Air Bags vs. RoadActive Suspension Enhancement For 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

Question:

Im skeptical about the load leveling and ride quality capabilities of the RAS.. I started out with your Timbren upgraded bump stops on my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 mainly because I want my truck to tow level and not squat when towing neat its towing capacity. The reviews of the Timbren were very good so i bought them..but frankly they made the truck ride horrible when not towing which is 90+ % of the time. I then upgraded to the Firestone Airbags with bluetooth onboard compressor.They work good and give me a lot of flexibility. I think I did lose some ride quality when not towing quality but its acceptable. Im picking up a 2023 Sierra and wondering if I should just move the airbag system over or if the RAS will do everything i want? Will it keep the truck from squatting when I hook up my 29 foot boat approximately 9,000 lbs? How about my 32 foot Featherlite car trailer that i use to haul Snowmobiles or UTVs?? again 8,000 pounds +/- The airbags handle those trailers fine..

asked by: Troy W

Expert Reply:

Really good questions. And I understand being a bit skeptical of the RoadActive (RAS) suspension system, and it does have its pros and cons for your 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 when compared to the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2609.

Will the RAS help with sag? Yes, but to a point. They will level you out if your truck sags up to 2 to 3 inches; anything more than that you won't be completely level. And keep in mind there are different RAS kits for your '23 Sierra 1500 depending on your tongue weight. For tongue weights up to 500 lbs use the standard RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit # RAS4611; for tongue weights higher than that use the Heavy Duty RoadActive Kit # RAS54FR.

So checkmark to air bags for leveling, particularly at higher tongue weights. Where the RAS kit wins out is both ride quality and maintenance. Air bags do affect an unloaded ride, as you said, while the RAS will improve it, particularly stability and traction. They are also a one-time install and you're done forever, while air bags require monitoring and inflation (though that is made much easier with your compressor).

For you this really depends on how much you feel like your unloaded ride is affected, and if you want to continue to use the compressor and monitor the air bags. If that's fine, continue with the air bags, but for suspension help and a better unloaded ride, go with the RAS.

expert reply by: Kyle S