Rear Anti-Sway bar manufacturers?

[ururk]

We have a 2000 Dodge 3500 Roadtrek 190. I'm trying to find a rear sway bar that will fit this vehicle... I've talked with Hellwig - they are backed up for up to 12 weeks (might work for us, but timing will be close) - the other brand I was looking at is Roadmaster but they claim they don't carry a part that will fit our vehicle (I sent them the VIN).

Any advice? We can order the Hellwig part... but timing will be an issue as we might be taking it out in a few months and the sway makes it tiring to drive all day in 11mph winds.

As for wander - there is very little if any, no play, and we put a front steering bracket on that seems to have improved steering a little (though I'm wondering if it was worth the cost).

We don't have an active steering stabilizing system (ie, spring or shock assisted), but would prefer to add that AFTER doing the rear sway bar.

Thanks!

[GallenH]

Originally Posted by ururk

We have a 2000 Dodge 3500 Roadtrek 190. I'm trying to find a rear sway bar that will fit this vehicle... I've talked with Hellwig - they are backed up for up to 12 weeks (might work for us, but timing will be close) - the other brand I was looking at is Roadmaster but they claim they don't carry a part that will fit our vehicle (I sent them the VIN).

Any advice? We can order the Hellwig part... but timing will be an issue as we might be taking it out in a few months and the sway makes it tiring to drive all day in 11mph winds.

As for wander - there is very little if any, no play, and we put a front steering bracket on that seems to have improved steering a little (though I'm wondering if it was worth the cost).

We don't have an active steering stabilizing system (ie, spring or shock assisted), but would prefer to add that AFTER doing the rear sway bar.

Thanks!

I'll be watching the replies on this. I have a 97 PleasureWay on the Dodge 3500 chassis. Did Hellwig go by VIN as well? Also will be interesting to hear what others have to say about the 2 companies and any option for bar diameter.

[ururk]

Hellwig didn’t - but their website has a configuration that matches our roadtrek.

I did some looking under the chassis - not sure with where the tanks are placed there is room for a sway bar. However, I recalled mention of a Roadmaster Active Suspension add-on which purports to have the same effect. I talked with one of their salesmen today - they have an HD version they recommend for RV’s, he kept mentioning the Pleasureway forum has a number of satisfied customers, but couldn’t recall a RT with it fitted. I’m going to send him some photos of the springs so he can verify it will fit (some coach builders route cables and such over the springs).

[booster]

Originally Posted by ururk

Hellwig didn’t - but their website has a configuration that matches our roadtrek.

I did some looking under the chassis - not sure with where the tanks are placed there is room for a sway bar. However, I recalled mention of a Roadmaster Active Suspension add-on which purports to have the same effect. I talked with one of their salesmen today - they have an HD version they recommend for RV’s, he kept mentioning the Pleasureway forum has a number of satisfied customers, but couldn’t recall a RT with it fitted. I’m going to send him some photos of the springs so he can verify it will fit (some coach builders route cables and such over the springs).

The Roadmaster Active Suspension looks to be a damper and some extra spring rate put on the individual leaf springs, so no side to side balancing. Stiffening and adding damping will raise the vehicle and reduce some sway some, but not like a swaybar does. Swaybars transfer the spring compression from the more compressed side to less compressed side to keep the vehicle more level and wheels more planted flat on the road without major stiffening of the rear suspension. My guess is that stiffer rear springs and higher damping shocks would do similar to the Active Suspension.


All that said, if the springs are and shocks are weak they should be replaced and probably upgraded. The Dodge technical service manual for some ill handling years did just that to help reduce the issues of ill handling. A big rear sway bar coupled with fixing the other issues if they exist is probably the best solution to get a good balance of handling and ride comfort.

[Blueboy1]

I have fitted my 1996 B3500 , PW with the Hellwig 7513 kit. Perfect fit !

[GallenH]

Originally Posted by Blueboy1

I have fitted my 1996 B3500 , PW with the Hellwig 7513 kit. Perfect fit !

Thanks, BB1. I have been away from the PleasureWay for a while but plan to get back into action in January. It will be good weather then to work outside on it. Will keep you posted. Best to you and S in the holiday season! G

[rowiebowie]

Whatever rear sway bar that fits your OEM chassis might not work if any intruding tanks, plumbing, generator, etc. were installed that would block where the sway bar needs to attach. Check underneath and make sure there is 6"-12" of clearance around the rear axle.

[GallenH]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

Whatever rear sway bar that fits your OEM chassis might not work if any intruding tanks, plumbing, generator, etc. were installed that would block where the sway bar needs to attach. Check underneath and make sure there is 6"-12" of clearance around the rear axle.

Good advice. I got an email response from Hellwig stating that 7513 was the correct anti-swaybar but that I should call them to discuss the details. I assume the reason is exactly what you're suggesting. I did notice that advertisements for the 7513 picture 2 different bars, one more an arc and the other with more of a "U" in its center. It could be simply, however, that the sellers are using some generic stock photo.

[Anachr0n]

Here’s a YouTube video of a guy installing a Hellwig on their van. It’s a 2004 Chevy Express though but you get the idea. . It shows the clearance between the rear diff and the generator. It’s close, but fits. You’ll be looking at something similar on your Dodge with either the spare tire or the generator if you have one.

https://youtu.be/sgQKYm1vJ7o

[Blueboy1]

Originally Posted by Anachr0n

Here’s a YouTube video of a guy installing a Hellwig on their van. It’s a 2004 Chevy Express though but you get the idea. . It shows the clearance between the rear diff and the generator. It’s close, but fits. You’ll be looking at something similar on your Dodge with either the spare tire or the generator if you have one.

https://youtu.be/sgQKYm1vJ7o

On the mid-90s Dodge Pleasure-Way, the spare tire is normally mounted on a rack on the back door. There may be cases where some specific components would be in the way of the installation, but in most case, the presence of a generator or the underlying storage space in the same location, would allow the installation. We have to remember that the sway bar was an option back then.
Have a nice day