Roadmaster Active suspension review

This is very helpful, I'm doing this install on Saturday. Is there anything I should be aware of? Sounds like it went pretty smooth and y'all are satisfied customers, which I love to hear.

 

Nah.... it's pretty straight forward; just the follow the instructions and you should be good to go

The rear end does need to come up fairly high (at the pumpkin when you first lift it up) to allow the rear suspension to 'unload' once you place the jack stands under the front eyelets of the leaf springs. So, if you have a 'rapid pump' jack or something similar to the Badlands off-road jack it'll go up a little faster

 

If I almost never tow, is this a waste? Have a 3/2” lift currently. Rear has coachbuilder +3 and 1” block. Thinking maybe with this I could delete the block and get the height back. Like the little bit of rake my truck has currently.

 

I wouldn’t say it's a waste and not just geared for folks that tow. I swapped out my rear sway bar for the RAS and think the RAS is better in almost every aspect. I too wanted to get some height in the rear after I lifted the front and really like how the truck looks and handles.

I don't tow, but I'm often fully loaded and I really like how in those instances the RAS really helps the truck handle normally. Like, I can have a full bed of dirt and besides the truck being slower to accelerate and decelerate, it handles like normal and rides the same. I no longer feel the rear sag a bunch and the truck roll a lot more.

I think the RAS is a win based on its versatility.

 

x2 on what RD said...

Yes, dump the block add the RAS... it will also reduce axle hop on those hard launces in beast mode

 

How about articulation off-road? I assume it does restrict but at least it doesn’t link each side together. I almost never go off-road so.

If I kept the block on, the road master would probably lift my rear too high? I just don’t want to deal with the block kit again. Just put it in this fall because I didn’t like how my lift sat.

 

I'm not an expert, but I think when you stack lifts, blocks, etc.. it can lead to issues

As far as articulation is concerned, I have a '21 Pro (no rear sway bar from factory to maximize articulation). However, this coupled with the fox suspension does create a softer suspension (especially when evaluating performance on pavement in the curves at decent speeds).... However, it's the bees knees when off road, gravel, fire service roads, etc...

I purchased the RAS to lift the rear slightly (weight in the bed) and to stablize the vehicle more in corners during hwy driving w/o throwing a sway bar on the truck. It did all that and more... Plus, I haven't noticed a loss in articulation at least to the degree that I use it. I'll see if I can find a pic w/the suspension flexed a bit. I guarantee your rear sway bar will restict the articulation more than the RAS will.

Plus, the good news is, that if for some reason you don't like the set up, it's pretty easy to flip on here as there is always someone wanting a kit. You'll just want them to be reasonably local to you so you don't have to ship.

Also, purchase the HD set if you end up doing it and just set it at the 'lighter' adjustment. Then, if you need more work from the RAS, you can always dial it up to the thicker disc...

 

This is pretty much my exact situation and I agree it's a great product. No downsides in my opinion unless you want extreme articulation for offroading.

 

Thanks for all the info. Looks like if I get it I’ll remove my 1” block and keep the CB + 3 shackle. Anyone know how much height the RAS HD adds? I’m sure it was already mentioned. I’ll have to read back through the thread.

 

With my CB +3 shackle and RAS HD cranked to slightly more than the smaller disk I'm at 2.5 inch lift in back.

 

No need for a “+” shackle at all with the RAS HD if looking for a 2-2.5” lift. Just crank the RAS as needed. I have aftermarket shackles(I think OME) with greasable bushings but they’re basically factory sizing.

 

My only other concern is that my truck was rear-ended last winter. The frame was bent a bit, but fixed. I’ve had no issues at all other than the shop not coating properly. You can see the bit of wavy metal near the rear leaf shackle. I’ll be removing the rust and painting soon. Would any of you be worried having the RAS in my situation? Thanks!

 

Yea if it wasn’t such a pain to put my shackles in, I’d remove them.

 

No, the RAS will sit along the leafs not up against the frame.

 

I already had the shackles which also improve handling as well. I don't think the ras can give you more than 1.5 in lift on its own without causing a horrible ride.

 

Maybe so, but they’re designed for up to ~3 inches of lift and they’ve met or exceeded all of their promises so far.
Maybe the RAS(or extended bumps) prevents bending your leafs past flat - my RAS does that for my stock-sized shackles - but that’s another possibility too.

 

Agreed... You're not getting 2.5" of lift out of an RAS only system. It may help prevent 2.5" of 'sag' due to weight and payload, but it's not going to 'lift' the rear that much...

 

I guess if I do the RAS, I’ll leave my shackles in and see where it sits. If anything maybe I’ll swap to a smaller +2 or +1 CB shackle. I don’t want to mess with those bushings again haha.

 

Question:

I'm considering RAS.

Every third blue moon, I will need to haul the boat out & take it to service and/or detail.

1. distance is less than a 2 miles from boat ramp to destination.

2. speed not to exceed 30mph

3. it will put about ~800lbs of tongue weight

4. TTL weight of boat & trailer is ~9000lbs

5. yes, I'm exceeding combined weight...don't look at that.



Can the RAS give me enough umph to quell the squat that this weight will cause?

 

I don't have actual experience using the RAS when towing that much, so this is theory...

My belief is that the HD setup on the largest disc will probably eliminate MOST of the squat... I'm probably between 300-400lbs in my bed at all times, and the RAS on the slimmer disc (lighter setting) gives me a very slight amount of rake. The rest of my setup is OE Pro suspension, so it was level and maybe a bit squatted w/the load prior to RAS. Hopefully that makes sense!!!

Plus, it will help you out on the hard launches under boost

 

The +1 shackles won't work with ras. I learned that the hard way.

 

Ah! Not enough space for the clamp?

 

Found from an earlier post of mine:

I have OME shackles(OMEGS222), that allow for greasable pins/bushings. It’s supposed to be a stock replacement but they’re really almost 1/2” longer. Zero issues with the RAS HD install.

I don't know if that helps anyone with Coachbuilder or any other shackles.

 

Yup. You would have to grind the center support on the shackle.

 

Yeah the difference though is the CB shackles are way thicker so I feel like they offer more stability if that's desired in shackles besides just lift.

 

Gotcha. Yea I think removing my 1” block, keeping my +3 and installing the RAS is the answer. Might bump my rear up a bit more than it is now. Not a huge deal. Worth the support I think.

 

I highly suggest upgrading your bump stops and get a brake line extension kit.