What Roadmaster Active Suspension Is

Roadmaster active suspension is an aftermarket air suspension system designed for towed vehicles — primarily travel trailers and fifth wheels. It uses compressed air to adjust the suspension stiffness and ride height in real time as you drive, responding to road conditions and load changes without you having to stop or manually adjust anything.

The system sits between your existing leaf springs or coil springs and the frame, using air springs (bellows filled with pressurized air) to supplement or replace the factory suspension. A control module monitors vehicle movement through sensors and automatically increases or decreases air pressure to keep the trailer level and stable, especially when cornering, braking, or traveling over uneven terrain.

Roadmaster markets this primarily to RV owners who tow frequently and want to reduce sway, improve handling, and lower wear on both the towing vehicle and the trailer. It is not a replacement for a weight-distribution hitch or sway control — it works alongside those systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Roadmaster active suspension uses air springs and automatic pressure adjustment to stabilize a trailer in real time, responding to road conditions without driver input.
  • The system reduces trailer sway, improves ride quality, and can lower the wear on your towing vehicle's suspension by distributing load more evenly.
  • Installation requires mounting the air springs to your trailer frame, running air lines and electrical wiring, and programming the control module — typically a job for a professional RV shop.
  • The system works with your existing weight-distribution hitch and sway control but does not replace them; all three are separate safety and handling tools.
  • Maintenance involves checking air pressure, inspecting air lines for leaks, and replacing the compressor or air springs if they fail — costs vary but repairs can run several hundred dollars.

How the System Detects and Responds to Movement

The Roadmaster active suspension relies on accelerometers and pressure sensors mounted on the trailer frame. These sensors feed data to the control module dozens of times per second, detecting vertical movement, side-to-side sway, and changes in load distribution as you drive.

When the sensors detect the trailer beginning to sway — for example, when a passing truck creates wind pressure or you change lanes — the control module when ready increases air pressure in the air springs on the opposite side of the trailer. This stiffens that side and counteracts the sway before it becomes pronounced. If the trailer bounces over a pothole, the system softens the air pressure to absorb the impact, then re-stiffens as the wheel leaves the ground.

The compressor, powered by a 12-volt connection to your towing vehicle, maintains a reservoir of pressurized air. The control module vents or adds air to the springs as needed, all without any action from you. The entire cycle happens in milliseconds.

Installation and What It Requires

Roadmaster active suspension is not a bolt-on accessory. Installation involves removing your trailer's wheels, unbolting the existing suspension components, and mounting the air springs in their place. Air lines must be routed from the springs to the compressor (usually mounted near the tongue or on the frame), and electrical wiring must connect the sensors, control module, and compressor to your towing vehicle's 12-volt system.

The control module itself is typically mounted inside the trailer or in a weatherproof enclosure on the frame. Once installed, the system must be calibrated and tested — the control module learns the trailer's weight distribution and suspension characteristics during a setup procedure, usually performed by the installing shop.

Most RV owners have this work done at a dedicated RV service center or suspension specialist, not at a general automotive shop. The cost varies widely depending on your trailer type, existing suspension, and local labor rates, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for parts and installation. Some shops offer it as a factory option on new trailers.

Differences Between Roadmaster Active and Passive Air Suspension

Roadmaster also sells passive air suspension systems that use air springs but no automatic control — you manually adjust air pressure using a valve or dashboard control, or the system maintains a fixed pressure. These are simpler, cheaper, and require less maintenance, but they do not respond to road conditions in real time.

The active system costs more upfront but offers continuous stabilization without driver input. If you tow frequently on highways or in windy conditions, the active system reduces fatigue and sway-related stress on both vehicles. If you tow occasionally or mostly on calm roads, a passive system or a traditional weight-distribution hitch may be sufficient.

Roadmaster's active system is distinct from electronic stability control (ESC) found on some newer trailers — ESC uses brakes to prevent sway, while active suspension uses air pressure to prevent it from starting. They can work together but serve different functions.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Lifespan

Active suspension systems require regular inspection of air lines for cracks or leaks, checking the compressor for proper operation, and monitoring air pressure in the reservoir. Most owners check these items annually or before long trips.

The air springs themselves typically last 5 to 10 years depending on use and climate. Exposure to UV light, extreme heat, and road salt can degrade the rubber bellows. The compressor usually lasts longer but can fail if it runs continuously due to a leak or sensor malfunction.

Repair costs depend on what fails. A single air spring replacement runs $300 to $600. A compressor replacement can cost $400 to $800. Sensor or control module failure is less common but more expensive to diagnose and repair. Many shops charge $100 to $150 per hour for labor, so a full system diagnosis can run $200 to $400.

If you plan to keep your trailer long-term, budget for at least one major component replacement during its lifespan. If you sell the trailer, the active suspension system adds resale value, especially among buyers who tow frequently.

When Active Suspension Makes Sense and When It Does Not

Active suspension is most valuable if you tow a large or heavy trailer (over 8,000 pounds), travel on highways regularly, or frequently encounter windy conditions or uneven roads. It noticeably reduces sway and improves stability in these scenarios, which translates to less wear on your towing vehicle's suspension and brakes.

It is less critical if you tow a small, lightweight trailer, drive mostly on smooth roads at moderate speeds, or tow infrequently. In these cases, a quality weight-distribution hitch and sway control bar will handle most situations at a fraction of the cost.

Active suspension also assumes you are willing to maintain the system and pay for repairs when components fail. If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, the passive air suspension or traditional mechanical suspension may suit you better.

Compatibility with Other Towing Safety Systems

Roadmaster active suspension works alongside, not instead of, a weight-distribution hitch and sway control. The weight-distribution hitch transfers tongue weight from your towing vehicle's rear axle to all axles, reducing the nose-down pitch that occurs when you load a trailer. Sway control uses friction or hydraulics to dampen side-to-side movement.

Active suspension adds a third layer: real-time air pressure adjustment that responds to dynamic movement. Together, these three systems provide comprehensive stability. Removing any one of them reduces overall safety and handling, especially in challenging conditions.

If your towing vehicle has integrated trailer stability control (a feature on some newer trucks), that system communicates with the trailer's brakes to prevent sway. Active suspension does not replace this either — it complements it by preventing sway before the brakes need to intervene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Roadmaster active suspension myself?

Technically possible but not recommended. The installation requires removing and reinstalling suspension components, routing pressurized air lines, running electrical wiring, and calibrating the control module. A mistake in any of these steps can cause the system to malfunction or fail during towing. Professional installation ensures the system is set up correctly and safely.

Does active suspension replace my weight-distribution hitch?

No. A weight-distribution hitch and active suspension serve different purposes. The hitch transfers tongue weight to improve vehicle balance; active suspension stabilizes the trailer in response to road movement. You need both for optimal safety and handling, especially with heavier trailers.

What happens if the compressor fails while I am towing?

The air springs will gradually lose pressure, and the suspension will become softer and less responsive. You will notice increased sway and a bouncier ride. The system is designed to fail safely — you can continue towing at reduced speeds to a service center, but the stabilization benefit is lost. This is why regular maintenance and inspection are important.

How much does Roadmaster active suspension add to the price of a new trailer?

Factory-installed active suspension typically costs $3,000 to $5,000 as an option on a new trailer, depending on the manufacturer and trailer size. Aftermarket installation on an existing trailer usually costs in the same range. Prices vary by region and installer.

Is active suspension worth it for occasional towing?

For occasional towing on calm roads, a traditional weight-distribution hitch and sway control bar provide adequate stability at a much lower cost. Active suspension is most cost-effective if you tow regularly, tow heavy loads, or frequently encounter challenging driving conditions where the system's real-time response provides measurable safety and comfort benefits.