Welcome to the unique world of Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS), the ultimate assist for vehicles with rear leaf spring suspension. RAS is the only suspension upgrade that converts basic “passive” leaf springs into mechanically “active” suspension. A system that instantly absorbs and dissipates load force energy resulting in significantly improved vehicle stability, balance, traction and control, with or without a load. Roadmaster Active Suspension adds critical strength to leaf springs but WILL NOT compromise ride quality. The patented design eliminates bottoming out, axle wrap and wheel hop, greatly improves road handling by reducing sway and dangerous body roll on cornering, and strengthens the rear leaf springs for towing or hauling maximum loads with maximum safety. Vehicles and fleets that consistently operate under load benefit from improved fuel efficiency, vehicle safety and load carrying capacity as well as reduced driver fatigue and extended tire and suspension component life. RAS is a simple retrofit to most every pickup truck and van with rear leaf springs, with up to a 1 1/2 ton capacity, and once installed no adjustments or maintenance is ever required.
On this segment of Hemming’s Garage, Sam and Dennis check out a bolt-on accessory that can add some “major muscle” for the towing and hauling capabilities of your truck. An Active Suspension System from Roadmaster is designed to strengthen the rear leaf springs of your truck for towing or hauling maximum loads with maximum safety. One of the key benefits to this significant improvement and performance is that the system is designed to absorb the load rather than resisting it. Impressed with the easy installation and detailed fitting instructions, “with digital pictures”, Tom directs our attention to the next segment of the show: an installation in progress. After the axle plate has been installed utilizing whenever possible the vehicles existing u-bolts, the axle stand can be removed. The vehicle remains supported off the ground by the frame so that there is no load on the leaf springs to allow for full arch. At this point the pre-assembled Roadmaster Active Suspension unit can be slipped up over the rear eye of the leaf spring and connected to the cap screw of the axle mount plate (shown above) to capture the arch and complete the installation. Pre-load tension is then set by turning the cap screw until the desired gap between the spring coils is achieved. It is also noted that there are applications for a full range of vehicles with rear leaf springs. Roadmaster Active Suspension kits feature coil tension springs designed for vehicles from a 1/3 ton capacity up to a full 1 ton capacity.