Rear Sway bar upgrade?

Sparky853 · Oct 27, 2017

Wondering if its worth it to upgrade the rear sway bar in my 2017 CC 4x4 5.7L 3.92 rear end with factory air suspension?

I have a 21' travel trailer that weighs approx. 6500lbs loaded. The truck pulls it good now, but I'm doing a road trip next spring of approx. 3000 miles, down from Ontario to Key West and back, so wonder if t would be worth the upgrade.

69GWC · Oct 27, 2017

I am going to swap mine out for a Hellwig, the factory one is hollow.

jasonw · Oct 28, 2017

I did mine (Hellwig), although I don't tow anything quite that heavy. Its definitely an upgrade, although the factory bar on some higher trim levels is only a tiny bit smaller. The Hellwig is definitely a bit heavier, so that gives credit to 69GWC's claim that the factory unit is hollow.

I do notice the truck doesn't sway as much in tight turns. You can still feel the truck leaning, but lean is less, and I don't have it at its tightest setting (picked the middle hole).

jag1886 · Oct 30, 2017

I use Hellwig bars both front and rear and they help a lot so do better shocks.

69GWC · Oct 30, 2017

Did you notice a big difference with the Hellwig front bar ?

my rear Hellwig is on the way and just was wondering about doing the front.

Nick@GotExhaust · Oct 30, 2017

Hellwig makes some great stuff. Our customers love the sway bars they offer. they are definitely beefy and make a noticeable difference.

Sparky let me know if you would like a quote. If you do, send me a PM with vehicle info and where it would be shipping to.

billyw · Oct 31, 2017

My travel trailer is 24' long and weighs about the same as yours. I've towed it all over the northwest, chock full of mountains and hills, including one 10 day trip last summer. I use an Equal-I-zer wd/anti-sway hitch. My truck is rock solid, even during emergency maneuvers. I can't imagine any improvement from a heavier sway bar at the weights I'm hauling and towing. The only times I've noticed any unintended movement/sway on my current and previous truck was when the P rated tires weren't aired up sufficiently. That goes for the trailer tires too.

Openclasspro · Nov 1, 2017

I’ll be purchasing a toy hauler in spring , 17 express quad 3:92’s. Are all wight distributing hitches the same ? I believe in doing things right the first time , trailer loaded will be near max capacity. Thabk you in advance, phil

Riccochet · Nov 1, 2017

Openclasspro said:
I’ll be purchasing a toy hauler in spring , 17 express quad 3:92’s. Are all wight distributing hitches the same ? I believe in doing things right the first time , trailer loaded will be near max capacity. Thabk you in advance, phil

The short answer, no, they are not all the same.

Blue Ox SwayPro, Husky Center Line, Equal-I-Zer 4 Point, Reese StraightLine are all really good weight distribution hitches. They're all in the same price range as well.

Stay away from brands like Eaz-Lift and the cheaper Curt models that have friction bars. They don't do much to help prevent sway, they more or less use friction to control it after it's started.

And then you have top of the line Hensley Arrow and ProPride 3P hitches. These will run you $2500-3000. But, hands down, they are the best you can buy.

Whatever you go with be sure to follow instructions and set it up right or take it to a reputable trailer shop to have them set it up. The best hitch on the market will perform poorly if not set up correctly.

billyw · Nov 1, 2017

Don't forget that toy haulers typically have a very heavy tongue weight. If you're bumping up against your max towing specs, you'll be potentially WAY past your hitch and payload specs.

Sparky853 · Nov 1, 2017

Well, Hellwig rear sway bar arrived today. Will post my impressions after I've had a chance to change it and drive it for a while.

Sent from my VKY-L09 using Tapatalk

69GWC · Nov 1, 2017

Just got mine today as well, easy install as well.
Its a nice peice.

Sparky853 · Nov 1, 2017

69GWC said:
Just got mine today as well, easy install as well.
Its a nice peice.

Noticable difference in size/weight? How long did the install take?

Sent from my VKY-L09 using Tapatalk

69GWC · Nov 1, 2017

Yeah the Hellwig is larger in diameter and is heavier.
Think I spent 20mins putting it on and installed it in the middle hole for now.

grizzstang · Nov 2, 2017

69GWC said:
Yeah the Hellwig is larger in diameter and is heavier.
Think I spent 20mins putting it on and installed it in the middle hole for now.

I have been toying with the idea of getting one of these before next towing season. Let me know how you like it after you get some miles on it.

69GWC · Nov 2, 2017

Just driving to work and back I will say I am glad I got it.
Truck feels better in about every aspect.

Riccochet · Nov 3, 2017

Sparky853 said:
Noticable difference in size/weight? How long did the install take?

Sent from my VKY-L09 using Tapatalk

The stock bar is smaller in diameter and hollow while the Hellwig is larger and solid. So, huge difference in weight between the two bars. Plus the Hellwig uses poly bushings while the stock has soft, spongy rubber bushings.

I'm running in the middle hole as well. Noticeable difference in normal driving. Very noticeable while towing.

Bigdaddy · Nov 4, 2017

I install one on my 2500 a few days ago I want be towing my 5th wheel until Monday I'm doing a 300 miles trip one way and back again. The Hellwig is bigger for sure I put it on the heaviest setting as you can see that the bottom right is stock on the 2500.

69GWC · Nov 4, 2017

One thing I noticed on damp pavement is the truck will break the tires loose much easier going around a tight turn while applying throttle.
Probably leave mine on the middle setting for now with winter coming on maybe next spring I will play with the firmer setting.

Sparky853 · Nov 4, 2017

Working on the install now, but here are a couple pics.

No scale, but the Hellwig is easily twice the weight of the stock sway bar, and slightly (approx 1/64) larger as measured.

Sent from my VKY-L09 using Tapatalk

Rear Sway bar upgrade?

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