RAS or Bilstein 5100s?

[punkzappa]

I need some help from the knowledgeable folks of this forum. I have a ‘21 Lariat Powerboost with a 6.5’ bed. I occasionally will tow a utility trailer with 3-4 motorcycles (~320 lbs each), sometimes on dirt or gravel roads and I have a rooftop tent pretty much permanently installed. I’m looking to improve ride quality when towing and when not towing. I’ve been reading some good things about road active suspension and was thinking of picking some up. However, I was wondering if I would be better off upgrading the stock suspension to Bilstein 5100s instead? Has anyone done both? Not sure if it matters but I bought the truck with a 1.5” (maybe 2”) level in the front. Thanks.

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[Octane Haus]

A lot of guys end up doing both because each solves a different problem. The RAS is good for load support while keeping you level, tightens up the rear end while not making the ride harsh, low maintenance, installs rather quickly and it doesn't change your unloaded ride very much.

With the 5100s, you will get a better quality ride, especially with your current leveling in the front end. It will help you with front and rear dampening, body control and handling. You will probably have a negative rake when towing, which impairs visibility and handling.

If ride quality while towing and weight-handling is your main priority, the RAS will give you the biggest improvement instantly. If you want better overall damping and handling for daily driving, the 5100s are excellent but pair them with something like RAS or airbags if sag and stability are concerns long term.

 

[Snakebitten]

While I do think that there is some overlap in the physics at play for both the Bilsteins dampers and the RAS device, I agree that both combined is a superior method for "tuning" the truck's suspension for varying loads and road conditions, than either is alone.

You don't have to do both simultaneously, if budget is a concern. I'd do the 5100s first, I think.

 

[Buyer2021]

You don't have to do both simultaneously, if budget is a concern. I'd do the 5100s first, I think.

Even if budget isn't a concern, I'm a fan of a phased approach to suspension mods so the distinct effects of each change can be observed.

And yes, I'd do the 5100's first to improve the damping, a positive effect (IMO) that will be felt both towing and non-towing. FWIW I found the 5100's on the rear to be a good improvement, the 5100's on all four corners to be a great improvement to overall ride quality and composure, especially on rough surfaces.

@punkzappa , you just might find that alone meets your needs.

 

[EcoB259]

If you tow much don’t be surprised if you get more sag from the 5100s.
just be ready to get the ras or air bags if towing.

 

[thiggins]

I did 5100s with the hellwig leaf spring helpers. Worked great. I did not lift it though.

I also added the hellwig anti sway bar, highly recommended.

I also tried the timbren rubber load springs, and absolutely hated them. They can beat your kidneys to death.

I also tried a Firestone airbag system. It had metal plates on the bottoms of the airbags, which slapped the metal landing brackets constantly . The noise drove us crazy . Nope, goodbye to those. I guess there are better kits, hopefully.

Towing with lifts can point the headlights at the sky, BTW .

 

[Buyer2021]

If you tow much don’t be surprised if you get more sag from the 5100s.

???

Shocks don't support load, they only dampen (change the rate of) dynamic compression / rebound. All other things being equal shocks have no effect on "sag", towing or otherwise, short or long term.

Note that 5100 shocks as designed / sold by Bilstein use OE springs; you can buy them in 'kits' with aftermarket springs, but then it's those springs, not the 5100's, which may yield altered sag characteristics.

You may observe a 'false' slight change in static sag if you measure before and immediately after shock-only installation without driving the truck to let the suspension assume its 'relaxed' static condition.

 

[MikeNH]

I've had the 5100s on the back of my 2024 (bought new this summer- has just under 10k on it now) for a few weeks now and I'm blown away by the difference. The OE ones were so floaty and the truck seemed real unstable, especially if you hit a bump mid-corner. Swapped them out when I was swapping to my snow tires (you don't have to take wheels off to do this- just knocking out both tasks at once) and was shocked at how little force the OE shocks took to compress. There's no way they'd ever be effective at dampening a couple thousand pounds of weight. Very pleased with them. Only towing experience so far was a U-Haul trailer but it seemed to manage that just fine.

 

[punkzappa]

So sounds like I’ll be doing 5100s in the back. I’ll probably also pick up RAS now since they are discounted and they have a 60 day return period.
Thanks folks!

 

[Snakebitten]

5100s do just as much improvement on the front as the rear. You don't know that until you do it though.

Plus it's just good sense to have your damping balanced corner to corner.

 

[Tblack214]

Did both, Bilstein 6112/5160 and the RAS HD and love it. I tow a 7000 lb. boat and also didn’t like the feel of the stock suspension even when not towing. Rides/tows/performs much better! Would highly recommend.

 

[Snakebitten]

Nicely done Tblack214

You can now "tune" your rear suspension, and zero in on your preferences. I like it.

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