(RAS) RoadActive Suspension | Long Term Review | Toyota Tundra + Airstream | Towing

[@RoadActiveSuspension]

Great setup. We're glad you're enjoying the product!! 🤙

[@MakeItRad]

Working out quite well! Thank you for the comment!

[@theboston3386]

@@MakeItRadCan it be used with airbags?

[@stephenchellis]

@@theboston3386 I believe where the bracket for the RAS connects with the leaf springs would interfere with an airbag kit.

[@Swimbikerunpdx]

Appreciate the video. I have a Tundra with a 23FB Airstream (I've commented before) I just installed the RAS (HD) in September. Over all, I'm happy with it, I set it to the Quarter spacer; however, I think I'll back it off especially after seeing your video. Our Trailer only has less than a 500lb tongue weight. I haven't changed my suspension (stock Bilstein TRD Off Road), but I'll check out your vid on yours. I will also say that I have a Hensley Arrow hitch and I'm super happy with it. Cheers, -Kyle

[@MakeItRad]

Greetings Kyle. Yes, definitely experiment with the different settings, as it does make a difference in the suspension feel. Thank you for the note on the Hensley, I'll be sure to check it out.

[@Hydrostream1972]

Had timber bump stops on my 93. 150. On front for snow plow. Meyer. 600 pounds. . Works great for how heavy it was. Then snow plow off. Front end felt like an F350. .. but with weight on it. TIMBER BUMP STOPS DO HAVE LOTS OF GIVE. .. GOOD Bang 4 the buck. 😊

[@MakeItRad]

Sounds like a great setup for the heavy plow! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@charliet5990]

I installed the “half ton” or basic set on my 2018 Tundra back when they were called ‘Roadmaster Active Suspension’. I tow a 21’ Jayco trailer that runs about 5200 lbs normally. I also have a Recurve Weight Distribution hitch. I originally installed them to help control the porpoising effect. It’s done that and with the hitch I have a smooth and stable trailer pull. I got about a full inch rear lift.

[@MakeItRad]

Sounds like a nice setup! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Shuffler703]

Your problem with a Tembren is when it is slightly loaded. When the gap is not fully taken up but closes up when on a rough road, you can feel it. When fully loaded, it rides fine. Airbags, you have more maintenance and it doesn't seem to help if you have issues with porposing. RAS seems to work well in all aspects.

[@MakeItRad]

The RAS works pretty well. I have mine set between the 25% and 40% load handing assist. It is a bit of a compromise when it comes to offroad, but I knew that going in. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@marknewman8609]

Sooooo happy I found your video. I found lots with other Tundras but I actually have the exact Elka suspension and my question was if the RAS worked with the Elka lift. This answered that completely haha. I also have the add a leaf and Timbren stops. I haul two snowmobiles in the back which is about 1200-1400 pounds so there was a bit more sag then I want. I do not want to go with the airbags. I think this may be the right option!

[@MakeItRad]

Glad you found the video helpful! They work well together and should really help the Tundra support that weight in the back. The RAS is pretty simple to install, I have mine set between the two spacers provided. Best of luck and let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@connorm1600]

Great review! Thank you

[@MakeItRad]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@toddtonis]

I have a fairly similar setup as yours, on my 2015 Tundra 1794 4x4. I also tow a 27 foot Airstream and added the RAS system to better manage the spring rate. I have not changed from the OE rear suspension, but did add the TRD torsion bar, even though RAS recommends not doing that. I added the sway bar to control the body roll, which it has done. I also don't take the truck off-roading as you indicated you did. I'm running H-rated tires, which are the Bridgestones Dueler, which I'm looking forward to getting rid of for a set of Michelin.

[@MakeItRad]

Running the E Rated Toyo ATs in 295/70/18. They have been great, everything from ice to sand to towing. On Elka suspension with adjustable compression, so I can bump up the shocks when towing and that handles the camper well, then dial back down for daily use. The RAS did help with the rear squat, but it does raise the back just a little and I do notice the difference in bump compliance, with RAS being slightly firmer. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@swens1111]

Have the HD kit on my 14 F150 and set on the full setting for payload. Completely changed the towing dynamics and made the whole rig feel so much better while towing my 9k travel trailer. Highly recommend. I don’t really notice the harsher ride on the F150 but it did increase the rear ride height about 1.5”

[@MakeItRad]

Greetings! Great to hear its working well for you. I have mine set right in the middle, which increased rear ride height about 1 inch. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@umurselek3310]

Correct me if I'm wrong but your leaf springs are wavy which means the truck is overloaded since there is no arch to them anymore. I am seeing the same condition with my Icon RXT springs (option 3) with 700 lbs loaded in the bed. The truck rides OK but I am worried about the leaf springs' longevity.

[@MakeItRad]

Greetings. I'll have to take a closer look next time I am loaded up with the Airstream. They do the normal 2" squat that most all Tundras do when loaded. I'm nearly certain Toyota designed the first 1/5 inches of travel to be soft, then stiffen up with the bottom leaf thereafter. With factory rake that would put it level, with my level / lift it would ride a bit low in the back. The RAS has helped and I could always tighten to the second spacer for 40% but I like how it rides with the 25-30% setting. Thanks for the comment!

[@frankfurther3828]

Well done vid, nice truck, Does this eliminate towing squat? Any rust? thx

[@MakeItRad]

Greetings, the RAS certainly reduces squat, the amount depends on how you adjust the coils. Mine are set right in the middle. No rust thus far, had the truck since new. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@tommyk9563]

Thanks for a very informative video...have a 2017 Tundra and pull a 26' travel trailer...looking for options to eliminate the sag...appreciate your time in putting this together.

[@MakeItRad]

Sounds like a great setup! The RAS is a great option. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@TheLumberJacked]

Air bags are phenomenal on heavy duty trucks. You can’t make those ride worse anyway. But on a half ton, I agree, it changes way too much about the ride. Many of those airbags will destroy themselves if you leave them aired all the way down and the suspension bottoms out, so you always need a few PSI in them and of course that will form up the ride. The Road Active does seem to be a good middle ground, though I wouldn’t say it doesn’t impact ride quality, I just think that if it does it may err on the side of slight betterment for some stock trucks. I am concerned about how this might impact ride on a truck with adaptive suspension…but it rides like a Cadillac and honestly, it kind of bothers me. I’m hoping the RAS will tighten it up a hair in the back.

[@MakeItRad]

Greetings. The RAS is pretty great, but I agree, there is some firming up of the ride, and a slight increase in ride height. Thank you for the comment and for watching!

[@Jessersadler]

seems like of you off road, air bags are the way to go. Keep the ride and flex when you want it, or extra load. Also you get on board air. . .

[@MakeItRad]

Greetings. Airbags have their advantages for sure. If you plan to offroad with airbags, I'd recommend adding cradles, otherwise they will limit suspension travel. RAS has performed well, increased spring rate, but still allows for full travel. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@marknewman8609]

I have had airbags on 3 different trucks now and everyone of them around a year they always seem to have leaks in lines. Every time! No matter how many times you check the lines they seem to leak. This is up in Canada and I blame the cod temps in the winter and shrinkage.

[@VWGabe]

Did you get an alignment after installing it on the rear axle? Or no need to?

[@MakeItRad]

Greetings. I didn't do an alignment. I wouldn't call it necessary, but it also wouldn't hurt, as it will lift the ride height in the back slightly. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@DominicWayda]

Why is your exhaust so rusty?

[@MakeItRad]

Ha, well... I'll have to watch that video again and look, but pretty sure its just dirty. This truck does see the dirt, sand, and snow when not on camper pulling duty. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JDMHero47]

@@MakeItRad Np, ty for the reply! I'm looking at getting one of these trucks as a 2021, 1794 edition, but am concerned by some things. I'm coming from a V8 4Runner & GX470 though, so it's the US made build quality vs. the Tahara plants track record that dominates my concerns. 😬

[@MakeItRad]

I hear you, have quite a few Tahara built Toyotas in the stable including a 08 v8 4runner and 09, LC 200 series and others. The Tundra is actually our only US built model. From a quality standpoint, it has been great, one minor issue with the seat latch since purchasing new. But, its also the lowest mileage so time will tell, its engineering is on par w the 4Runner. The LC quality is on a different level, but that is to be expected.

[@JDMHero47]

@@MakeItRad Thanks!! That honestly put me at ease, hearing that from someone who gets it. We recently got a '23 GX460, and I've seen the "horror" stories about the valley coolant leak, but I'm okay with stuff like that as long as the vehicle itself isn't unpleasant to own... I know I'm being petty/weak here, but things like creaks, bangs, and rattles from poorly/improperly fitted parts (inside and out) drive me nuts. God Bless!

[@cieje34]

The instructions say to lift it from the rear differential. Put stabilizer jacks on the front of the spring then lower it back down, You're saying it's better install by lifting from the frame

[@MakeItRad]

I believe you want the rear axle on full droop and the frame supported by jack stands. I would be worried about supporting the truck from the front of the spring. The tundra in stock form requires half of the spring shackle to be removed, I wouldn't want any of the truck weight on the spring while doing that. Instructions for your application may differ, if you have the instructions, follow those. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@cieje34]

@@MakeItRad ok thanks I'll make some adjustments. I thought it was weird to have the suspension compressed for the install.

[@TheLumberJacked]

@@cieje34definitely wants suspension in full droop. Use frame jack points only do not support the suspension or axle at all.

[@ThaiRoney]

Will this work with airbags

[@MakeItRad]

Greetings, my guess is this wouldn't work with airbags since some of the components would try to occupy the same space. Thanks for watching.