questions and installation tips / instructions.
Excellent system for towing or just to tighten up the handling. Installation is super simple after getting the wheels off and setting the tension is simple. I set mine about halfway between the small and large spacer and it has helped tremendously with sag from our travel trailer. Works great in unison with the weight distribution hitch. Raised the rear noticeably, but now sits perfectly level when towing. Will purchase again for all my future towing vehicles.
This product was very easy and quick to install. It changed the ride on my wife's lifted F150 so much and was noticable immediately. It firmed up the ride and made it way more comfortable towing, loaded, or just plain driving.
1 year with RAS and I believe it's a great product. It helps distribute weight and increases towing confidence. Using RAS with heavy tongue weight significantly reduced bouncing effect compared to OEM.
So far, so good.
The Roadmaster Active Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit I ordered was shipped the same day and arrived about a week later. It came assembled as advertised. It took me about an hour to install on my 2018 Ford F-150. There were no surprises and the instructions were pretty straight forward and simple. The only thing I wished for was a better explanation between the 25% and the 40% tension setting on the spring.
The is a noticeable difference in the handling of the truck. Although the ride quality is hard to quantify, I can certainly feel a difference when cornering, as the truck takes a flatter line with hardly any noticeable roll. I purchased this kit to aid in tail sag and handling when towing my 28ft RV. I will tackle the first tow this coming weekend and can offer a new review then. So far, I am completely satisfied.
Michael S.
7/22/2021
Still No complaints. Still no surprises. Works as advertised.
2013 f150 eco- Went to a toy hauler over 7000 lbs, 150's suspension too lite for this job even tho the power plant is more than capable. Pulled the unit on a 3000 mile adventure without my sidexside. Everything went okay however very aware the truck was over matched. I added these spring tensioners' after the trip and noticed an immediate improvement. The truck tracks much better especially in curves and downhill and I feel very much in control now. I would still recommend a heavier truck for these larger trailers but for those of you like me this is the ticket.
Installation like the instructions state by far the easiest job out there. I am a 70 year old plunker so by nature I work very slow, this job took me about 1/2 hour a side. I highly endorse this product.
John F.
3/22/2021
Update my toy hauler actually weighs 11000lbs with the kit my truck handles the trailer well. I would not take it on cross country adventure howere staying in the west it works fine. I thought about upgrading to a 1 ton truck, after much research the cost no way warrents the gain and is negated by the fact my truck gets 18 - 23 mpg when not towing and my 7 -8 mpg is as good as the 1 ton gas rigs which have no more power than me mine being better then some. The cost for diesel rig is too great, traveling a 1000 miles once in awhile followed by 100 mile range camping trips my v6 turbo does great and the money is still in my wallet. I have not found a hill that I cant pull at 60 on cruise. Maybe I70 Utah to the Eisenhower tunnel Colorado would slow me down, I wouldnt pull this big trailer with my inproved suspension f150 up that freeway anyway. The trailer does not push me around and tracks great with the installed kit.
Product was very easy to install. Very well made. It took me about 35 minutes to install both sides once the truck was on Jack stands. Product did raise the rear of my truck a little. Can't say how much because I forgot to measure before I started. Truck still rides nice, no harshness or strange noises. I purchased the roadmaster active suspension to help eliminate squat and improve driveability while towing our 7500lb travel trailer. Hopefully I will get to try it out with the trailer soon.
Aaron
1/7/2020
RAS is still working great . I have to make a correction. Our trailer is 8005lbs empty and it is a pull behind not a fifth wheel. Tongue weight is about 900lbs with my motorcycle in the garage and the garage is in the front. When used in conjunction with my weight distributing hitch, my truck rides great and handles great.
I live in Canada, on Vancouver Island, and I have say how good etrailer's service has been. These arrived within a week, and although shipping isn't free to Canada, it is not at all unreasonable. I installed these on my 2015 F-150 to help with the sagging we were experiencing when it and the travel trailer we pull are fully loaded. While I haven't had a chance to test them with a full load yet, I am really pleased with the ride and handling of the truck while empty and I have them set to the maximum setting. Finally, they were super easy to install!
This was reasonably priced, compared to the other options. Easy to install and made a noticeable difference in stability towing an 8-9K trailer with a 2010 F-150 FX4. I do notice the stiffness in ride unloaded but I think it's worth it.
I have a 2016 F-150 4x4 with a 2 inch leveling kit and 305 tires. I am towing a 26RR Grey Wolf camper. I beleave it is 4992 lbs dry wait and 7775 lbs loaded. It is meant to be pulled with 1/2 ton trucks. Want to give all specs to be fair to the product. The product was easy to install. I adjusted spring to the black disk. When I hooked up the camper I notice my truck definitely squated less. The towing ride was less bumpy. That is it. It definitely did not improve fuel mileage. I am still at 8.5 miles to the gallon. That is on flat ground, I live in Florida. Still could not go over 65mph without camper feeling loose on the road. 3 stars for now until I tow other trailers. It was an improvement but not as much as I was expecting. Still going to go truck shopping for a bigger truck to solve my towing needs. Side note: truck looks great and rides way better without a trailer in tow. 2/22 inf
Victoria B.
1/27/2020
The Roadmaster Active Suspension is designed to improve your trucks stability, handling, and control by keeping the truck level even when youre towing. When you say that your camper feels loose on the road, it sounds like your trailer starts to sway at speeds above 65 mph. The best solution for keeping your trailer tracking straight while rolling down the road is to use a weight distribution system with sway control. A weight distribution system will not necessarily improve your fuel mileage, but it will improve your experience towing your 30ft trailer. I have linked a help article on Weight Distribution systems for more information.
Helpful Links
Worth every cent. Very good for additional stability, helps reduce drop when trailering. Pulled our 6800# travel trailer to Alaska with our Ford F150, and truck and trailer took a beating, 19000 miles. Easy install.
I’m impressed by the quality and engineering of this product. The person who designed it should win an award! I installed this on my 2013 F150 in preparation for hauling around my 1998 24’ coachman I’ve been working on fixing up all winter. I didn’t want a solution that would stiffen up the trucks ride because it’s very comfortable. I can’t feel any change in ride. Installation was very easy, took about an hour for everything and just a few tools. I haven’t towed with it yet but I did hook my trailer up and it didn’t squat like it did before. So far, very impressed. I’m glad I didn’t mess with airbags and all.
Randy H.
4/16/2020
I love this product. It has exceeded my expectations. I absolutely recommend this product as an effective, efficient and simple solution for towing.
Just like your advertising said they were very easy to install. My ride has not been affected it still is a great ride for a truck. After the installation the rear end of my truck was 2” higher which will help when I hook up my camper, instead of sagging now my truck is level they are a great product . Thank you
Seems to perform well. Easy install.
Delivery was fast and the product arrived in great condition. I watched multiple videos on installation. The etrailer video shows the suspension forks being bolted in the first hole. The Roadmaster Roadactive video (the vendor) indicates you should mount in the second or third hole. I went with the second hole. Installation was relatively easy. Like everyone said, it takes more time to lift the truck and remove the wheels than to install the kit. One thing to note is if you need to use the bump stop spacers, pay attention to the bolt length. I went with too long a bolt and had a devil of a time removing the nut so I could go with a shorter bolt. Overall, even with that it took me a little over an hour.
Once installation was completed, I measured all four wheel wells. With the springs set to the 1mm spacer chip, the back of the truck raised 3/4". The ride seems more firm but not bad at all. I plan on hooking up our small, 21' fifth wheel (Escape 5.0TA) this week to see what the overall change is. I purchased the kit because, with the Escape 5.0 hooked up, the rearend sag was about an inch lower than I wanted. All in all, I am happy with the product so far.
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Russell
9/2/2023
OMG!! I have done extensive traveling with my trailer over the last year and the RAS system has made a huge difference in sway, road buffeting and squat. I can’t imagine not having this on any vehicle that tows!