How much did RAS help with rear sag when towing
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 243
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From: Princeton, MN
How much did RAS help with rear sag when towing
I installed a RAS in June. My TT has between 1,100 and 1,200 lbs of tongue weight. Without my weight distribution hitch hooked up, I am getting at least 3-4 inches of sag.
RAS rep told me each spring could handle over 1,600 lbs (3,200 total).
Shouldn't the RAS be doing a better job of holding up the load?
RAS rep told me each spring could handle over 1,600 lbs (3,200 total).
Shouldn't the RAS be doing a better job of holding up the load?
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Ohio
I installed a RAS in June. My TT has between 1,100 and 1,200 lbs of tongue weight. Without my weight distribution hitch hooked up, I am getting at least 3-4 inches of sag.
RAS rep told me each spring could handle over 1,600 lbs (3,200 total).
Shouldn't the RAS be doing a better job of holding up the load?
RAS rep told me each spring could handle over 1,600 lbs (3,200 total).
Shouldn't the RAS be doing a better job of holding up the load?
Your rear is still going to sag. How much depends on how much load you put on it. If its the same load as before the RAS, then you should be seeing less sag than before. If not you might have something installed/adjusted improperly. I'm not especially familiar with how you set it up.
Thing to remember is no matter how you look at it, it's a helper spring. When you add weight it's going to start to start compressing, and the rear end is going to start to drop. If you want to completely eliminate rear end sag you'll have to add bags.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,332
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From: Summit, MS
Because it works great and it's cheaper than bags.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
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From: Isanti, MN
Are they cheaper? The only ones I can find are $379.99, and both Firestone and AirLift bags can be had for under $300. Not trying to argue, just gain some perspective here. 
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Ohio
I got the RAS as much for the stabilization properties as anything.
I don't know how much it helps since I had never hooked up the trailer prior to the install. With about 900 lbs tongue weight, I am getting less than 2" of sag with the WD hooked up, maybe 3 1/2 without. Wondering if you may not have the hitch tight enough?
I don't know how much it helps since I had never hooked up the trailer prior to the install. With about 900 lbs tongue weight, I am getting less than 2" of sag with the WD hooked up, maybe 3 1/2 without. Wondering if you may not have the hitch tight enough?
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Posting Guru
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What difference did the bags make for you? Besides leveling the Ex, was there a vast improvement in stability?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Since I've never had RAS it's hard for me to compare, but I have a hard time understanding how they do anything more than stiffen the rear suspension a bit. Do these really differ from helper springs much?
SPONSOR
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Michigan
Hello mrad, if you want adjustability, we offer a 57340 kit for your 2003 Excursion 4WD. You can learn more about the system here: LOADLIFTER 5000; LEAF SPRING LEVELING KIT. Let me know if you have any questions.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 782
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From: Sweet Home Alabama
Many of us (me included) purchased the RAS from a vendor for $130. It decreased my sag on my small trailer loads. Never more than 6-700 pounds tongue weight. I was getting a little sag which made it noticeable that rear was lower than front. Now it is closer to level when loaded.
Wiser by FTE
Joined: Jan 2010
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Ras helps a lot with wheel hop & axle wrap; Roadmaster Active Suspension Kits | Helper Springs | Overload Springs
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 243
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From: Princeton, MN
I guess I was expecting the RAS to give my rear the suspension of a 1 ton truck. Thought I had read that 1-tons drop about 1/4" per 200lbs on the tongue. After I installed my RAS with springs just a bit further spaced than the quarter spacer, I am still getting 3-4" of sag before I hook up my WD hitch.
