RAS HD vs Firestone air bags - pros and cons

I’m starting to think about adding either the RAS HD stat system or Firestone air bags to improve ride and handling when loaded.

I don’t carry heavy loads very often. Maybe 3-4 times a year that I think I would benefit from a suspension upgrade. The biggest thing would be a couple trips a year for wood pellets, and maybe one load of firewood per year.

Other than that, it would be mainly light loads - kayaks and gear for a week at the lake, etc. Maybe lumber, etc. for home improvement projects.

I see pros and cons to both setups. Just looking for some input about which would be better for my use.

 

Someone is selling RAS on the forum right now.

I've never used RAS, but i'm happy with the airbags for when we tow our trailer.

 

I saw that. Unfortunately I’m not local, and there are a couple people ahead of me if he decides to ship.

 

I had Firestone AB's and have more recently went to RAS - my setup is Falcon with OEM springs. I had the AB's installed with a single fill line and a tee only to realize that this is less than ideal. Rather than redo the air plumbing I decided to give the RAS a try, and so far I am liking it. I have no issues with AB's other than having to monthly add air. I do have a lot of bed weight with a Decked drawer system, Leitner rack, etc. and had sag. Most likely I am headed towards leaf replacement, sooner rather than later. If you do decide to go with AB's, make sure to research how to run the air lines correctly for your purposes.

 

I had the Ride Rite air bags for a while. I could always tell they were back there at any psi from 5 on up to 20 when unloaded. (You're not supposed to go below 5psi due to possible damage.) My truck was just super bouncy when unloaded.

So I tried the RAS HD. It's much better IMO. Not nearly as bouncy, feels like you have a rear sway bar installed when unloaded, still articulates great when off pavement. And it prevents squat with heavier loads.

 

I’ve had airbags in previous trucks and haven’t liked the unloaded ride quality. I have RAS in my truck now and love it. Works great loaded and unloaded, so I see no reason to go with airbags.

 

Nothing better than swapping out the leaf packs altogether. Several thin leaves are much better than a few thick leaves. You would get year round ride and handling improvement and less sag when you load it. I would suggest Dobinson's 5+2 HD leaf packs with Ironman 4x4 greasable shackles, pins, and bushings. Buy once, cry once!