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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.
RoadActive 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 (777 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.Installed this system on a 1999 F-250 SD. I pull a 35 foot 5th wheel trailer that has a pin weight of 2,180 lbs. (I know the exact weights as I have weighed each axle, unloaded and loaded.) Before the RAS install, the trailer would cause the rear of the truck to sag, pitching the nose up just a bit.
I installed the RAS system, and knowing my truck is loaded to the max, I decided to use the 2mm spacer. After the install, the height at the rear bumper was 2 1/4 inches higher. Before the RAS install, the trailer would cause the rear of the truck to drop a full 4 inches. With the 2mm spacer adjusted RAS, the trailer caused the truck to drop about 2 inches in the rear, but the rake of the truck now remains with the nose lower than the rear.
After the initial install, I drove the truck unloaded. The ride was about the same as before, maybe just a bit smoother, hard to say for sure.
This past weekend, we took the truck and trailer to Branson, MO and back, about a 825 mile round trip. What a difference! We hadn't driven 2 miles from home when the wife said, wow, this is a different truck. The ride was fantastic. It eliminated surging we would sometimes encounter on some roads. Bumps and undulations in the road were so much better.
I was really skeptical about this, especially considering the price. But you couldn't pay me to take it off now. I consider the RAS essential equipment now, right up there with EGT and boost gauges, 4" exhaust, diesel brake and added TPMS to all tires. I've been pulling that same 5th wheel for 22 years with that 25 year old truck, and this last weekend was the best pull I've ever experienced. Just wish I had had the RAS on the Alaska highway a few years ago. I am amazed at the improved ride. Couldn't recommend it any higher.
Received these ahead of schedule and all intact. I watched the video on etrailer.com and youtube, very helpful.
The installation is not difficult if you are handy with tools. Aside from it deciding to rain on me during install it was not bad. Suggest you lay out all your tools and include a couple of adjustable wrenches. First off, unscrew that gold screw alot, when you think there is enough, go more, the first side I was short. I wiped down the truck springs to remove any dirt there and set up then tightened by hand, you can't go far that way but gets you started. On the rod with the 2 nuts that will lock together when done, I gave myself about 3" of thread and locked them together to hold the threaded rod while adjusting, no way to hold the end nut, this worked out well. The one thing I would have done different is the adjusting nut is 14mm, I only have a 6" ratcheting 14mm, doable but at the end it tough, I wish I had a 10" or so, there was space in my install. I set mine to high since I pull a 5th wheel so adjusting was the hard part.
I will not know until spring if this helps with the towing as the camper is now stored but very hopeful from others input. If anything changes I will update.
Gary
10/17/2024
These worked out very well, helped with stabilizing the 5th Wheel camper while pulling and did not cause a harsh ride while unloaded.
Admitedly, I haven't even rolled my '07 Silverado 2500HD classic out of the garage yet, but I'm already very pleased. I had to go to a neighbor for a 10mm hex key socket and was slowed down by my 7yo kid 'helping', but it was still only 90 minutes my jack stands were in use. Easiest thing to do!
My only small downsides so far:
* needed to find a 10mm hex key that I apparently don't own, not sure why they picked that fastener
* wish I put some loc-tite on; just to make me feel better
* distance to drop the axle so the suspension fully hangs was way further than I expected; barely had my jack stands tall enough to get the job done.
These aren't really bad on the product, just notes for future customers. We're towing the 5er about an hour an a half this coming week, hopefully it steadies up a lot!
Keith
8/27/2023
Its been really wonderful. 10k 5er on my 07 2500hd classic ccsb and I can definitely notice an improvement in handling, including less porpoising. Towed it a couple times since, including a 7 hour drive. Very happy. I recently replaced the old wornout front bumpstops with sumo springs monsters and saw additional improvement. Neither hurts the unloaded ride, just better all around!
I had the airbags in the back for years. These far out way them. This is the best thing I ever did!!
Ron
11/9/2024
They are still working great. Would do it again or sooner if I had known about them.
Definitely stiffens up the leaf spring suspension not impacting the ride. Just feels like a lot more support.
Josh
7/27/2024
Sold that truck
Works great at leveling my truck with my travel trailer.
Definitely work as advertised. Only thing I would note is at the 2mm adjustment there is a slightly firmer ride. But barely noticeable.
Scott E.
7/22/2024
The RAS definitely has worked to make the ride of my truck better with a heavy load. Way less nerve racking in the wind and on curves. I did some adjustment to try to take some more squat out of it with advice from tech support. That really didnt do much. I have a new and heavier trailer coming at the end of the week, so now I’m adding Timbrens too.
Jameson C.
7/22/2024
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.
4/29/2022
After a year of use , these RoadMaster 3611-HD active suspensions are still the best addition to my trucks performance. The streets of Houston are brutal and these active suspension breeze through them. I have 354000 on this truck and if I ever get another, this Active Suspension will be the first addition. Hands down!
Love this product. I ordered a set for myself just before Christmas and I was so impressed that I ordered another set for my son’s truck. I was kind of worried that it would raise rear end too much but that wasn’t the case at all. If it raised it at all, it wasn’t noticeable. Definite improvement in handling bumps, cornering, and it eliminated any squat due to my pin weight of the 5th wheel. Highly recommend for an easy install (45 minutes) and overall ride improvement.
These made a significant difference n reducing rear sag on my 2021 GMC 2500HD when loaded for camping and towing travel trailer
Definitely helped reduce trailer sway and tongue weight pressure from our RV. Would highly recommend!
This suspension enhancement was worth every penny. Easy install, reduced some squat and absolutely added stability. I was amazed at the difference they made when hauling my slide in camper.
I tow a 7500 lb Airstream with a Chevy Silverado 2500HD. Prior to installing the RAS, I had an issue with porpoising. That was no longer a problem after I installed the RAS. Porpoising was dampened and controlled with RAS.
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.
We installed these on a 2500 box van that is weighted with tools 100% of the time. The RAS helped to reduce "side to side" sway and stiffened the suspension as advertised.
Installed for nearly 6 months now. I love this suspension! I needed something to give my '18 Titan some heft in the back end when pulling our 24' RV trailer but didn't want to deal with any of the air options out there. After reading the directions twice, I installed both sides before the AC/DC album was finished playing, so it's super fast and easy. I set them on 25% tension and really like how they drastically reduce porpoising during our RV drives. Well worth the cost.
Can't say enough good about the RAS, put it on my Silverado 2500HD with a Spacekap Diablo on back, the RAS brought the ride back to same as stock. Even with a top heavy load there is no more sway than stock and it brought the ride height back to stock. Love the RAS.
I love the RAS. I will say that I took my airbags off and there’s definitely a difference in stability, but the difference in ride comfort far outweighs it. I also have yet to adjust them up a little bit to try that I just set them at the factory recommended setting and did not max them out or anything. Really love them very easy to put on Literally takes a few minutes. The powder coating and everything is exceptional. Highly recommend.
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”
Added to help when towing my 26' enclosed trailer. Made balancing trailer load easier. No sag. Almost as if trailer lost weight..
very well built, installed in about an hour and a half (including jacking up and wheel removal and install time). Set at 40% it raised the truck bed exactly 1". Did not notice much difference in how the truck rides empty, which is a big plus for me. Can't wait to hook the 5th wheel up to see the difference.
So I may have a unique situation that provides almost a perfect analysis of the benefits of the RAS Custom Leaf Spring kit. My friend and I bought the exact same fifth-wheel camper on the same date. We have very similar Chevy trucks and the only real difference is that I have the RAS kit and he doesn't. We drove, one behind the other, from his home to the campground. He complained about the bounce experienced after road bumps but I never experienced that. We switched and drove each others' vehicles for about 100 miles and he was very surprised at the smooth ride he had in my vehicle. We are confident that the only difference was the RAS kit.
GREAT product
Install was very easy. Worked as advertised. 2007 GMC 2500HD (WT), 8'f bed, extended cab. First trip light/unloaded I noticed an immediate improvement in ride and handling. Next up - Trip with the travel trailer. We'll see how they hold up.
Easy install, haven't put it to the test yet, but seems to be a very high quality system.
I just opened the box and the two enhancement springs look great. Can't wait to install them.
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Nathan A.
11/17/2024
After numerous trips with the 5th wheel over the past year, along with some fully loaded solo trips, my opinion of the RAS system remains the same Fantastic! I highly recommend the RAS system. Wish I had had it years ago.