Roadmaster Active Suspension
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Junior User
Joined: May 2014
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Roadmaster Active Suspension
Hi all;
I've been reading about the RAS for the Excursion. I'm not sure I need it, but I'm thinking it may benefit us for ride quality. These trucks are sure rough!
Does it improve ride quality?
I've been reading about the RAS for the Excursion. I'm not sure I need it, but I'm thinking it may benefit us for ride quality. These trucks are sure rough!
Does it improve ride quality?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
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Please tell me this is sarcasm. If this is your idea of a rough ride, I'd hate to see what you think soft is.
Unless your springs are completely worn out and you're running on the bump stops...
Unless your springs are completely worn out and you're running on the bump stops...
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Junior User
Joined: May 2014
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Krazzee Matt,
This is my only large truck/SUV. I only bought because I'm doing a tour of North America with a 38' travel trailer, my wife, and 4 kids.
My idea of a smooth ride? My old Mercedes S500, or my current Jag XF.
Having said that, I'm sure there are ways to improve this ride. Which is why I'm here. Thank you to everyone for their constructive input!
This is my only large truck/SUV. I only bought because I'm doing a tour of North America with a 38' travel trailer, my wife, and 4 kids.
My idea of a smooth ride? My old Mercedes S500, or my current Jag XF.
Having said that, I'm sure there are ways to improve this ride. Which is why I'm here. Thank you to everyone for their constructive input!
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 351
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From: South Texas/RGV
It's a truck. It won't ride the same as a car no matter what you do. Do you have a weight distributing hitch? If not I would purchase that type of system ASAP. Not only will it noticeably improve the ride but will also improve the handling and overall safety.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
Krazzee Matt,
This is my only large truck/SUV. I only bought because I'm doing a tour of North America with a 38' travel trailer, my wife, and 4 kids.
My idea of a smooth ride? My old Mercedes S500, or my current Jag XF.
Having said that, I'm sure there are ways to improve this ride. Which is why I'm here. Thank you to everyone for their constructive input!
This is my only large truck/SUV. I only bought because I'm doing a tour of North America with a 38' travel trailer, my wife, and 4 kids.
My idea of a smooth ride? My old Mercedes S500, or my current Jag XF.
Having said that, I'm sure there are ways to improve this ride. Which is why I'm here. Thank you to everyone for their constructive input!
On an off topic, how does your suspension look? It's not uncommon for the springs to be sagging and riding only an inch, sometimes less, away from the bumpstops so even slight road inundations feel horrendous due to the lack of suspension travel. Just a thought.
A ton of people that tow travel trailers here run weight distributing hitches, usually in addition to a rear sway bar and some run the RAS as well. These are all for handling and overall safety and confidence while towing (swaybar and RAS improve all around performance). I do agree with Gene on a WDH helping with the ride - especially if you have a good amount of suspension compression while towing your 38 footer.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Krazzee Matt,
This is my only large truck/SUV. I only bought because I'm doing a tour of North America with a 38' travel trailer, my wife, and 4 kids.
My idea of a smooth ride? My old Mercedes S500, or my current Jag XF.
Having said that, I'm sure there are ways to improve this ride. Which is why I'm here. Thank you to everyone for their constructive input!
This is my only large truck/SUV. I only bought because I'm doing a tour of North America with a 38' travel trailer, my wife, and 4 kids.
My idea of a smooth ride? My old Mercedes S500, or my current Jag XF.
Having said that, I'm sure there are ways to improve this ride. Which is why I'm here. Thank you to everyone for their constructive input!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I have both and when there's no load I keep the airbags down to minimum air (15 lbs). I really like the way RAS helps with the handling and the fact that it raises the rear about an inch. The ride with the RAS is about the same as far as comfort but the axle warp is eliminated so the cornering is much better.
When I do tow the weight is about 5k lbs and the EX does not squat much, if the inside is also full ( passengers luggage etc) I usually run about 45 lbs to maintain the factory rake.
I can absolutely recommend both. Just my .02 or .05 in Canada.
When I do tow the weight is about 5k lbs and the EX does not squat much, if the inside is also full ( passengers luggage etc) I usually run about 45 lbs to maintain the factory rake.
I can absolutely recommend both. Just my .02 or .05 in Canada.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 121
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From: Kennewick, WA
I purchased from the mfg after comparing prices online. Their price was $369 + frt when I first called. I rechecked other sources, and could find them avail for $389 frt paid, so called back and got free shipping and a discount to beat the other sellers. Never hurts to dicker, and sometimes it pays to purchase from the mfg for service and warranty situations.
As to the orig posting, love the system, feels completely different. Firm, not stiff and harsh. Handles the trailer extremely well. I am going to reset nearer to the max setting shortly, orig set between the 2 recommended adjustments. Could use just a bit more load support. Another thing that RAS did on my X, was "smooth out" the up and down of the rear height when full or low on fuel!! Minor, but shows how well it works to carry a load.
As to the orig posting, love the system, feels completely different. Firm, not stiff and harsh. Handles the trailer extremely well. I am going to reset nearer to the max setting shortly, orig set between the 2 recommended adjustments. Could use just a bit more load support. Another thing that RAS did on my X, was "smooth out" the up and down of the rear height when full or low on fuel!! Minor, but shows how well it works to carry a load.
Last edited by Tuquala; Sep 15, 2014 at 11:13 PM. Reason: numbers mixed!!!!
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Junior User
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Thank you everyone for your input. For the cost, I see no reason to not have both systems onboard. I'm not an expert at towing, so every added support helps.
I will definitely check the height of my leaf springs to ensure they aren't drooping too much. Good idea!
Currently I have new Monroe shocks, a Ford rear sway bar taken from an F-350, wider and stronger rims and tires, Firestone airbags with an onboard compressor, and the Andersen WD hitch. I'm well setup, but every little bit helps!
I will definitely check the height of my leaf springs to ensure they aren't drooping too much. Good idea!
Currently I have new Monroe shocks, a Ford rear sway bar taken from an F-350, wider and stronger rims and tires, Firestone airbags with an onboard compressor, and the Andersen WD hitch. I'm well setup, but every little bit helps!
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