Roadmaster Active Suspension vs Airbag/Timbrens

[Wheels Down]

Put a deposit on a new 5er. Now to get a hitch installed and upgrade my TV (2016 F250 CC 6.2L 3.73)suspension. The hitch supply place also does truck mods and recommended instead of Timbrens, using the Roadmaster system. With explanation about the control and load bearing capabilities of the Roadmaster product. Airbags did not enter the conversation, but I am curious to hear from any who may have some comparison knowledge on these products.
General description of the Roadmaster for those that have never heard of it (like me), it is a engineered coil spring mounted in line with the trucks leaf springs (1 ea) and supplements leaf spring performance,load bearing and shift side to side. As explained to me.
Thanks,
RMc

[18CrewDually]

At the end of the day they all CAN accomplish the task. The reason I always recommend airbag system is the simple adjustability with compressed air depending on the changing demands of the load and the ability to return it to stock ride when not towing by simply releasing the air pressure.
I tow trailers ranging from 700-3k+ tongue weights plus daily drive the truck so I need that adjustability.
If you have one known set weight and use the truck just for towing one trailer I could see how the Timbrens, Sumo, or the helper spring kit may be fine, just not for me. Airbags it is.

[Wheels Down]

Thanks for the response.
As it was explained to me this Roadmaster product enables the leaf springs to perform in changing load conditions ( payload and sway control) and lets the leaf springs and trucks suspension work as designed with added support when needed.
I can see the airbags doing the same, as you noted.
Matter of preference I guess. Thanks again.
RMc

[NC_Horn]

I tow a 28ft Puma with a Ram 1500 and Equalizer hitch. I have no squat with this setup, only a soft bounce on rough roads due to soft rear coil springs. I went to price air bags but was recommended to get the Timbrens. In my case, this was a waste of money and now I am getting ready to replace them with a set of Airlift Load Lifter 5000s. I have conversed with another Ram owner that has already gone this route and is thrilled. Timbrens only work when the load rest on them so if you have a properly adjusted WD Hitch they only come into play with a large bounce.

My $.02.

Duane

[Wheels Down]

I currently tow a 27 ft. TT with the TV shown above (F250) and have no added suspension mods (except WDH). Haven't needed any. But going to the 5th wheel configuration I am looking to add stability,ride comfort and avoid any bottom out of suspension with the load now being put directly in the truck bed instead of the bumper.
This Roadmaster product sounds like it will do the job, but evidently it has not been around long enough to be evaluated.
Guess I'll be the first?
RMc

[Skyliner]

RAS has many satisfied users. I had it on my last 2 trucks and haven't installed it on my F350 because it requires a little more labor to install.

RAS has added benefit of improving tow vehicle maneuverability when not loaded. My previous two trucks handled so much better after RAS was installed.

I have airbags on one of my two vehicles. Yes, it reduces squat when towing but does nothing for handing when towing and when not towing.

I'll take RAS anyday over airbags.

Give the company a call or email or watch their videos. Their product is the real deal and you won't have to worry about a kicked up rock causing airbag failure leaving you in a difficult situation when towing.

[SaskCampers]

I know this is not about you specific question but I have a 2011 F250 and put Tuff Country Add A Leaf springs on it thinking we may upgrade to a Crusader 295RST (never happened). It raised the back abt 2" but the truck is stone stable hauling our trailer much better than stock. I have had over 3000lbs of sand in the box and never came close to bottoming the suspension. I really don't notice any difference in ride with the truck empty either.

[myxkp]

I added Timbrens to my f150 and only tow one tt, they are engaged with the weight of the tt, springs lift truck off them when not towing.
Best of both rides for me.

[Lappy]

Will tell after our trip from Montréal to Myrtle beach. Just added Timbrens yesterday

[old40ford]

Originally Posted by 05CrewDually

At the end of the day they all CAN accomplish the task. The reason I always recommend airbag system is the simple adjustability with compressed air depending on the changing demands of the load and the ability to return it to stock ride when not towing by simply releasing the air pressure.
I tow trailers ranging from 700-3k+ tongue weights plus daily drive the truck so I need that adjustability.
If you have one known set weight and use the truck just for towing one trailer I could see how the Timbrens, Sumo, or the helper spring kit may be fine, just not for me. Airbags it is.

X2

[kurtsont]

I have used RAS in both of my F150s, I know not the same truck, but they really make a difference. It made a huge difference in my 16 F150 with trailer bounce and over all handling. Plus they also work kind of like an anti sway bar and really help axle wrap. I will never own a truck without them on it from now on.

[rvdoctor]

I installed the Roadmaster system on my 2014 GMC. Worked great and wouldn't leave home without it. When the truck is not loaded with weight the ride remains the same before installing the system. The system compensates for the amount of load applied to the truck. I don't worry about airbags leaking, having to adjust air pressure, and such.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by Wheels Down

Put a deposit on a new 5er. Now to get a hitch installed and upgrade my TV (2016 F250 CC 6.2L 3.73)suspension. The hitch supply place also does truck mods and recommended instead of Timbrens, using the Roadmaster system. With explanation about the control and load bearing capabilities of the Roadmaster product. Airbags did not enter the conversation, but I am curious to hear from any who may have some comparison knowledge on these products.
General description of the Roadmaster for those that have never heard of it (like me), it is a engineered coil spring mounted in line with the trucks leaf springs (1 ea) and supplements leaf spring performance,load bearing and shift side to side. As explained to me.
Thanks,
RMc

Love the roadmaster active suspension, and I added torklift stable loads for when I need additional additude adjustment.

For real active sway control, however, you can't beat a hearty Hellrig swaybar.

[Rharrod3]

Sounds like we’re going thru same issue. I have Chevy 2016 2500 moving from my XLR 29 34 ft toy hauler to a 5th wheel . I did set it on with very little sag but I’m picky and everything was dry. I’ve had air bags and liked them but there are times not towing they need air . May or not be an issue for some. I can across these RAS never heard on them but like the idea , two guys at rv dealer have them. When not towing or heavy loads can’t tell they’re on plus helps on wash board roads from truck bouncing around $600 here installed with HD model. Waiting for them to come in

[dward51]

I put a set on my 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 and love them. I have them dialed about midway between the 2 discs. I really noticed a difference on towing my large center console as there is no WD hitch on that trailer, it's all dead weight and squat. I also had a set of Bilstein shocks installed at the same time. I provided the parts and a local truck shop charged me $250 labor to install both the RAS and shocks in about 2 hours.

[ace911]

Im really happy with the RAS system so far. I dont really see any downsides. The truck behaves normal when its not loaded and when the load is on the truck the RAS system engages and provides extra support. I had bags on another truck and did not care for the bouncy ride unloaded. I did have some Ride Rites air bags from waaay back in the 1900's ;-) that I had on a 3/4 ton chevy. I had a 8ft Lance camper on it. Along with a gear splitter, and ......

[Kram703]

Question for the Ford F150 owners that run the Roadmaster Active Suspension. Did you go with the Standard or Heavy Duty RAS?

I’m adding the RAS to my F150 and was leaning toward Heavy Duty.

[bjaspud]

Happy with Standard RAS on my Excursion. Improves the ride both loaded and unloaded.

[Tim-Nancy-C]

My understanding is that the HD is for the 350/450 hd truck suspension. I'm looking to get this on my F150 XLT sometime before May. I was going to adjust their sprint using the black tab to set them stiffer

[Kram703]

Tim & Nancy,
I just installed RAS HD Kit on my 18’ F150 this past Thursday. Although I haven’t towed my TT yet. I did hook a 56KW tow behind generator and did not squat as it did in the past. With normal everyday driving I notice the truck feels planted with less body roll. I’m very impressed.