Must have for 1/2 Ton RV towing! Roadmaster Active Suspension

[@BTBRVReviews]

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

[@kingarthur1953]

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

[@The101Point1]

You should put tow mirrors on the F-150

[@rvalltheway2796]

Big Truck Big RV can you install with this air bags

[@stevepowsinger733]

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]

How does this compare to adding a helper leaf?

[@Mogalize]

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

[@Metal_Stacking]

Exactly lol

[@williampostgate3171]

But they jumped on it. 😅

[@puphouse]

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

[@100pyatt]

🤣🤣🤣💯💯💯

[@carmanwright2889]

@@puphouse What did it make worse? I don’t want to go with airbags or a timbren setup. Might just put a superspring in.

[@AnthonyJ350]

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.

[@bottlefed91]

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

[@BTBRVReviews]

Great! Thanks for the reply

[@chrisharris9115]

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]

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]

I'd forget it all together

[@JurjenHettinga]

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

[@chrisharris9115]

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.

[@paulrodrigues9603]

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

[@smellzey]

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]

What year is your Chevy?

[@MajTom-wd2yt]

1500? Must be a very tiny horse. 😂😂

[@TS1207-g9y]

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.

[@GlockMan1930]

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]

huhhman Ok.

[@matthewgardner7529]

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]

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

[@matthewgardner7529]

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]

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

[@SF-fm7ov]

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]

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

[@SF-fm7ov]

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

[@niceatrya3477]

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.

[@BTBRVReviews]

Correct, this is a 1hr install max.

[@fntony4967]

Oh I believe there is some screwing going on here.

[@DKrage01]

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]

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.

[@keithhoman2263]

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

[@manzano5620]

Does it help towing/squat?

[@mrmichaeltscott]

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

[@Icutmetal]

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.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

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

[@mobgma]

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

[@mitchf1508]

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]

so air bags not good ?

[@Markkcmo]

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.

[@jakelogan7542]

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.

[@atvtinker01]

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]

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

[@navyvette89]

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.

[@paulgrimm7842]

My stock 4X4 already sits up high in the back

[@ldstexas6817]

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

[@anymousvint4808]

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]

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

[@carmengerman5866]

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

[@MichaelPaszkowski]

Can you add sumo springs along with this contraption

[@GIGABACHI]

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

[@scottleggejr]

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.

[@LukeEdward]

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

[@dthomas2047]

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]

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?

[@ScottBaker1]

Would love an update on this

[@ExRider43]

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

[@SirSloop1919]

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

[@lifewithlinwood]

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!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

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]

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

[@beerbelly6670]

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.

[@AlaskaErik]

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.

[@JackFrost-xy7yl]

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

[@Raptorblitz1]

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

[@backcountrymafialife6834]

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

[@michaelprochaska9755]

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

[@frystephenw]

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]

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

[@charleshenson4183]

You're smoking crack

[@TheBenbeyer]

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.

[@sethellsworth]

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]

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!

[@serohaguju1054]

What about air bags wouldnt that be better

[@Blakehx]

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

[@joshs8475]

Does this improve your payload by beefing up the spring ?

[@CPK007]

Love the video. What year are those wheels from? Thanks.

[@kazansky22]

This apply equally with carrying a slide in camper in the bed?

[@johnlinnell8769]

What if i have a lift kit on my truck ?

[@Resistculturaldecline]

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.

[@extremereclusefallows5779]

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

[@akbychoice]

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]

fuel usage with nose up vs nose down

[@EGGINFOOLS]

Air bags don't compare to this system for towing

[@CJS309]

I live in California and just bought a 35 foot Jayco Jayflight (2015) and I purchased a 2018 Ford F-150 XLT. I brought the trailer home and it was a very bouncy ride. I have a weight distribution system on the hitch. Would this system improve the ride with the weight distribution system or should I go with an airbag system? I am brand new to towing.

[@BTBRVReviews]

This should help considerably. might also want to go with a firmer shock, like the Bilstein 5100

[@DashcamMania1]

Buy airbags, all in, parts and kit, $650ish, a little more than this setup, but adjustability on the fly is nice with onboard air. Have donee to (2) 1/2 ton trucks that hauled and towed constantly, best upgrades ever! Hellwig on GMC and Firestone on Ford, both problem free for thousands and thousands of miles.

[@makeupyourmindinator]

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.

[@idaru2]

Would something like this help on a midsize truck like a Colorado or canyon towing trailers that are in there range? Just help with sway and what not.

[@bobspamail]

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

[@trayvondcrawford8186]

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

[@gijoecam]

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.

[@sbjennings99]

I think I'd want the air bags but this is a good idea. Would it be needed on a 2500?

[@pains]

so which better ?

[@jjsemperfi]

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.

[@MsMonicamex]

Can you do this in conjunction with an airbag system or is this about the same/better/not as good? Looking to tow an rv with a very similar truck.

[@James0u812]

Best half ton upgrade is a three-quarter ton.

[@Achilles2014]

I just purchased a timbren, would it be ok to have both timbren & this active suspension hooked up as well? Not sure if it will make my trucks rear suspension took stiff.

[@Tsiri09]

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

[@fxdwings]

How's this different than the timbren kit for half the price?

[@frederickkgagane]

Hey. I would like to know if something can be done to a Ford Expedition XLT Max to increase it's towing capacity. Thank you

[@AdventuresWithBrian83]

there is no modification you can do to any vehicle to increase its towing capacity. You can only help it ride better when carrying its rated load.

[@bretmarstellar603]

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.

[@JN-ou9ws]

I have to ask to ( why no trailer)?

[@TheJSmithBA]

Also needed, a longer wheelbase.

[@fordmud]

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.

[@tflick41]

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.

[@tonyvandyke7588]

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

[@Overland-460]

Would u give me some advise how to set up my half ton truck to tow a 5th wheels please? I just want to tow it to my property. I do have 2017 f150 lariat V8 short bed.

[@PNWLiving1725]

Can you do this with airbags in tht rear?

[@markc7889]

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

[@aaronbritt2025]

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.

[@MrHawaiiboy510]

So is someone was considering this or a Air lift which would you recommend?

[@pains]

yeah which is better?

[@MrHawaiiboy510]

@@pains I think Air Lift

[@javiersanchez7691]

Can you use this with stage 1 fox shocks

[@bdonnell1]

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

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

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

[@BTBRVReviews]

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]

@@BTBRVReviews how much more weight can it hold?

[@Scott-uo7ns]

So have you trailered with this yet. How did it work??

[@miketrentham6632]

Did you get the 2000 or 3000lb rated kit for the 1/2 ton Ford f150?

[@brycea0225]

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.

[@MMDX70]

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.

[@dw7444]

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

[@mitocaf1]

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

[@titirititiri6360]

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

[@jksprecast2957]

My truck squats a lot when I put a load in the back. Just wondering if this would work for a GMC S15. Hope to hear back from you soon.

[@jimmygreene284]

How does this compare to adding a helper leaf?

[@1603shadow]

Would you recommend this system on a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4?

[@lebiismaelbonilla4565]

Me vale vale vale me vale todo the song is old like 14 years. Ok ok thinking on buy this set up is ok or not. 🖐🏻🖐🏻🖐🏻

[@lopezlogistics2053]

I was wondering if anyone else heard the song too, lol

[@mrpaulgrimm6129]

Does this work like a sway bar?

[@TimHollis3006]

What are your thoughts on steering stabilizers and/or dual stabilizers on these 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks?

[@michaelmerriman2558]

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.

[@davidalfred924]

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.

[@mrpabs5864]

Will this work on my 2020 f150 with rear maxtrac 1.5 inch lowering shackles? The rear is almost leveled with the front.

[@ht40]

Quick question, off topic. Can you please do a video on how you remove the center caps off the rear dually tires on your F450. I tried today on my new 2019 and I was not able to remove it.

[@BTBRVReviews]

It's very difficult! Unless you make a tool to do it yourself...... I'll have to make a video on mine. Cost me about $30 worth of materials at Lowes.

[@ht40]

Big Truck Big RV That would be great I'm sure many people would find that video helpful. I bought some aluminum bar stock to make some kind of hook to grab the cap and lever it off with the lug wrench. Thanks again for all your videos. I'm now a proud owner of a '19 F450.

[@ThePhanthomDialer]

What is a good budget and model for a first travel trailer, and for under 18k Im 19 and I want to buy one so I can get out my parents house, since a studio apartment in my area would run me over 1000 easily. I could live in a nice travel trailer for a quarter the cost, if that.

[@ApartmentB]

I have a 16 F150 with the heavy duty payload package, would this be acceptable with the heavy duty payload package to add?

[@user-kn1rg2br4h]

This prevents squat?

[@gibby0914]

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