RoadMaster Active Suspension Report
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Los Gatos USA
RoadMaster Active Suspension Report
Oh Hi,
I searched the boards to see if anyone has used the RoadMaster Active suspension. I Saw a few posts, but not many, so I thought I'd post my experiences thus far.
I have used the Airlift air springs on my previous truck...a Chev K1500 with a Lance camper. They worked great, and the camper load was not even, the driver side was heavier, so individual inflation worked well. But I'm getting lazy and I'm not sure I feel like installing them on my ‘01 F250SD 4X4 CC SB.
Now I tow a 5000lb trailer, tongue weight is 550. In the bed I carry a dirt bike, generator, tools etc. When loaded and hitched I sag a lot, and need to use a weight distributing hitch. But when I go off road the weight distributing hitch is not always a good thing. Hence my need for some sort of helper springs. I’ve used the bolt on helper springs previously also, but I find them noisy. So I thought I’d try the RoadMaster active suspension. Not sure why they are active...its just a spring. I bought them for my 99 ranger, which is what I’m reporting on here. The summary is they work great and I’m ordering them for the 250.
One thing the air springs don’t do is cure axle rap. After putting the RoadMaster on the Ranger (4.0 litre engine), the wheel hop has been greatly reduced, all but eliminated. I had a load of drainage rock dropped in the bed today...about 900 lbs! The back end sagged about the same as stock with 400-500lbs. The truck drove very well. When unloaded, the ride seems to be the same as stock. So I’m pretty happy and will order a set for the 250. I think air springs are the ultimate, especially when coupled with good shocks...but the Roadmaster is a “set and forget” and since I’m getting old...
I’ll post an update on the 250 in the future....
-RollingStone
01 F250SD 4x4 CC SB 4.3 V10
99 Ranger KC 4.0L
I searched the boards to see if anyone has used the RoadMaster Active suspension. I Saw a few posts, but not many, so I thought I'd post my experiences thus far.
I have used the Airlift air springs on my previous truck...a Chev K1500 with a Lance camper. They worked great, and the camper load was not even, the driver side was heavier, so individual inflation worked well. But I'm getting lazy and I'm not sure I feel like installing them on my ‘01 F250SD 4X4 CC SB.
Now I tow a 5000lb trailer, tongue weight is 550. In the bed I carry a dirt bike, generator, tools etc. When loaded and hitched I sag a lot, and need to use a weight distributing hitch. But when I go off road the weight distributing hitch is not always a good thing. Hence my need for some sort of helper springs. I’ve used the bolt on helper springs previously also, but I find them noisy. So I thought I’d try the RoadMaster active suspension. Not sure why they are active...its just a spring. I bought them for my 99 ranger, which is what I’m reporting on here. The summary is they work great and I’m ordering them for the 250.
One thing the air springs don’t do is cure axle rap. After putting the RoadMaster on the Ranger (4.0 litre engine), the wheel hop has been greatly reduced, all but eliminated. I had a load of drainage rock dropped in the bed today...about 900 lbs! The back end sagged about the same as stock with 400-500lbs. The truck drove very well. When unloaded, the ride seems to be the same as stock. So I’m pretty happy and will order a set for the 250. I think air springs are the ultimate, especially when coupled with good shocks...but the Roadmaster is a “set and forget” and since I’m getting old...
I’ll post an update on the 250 in the future....
-RollingStone
01 F250SD 4x4 CC SB 4.3 V10
99 Ranger KC 4.0L
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: CONNECTICRAP
RoadMaster Active Suspension Report
Yes. Thank you for the info. I've been on the fence about air or Roadmaster load leveling devices. It's good to hear Roadmaster actually helps stop axle wrap. I feel the spring pack is just too soft in the rear. Can't wait to order now. Thanks again.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Los Gatos USA
RoadMaster Active Suspension Report
Oh hi again,
I should mention that if you order from RoadMaster, they have a special on until the end of Sept. I can't remember the amount you save. The springs for the Ranger cost 169.00. I had to accelerate hard today...patched out quite cleanly. I'm ordering the F250 springs on Monday.
Note you'll have to remove the overload spring on the F250. (read that in the directions for the ranger springs...it's obvious why.)
Note Note: I expect I'll still need to use my weight distributing hitch If I want to be perfectly level, but it won't be as tight and should be okay off road. If I'm not taking the dirt bike and related stuff I don't expect to need the W.D.H.
-Glen (RollingStone)
'01 F250SD 4X4 CC SB V10 4.30
'99 Ranger SC 4.0L
I should mention that if you order from RoadMaster, they have a special on until the end of Sept. I can't remember the amount you save. The springs for the Ranger cost 169.00. I had to accelerate hard today...patched out quite cleanly. I'm ordering the F250 springs on Monday.
Note you'll have to remove the overload spring on the F250. (read that in the directions for the ranger springs...it's obvious why.)
Note Note: I expect I'll still need to use my weight distributing hitch If I want to be perfectly level, but it won't be as tight and should be okay off road. If I'm not taking the dirt bike and related stuff I don't expect to need the W.D.H.
-Glen (RollingStone)
'01 F250SD 4X4 CC SB V10 4.30
'99 Ranger SC 4.0L
