I have a 2018 XLT sport 4x4 5.0 and I’m getting near 90,000 miles on it. I’m wanting to change out the rear shocks but stuck between the Bilsteins or air bags. I don’t do any heavy towing, but I’m carrying around a decent shot of extra weight 24/7. I have a rooftop tent setup with a 270 awning, plus the bike rack on the back, along with a tote or two of camping gear in the bed. As it is, the truck sits nearly level (no kit on the front) but I am looking to raise the back slightly. I know I can put blocks back there, but right now I’d rather not.

Just looking for suggestions since I’m out camping nearly every weekend.

 

Shocks and Airbags, RAS are two different things. I’d get shocks and one of the two. I have airbags and I like them because I can fine tune, but I’d probably go RAS on my next truck just because I’ve heard really good things.

Though in your situation, I’d probably get bags over RAS since you’re using them for hauling over towing.

I do have Bilstein 5100s on my stock height truck and they ride fine.

 

Unless I’m out of the loop, no shock will raise the rear, I’ve had 5 different sets of rear shocks on 13th gens with no change.

I have the RAS and it raised my rear about 1-1.5 inches at 2mm, standard duty. Unloaded it also helps with the handling as well.

I had air bags on my Ram, my close buddy has them on his F150, small bump unloaded at 5psi but he complains about the making the ride worse.

 

I've had airbags before. If I needed something, I'd go the route of the RAS. Have heard nothing but good about it. Install, set up, and you're pretty much set. No muss, no fuss.

 

I like my RAS setup. Had airbags and found the unloaded ride not to my liking. Having the extra weight that you have may help in that regard, but I've been quite happy with my RAS, plus they can be fine tuned a bit for your specific weight. Either way, sounds like you may also benefit from some Bilsteins so I'd do that plus bags or RAS.

 

What is RAS? 🤷‍♂️😂

 

@KennyCJR Roadmaster Active Suspension

 

@Bowers86 Thanks! Learn something new everyday.

 

I went with the RAS and Bilstein 4600 in the rear. At the lowest RAS setting (1mm) I got about .75" of lift. It eliminated most of the rear wheel "hop" unloaded and is perfect for towing our Escape 19 (~4.5k)

 

Hellwig also makes a helper spring. I went with the RAS simply for the quick adjustability