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Old 04-30-2016, 06:37 PM   #1
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Air bags or Roadmaster active suspension

I'm considering adding one of these or something similar to my 2014 F150. I am looking to remove the sag in the rear with my trailer hooked up as well as reduce sway when traveling. Don't get me wrong, my truck tows fine I'm just looking for a bit of added protection. I have an EAZ lift 1200# WDH as well

My questions are A) do they essentially perform the same function? B) Can you add extra weight to exceed the GVWR with either of these products installed. (I'm talking maybe 500-700 lbs) and C) Pros/Cons of either from those who have used these products.
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Old 05-01-2016, 04:25 AM   #2
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Neither one of them will allow you to exceed your GVWR, they just help to level/smooth out the ride.

I had RAS on my Tundra and was thrilled with how they performed. Went with air bags on my current truck as RAS won't work with the coil springs. Based on experience with both, my preference is the RAS as it's essentially install and leave alone. There's more work with the bags (adjusting pressure, etc.) and also the possibility, though probably remote, of leaks
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Old 05-01-2016, 06:30 AM   #3
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What about the Timbrens? I looked into those and seemed pretty easy to install, and read on here that a lot of people are using them and are happy with them. On my last F150 I went to a spring shop and had a leaf added. Work out very well and cost right around $220 installed.
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Old 05-01-2016, 08:47 AM   #4
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I only have experience with airbags. That being said I would go with them again in a heartbeat. Some times we take the golf cart in the bed of the truck when camping, so I like the adjustability airbags provide. A little more air when we take it and a little less when we don't. I check air pressure in all my tires before each trip and the airbags add about 2 minutes to that process so it's pretty easy...
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Old 05-01-2016, 10:53 AM   #5
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I went with the air bags for the adjustability and so far I really like it both when loaded and unloaded it has made a real difference in the handling and ride
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Old 05-01-2016, 06:05 PM   #6
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I would recommend the RAS, even though I upgraded truck (in the end it was a payload issue), it was a great help to towing on my old F150 SCREW, and made the truck corner a lot nicer as well without the trailer. My wife definitely noticed a difference when we were towing the camper. Helped with trailer handling, sag, and harmonic bounce when it occurred.

As mentioned this wont increase your payload, it is what it is from the manufacturer, but it will make nearing your max payload a lot nicer ride.

Install was very easy, you will be done in 60-90 minutes easy as long as you have some jack stands and a floor jack.
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Old 05-02-2016, 11:35 AM   #7
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I threw the Airlift Airbags in my TV and so far they have worked flawlessly. They were very low cost ~130$ and took me a couple hours to install. The ability to adjust them is great!
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Old 05-02-2016, 01:26 PM   #8
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Air bags.
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Old 05-02-2016, 04:31 PM   #9
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Jm9301 Where did you find them for $130?
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Old 05-02-2016, 05:00 PM   #10
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https://www.amazon.ca/LIFT-60702-Series-Air-Spring/dp/B001NS24BQ

Seems the price has gone up a little bit since I got them, checked my order and they were 132.76
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Old 05-03-2016, 11:21 AM   #11
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I used RAS on my old F150. I really never noticed a difference in towing (7500lb trailer). Unloaded there was no noticeable difference either. I ended up removing RAS because one side was squeaking. Between the tail gate squeek, and RAS squeek, one of them had to go.

I rode in a 1/2 ton with air bags not long ago. I thought it was pretty bouncy. I'm not sure how much air pressure they were using. Probably something that could have been adjusted.

I wouldn't count on RAS to take away the sag. My WDH corrected the sag better than RAS did. I think you will control the sag more with air bags than RAS.

Good luck.
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Old 05-04-2016, 07:06 AM   #12
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RAS isn't meant to replace the WDH. A good hitch is first priority, setting it up properly is next, and then finally adding some kind of suspension help.

Did you have your RAS set to the black disc setting (max)? One thing I have noticed is that the springs stretch a bit at first so you have to re-tension them a couple times after initial installation in order to maintain their effectiveness.

These undoubtably help reduce body roll and rear sag - I have hauled firewood in my box with and without them and the difference is remarkable.

Be warned, however, that the RAS will increase your rear end ride height. I'm pretty sure airbags do too though. The F150s usually gain 3/8 - 7/8 inches so it will increase your rake. I have a front end leveling kit though so I needed the back end up a bit more anyways.
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Old 05-04-2016, 07:18 PM   #13
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Air bags easy install and mine are about 14 years old. Still hold air with no bleed down. Like some one above said check tires every time I move and air bags. Couple minutes extra for a much nicer ride.
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Old 05-05-2016, 08:18 PM   #14
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Ride Rite air bags, installed mine last weekend in three hours and could not be happier. Run 10 psi empty and then once hooked up to the fiver the psi raises to 24 but the truck only drops an inch! No adjustment needed.


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Old 05-06-2016, 05:41 AM   #15
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I will say that if I had gone the aig bag route, I would definitely have splurged for the on-board compressor and in-cab control. It's a bit pricey but I think it would be so worth it.

The RAS is effective and just simple. It's a set it and forget it system that takes care of itself and just does its thing. The simplicity is great.
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Old 05-09-2016, 08:19 AM   #16
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I have air bags on my 2010 F150. Ran air lines out to the rear license plate and use a small battery powered air compressor to air them up. They do not take much air at all as the volume of the bag is quite small. For me, it was not worth having the in cab controller as I have enough screens in the cockpit already. I leave the bags at 10 psi when unloaded for no effect on ride and then with handheld compressor, they air up to 30 psi in less than 10 seconds and then hitch and go.
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