Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I purchased one of the Roadmaster Active Suspension kits while it was on special for TDR members. I figured it was worth a try to see if it would improve the ride of my extremely-stiff 3500.
Installation was extremely simple, and I was able to retain my airbags. Total install time was about an hour, and could be done by many chimps with an IQ of at least 70 and reasonable hand-eye coordination.
The result: The truck now sits perfectly level with my 4400# Lance camper loaded, whereas before it'd sit about an inch low (and adding 30 psi to the airbags would bring it back to level).
Ride quality: Empty, ride quality is improved slightly. The Roadmaster setup is basically a coil spring that bolts on top of the rearward portion of the rear leaf springs, to help reduce the amount of "hop up" that is caused by stiff leaf springs. The improvement is very obvious over large bumps, but is minor over smaller bumps. The undulating road surfaces here in the Bay Area have been improved enough by the kit that driving in the lane (unloaded) is tolerable, but hardly comfortable.
Loaded... here's where I'm not sure. Ride quality APPEARS to be WORSE with these things than before. Maybe I'm wrong, but when I drove from Concord to San Jose and back Fri night/Sat eve, it seemed like the truck road like total crap, whereas before it was just rough in some spots.
There is NO added stabliity with them when the camper is loaded, at least not that I could detect. I left the house with the Ranchos on 4 (rear) hoping to feel it be as stable as having 'em on 5 like I normally do, but instead it felt exactly as it did before with 'em on 4. So halfway there, turned then back up to 5.
Oh... unloaded, the kit RAISES the back of the truck at least an inch, which is exactly what I don't need. I thought about installing the Velvet Ride Shackles that I've had sitting in my garage for a year, but to do so would be a lot of work for me... first I'd have to remove the Roadmaster setup, and then drop my Torklift hitch to get the shackles on, and then reinstall the Roadmasters. That MIGHT lower it a bit and would probably improve ride a little more. Thing is, I don't think it's worth the trouble.
I've concluded that the only way to improve the ride on my truck is to go to a full air-ride suspension. That just isn't in the budget right now, so that gives me plenty of time to continue researching available systems.
Was the kit worth $229? Probably not. If you're looking to add stability to your truck for carrying large loads (particularly a camper), don't waste your time. Get (in this order): Rancho RS9000's, the Hellwig rear swaybar (much bigger than stock) and Firestone airbags, or if you prefer, stick with your factory overloads.
Rob
Installation was extremely simple, and I was able to retain my airbags. Total install time was about an hour, and could be done by many chimps with an IQ of at least 70 and reasonable hand-eye coordination.
The result: The truck now sits perfectly level with my 4400# Lance camper loaded, whereas before it'd sit about an inch low (and adding 30 psi to the airbags would bring it back to level).
Ride quality: Empty, ride quality is improved slightly. The Roadmaster setup is basically a coil spring that bolts on top of the rearward portion of the rear leaf springs, to help reduce the amount of "hop up" that is caused by stiff leaf springs. The improvement is very obvious over large bumps, but is minor over smaller bumps. The undulating road surfaces here in the Bay Area have been improved enough by the kit that driving in the lane (unloaded) is tolerable, but hardly comfortable.
Loaded... here's where I'm not sure. Ride quality APPEARS to be WORSE with these things than before. Maybe I'm wrong, but when I drove from Concord to San Jose and back Fri night/Sat eve, it seemed like the truck road like total crap, whereas before it was just rough in some spots.
There is NO added stabliity with them when the camper is loaded, at least not that I could detect. I left the house with the Ranchos on 4 (rear) hoping to feel it be as stable as having 'em on 5 like I normally do, but instead it felt exactly as it did before with 'em on 4. So halfway there, turned then back up to 5.
Oh... unloaded, the kit RAISES the back of the truck at least an inch, which is exactly what I don't need. I thought about installing the Velvet Ride Shackles that I've had sitting in my garage for a year, but to do so would be a lot of work for me... first I'd have to remove the Roadmaster setup, and then drop my Torklift hitch to get the shackles on, and then reinstall the Roadmasters. That MIGHT lower it a bit and would probably improve ride a little more. Thing is, I don't think it's worth the trouble.
I've concluded that the only way to improve the ride on my truck is to go to a full air-ride suspension. That just isn't in the budget right now, so that gives me plenty of time to continue researching available systems.
Was the kit worth $229? Probably not. If you're looking to add stability to your truck for carrying large loads (particularly a camper), don't waste your time. Get (in this order): Rancho RS9000's, the Hellwig rear swaybar (much bigger than stock) and Firestone airbags, or if you prefer, stick with your factory overloads.
Rob
