Really thorough video! I have been researching the RAS for over a month and you are the first TH-camr to actually give loaded and unloaded sag measurements! Everyone else just seems to tall about ride quality and how it feels. One even had sensors mounted to show how well it softened bumps. But most people towing and looking at the RAS system are wanting a solution to the cursed 1/2 ton sagging problems. So thank you for being the first to finally provide real sag data!!!
I loved this video. Reminds me of my Pa and I workin on his old f150, this was the most helpful realistic video for the roadmaster system. Thanks man im sold!
Keep the videos coming. Glad to see like minded folks that drive Fords and Sportsman’s. It’s always a Chevy and Can Am. I’ve got a 19’ F150 and 19’ Sportsman 850.
The instructions said the 1st hole, I have since moved it to the 3rd. No noticeable difference, but maybe when hauling a very heavy load is where I would notice? Either way I am on the 3rd bolt hole now. Rides well, hauls well.
Thanks for the video, did you end up tightening yours to 2mm? I had my 2019 at the 1mm and didn’t really see a big difference. We just bought a bigger trailer and it was porposing quite a bit. Last night I tightened it to 2mm and it is night and day. Now I am seeing the benefits everyone raves about. I have the icon suspension and called them before tightening to get their recommendations on what to do and he said that the ford springs are typically softer than other makes. He recommended going to 2mm right away. Just thought I would share in case anyone can benefit from it.
Awesome great to hear, I actually sold the truck Monday and picked up a 3.5 ecoboost so when I re install I will go 2mm thank for the update 🤘🤘🤘 thanks for sharing!!
Minor off-road, fire roads, fields and stuff works well. Not sure how it would do with serious articulation. I would assume it would limit that for sure.
It may have been said already but move that bolt up to the third hole on both of them and you’ll get more support, seems to work better for the F150 platform that way. it will give them more leverage.
Ha ha ha thanks. Yeah I use to try to tell them be quiet and stay out of the frame when I am doing a video. That wasn't going to happen ha, so now I just let them do their thing. One video I had to edit because one of my kids was peeing in the woods in the background 🤦🏼♂️😆
Dude, at the end of this video it appears your rear stock shock is leaking. Are your shocks bad ? Maybe it was the view from the sun or the shade. My stock shocks leaked too after one too many bricks I was hauling from Home Depot. After I unloaded the bricks, I noticed a almost 2" lost to squat with the oily leaky shockst. To fix my unloaded squat, I replaced rear shocks with Fox 2.0. Together with your Roadmaster Active Suspension setting at 2mm I would think help a little with the squat. Thoughts?
no leaks here but some FOX 2.0's sound like a much better upgrade. Question though as i dont know too much about them, are they a softer shock? more like what the raptor has? if they are softer you are obviously going to get a smoother ride but you will get more sag when loaded obviously. Yes the roadmaster helps out a a good mount with the sag when fully loaded but with a big load. I have a bigger travel trailer now, it still sags a bunch until i add on the weight distribution hitch. The RAS system really helps with how the vehicle drives and brakes with the load as opposed to leveling it out.
@@RideTheEarthnow Hi Ride the Earth, the Fox 2.0 is noticeably firmer than my leaky stock 2016 F150 ride. But still VERY smooth dampening. All in all, very pleased after 20k miles across country. In very strong mountain winds my long bed "boat"tail stayed planted. But to really improve the handling greatly, am looking forward to the RAS like you. Separately, I have an improved 2018 F150 with Eibach all around. A little stiffer, a big money for front and back , but handling is AMAZING
Great video. I have a 2011 5.0 3.55 gears 4x4. The previous owner installed a leveling kit. I don't know the brand nor the lift. I'm planning on pulling a 8,000 lb trailer this summer. I had a portable grain cleaner hooked up (no clue on weight) but the truck was squatting like crazy. I'm hoping a weight distribution hitch and the RAS will help. Any benefit of running in the 3rd hole vs the very end hole? I also suppose a guy could gap them at 2mm when you know you'll be towing and then back off to 1mm when not. I'll only be using this truck to tow a couple times a year.
the RAS helped a little with sag and my weight distribution hitch helped out a bunch for sure. the combination of them both is a good mix. I originally had the RAS on the first hole but was in the lower spring tension (1mm spacer). Then I moved to the 3rd hole at the more tensioned setting (2mm spacer) and have left it there since. seems to work great, drives well unloaded and loaded so that is where i left it.
I wasn't wondering why it was squatting at all. I knew that would happen, this isn't my first rodeo ha ha ha. I didn't buy the RAS only to minimize squatting on the truck, It does way more. This video is to show how the RAS effects ride height weighted and unweighted. If I wanted a full level ride I would have just thrown some airbags on there, but I like how the RAS performs specially when towing.
I did both actually, 3mm setting and move the bolt back to the 3rd position. It did become a bit stiffer when normal driving but also did give more support when towing/ a little less sag. So I would say it is worth going that route not harsh whirl daily driving but more support when doing truck things. This system doesn't help as much as I thought it would with sag just so you know. It still does sit a bit nose high when loaded heavy. I might do airbags and these springs.
Greetings, thanks for the detailed video, nicely done. I'm considering this for my F150 v8 about to pull a travel trailer. It'll be a little under 900lbs of tongue weight and I don't want any sagging of course. Do you think this will do the job? Like, dial it up to 2mm... I'd rather have this than air bags but I'm wondering if anyone uses both at the same time. What do you think?
I haven't done the 2mm setting yet so I don't want to misinform you. I will say that i did still get some sag with mine set at the minimum setting, this week or next week i hope to have time to bump it up to the 2mm setting and next weekend i am going on a trip with the travel trailer i will know more them. As for your instance. I would assume it will help out for sure. click on the description in my video i have a link to a video that explains what happens with airbags vs the active suspension. that is why i went with this over air bags. Sag is one thing but weight distribution is more important.
@@RideTheEarthnow Good info. I'll check that video out. Good luck next weekend! Hey, since I'm here. I'm at 50k on tires and need new ones very soon that are rated for towing. Any suggestions?
@@geoffdomal5155 I haven't gotten that in-depth in researching tires I know a guy that owns a suspension shop and he recommended the Nitto Terra Grappler G2. So far so good on my truck they are pretty quiet, don't seem to be wearing fast and work well.
Hey bro..... quick question! Do you tow the ATV on back and the camper at the same time? We have the same truck and I’ve been trying to solve this issue. I want to buy a camper but my tailgate will hit the jack and I hear an extension will reduce towing capacity. Would you mind please helping me with this if you have experience towing an ATV with the bed down and pulling a camper at the same time?
I have wanted to do the same thing, but have never done it. My tailgate will hit as well. Options I have found are. The diamondback tonneau cover. You can park the atv on top of the cover. Also there was another rack that can't remember the name but it fit in the bed and was like a ramp. So you pull the atv in the bed and up the ramp and it angles the quad enough to close the bed. Hope this helps.
How much have you towed total? I have the exact truck 4x4 but with the half rear door that opens in the opposite direction. Wondering if I could tow 9000lbs 🤔 I also have bilstein 5100 shocks
I would say probably around 7000-7500 and the truck handles it no problem. The biggest thing I think you have to be conscious about is the toung weight of the trailer and your payload. Make sure you have a weight distribution hitch and possibly the RAS. Just make sure your payload is good. I would say 9000 for the 3.5 wouldn't be a problem at all.
Sorry my other response was based off of the 3.5 I got instead of the 2.7.. 9000 lbs and the 2.7 that is a different story. You are definitely at the limits and again payload is the huge factor
@@RideTheEarthnow yea I have the 2.7 turbo. I'm definitely right on the max limit. Not saying this helps, but it is the company truck 😎 so I'm not as worried about abuse. I will have a weight distribution, RAS and Bilsteins. We will see what happens. I'll send you an update. I did read from ford that the max payload for a 2018 ford f150 xl ecoboost 4x4 2.7 is 9000lbs. Is that what you heard?
@@anythingadrenaline4515 you mean max towing. Payload is how much weight you can have in or on your truck itself. That is what will get you into trouble of you are over your payload. Towing strength is the easy part.
@@RideTheEarthnow Correct. Mistake on my end. Towing capacity is 9000lbs per Ford Dealer. I just seen RAS makes a Heavy duty version. I'll be going with those.
Sorry I haven't heard that. All the ones I have seen were towards the rear and my instructions said the rear. I would assume the rear would be better consider it sags more in the back behind the axle.
I hope you know by now that you haven't installed it quite right. The short arm of the "L" bracket is too far away from the axle; it should be as close as possible. This seems to be a common mistake made even by "pro" shops.
The instructions don't say that but others have mentioned it. i have moved it in to the 3rd position. to tell you the truth i don't really feel any difference in support. That isn't saying it isn't there. So all good here thanks.
@@RideTheEarthnow Thanks for your reply. I have been thinking of installing a set on my F250. How is the ride different loaded and unloaded when compared to before installing the mod? BTW, despite asking a couple of times, Roadmaster would not tell me why are there 5 holes on the bracket and which one to use. The installation instructions give no clues either.
@@chomp54321 hu in my instructions they said to mount it to the last hole, others that have installed it said do do it to the 3rd hole. which i have done. As for the ride. the truck def squats less (Still squats but not as much). the sway left and right on the truck has greatly improved. without it, towing our travel trailer the rear of the truck would sway and move enough to where i would really notice it. With the RAS installed that has gotten much tighter, much nicer to tow. As for unloaded the only time i really notice it is if i hit some quick sharp bumps . kinda like a washboard. then i could get a bit of skipping. Most likely that would happen without it installed anyway.. So all in all i feel it is a good purchase. I am not sponsored by them or anything either. just my opinion. take it or leave it.
I am not sure, the main thing airbags do is level out the truck. It doesn't really add much function to the towing. The roadmaster active suspension with a weight distribution hitch for heavier loads is a good way to go. I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction as I haven't tried both. Roadmaster active suspension has excellent customer service so if you already have airbags installed, they will be able to answer your question.
I am sure a little bit but it is not noticable at all. That is keeping in mind I tow a travel trailer that is about 4k lbs. Also tow a 4 up ATV trailer with 4 full size ATVs. With the bigger tires I don't really see a noticable difference from stock other than a mile or 2 less mpg's
Sorry for the super late response. No I haven't noticed any difference in the ride. Maybe a bit stiffer if I hit. Couple small bumps fast. But tithing bad or annoying.
This is a great video, thank you for making it. I thought the jackstands were supposed to go under the front eye of the leaf spring - did the instructions say something different?
Just as long as the rear axle hangs down completely you can put the stands where ever. Putting the jack stands under the front eye would require really long stands and for me that would be a bit sketchy. Under the frame were I did it works out well plus keeping the jack under the rear pumpkin not weight bearing just for some piece of mind. Thanks
Definitely going to look into this for my 3.5 f150 towing my boat i get a lot of sag and taking my brute force out to PA I get a lot of body roll. Did you end up cranking up the tension? Also do you have leveling pucks?
The rear is stock no level in the back. And I plan on moving the bracket to the 3rd mounting holes and also cranking it up to the 2 mm setting this week some time.
@@RideTheEarthnow Awesome thanks for the reply. Great video, subbed, and you guys should try Famous Reading Outdoors trail park a lot bigger and more open compared to Lost Trails but it depends what you are looking for as well.
Not sure what the point of either of your comments are? In the video at 1:35. Empty truck, the rear of the truck sat at 41" and the front was 40 5/8. I am no math genius but last time I checked 41 is larger than 40 5\8. SOOOO the truck wasn't sitting there empty squatted. Not sure if you are just trolling me here or not but just figured I would clarify incase others are as confused by your comments as I am. 🤙
@@RideTheEarthnow 41 rear and 40&5/8s front, OK it was still slightly raked (unoticeable) but that's without anything on it not even the driver. I mean that aluminum tonneau cover easily changed the balance and now your headlights start shooting high. So basically driving normally with a full tank and maybe the kids in the back and some gear would further squat the truck without really hauling anythng in the bed. Yeah the original 2.5" front lift made no sense other for when it's parked with nothing in it and an empty fuel tank.
@@RideTheEarthnow I am glad I discovered your channel. Your video is the only one explaining to use the innermost hole (making it as short as possible) even though the kit I just got is still the old style where a plate is sandwiched on the top by the U-bolts. And it came with only the white disc.
@@RideTheEarthnow Thanks for the video! I ordered the HD kit for my F150, as my trailer is over 6500# and the tongue is 750#. I emailed them and they recommended this, too. Right now they have a Labor Day sale for $50 off.
I'm looking to haul an atv and a travel trailer at the same time in my f150. My payload fully loaded will be around 1,600lbs. From your experience, would a Roadmaster suspension be able to level this payload? I'm on the fence between a Roadmaster active suspension and Hellwig pro helper springs.
I talked to the guy at RAS and before I bought and he said he has never seen any break. That is just his word. They are pretty hard-core and I personally think they can handle it. Obviously depends on the load you are putting down. I wanted to do that as well but I have an 800lb machine, and a travel trailer with 700lb so that right there is 1500. My truck has 1895 payload and I weigh 240. So just based off the numbers it is going to put you at or over. I wouldn't reccomend going over. No amount of helper spring, RAS or airbags will up your payload legally.
@@RideTheEarthnow Thanks for the reply. I'm in the same boat. I'm trying to keep it under my payload capacity to avoid any dangerous situations, but I will be maxing it out. Sounds like the RAS is able to handle that kind of load.
@@RideTheEarthnow Oh also just a heads up, truck payload capacity already calculate a driver at 150lbs. At 240lbs, you are only putting 90lbs of additional payload in the truck. It doesn't sounds like a big difference, but when it comes to half tons every pound makes a difference!
@@fizzzle good luck figuring it out. It would be really nice to be able to bring the quad and trailer with out having to buy a toy hauler. Looks like we might need 250's or 350's ha ha ha.
Yes I have and yes it does. I noticed it greatly reduced the sway of the trailer. Tows nice and straight. Reduced the squat of the truck a bit. Wish it did more for the squat. But I am very pleased with the system.
@@anythingadrenaline4515 I have a 4 up atv trailer that I haul 4 700+ pound atvs. And I also have a Alpha Wolf travel trailer. 33 feet. 650 lb toung weight, I think it weighs like 6600lbs? I did swap the RAS over to the 3.5 Ecoboost I got. I sold the 2.7 and got the 3.5 plainly because it has alot more payload. Sorry just noticed I replied to you earlier too about switching trucks.
There is a bit of adjustability when you originally set it up with either of the spacers but the system works when the leaf springs are activated. So I would say it is better described as active rather than adjustable.
@@RideTheEarthnow don't get me wrong I think it's an awesome and needed product. I just think they are shooting themselves in the foot by calling it active. Active Air bags or magneticly adjustable suspension aren't even fully active but highly variable. I think they would actually sell more withb the right discription.
@@katiegreene3960 air bags needs to be filled and deflated. So youre correct that they aren't active. Same with magnetic suspension as there are going to be steps in the magnetic resonance frequencies used to buffer the suspension. This suspension however uses load to adjust suspension. So it is active as you can have many different loads and driving conditions where this suspension constantly actively adjusts. Its because its mechanical.
@@lifebass the only true active or rapidly active suspension that I have seen is hydraulic for f1 racing and a Bose system that was never commercialised. Air is the second to this.
Really thorough video! I have been researching the RAS for over a month and you are the first TH-camr to actually give loaded and unloaded sag measurements! Everyone else just seems to tall about ride quality and how it feels. One even had sensors mounted to show how well it softened bumps. But most people towing and looking at the RAS system are wanting a solution to the cursed 1/2 ton sagging problems. So thank you for being the first to finally provide real sag data!!!
Thanks, Glad it was helpful.🤘
This! What I have been curious about. Thanks!
I loved this video. Reminds me of my Pa and I workin on his old f150, this was the most helpful realistic video for the roadmaster system. Thanks man im sold!
Awesome thanks 👍😀
I love it. "Because daddy said." Gave me majoy flashbacks to everytime I work on my vehicle w/ my kids "helping" 🤣
Ha ha ha nice. 😆
Keep the videos coming. Glad to see like minded folks that drive Fords and Sportsman’s. It’s always a Chevy and Can Am. I’ve got a 19’ F150 and 19’ Sportsman 850.
Thanks and, nice ha ha ha. 👍🤘 they are some fun machines for sure.
Great video! Thanks for taking all of those measurements with the different scenarios. I think I’m sold on em.
I believe the front most bolt should be in the 3rd hole for a F 150. The first hole sets the force to far back from centerline.
The instructions said the 1st hole, I have since moved it to the 3rd. No noticeable difference, but maybe when hauling a very heavy load is where I would notice? Either way I am on the 3rd bolt hole now. Rides well, hauls well.
Great video, we love it!!!
Thanks, I am loving the suspension 👍
@@RideTheEarthnow We have a question for you, be sure to check your Instagram PM's when you get a chance!
Kid’s are great lol “who you talking to?”
Ha ha ha
Thanks for the video, did you end up tightening yours to 2mm? I had my 2019 at the 1mm and didn’t really see a big difference. We just bought a bigger trailer and it was porposing quite a bit. Last night I tightened it to 2mm and it is night and day. Now I am seeing the benefits everyone raves about. I have the icon suspension and called them before tightening to get their recommendations on what to do and he said that the ford springs are typically softer than other makes. He recommended going to 2mm right away. Just thought I would share in case anyone can benefit from it.
Awesome great to hear, I actually sold the truck Monday and picked up a 3.5 ecoboost so when I re install I will go 2mm thank for the update 🤘🤘🤘 thanks for sharing!!
Congrats! You will love the 3.5, especially towing your trailers.
@@gjonezin Sorry no measurements. I do have it on 2mm more support and no real notice in ride comfort. So win win for me.
You need to have the that bolt in the third hole in the bracket.It will perform much better.
Did it thanks. 🤘🤘
I'm glad to see that it works on trucks with a lift kit - Good Video :)
Thanks! Just to be clear there is no lift in the rear, just a 2.5 " level in the front.
@@RideTheEarthnow even better ... ride on!!
I might get this for my Tacoma. Thanks for the thorough video!
Question....have you taken your truck off road and see how it handled?
Minor off-road, fire roads, fields and stuff works well. Not sure how it would do with serious articulation. I would assume it would limit that for sure.
It may have been said already but move that bolt up to the third hole on both of them and you’ll get more support, seems to work better for the F150 platform that way. it will give them more leverage.
Nice thanks. I saw one other person do that but wasn't sure because the instructions didn't mention that. But no harm in trying thanks.
Lol, my kids do the same thing 🤦🏻♂️ but great video!!
Ha ha ha thanks. Yeah I use to try to tell them be quiet and stay out of the frame when I am doing a video. That wasn't going to happen ha, so now I just let them do their thing. One video I had to edit because one of my kids was peeing in the woods in the background 🤦🏼♂️😆
@@RideTheEarthnow 😂 that’s really what it’s all about anyway.
Agreed!
Thank you for these instructions.
RAS video sucks ballllz badly
Thanks, glad it helped! i am actually installing one on my buddies 2023 F150 next week.
Dude, at the end of this video it appears your rear stock shock is leaking. Are your shocks bad ? Maybe it was the view from the sun or the shade. My stock shocks leaked too after one too many bricks I was hauling from Home Depot. After I unloaded the bricks, I noticed a almost 2" lost to squat with the oily leaky shockst. To fix my unloaded squat, I replaced rear shocks with Fox 2.0. Together with your Roadmaster Active Suspension setting at 2mm I would think help a little with the squat. Thoughts?
no leaks here but some FOX 2.0's sound like a much better upgrade. Question though as i dont know too much about them, are they a softer shock? more like what the raptor has? if they are softer you are obviously going to get a smoother ride but you will get more sag when loaded obviously. Yes the roadmaster helps out a a good mount with the sag when fully loaded but with a big load. I have a bigger travel trailer now, it still sags a bunch until i add on the weight distribution hitch. The RAS system really helps with how the vehicle drives and brakes with the load as opposed to leveling it out.
@@RideTheEarthnow Hi Ride the Earth, the Fox 2.0 is noticeably firmer than my leaky stock 2016 F150 ride. But still VERY smooth dampening. All in all, very pleased after 20k miles across country. In very strong mountain winds my long bed "boat"tail stayed planted. But to really improve the handling greatly, am looking forward to the RAS like you. Separately, I have an improved 2018 F150 with Eibach all around. A little stiffer, a big money for front and back , but handling is AMAZING
@@serotonin67 awesome sounds good!!
Great video. I have a 2011 5.0 3.55 gears 4x4. The previous owner installed a leveling kit. I don't know the brand nor the lift. I'm planning on pulling a 8,000 lb trailer this summer. I had a portable grain cleaner hooked up (no clue on weight) but the truck was squatting like crazy. I'm hoping a weight distribution hitch and the RAS will help. Any benefit of running in the 3rd hole vs the very end hole? I also suppose a guy could gap them at 2mm when you know you'll be towing and then back off to 1mm when not. I'll only be using this truck to tow a couple times a year.
the RAS helped a little with sag and my weight distribution hitch helped out a bunch for sure. the combination of them both is a good mix. I originally had the RAS on the first hole but was in the lower spring tension (1mm spacer). Then I moved to the 3rd hole at the more tensioned setting (2mm spacer) and have left it there since. seems to work great, drives well unloaded and loaded so that is where i left it.
@@RideTheEarthnow thanks
I've never understood people that put on a "leveling kit" and then wondering why their truck squats in the rear, or maybe it's just me.
I wasn't wondering why it was squatting at all. I knew that would happen, this isn't my first rodeo ha ha ha. I didn't buy the RAS only to minimize squatting on the truck, It does way more. This video is to show how the RAS effects ride height weighted and unweighted. If I wanted a full level ride I would have just thrown some airbags on there, but I like how the RAS performs specially when towing.
@@RideTheEarthnow just pulling your chain
@@n1njazx7 your comment could apply to a lot of people on here though ha ha ha.
Did u use the spacer for bump stock that RAS provides? Doesn't look like it?
Sorry for the late reply. i have no spacer on the rear of the truck, Just the RAS. works very well.
Did u ever increase the tension? And also do moving to the third hole change anything?
I did both actually, 3mm setting and move the bolt back to the 3rd position. It did become a bit stiffer when normal driving but also did give more support when towing/ a little less sag. So I would say it is worth going that route not harsh whirl daily driving but more support when doing truck things. This system doesn't help as much as I thought it would with sag just so you know. It still does sit a bit nose high when loaded heavy. I might do airbags and these springs.
What a great video. Thank you it was very detailed.
Thank you, glad it helped.
Have you noticed them making noise? And clunking, creeking or thuds from the spring linkages? Thanks!
On a sharp bump there was a clunk noise but it has happened once.
Greetings, thanks for the detailed video, nicely done. I'm considering this for my F150 v8 about to pull a travel trailer. It'll be a little under 900lbs of tongue weight and I don't want any sagging of course. Do you think this will do the job? Like, dial it up to 2mm... I'd rather have this than air bags but I'm wondering if anyone uses both at the same time. What do you think?
I haven't done the 2mm setting yet so I don't want to misinform you. I will say that i did still get some sag with mine set at the minimum setting, this week or next week i hope to have time to bump it up to the 2mm setting and next weekend i am going on a trip with the travel trailer i will know more them. As for your instance. I would assume it will help out for sure. click on the description in my video i have a link to a video that explains what happens with airbags vs the active suspension. that is why i went with this over air bags. Sag is one thing but weight distribution is more important.
@@RideTheEarthnow Good info. I'll check that video out. Good luck next weekend! Hey, since I'm here. I'm at 50k on tires and need new ones very soon that are rated for towing. Any suggestions?
@@geoffdomal5155 I haven't gotten that in-depth in researching tires I know a guy that owns a suspension shop and he recommended the Nitto Terra Grappler G2. So far so good on my truck they are pretty quiet, don't seem to be wearing fast and work well.
@@RideTheEarthnow I'll check those out, thanks.
After/above 650 logs of hitch weight upgrade to the HD version of the 150 RAS.
Hey bro..... quick question! Do you tow the ATV on back and the camper at the same time? We have the same truck and I’ve been trying to solve this issue. I want to buy a camper but my tailgate will hit the jack and I hear an extension will reduce towing capacity. Would you mind please helping me with this if you have experience towing an ATV with the bed down and pulling a camper at the same time?
I have wanted to do the same thing, but have never done it. My tailgate will hit as well. Options I have found are. The diamondback tonneau cover. You can park the atv on top of the cover. Also there was another rack that can't remember the name but it fit in the bed and was like a ramp. So you pull the atv in the bed and up the ramp and it angles the quad enough to close the bed. Hope this helps.
Stand your quad up! Strap it down and you are golden
How much have you towed total? I have the exact truck 4x4 but with the half rear door that opens in the opposite direction.
Wondering if I could tow 9000lbs 🤔 I also have bilstein 5100 shocks
I would say probably around 7000-7500 and the truck handles it no problem. The biggest thing I think you have to be conscious about is the toung weight of the trailer and your payload. Make sure you have a weight distribution hitch and possibly the RAS. Just make sure your payload is good. I would say 9000 for the 3.5 wouldn't be a problem at all.
Sorry my other response was based off of the 3.5 I got instead of the 2.7.. 9000 lbs and the 2.7 that is a different story. You are definitely at the limits and again payload is the huge factor
@@RideTheEarthnow yea I have the 2.7 turbo. I'm definitely right on the max limit.
Not saying this helps, but it is the company truck 😎 so I'm not as worried about abuse.
I will have a weight distribution, RAS and Bilsteins. We will see what happens.
I'll send you an update. I did read from ford that the max payload for a 2018 ford f150 xl ecoboost 4x4 2.7 is 9000lbs. Is that what you heard?
@@anythingadrenaline4515 you mean max towing. Payload is how much weight you can have in or on your truck itself. That is what will get you into trouble of you are over your payload. Towing strength is the easy part.
@@RideTheEarthnow Correct. Mistake on my end. Towing capacity is 9000lbs per Ford Dealer. I just seen RAS makes a Heavy duty version. I'll be going with those.
other instructions say to mount it facing the front of the vehicle. does it matter?
Sorry I haven't heard that. All the ones I have seen were towards the rear and my instructions said the rear. I would assume the rear would be better consider it sags more in the back behind the axle.
I hope you know by now that you haven't installed it quite right. The short arm of the "L" bracket is too far away from the axle; it should be as close as possible. This seems to be a common mistake made even by "pro" shops.
The instructions don't say that but others have mentioned it. i have moved it in to the 3rd position. to tell you the truth i don't really feel any difference in support. That isn't saying it isn't there. So all good here thanks.
@@RideTheEarthnow Thanks for your reply. I have been thinking of installing a set on my F250. How is the ride different loaded and unloaded when compared to before installing the mod? BTW, despite asking a couple of times, Roadmaster would not tell me why are there 5 holes on the bracket and which one to use. The installation instructions give no clues either.
@@chomp54321 hu in my instructions they said to mount it to the last hole, others that have installed it said do do it to the 3rd hole. which i have done. As for the ride. the truck def squats less (Still squats but not as much). the sway left and right on the truck has greatly improved. without it, towing our travel trailer the rear of the truck would sway and move enough to where i would really notice it. With the RAS installed that has gotten much tighter, much nicer to tow. As for unloaded the only time i really notice it is if i hit some quick sharp bumps . kinda like a washboard. then i could get a bit of skipping. Most likely that would happen without it installed anyway.. So all in all i feel it is a good purchase. I am not sponsored by them or anything either. just my opinion. take it or leave it.
@@RideTheEarthnow That's really helpful. Thanks.
Can you put these on & run air bags? Or is there not enough room I’d like to put these on my 15 f150 5.0 xlt super crew
I am not sure, the main thing airbags do is level out the truck. It doesn't really add much function to the towing. The roadmaster active suspension with a weight distribution hitch for heavier loads is a good way to go. I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction as I haven't tried both. Roadmaster active suspension has excellent customer service so if you already have airbags installed, they will be able to answer your question.
Do the tires stress the engine?
I am sure a little bit but it is not noticable at all. That is keeping in mind I tow a travel trailer that is about 4k lbs. Also tow a 4 up ATV trailer with 4 full size ATVs. With the bigger tires I don't really see a noticable difference from stock other than a mile or 2 less mpg's
Did the ride quality with the trunk unloaded change? Does it do better over bumps between 40-60 mph? (For example does the bed shake as bad?)
Sorry for the super late response. No I haven't noticed any difference in the ride. Maybe a bit stiffer if I hit. Couple small bumps fast. But tithing bad or annoying.
This is a great video, thank you for making it.
I thought the jackstands were supposed to go under the front eye of the leaf spring - did the instructions say something different?
Just as long as the rear axle hangs down completely you can put the stands where ever. Putting the jack stands under the front eye would require really long stands and for me that would be a bit sketchy. Under the frame were I did it works out well plus keeping the jack under the rear pumpkin not weight bearing just for some piece of mind. Thanks
Definitely going to look into this for my 3.5 f150 towing my boat i get a lot of sag and taking my brute force out to PA I get a lot of body roll. Did you end up cranking up the tension? Also do you have leveling pucks?
The rear is stock no level in the back. And I plan on moving the bracket to the 3rd mounting holes and also cranking it up to the 2 mm setting this week some time.
@@RideTheEarthnow Awesome thanks for the reply. Great video, subbed, and you guys should try Famous Reading Outdoors trail park a lot bigger and more open compared to Lost Trails but it depends what you are looking for as well.
@@BlazeofFire524 nice thanks. We have done a little of reading but not much. Definitely want to check more of it out. We really like AOAA.
Please explain at 1:35: you raised the front (2.5in "level") with the rear stock and you wonder why it looks so much squated when you load the truck?
Yeah, even empty the truck was squatting...odd.
Not sure what the point of either of your comments are? In the video at 1:35. Empty truck, the rear of the truck sat at 41" and the front was 40 5/8. I am no math genius but last time I checked 41 is larger than 40 5\8. SOOOO the truck wasn't sitting there empty squatted. Not sure if you are just trolling me here or not but just figured I would clarify incase others are as confused by your comments as I am. 🤙
@@RideTheEarthnow 41 rear and 40&5/8s front, OK it was still slightly raked (unoticeable) but that's without anything on it not even the driver. I mean that aluminum tonneau cover easily changed the balance and now your headlights start shooting high. So basically driving normally with a full tank and maybe the kids in the back and some gear would further squat the truck without really hauling anythng in the bed. Yeah the original 2.5" front lift made no sense other for when it's parked with nothing in it and an empty fuel tank.
Ok thanks for your input.
@@RideTheEarthnow I am glad I discovered your channel. Your video is the only one explaining to use the innermost hole (making it as short as possible) even though the kit I just got is still the old style where a plate is sandwiched on the top by the U-bolts. And it came with only the white disc.
Who you talking you?
Well since I can't exactly say you so I'll say the people on TH-cam
Is this the standard or HD version?
I got the regular version. On roadmasters site there is a FAQ giving you examples of which one you should get. activesuspension.com/faqs/
@@RideTheEarthnow Thanks for the video! I ordered the HD kit for my F150, as my trailer is over 6500# and the tongue is 750#. I emailed them and they recommended this, too. Right now they have a Labor Day sale for $50 off.
@@rodwolfy3919 awesome enjoy.
I'm looking to haul an atv and a travel trailer at the same time in my f150. My payload fully loaded will be around 1,600lbs. From your experience, would a Roadmaster suspension be able to level this payload? I'm on the fence between a Roadmaster active suspension and Hellwig pro helper springs.
I talked to the guy at RAS and before I bought and he said he has never seen any break. That is just his word. They are pretty hard-core and I personally think they can handle it. Obviously depends on the load you are putting down. I wanted to do that as well but I have an 800lb machine, and a travel trailer with 700lb so that right there is 1500. My truck has 1895 payload and I weigh 240. So just based off the numbers it is going to put you at or over. I wouldn't reccomend going over. No amount of helper spring, RAS or airbags will up your payload legally.
@@RideTheEarthnow Thanks for the reply. I'm in the same boat. I'm trying to keep it under my payload capacity to avoid any dangerous situations, but I will be maxing it out. Sounds like the RAS is able to handle that kind of load.
@@RideTheEarthnow Oh also just a heads up, truck payload capacity already calculate a driver at 150lbs. At 240lbs, you are only putting 90lbs of additional payload in the truck. It doesn't sounds like a big difference, but when it comes to half tons every pound makes a difference!
@@fizzzle good luck figuring it out. It would be really nice to be able to bring the quad and trailer with out having to buy a toy hauler. Looks like we might need 250's or 350's ha ha ha.
@@fizzzle nice, I did not know that. Good to know, thanks.
Is that gibby
You should upgrade to a F250
I would love to, they are too damn expensive. I did sell this 2.7 and went with a 3.5 with more payload. Check out my other videos it is in there. 👍
Have you tried pulling a trailer with the RAS yet? If so, does the RAS help with sway?
Yes I have and yes it does. I noticed it greatly reduced the sway of the trailer. Tows nice and straight. Reduced the squat of the truck a bit. Wish it did more for the squat. But I am very pleased with the system.
@@RideTheEarthnow Thanks for the info!
@@RideTheEarthnow what type of trailer? Flat bed or toyhauler?
@@anythingadrenaline4515 I have a 4 up atv trailer that I haul 4 700+ pound atvs. And I also have a Alpha Wolf travel trailer. 33 feet. 650 lb toung weight, I think it weighs like 6600lbs? I did swap the RAS over to the 3.5 Ecoboost I got. I sold the 2.7 and got the 3.5 plainly because it has alot more payload. Sorry just noticed I replied to you earlier too about switching trucks.
Isn't this product better described as adjustable vs active?
There is a bit of adjustability when you originally set it up with either of the spacers but the system works when the leaf springs are activated. So I would say it is better described as active rather than adjustable.
@@RideTheEarthnow don't get me wrong I think it's an awesome and needed product. I just think they are shooting themselves in the foot by calling it active. Active Air bags or magneticly adjustable suspension aren't even fully active but highly variable. I think they would actually sell more withb the right discription.
Oh ok. Well I don't work for them or their marketing team :) I just like how the product works
@@katiegreene3960 air bags needs to be filled and deflated. So youre correct that they aren't active. Same with magnetic suspension as there are going to be steps in the magnetic resonance frequencies used to buffer the suspension. This suspension however uses load to adjust suspension. So it is active as you can have many different loads and driving conditions where this suspension constantly actively adjusts. Its because its mechanical.
@@lifebass the only true active or rapidly active suspension that I have seen is hydraulic for f1 racing and a Bose system that was never commercialised. Air is the second to this.
Wheel hop?
Maybe a little chatter if I hit some washboard type terrain at a high speed but I feel the truck would do that in that scenario in stock form anyway.
Of course it's going to squat and sag you got rid of the rake when you installed a leveling kit and left the back stock..
Yep
Placed my order today they were giving $75 off for the next two weeks
Sweetness!! Always better when ya get a deal. Enjoy. Pretty straightforward, let me know if you end up having any questions.🤘
Who’d you order from?
Kid says to the one in the truck, "cause daddy said..." Why do they have to grow out of that mentality?
Ha ha ha right.
Just get bigger truck
Thanks, to you want to spot me the extra cash?
These do not look like they would work with flip kits :(
I would lean towards no but not positive