Airlift vs RAS

[petervenkman]

Anyone install? I was banking on installing the RideControl model as I read they ride softer when empty, but I just spoke with Airlift and they said RideControl doesn't fit the 2021 f150 and I would have to use the LoadLifter. To which, I've read rides real harsh.

I'm bummed. all the suspension kits are technically supported for the 2021. I want to lift the front of the truck for new tires, but afraid of sagging too much when hauling.

Anybody have a working solutions and can help me?

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[Norris McCarty]

I've had several sets of Airlift and Firestone "bags" and they've worked well. On this truck, I decided to try the Roadmaster Active Suspension and I'm sooo glad I did! They work great and are much smoother. Super easy install also.

 

[petervenkman]

nice, so does the RAS help with sag?

go with 2” pucks up front and RAS in the back?

 

[Norris McCarty]

nice, so does the RAS help with sag?

go with 2” pucks up front and RAS in the back?

I have a 2” puck. With the RAS set with the black spacer I have right at a 1 3/4” rake empty. With my trailer hooked up(600lb tongue weight and 200lbs of gear in the bed) I still have 3/4” rake. Cornering stability is greatly improved both loaded and unloaded.
So yes, the RAS helps with sag.

 

[petervenkman]

I have a 2” puck. With the RAS set with the black spacer I have right at a 1 3/4” rake empty. With my trailer hooked up(600lb tongue weight and 200lbs of gear in the bed) I still have 3/4” rake. Cornering stability is greatly improved both loaded and unloaded.
So yes, the RAS helps with sag.

Amazing. this info is perfect! Did you go with the HD kit or the standard? The guys as Roadmaster suggest HD this morning.

 

[Norris McCarty]

I bought the HD.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

I installed the Airlift bags, works great. They released the 5000 model for the '21 F-150 last month, now compatible with the axle bracket that conflicted with earlier year models of air bags from Airlift and Firestone. I went with the Loadlifter 5000 Ultimate Plus model (with stainless hoses) and installed their Wireless One EZ Mount compressor and control system, all seamless. Now I can run the truck at stock levels no matter which trailer is on the hitch, from kayaks to the 10k fishing boat. Helps a lot with stability, doesn't technically increase legal gross vehicle or axle weight, but combined with upgraded truck tires, significantly improves loaded ride and margin of safety.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

Answering OP's question, the Loadlifter has no impact on ride whatsoever at minimum PSI (5 psi). It replaces the stock jounce bumpers. I notice no change in ride when pumping them up to maintain 40 inches height at the top of the wheel arch (1" of sag from stock height), with varying psi depending on which trailer and tongue weight I have on the truck. Even at the most psi I've used, 60, I see no difference in ride or comfort, as the bags are just keeping the truck at near stock level, so the shocks and springs are doing their standard thing, assisted by the bags. I believe the bags max out at 99 psi, but I run them at 35 psi with my biggest trailer, now that I've got it dialed in at the proper tongue weight - the psi that I use is whatever is required to get the wheel arch back to 40" clear from the road surface.

 

[petervenkman]

I bought the HD.

Answering OP's question, the Loadlifter has no impact on ride whatsoever at minimum PSI (5 psi). It replaces the stock jounce bumpers. I notice no change in ride when pumping them up to maintain 40 inches height at the top of the wheel arch (1" of sag from stock height), with varying psi depending on which trailer and tongue weight I have on the truck. Even at the most psi I've used, 60, I see no difference in ride or comfort, as the bags are just keeping the truck at near stock level, so the shocks and springs are doing their standard thing, assisted by the bags. I believe the bags max out at 99 psi, but I run them at 35 psi with my biggest trailer, now that I've got it dialed in at the proper tongue weight - the psi that I use is whatever is required to get the wheel arch back to 40" clear from the road surface.

thanks guys. i feel like i’m so close. will probably go with readylift up front and either one of these in the back.

i’m so torn to what the right move is. the fluidity of the wireless air sounds great but so does the increased handling of the RAS.

ahhh what to do.

 

[LHoffmanjr22]

OP, did you ever decide? I am facing a similar scenario and would like to know what you ended up doing and if you're satisfied. Thanks !

 

[jordandev]

Just chiming in that I'm really satisfied with the RAS. Have the HD kit. Truck drives great with it unloaded and reduced sag a ton with a 700 lbs on the tongue from the trailer.

 

[SpaceWhiteF150]

Same boat really looking at airlift 5000+ ultimate kit though

 

[JohnMcClane]

Just chiming in that I'm really satisfied with the RAS. Have the HD kit. Truck drives great with it unloaded and reduced sag a ton with a 700 lbs on the tongue from the trailer.

Do you have max tow?

I’m very set on the Falcon tow strut system and have a Hellwig bar ready to install. Part of me is like “Go RAS HD! Tow a house!” the other part thinks the back end will be wound tighter than a $2 watch. I’m also getting 157” wheelbase, so having a more bound together in the rear is probably a good thing.

 

[Derek83]

Do you have max tow?

I’m very set on the Falcon tow strut system and have a Hellwig bar ready to install. Part of me is like “Go RAS HD! Tow a house!” the other part thinks the back end will be wound tighter than a $2 watch. I’m also getting 157” wheelbase, so having a more bound together in the rear is probably a good thing.

I'm curious about this too, i have a 157 amd am considering the falcons too

 

[jordandev]

Do you have max tow?

I’m very set on the Falcon tow strut system and have a Hellwig bar ready to install. Part of me is like “Go RAS HD! Tow a house!” the other part thinks the back end will be wound tighter than a $2 watch. I’m also getting 157” wheelbase, so having a more bound together in the rear is probably a good thing.

Yeah the truck is max tow. Falcon tow stuff looked pretty nice but I thought that was overkill for me with the RAS and Bilstein 5100s.

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