Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS)

[Tremors]

First, thank you @Tremors i appreciate your response about the rake! (I think I'll just take them off between tows.. Maybe lol) I'm sorry I would buy yours, but I think I wanna go with the HDs because I might be putting a bigger load here and there pulling a mini ex. Where do you guys buy them from, is there a shop everyone is ordering from? Like Halo lifts? Or just straight from the manufaturer. Tia!

No worries! Sounds like you may want the HD versions. I would do as @FaKtor34 recommended and order from Halo Lifts. That's where I got my struts from and they are great to work with.

 

[Bannerman]

Has anyone installed the RAS kit and also a smaller rear block? I'm happy with the slight rake I have when unloaded but it squats pretty bad when loaded for trips and towing the boat.

 

[Tremors]

Has anyone installed the RAS kit and also a smaller rear block? I'm happy with the slight rake I have when unloaded but it squats pretty bad when loaded for trips and towing the boat.

I'm not sure I understand exactly... Would you replace your stock rear block with a smaller one? Wouldn't that create more squat when loaded and towing?

If you don't like the squat when loaded and have the RAS installed... you could increase the tension on the RAS kit to limit the sag... or go with the HD version to get more support as well.

It may just be too early for me also... not enough caffeine yet and I'm missing the question.

 

[Bannerman]

I'm not sure I understand exactly... Would you replace your stock rear block with a smaller one? Wouldn't that create more squat when loaded and towing?

If you don't like the squat when loaded and have the RAS installed... you could increase the tension on the RAS kit to limit the sag... or go with the HD version to get more support as well.

It may just be too early for me also... not enough caffeine yet and I'm missing the question.

No I didn't explain it well. I would like the same ride height but a more progressive spring. Adding the RAS would make the effective spring rate more progressive (less sag) but looks to increase the unloaded ride height but around 1.25" per the first post. So installing RAS and a 1" shorter block should NET me roughly +0.25" unloaded ride height but sag less when loaded. (This is the question)

 

[Tremors]

No I didn't explain it well. I would like the same ride height but a more progressive spring. Adding the RAS would make the effective spring rate more progressive (less sag) but looks to increase the unloaded ride height but around 1.25" per the first post. So installing RAS and a 1" shorter block should NET me roughly +0.25" unloaded ride height but sag less when loaded. (This is the question)

Ahhhh...Makes sense! I like the idea and it sounds like it should work perfectly. But since I don't have any experience doing it I'll leave that up to other peeps.

I will say this about the RAS. Just a little criticism if you will. I feel like I have a hard time getting the tension equal on the right and left side. I know that sounds funny... and they provide the spacers to be able to get the tension equal. But After driving on them for a while, I really do feel like it's a tad more complicated than that. Almost like the resting tension is equal right to left when the truck is unloaded... but as I load up the weight with our boat trailer, I feel like the loaded tension is off left to right. Maybe the spring rate from one RAS to the other is just not 100% the same with all factors involved?

Anyway, if I had to do it over again I may go with air bags again... they were more expensive to install initially, but I think I would at least consider it next time. With that said... I do like how the truck rides with the RAS installed when it's unloaded vs stock.

Just my .02

 

[Bannerman]

Ahhhh...Makes sense! I like the idea and it sounds like it should work perfectly. But since I don't have any experience doing it I'll leave that up to other peeps.

I will say this about the RAS. Just a little criticism if you will. I feel like I have a hard time getting the tension equal on the right and left side. I know that sounds funny... and they provide the spacers to be able to get the tension equal. But After driving on them for a while, I really do feel like it's a tad more complicated than that. Almost like the resting tension is equal right to left when the truck is unloaded... but as I load up the weight with our boat trailer, I feel like the loaded tension is off left to right. Maybe the spring rate from one RAS to the other is just not 100% the same with all factors involved?

Anyway, if I had to do it over again I may go with air bags again... they were more expensive to install initially, but I think I would at least consider it next time. With that said... I do like how the truck rides with the RAS installed when it's unloaded vs stock.

Just my .02

Hmm, almost sounds like the springs may have a different rate side to side. Wonder if their QC isn't up to par. Their HQ is literally 10 min from my house, so I guess if I had a problem with them I could just go pound on the door....

 

[ETN]

So, a few notes-

I have 1" rear block (1.25 less than OEM) and RAS, and no complaints. Have yet to tow anything, but was after similar goal, for reduced sag with payload. I've had 1000+ in bed, and RAS handled nicely, while the shorter rear block, along with 1.5" spacers up front, gives the truck a great stance, with slight rake.

Regarding RAS tensioning, I've had the same issue, right to left. Adjusted it once, trying to even out, and didn't get quite flat, with load, but close enough that I can live with it.

Cheers

 

[Bannerman]

So, a few notes-

I have 1" rear block (1.25 less than OEM) and RAS, and no complaints. Have yet to tow anything, but was after similar goal, for reduced sag with payload. I've had 1000+ in bed, and RAS handled nicely, while the shorter rear block, along with 1.5" spacers up front, gives the truck a great stance, with slight rake.

Regarding RAS tensioning, I've had the same issue, right to left. Adjusted it once, trying to even out, and didn't get quite flat, with load, but close enough that I can live with it.

Cheers

How much height did you net from the RAS?

 

[ETN]

How much height did you net from the RAS?

3/4"

https://www.f150tremor.com/threads/1-5-level-kit.1976/post-39149

 

[Yeti]

So ras unloaded tension is equal but when you set it on the ground, you have a 36 gallon tank (about 200 pounds) and (in my case) a 320 pound hominid all on the driver's side.
For me, that almost equals out with my kitchen and battery (about 250 pounds) on the passenger side of my bed so I don't have the inherent issue of side to side distribution.

 

[Bannerman]

So ras unloaded tension is equal but when you set it on the ground, you have a 36 gallon tank (about 200 pounds) and (in my case) a 320 pound hominid all on the driver's side.
For me, that almost equals out with my kitchen and battery (about 250 pounds) on the passenger side of my bed so I don't have the inherent issue of side to side distribution.

You call your wife “kitchen”?

 

[Yeti]

You call your wife “kitchen”?

Well, I'm sure as shit not going to call her, fat. It's a heavy battery..

 

[Bannerman]

RAS install this weekend. Pretty impressed so far. I'll do a full write up when I have had a chance to tow my boat some distance but sag numbers with 600# simulated tongue weight are perfect. I put slightly shorter blocks in too to try to maintain the rake I had.

 

[Tremgineer]

@Bannerman and @ETN RAS SD or HD?

 

[Bannerman]

@Bannerman and @ETN RAS SD or HD?

HD. You can always dial it down. Also HD is $80 off right now

 

[ETN]

@Bannerman and @ETN RAS SD or HD?

I called and talked with RAS rep for a few one day. Sounds like you're basically good either way, but if looking to tow on heavier side/often, go with HD. If occasional light-med towing, go with SD for a little more relaxed suspension feel in daily driving. As bannerman says, can adjust either setup. Doubt I'll ever have more than about 5-7k behind truck, so went with SD.

 

[ETN]

FWIW, with about a 2" rake unloaded, and with the SD RAS, set to the lightest adjustment (very little gap between the coils), my truck was about level yesterday, maybe slight squat, with something like 1200 lbs in bed (20 large bags of soil, I'm guessing about 60lbs each).

 

[furryflashbang]

Ok gents, I’m about to pull the trigger on a HD set for my 2023 as they are having a sale this weekend. Quick question.. Anyone have any luck making sure you get the Tremor specific bump stop kit when ordering?

 

[Bannerman]

Ok gents, I’m about to pull the trigger on a HD set for my 2023 as they are having a sale this weekend. Quick question.. Anyone have any luck making sure you get the Tremor specific bump stop kit when ordering?

The bump stop is universal now

 

[ETN]

I actually didn't even mess with the bump stop, should I have?