Is Weight Distribution Still Necessary if RoadActive RAS3611-Y Active Suspension System Is Used

Updated 04/08/2021 | Published 04/07/2021

Question:

I have a 2013 f150 stx that had a leveling kit installed. I tow a 4200lb toy hauler which lists a 750lb tongue weight. I use a 1000lb weight distribution hitch, but that doesnt seem to prevent the truck from squatting at all. The truck squats about 2.5. Which Road master kit would you recommend, and would I still need to use the weight distribution hitch, or could I go with a regular ball hitch?

asked by: David S

Expert Reply:

The very first thing I'd do is determine the tongue weight of your toy hauler when it's fully loaded as you'd normally have it when towing. You'll also want to include the weight of anything carried in the bed of the truck behind the rear axle in the tongue weight figure. I'll link to an article that explains how to definitively identify the as-towed tongue weight, but a tongue weight/payload scale like the etrailer #e99044 would be the easiest way.

There's a possibility that the as-towed tongue weight including cargo behind the axle in the tow vehicle exceeds the capacity of your weight distribution system which would certainly decrease its level of performance, so that's a good starting point. Next, you'll want to load everything up as you would typically have it when towing, and revisit the set-up procedure for the W/D system you have to ensure it's been set up properly. The vast majority of the time, it's one or both of the issues described above which causes poor performance of a weight distribution system.

Suspension enhancement products such as the RoadActive Suspension system you mentioned, part # RAS3611-Y which is a fit for 4WD models of the 2013 Ford F-150 are the best solution for combatting sag caused by payload carried in the truck bed, while weight distribution is is the best solution for squat caused by a trailer's tongue weight. The # RAS3611-Y would eliminate a portion of the sag, but you'll still want to use weight distribution.

This being said, in addition to providing up to 2000 lbs of additional support, the # RAS3611-Y RAS kit will solve a multitude of handling issues such as sway and body roll, axle wrap, wheel hop and improving traction during braking and acceleration, so it's definitely going to provide many benefits once installed if you decide to go that route.

I'll link to a demonstration video for the # RAS3611-Y RoadActive Suspension system.