Hellwig ez990 or Roadmaster Active Suspension?

I have an 09 with the replacement 3+1 leaf springs. Never tow and only occasionally fill the bed, firewood, mulch, stones, etc. I am looking to add something to help with those occasional heavy loads and have narrowed down my choices to these 2.

Reasons: do not want air bags, do not have the ability to replace the entire leaf packs myself (rotator cuff injury has made my left arm mostly useless for now)
AAL install is tougher than either of those 2 choices and also increased harshness when unloaded.

Sumosprings and Timbren are fine but don’t do anything to help with axle wrap.

So, if you had to choose one of those 2, which would it by and why?

 

I had ordered the Hellwig for my 2015 and then canceled my order because I found out that the steel band on my leaf spring would interfere with proper placement. It was recommended that I cut it off, and I didn’t want to do that. It may be different for your leaf pack, just be aware.

Someone also mentioned that they can send you a dog leg ubolt that with solve the problem. But I never looked into it.

 

I have used RAS on the last 3 of my trucks, two Dakotas and now a Tacoma. Each of the trucks had (have) a Leer fiberglass cap (180 - 200 lbs) and a couple of totes with miscellaneous items in the bed. So I figure (with the cap) I'm hauling around close to 275 lbs all the time. I'm happy in the way the system works. Pretty much as advertised.

Since you're talking about not towing and only occasional heavy loads, I think the RAS would be great for your usage.

Plenty of youtube videos on the RAS. Check this one out. Made sense to me, so I adjusted mine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxP_w25bs5o

 

I bought my 2015 used and the previous owner had Hellwigs on there, which were ok but it gave a rough ride in the back and bounce when you hit a bump in the road, I didn’t really mind it, but my wife hated it and didn’t like driving the truck. So I replaced the entire springs with 3rd Gen leafs, since they were approaching 100k miles and installed sumo springs, which made the wife a lot happier, which is important as she drives the truck when I’ve had too many. I’ve never had a RAS system on any of my trucks, but it seems like a better set up than the Hellwigs.

 

Thanks, decided to go with the RAS. The only downsides i could find for them are possible issues when off roading, not something i need to worry about.

 

Both of my Dakotas were 4x4's and whereas I never did anything crazy I never noticed any issues. Let me know if you have any questions on the install or adjusting.

 

i emailed them once and they responded to order part 980 due to interference, just fyi. I might order them and just use for winter. i plow and keep a lot of sand in the back

 

thanks, i watched that 150 video. Seems pretty easy to install, should have mine by next weekend

 

Thanks, I will save that info for sure

 

This is the dog leg ubolt some would need.

 

Got the RAS installed today. It was very easy to do, the most work was jacking up the rear and getting the jack stands in place. There are 2 disks included for setting the spring tension, I went with the lesser tension setting and it raised my back about 1/2-3/4 of an inch. Took it for a drive and it is noticeably smoother. Bumps are better controlled and the body doesn’t sway as much in corners.
Definitely worth the money spent IMO, especially considering how easy the installation is.

FYI the instructions tell you to take the passenger side shock off to create more room but that’s not at all needed.

 

Awesome, glad to hear the install was easy and your ride was improved.