Roadmaster Active Suspension installed
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,031
Likes: 72
Roadmaster Active Suspension installed
I really did not need the Roadmaster Active Suspension System for towing my 36 foot travel trailer, but went ahead and had it installed this week.
Previously had it on a 2020 f150 (Lariat Supercrew 4x4 V8) that benefited greatly from it for towing a 31 foot travel trailer. Even unladen the system helped the ride on the truck. I did the install on the f150 myself. I let a tire shop handle the install on the f250 (just wasn't up to it).
While the ride improvements I am experiencing on the f250 (2021 Lariat Crew Fx4 7.3 gas), there is a noticeable improvement over crappy roads, won't know about towing improvements until Thanksgiving.
As I told my wife, the ride and handling improvements may not be worth $800, there is still a better ride.
Previously had it on a 2020 f150 (Lariat Supercrew 4x4 V8) that benefited greatly from it for towing a 31 foot travel trailer. Even unladen the system helped the ride on the truck. I did the install on the f150 myself. I let a tire shop handle the install on the f250 (just wasn't up to it).
While the ride improvements I am experiencing on the f250 (2021 Lariat Crew Fx4 7.3 gas), there is a noticeable improvement over crappy roads, won't know about towing improvements until Thanksgiving.
As I told my wife, the ride and handling improvements may not be worth $800, there is still a better ride.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 898
From: Dallas Metroplex
I have the same system on my '20 F-250. I did notice better riding over potholes and bumps when unladen, which was a welcome behavior. Also, less bouncing when towing, but no real difference in trailer sway (but that may be due to the smaller trailers and car dollies I've used to this point).
I'll really find out just how it affects larger trailer towing later this year, when I move a 32" travel trailer 300 miles to the ranch (on rough rocky roads).
I'll really find out just how it affects larger trailer towing later this year, when I move a 32" travel trailer 300 miles to the ranch (on rough rocky roads).
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 256
Likes: 253
From: Auburn, WA
I installed the Heavy Duty kit in late September on my '19 F-250 w/6.2l primarily to improve the towing experience with my tongue-heavy ORV camper. Having completed ~1100 mile trip to Northern CA mid-October with the camper I was not disappointed. It eliminated the occasional porpoising on less than ideal road conditions and towing in general was a more stable and solid experience. Well worth the ~$600 for the kit. The unloaded improvements were a nice added bonus. The truck feels more grounded and stable unloaded over rough roads, speed bumps, etc. When I installed the kit I adjusted the tension with the 25% spacer and based on the results I think I will leave it there. I did do a complete re-measure of the Blue Ox Sway-Pro WDH to ensure that it was still dialed in properly and in my case nothing needed adjusted there.
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,031
Likes: 72
There was a 1.25 inch increase in receiver hitch height after installing. Not going to make any adjustments initially on my Equalizer 4 hitch setup. Glad others report a better unladen ride with theirs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 898
From: Dallas Metroplex
I installed the Heavy Duty kit in late September on my '19 F-250 w/6.2l primarily to improve the towing experience with my tongue-heavy ORV camper. Having completed ~1100 mile trip to Northern CA mid-October with the camper I was not disappointed. It eliminated the occasional porpoising on less than ideal road conditions and towing in general was a more stable and solid experience. Well worth the ~$600 for the kit. The unloaded improvements were a nice added bonus. The truck feels more grounded and stable unloaded over rough roads, speed bumps, etc. When I installed the kit I adjusted the tension with the 25% spacer and based on the results I think I will leave it there. I did do a complete re-measure of the Blue Ox Sway-Pro WDH to ensure that it was still dialed in properly and in my case nothing needed adjusted there.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 7,978
Likes: 4,055
I had one I installed on my 12 F350 and the 5th wheel did tow smoother, though the springs wound up having to be replaced as they had too much sag and it was just too much for the RAS to work properly. Once I replaced them with 4400# springs the ride was smooth as silk!
Are you using a WDH with the conventional trailer? If not, thats why you have sway. A WDH is a must have on a 1/2 ton, but is still important on a 1 ton as it adds sway control, which is needed, rather than WD. The big trucks don't need weight distribution, but can always use the sway control of one.
I have the same system on my '20 F-250. I did notice better riding over potholes and bumps when unladen, which was a welcome behavior. Also, less bouncing when towing, but no real difference in trailer sway (but that may be due to the smaller trailers and car dollies I've used to this point).
I'll really find out just how it affects larger trailer towing later this year, when I move a 32" travel trailer 300 miles to the ranch (on rough rocky roads).
I'll really find out just how it affects larger trailer towing later this year, when I move a 32" travel trailer 300 miles to the ranch (on rough rocky roads).
Are you using a WDH with the conventional trailer? If not, thats why you have sway. A WDH is a must have on a 1/2 ton, but is still important on a 1 ton as it adds sway control, which is needed, rather than WD. The big trucks don't need weight distribution, but can always use the sway control of one.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cecilt
2007 - 2014 Expedition & Navigator
14
Apr 3, 2010 07:49 PM
gumshoe0
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
3
May 5, 2003 02:00 PM
