Tests prove it and so have our customers.
Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS) is
so effective as a load absorbing product it actu-
ally helps correct the negative effects load has on
fuel economy. The heavier the load, the greater
the savings.... test results vary greatly due to
amount and position of load, road and driving
conditions, vehicle type and 101 other factors,
but the bottom line is: RAS improves fuel mileage
of rear leaf spring vehicles when operating with a
load by 5% and More!
Here’s the how and why:
When a vehicle with rear leaf spring
suspension is loaded the arch of the springs are
reduced. Additional weight will ultimately cause
the rear of the vehicle to sag. When this vehicle
is in motion the now compromised rear suspen-
sion can no longer fully absorb and dissipate the
load. Furthermore, the undulating road surface
will compound the problem, reducing even more
the leaf springs ability to support and absorb.
Unable to dissipate (in part or whole) via the leaf
springs, the force of the load will transfer to axle,
wheels and ultimately a large percentage to the
rear tires. This causes the sidewalls of the tires
to continually flex and bulge in the area where
the tires make contact with the road. This tire

bulging at road surface creates a continuously
changing improper “footprint” (Illustration A),
similar to a deflated tire, and that increases roll resistance. Increasing roll resistance makes the engine work harder and hence the vehicle burns more fuel.

When Roadmaster Active Suspension is installed the rear leaf springs are supported by two variable rated coil springs, thereby converting a passive system to an active suspension system. These extremely powerful coils are the key to our success as they not only assist the leaf springs in supporting load and stabilizing the vehicle but also when strain from load is applied, a stabilizing action (unique to RAS) comes into effect immediately, absorbing the force of the load.

On undulating road surfaces, RAS controls the rate of deflection of the leaf springs again absorbing and dissipating the energy. The consequence of this continuously ‘absorbing and dissipating load force’ action is a controlled discharge of energy through the leaf springs, axle, wheels, and tires creating an improved balance between the tires and road surface contact.

The result is a more proper and consistent tire to road footprint (Illustration B) and vastly reduced roll resistance... the key to considerable fuel savings.