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3,000-lb Capacity. Convert your vehicle's leaf springs into a mechanically active suspension system. RAS adjusts to your load to level your ride. The system also increases stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway.
Features:
Specs:
All-In-One Suspension System
When towing or hauling a heavy load, you may encounter a number of problems that can make your driving experience difficult or dangerous, such as sway, body roll, or bottoming out. When your vehicle is weighted down, your factory leaf springs can't counteract these problems to the extent that they are supposed to. The weight will overpower the leaf springs and cause them to twist or flatten out. When that happens, they cannot support, level, or stabilize your vehicle effectively. Additionally, because your factory leaf springs are passive, they won't begin to tackle problems such as sway until those problems have already started.
Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS) kits enhance those passive leaf springs by converting them into a mechanically active, all-in-one suspension system. RAS kits have variable-rated coil tension springs that automatically adjust to your heavy load. Other suspension systems only solve a few problems and usually at the expense of other improvements your factory leaf springs may need. RAS, on the other hand, is a unique kit that provides everything you want in a suspension system without any trade-offs. It eliminates bottoming out like air springs, reduces sway and body roll like sway bars, keeps your ride level like helper springs, and improves traction and braking control like traction bars. This improves your vehicle's stability, handling, and control while you are towing or hauling, as well as when your vehicle is unloaded. RAS also makes your overall driving and towing experience safer and more comfortable, which greatly lessens driver fatigue.
Each RAS unit has a powerful variable-rated coil tension spring that converts your passive leaf spring into a mechanically-active system. Once your vehicle is loaded, the tension springs immediately activate to absorb and support the weight. This allows your leaf springs to maintain their bowed position and keeps them from flattening out or flipping over, which greatly hinders their ability to bear a heavy load. The tension springs are variable-rated, which means that the heavier your load is, the more assistance they provide to your leaf springs. Because of this design, RAS reacts instantaneously, whereas hydraulics, air springs, and other suspension systems take time to react. And unlike your factory leaf springs, RAS stops sway and sag before they even start to happen. Additionally, when your vehicle is unloaded, the tension springs disengage, allowing your leaf springs to perform as intended without hardening your ride. RAS won't hinder your leaf springs' movement, nor will it cause any friction between any of the brackets.
When under a heavy load, leaf springs are especially susceptible to axle wrap, which can cause wheel hop. Wheel hop is when the tires lose their grip on the road, causing a jarring, up-and-down movement. Axle wrap occurs when the circular motion of the tires cause the leaf springs to twist or rotate. If the leaf springs twist far enough, wheel hop can occur. RAS stabilizes your leaf springs by absorbing the force of the load they're trying to support. This eliminates axle wrap and wheel hop, as well as prevents your vehicle from bottoming out. Because of this, less strain is put on your vehicle. And by reducing some of this wear and tear, RAS helps extend the life of your leaf springs, shock absorbers, shackles, and even tires.
When driving along a curve while towing or hauling a heavy load, the back end of your vehicle or trailer can start to shift with that weight. If your factory leaf springs have flattened or twisted under this load, they won't be able to prevent it from shifting. Because of this, your trailer will sway away from your vehicle. This makes driving challenging and dangerous, as it increases the risk of body roll, which is when your vehicle drastically leans to one side. This can often cause you to completely lose control of your vehicle. Body roll is especially prevalent with multi-passenger vans and vehicles towing long campers, trailers, or boats. RAS provides a much safer ride by reinforcing your factory leaf springs and stabilizing your load. This helps prevent sway from occurring and reduces the chance of body roll while cornering, turning, and swerving. RAS also lessens the rocking motion that happens during windy conditions or when a semi passes by on the road.
When your vehicle is overloaded, the bulk of the weight transfers to the rear axle. Your factory leaf springs then become overwhelmed by this weight, as they are not strong enough to support it. This causes the back end of your vehicle to sag and the front end to rise, which means that the front tires have lost some of the grip they need with the road. In addition to loss of traction, it can also cause poor headlight aim, unintentional swerving, and an extremely bumpy and uncomfortable ride. RAS bolsters your factory leaf springs and enables them to provide support for your load without compromising ride quality or comfort. This keeps your ride level from front to back whether you are hauling a load in the bed or towing a boat, trailer, or camper. RAS also ensures that your tires have the traction they require while braking and accelerating, which improves the overall driving experience.
RAS is also customizable. During installation, the coil tension springs can be adjusted to 2 different tension settings or anywhere in between for improved road handling and support. To do this, rotate the springs while keeping the threaded rod still. As you turn the spring, use one of the 2 included spacers as a gauge to measure the widening gaps between the coils. In order for the RAS units to work as intended, you must tension the coils to a minimum of 25 percent with the 1mm white spacer and no more than 40 percent with the 2mm spacer. The springs can also be independently adjusted to compensate for off-center loads such as a handicap lift.
This custom-fit kit comes fully assembled and is easy to install. Each RAS unit simply bolts onto your factory leaf spring with the included hardware, and drilling, welding, and cutting aren't required. First, position the eye hook bracket so that it wraps around the top of the factory leaf spring eye. Then the axle bracket secures under the leaf spring and around the factory U-bolts on the other side of the leaf spring pack. Once the maintenance-free RAS units are fully installed, you won't need to monitor them as you would with air springs.
RAS is extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. The units are constructed of high-grade alloy steel, and they have an epoxy e-coat on the coil springs to provide extreme corrosion resistance. The brackets on the ends of each unit resist the effects of water and other elements, and they have a salt spray rating of more than 800 hours.
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (414 Customer Reviews)
3,000-lb Capacity. Convert your vehicle's leaf springs into a mechanically active suspension system. RAS adjusts to your load to level your ride. The system also increases stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway.Well I just installed them today so I went ahead and loaded my excavator just to see how much the rear of my truck squatted and it didn’t squat near as much as before, I’m pulling 16000 lbs trailer and excavator with a 2020 F250 super duty and before I installed I normally would have to park my excavator in just the right spot to give me enough tongue weight that I needed but I always had that seat of the pants feeling that I didn’t like while towing it, drove down the road with everything installed and loaded and it honestly felt like a completely different truck, didnt pull it but about 4 miles but so far so good, think I’ve finally found my solution
Great product! It does what it advertises and is a breeze to install on my F-150 but a little harder on the 350 since you have to remove the overload spring. Works great helps keep truck perfectly level when towing my 10k lb trailer. Highly recommend.
Easy install and really reduced squat!
Install took about 30min. Seems my rear is a hair higher at 25%. Going to tow 7k about 650mi this weekend. See how much if helps.
Great improvement. Much more stable and level towing my 8000 pound travel trailer with my 2016 F250.
Installing was not difficult, not as much sag when connected to 1080lb tongue weight trailer
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
Total transformation! I never knew how bad my ride was until I installed these RoadMaster 3611-HD active suspension. It took longer to safely jack my truck up and remove tires than it was to install them! Absolutely a game changer. I carry about 1000 lbs of tools and supplies daily and like riding a Rollercoaster when hitting bumps. Now, i hit bumps on purpose just to feel these RoadMasters work their magic! Love them!
Tracey T - 04/29/2022Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
I have a 2020 Silverado 1500 6 cyl Duramax with the Diesel Off Road package (3.73 diff). Travel trailer loaded is probably about 6,000 lb. I took several measurements during and after the spring kit installation. All measurements increased about an inch including the stock suspension with trailer and equalizer bars and with the spring kit installed at 1 mm spacing. A one inch improvement overall. I took the truck on a short drive and didn't notice any difference in ride (wasn't stiffer) which is what I wanted. Good to know that I can adjust the springs to the 2 mm spacing if I want to increase the suspension assist. Going camping next week and looking forward to see how it improves handling and porpoising.
Rick M - 03/27/2022Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
Roadmaster active suspension seems to be built very well. I look forward to towing my travel trailer very soon to see if it improves the towing experience.
Dave H - 01/30/2022Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
The bed of the truck measured 37.5" with a tool box weighing 200 lbs. The truck felt weighed down with passengers weighing 600lbs. Total weight 800lbs with a tank full of gas. After the install the truck rides smoother and certainly " like new". The stopping distance and acceleration distance have shortened drastically. I'm planning on loading up the bed and the Roadmaster Active Suspension RAS4611. My wife even drive it and she could feel the difference. "It drives like a muscle car." Buy it. Install time at a reputable mechanic shop was a 30 min. Install. I received them today at 1 pm and got it installed at 3:00 pm and finished the install at 3:30pm. It's an investment worth the price over traditional air bag system. Mechanic installed this on 2011 Nissan Titan SV.
Sergio R - 08/13/2021 Sergio R - 08/16/2021Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
This is my 2nd set of RAS! Just purchased for towing in my D-Max 2500HD. 1st set we’re on a Chevy 1500. I tow a 7000lb 259FKDS Freedom Express bumper pull and having the RAS-HD’s installed is night and day difference in towing. I have them set at 40% because of my cargo in the truck bed and tongue weight. I’m set up right now as I type on a 100 mile camping trip to set the springs and readjust if needed! So I say….”if you need support with towing, give RAS3611-HD a try…you won’t be disappointed with the results”
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
I love the product since i have a 2021 toyota tacoma crew cab long bed with a campertop a robber mat and a jack thats around 450 pounds that a have at all times my truck was sittind low a lilbit plus it was swagging on the road i have summo spring to help my suspention but it was not enoght so i did my research but this was my better option i just installed it yerterday july-8-2021 and went for a ride where i ussually drive everyday and WOW now my truck rides very smood plus it lift my tryck 1 inch on the back now my tryck seats level it took me about 2 hrs but i did right i just follow the intructions and done i love the product the only thing that im concern is that the left side underneat the springleaft there is a breik line that is too close to the roadmaster suspention i hope that with the time dont hit that line because if it does thats the line for the breiks and i will be in trouble replacing it other wise evreything works great i recomend it 100% thanks guys i will buy it again?????best $500 that i spend on my truck
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
Night and day difference on our 2011 F150. Before installing the vehicle was almost undrivable at highway speeds due to bouncing/jerking when pulling our trailer. The bounce/jerk has been virtually eliminated since installing the Active Suspension. Installation was a breeze, hardest part was getting the wheels off the truck due to corrosion between the wheel and the rotors. Total install time was roughly 1hr 15 minutes including the stubborn wheels. Initially I was hesitant to order due to the price, but very happy with the results, etrailer also did a great job at guiding me through the process, shipping and answering a few technical questions along the way. Highly recommend if you need a little more spring/payload.
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
Silverado 2500HD Ready to install out of the box. Simply extend the RAS out to become the proper length (shortened for shipping), remove the bolt to allow the fork to drop over the leaf spring and reconnect, hand tighten the assembly via turning the spring and check the "centered alignment", then tighten with a wrench (my socket wouldn't quite fit) until gap disc slips freely between the expanded spring. Took me longer to prep truck on a jack and two axle stands/remove tires for improved accessibility than the actual RAS installations. Added 1 inch of lift "empty weight". Will see how much squat is removed under load of our travel trailer this weekend! I'm not very mechanically inclined, and found this very easy to self-install - a level 1 project. NOTE: etrailer customer service also took their time w/ me over the phone to ensure I had ordered the proper kit for my vehicle, and although my order was sent to the vendor for direct shipment, I got it to Alaska in less than 10 days.
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
I put these on my 2018 F150 and towed a fully loaded 17' foot cargo trailer from from Washington to Florida through bad weather and even performing some high speed emergency avoidance. I feel that the safety of that trip relied heavily on the positive effects of Roadmaster on my suspension!
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
The Roadmaster suspension kit did provide the additional stability and load carrying capability for towing a 6000lb rv travel trailer with a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with Magnetic Ride Control system. However without the load the ride was rough and raised the rear of the vehicle so that night time driving with dim lights was reduced. The suspension kit was easy enough to remove during the off season of RV use, however is an inconvenience. It would be great to have Roadmaster create a system that would work with the Magnetic ride system without having to install / remove for the use and still continue to have a OEM smooth ride.
Jenny N - 04/15/2022Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
I tow a 31 foot trailer with my 1/2 ton. Before adding this product the sway was still noticeable, especially with 30 to 40 km wind gust, even with a Curt 4 point sway control hitch. After adding this product I noticed significantly lower sway and better towing.
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
Easy install 2011 Tacoma crewcab long bed. Helped with sag when towing microlite travel trailer. Keeps the rear end raised in the rear a little when unloaded, but I like that look. Only complaint and its nothing big when truck is unhooked and empty when i get out I can hear alittle noise from RAS. Sort of like a bedspring coil. Night pic is with RAS installed daylight pic is with out installed
Rich - 03/10/2021Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
I found this items cheaper on another site but etrailer match and then beat the price. Item installed super easy, more work jacking up the truck and taking the tires off. Can be installed with out removing tires just make it easier to get it in. The item did lift the back of my truck 1 inch. See Pics.
William - 03/30/2021Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
etrailer asked if I would review the roadmaster active suspension kit after a year. Ok, I get a lot of junk email but this impressed me. This shows that they are a stand up company. I purchased this product to help with the sag I was getting at the hitch. I read a lot of articles and literature about the sagging issues and almost went with an air system as they are described as the end all be all fix. WRONG! I installed this RAS on my 2018 F150 and the sag was gone. It has never returned. The trailer rides true behind my truck and my truck rides great when I’m not hooked up. I have max towing capability with my truck from the factory but I pull a 10,000 lb trailer. Lot of concrete grinding equipment, big vacs, generator and I haven’t had any issues at all. The Roadmaster active suspension works just as advertised. I’m very happy with the purchase and I’ll do it again on my next truck.
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
This should be a legally required safety item for all half-ton trucks towing heavy trailers. I tow a 31 foot camper at about 8000 pounds loaded. That’s just a guesstimate. It could be more, but it’s well within the limits established by the manufacturer. Even with the anti-sway hitch the truck, a 2018 F150 twin turbo V6, would squat a few inches so that the back of the truck and the front of the trailer would dip down and neither would be level. I tried tightening up the resistance on the sway bars to no avail. I thought about getting a different shank that would raise up the ball hitch and trailer, but this would not have fixed half the problem. You have to get your truck level so that your steering wheels are firmly planted on the pavement. Interestingly, before I got the truck we towed with my wife’s Lexus LX570. It’s the big V8 and did ok, but we needed the longer wheelbase of the truck for the towing. But one thing the F150 did not have that the Lexus did have was auto-leveling airbag suspension. So this squatting problem was a new one when moving from the Lexus to the F150. So I wasn’t going to pay big money to add auto-leveling airbag suspension to the F150. I looked at Timbrens, but the RAS seemed to be much better. I did not like the idea of having to endure x amount of squat before the devices began to work. RAS starts to work as soon as the load is applied. Installation was easy. Instructions were good. The most difficult part was getting the truck off the ground. A good floor jack and jack stands are an absolute must. Now with RAS installed, the trailer is level, and most importantly, the truck is level. Steering is now as responsive as it is when not towing the trailer. No more white knuckling. I can go 80 mph if I want to. If the wind catches me, and there’s no cure for that, I remain in control and needed corrections are minimal. Bumps are even less bumpy. I remember my head used to pop back and hit the headrest, but that does not happen anymore. Without towing and/or with no load in the bed of the truck, I can tell no difference in how the truck handles. The rake is a little more pronounced, but that’s ok with me. I bought the truck to tow.
Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
Just had the roadmaster suspension assist installed today. The ride feels a bit smoother and truck back end feels tighter. Have not had a chance to hook up our 28 foot RV but I will be sure to revisit after. So far I feel good about this purchase
Forrest F - 04/11/2022Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
Paid full price, received poorly packed open box item with missing ancillary parts. This rating is not a reflection of the Road Master product, but of the package I received from etrailer. I’ll start with the one positive, the package arrived very quickly. I ordered it yesterday and it arrived today. Missing directions. RoadMaster touts the clear easy to read directions as a product feature. I can download directions from etrailer. Now I get the pleasure of wincing at my phone and trying to zoom and scroll with gloves on. Missing 2 spacing disks required to set the spring gap. So I guess I’ll guestimate… These are directly referenced on the etrailer website as included, stated as included in the directions, and on the pictures. Missing sticker labels. I did receive a random sticker not related to this item but I didn’t receive Roadmaster labels. While this may seem like a minor complaint it shouldn’t be underestimated. The labels need to be applied because there is no noticeable branding on the product. What that means is that a mechanic who works on the truck in the future will not have a reference to be able to look-up. It would also be a nice courtesy for any future owner of the truck. Missing warranty card. A selling point for this product is the 5 year warranty. Call me old fashioned but I would like to have the paper. With products like these there are also usually directions for registering it for any future warranty claims. I was expecting a nicely packaged product and was sadly disappointed. The packaging was exceptionally poor. The pieces could have been at least wrapped in paper so they wouldn’t chip the paint against each other and guard against what inevitably occurred with the box giving out. These were just dropped in the box and shipped with no protection.
Sierra K - 10/11/2021Review from a similar RAS in Vehicle Suspension
I don’t normally post about items I have purchased, but in this case, I had to make an exception. I did a lot of research on helper springs and ways to insure my truck gave me my maximum rating. We purchased this kit and it actually arrived a day early and best of all, the day before we were going to get our new 5th-wheel trailer. My son-in-law helped me install them in under an hour. Unfortunately, I did not measure my height before the install, but it did look like it raised the truck a small amount but that was fine with me. I didn’t notice any difference in the ride. The next day we picked up our new Reflection 150 - 278BH trailer. When we first connected the trailer, the maintenance manager commented “Wow, I really expected to see the back end of the truck drop more”. I told him I had installed this kit and he was very impressed. We had a cold front pushing through and had a 20-25 mph crosswind hitting our new rig as we drove home. Since I had not pulled this rig before, I was a little concerned about how the truck would handle. All-in-all, it handled great and the truck felt secure on the road. You could still feel the wind at times, but I did not feel like the truck swayed as much as I remembered our old truck and trailer. Overall, I am quite happy with this kit. My wife said she didn’t really notice any difference in the ride but she did say she thought our truck now looked a little jacked up without the trailer, but as I said, that’s fine with me.
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