Well, I am planning on getting a fiver in the near future. I will be near, but hopefully, not over the payload as stated on the compliance sticker on the drivers door jam. (2500 lbs).
Rig will likely be small (under 30’ ) fifth wheel, pin loaded is in the 1800lb region, andersen auh, myself, wife, dog, grocery, generator, and what not, pretty damn near 2500 lbs!
Just wondering A) what the RAS would be like unloaded (AKA, 95% of my driving), and B), are there any issues with the RAS and the thicker leaf spring pack of the HDPP? Seems like the HDPP is high in the back to begin with, and what the RAS will add to that? Will I need to add a level kit to the front to keep it from looking too raked?
Anyone add the RAS to their HDPP?

 

The RAS is a boon to any leaf pack.

 

X2

 

My bad. I had overlooked these questions... and while I don't drive an HDPP rated F150, I do have an XLT with an Occupants and Cargo capacity of 2156 lbs due to the minimal factory equipment group plus the lack of a front drivetrain and transfer case.

I run the Roadmaster.

Unloaded, the ride is near factory plush (depending on your tires' Cold Inflation Pressures and shock absorber brand).

I see no issue fitting the RAS to your truck because the rig sits above the leaf pack, grabbing the axle (sic) then extending rearward to grab the rear eyelet.



All of these trucks sit high at the back due to the consumer's increased demand for ride quality (meaning "plush" and resulting in soft springing and loose damping) so that when a moderate amount of weight is added to the bed the rear won't sink lower than the front (obviously)

You are given two options for the RAS spring preload; a 1mm spacing between coils or a 2mm spacing. Each will increase the rear unloaded ride height by 3/8" - 1/2" and 1/2" to 5/8" respectively... I had lowered the rear of my truck using MaxTrac 1" lowering shackles, something you might consider. Purchased those through American Truck.

Yes, the RAS installation will increase the truck's rake. You may take steps to reduce it on either end, or both. It is worth it! The RAS is an amazing technical alternative to adding a leaf. The RAS ride quality and it's ability to maintain the leaf pack's elliptical shape are what sold me. I carry 300- 400 lbs in the bed at all times, so I'm glad to have the RAS on my truck.

Please consider too the upgrade of your truck's factory shocks. I use Bilsteins, imho the best mass-produced damper on the planet.

 

Great post apples, thanks. One concern is a harsher ride, the HDPP with the extra leaf spring and LT tires is already a bit more truck like than most f150’s.
Will likely be worth it when I plop a fifver on though.

 

Don't have the RAS but do have an HDPP and do tow a 5er.

FWIW I have the Timbren SES on mine. I was unaware of the Roadmaster system when I added the Timbrens. They only engage when the 5er is on so no change in factory ride.

The best part about both of these systems is NO air pressure to mess with. I will probably never do air bags again, too much hassle as far as I'm concerned. If you do go with the RAS, let us know how it turns out.

 

Hi again Terry;
I know you probably stated before, and I remember your great pics of the AUH, but what is the pin weight of your fiver, and how loaded is it? (light, moderate, mother in laws luggage). Yeah, no bags for me. I also am considering the Timbrens. On their pro column, they will not raise the rear at all.

 

Trailer GVWR is 10,220 and we use most (all) of it.
Last I weighed King Pin was 1750
I usually hit between 17 and 18 % which is what the "1/2 ton towables" strive for between 15 and 20%

We do camp family style from time time, and that is when I tow heavy (and weigh) Inflatible kayaks * 2, Bicycles * 2 and usually the grand kids bikes as well. Extra coolers for the adult beverages cause there is no room in the fridge. Full FW Tank as we usually dry camp. I can feel the weiight but I can do the Ike with it and only brake 6 times coming down or take it over to steamboat for a long weekend.

My trailer is 31 ft from kingpin to spare.

 

Keep the groceries and generator in the trailer, use up the payload there. I travel with my dog and a medium cooler in the truck. After weighing I figure I have 350 to 400 # to spare. I run about 8300# without water. I only travel with 1/3 full for road stops. Hitch weight comes in close to 1500# so about 18% like Terry said. I use an RAS and it's set at the thinner spacer. I didn't notice any difference in ride with or without unloaded. My Fifth Wheel is on the bouncy side and it helps to damp the bounce feeding through the suspension. Another thing I noticed once I put it on is I had noticeable axle wrap pulling the trailer out from a stop. The RAS eliminated that. This winter I'm putting shocks on the fifth wheel.

 

I love my timbrens on my 2013 HDPP. 2 other people on his forum used supersprings on their HDPP and spoke highly of them. I used supersprings on my previous non HDDP and they work great too.