Forum Discussion

Jopops's avatar
Jopops
Explorer
Feb 24, 2015

Hellwig Rear Swaybar - E450

Hey Gang,

I'm considering installing the Hellwig 7180 on my 2013 E450. The rig is 32'5" in total length.

The mod is cheap by RV standards, but I'm wondering if I'd get any real bang for the buck over the stock Ford bar that I see installed.

Also, for some reason Hellwig doesn't list a FRONT sway bar for my year chassis. I wonder if the front bar is good enough?

I've read that swaybars keep the rig more firmly planted to the road and less prone to tractor trailer pull/push. Not sure if any of that is true, so I'm posting !!!

Thanks !!!
  • I installed hellwig rear stabilizer bar easy to install works great.Makes driving easier on interstate.I have a 08 ford E450 30 ft.Also have a roadmaster steering stabilizer it also helps.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    On Hellwig's Site the part number for the Front Bar changes according to the number of Leaves in the REAR Spring Stack. The page shows email addresses called customerservice and techsupport, both @hellwigproducts.com or 1-800-HELLWIG (435-5944). Suggest you count the rear spring leaves and include that number in your question. Our E450 has the 11-leaf pack.
    I think Hellwig will indicate they didn't update the year models in some cases, but check that too.
    SD doesn't stock those bars. Mine, at least, came from the factory in Visalia CA. If you and Hellwig work something out, I'd guess SD could still take your order. Pretty sure Hellwig doesn't sell direct.
  • Raymon wrote:
    On my former 31 foot class C on a F450 Chassis I had an alignment, replaced OEM shocks with HD Bilsteins and installed a rear trac bar from Hendersons. I did only one thing at a time in that order so I would know which thing made the most improvement. The rear trac bar definitely made the most improvement; like night to day. Side winds were much easier to handle and so were oncoming large semis.

    If I had installed the trac bar before replacing the shocks, not sure I would have changed the OEM shocks. The alignment was definitely needed. I cannot believe the motorhome manufacturers do not check the alignment after doing so many changes to the chassis. Wish you the best.

    Ray


    Glad to hear I'm on the right track !
  • Your linked website shows the 7718 as the front sway bar I should use. Hellwig's own page doesn't list a sway bar at all. Hrm.

    Thanks so much for the pic and everything - I have to get under my rig and take a good look at it. Maybe I'll email Hellwig to be sure as well.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    On 2002 E450, I still have Original Rear Shocks at 40,000. Probably shouldn't but it's a project I just haven't gotten to.

    I installed Hellwig Sway Bars Front and Rear. Huge difference in stability, tracking, cornering. Our coach is actually 32-ft (called 31A) and there's at least 10-feet from rear axle to trailer hitch. I got a BlueOx Track Bar and installing it helped a lot with the toad.

    The Hellwig 7008 Front Bar, 1-3/8", WILL FIT your late model axle. From 1992-2007 (Chassis Years) Ford used a Front Bar that didn't have End Links. Instead, it poked into bushings in the axles themselves. In 2008, they added mounting bosses to the axles to allow use of traditional end links. In proof, I offer a photo. I replaced the axle of our 2002 chassis with one taken off of a 2012 chassis being retrofitted to 4WD. The machined surface with rust is where the late model (2008 and newer) Sway Bar End Links would attach. Next to it is the hole that would have the rubber bushing for a 1992-2007 Sway Bar. Ford added the bosses but didn't fill the hole. Then further to the right is the end link clamp used on the Hellwig 7008 bar that I previously had on the 2002 axle.


    Several of us have ordered Hellwig bars from SD Truck Springs. I found them very satisfactory.
  • On my former 31 foot class C on a F450 Chassis I had an alignment, replaced OEM shocks with HD Bilsteins and installed a rear trac bar from Hendersons. I did only one thing at a time in that order so I would know which thing made the most improvement. The rear trac bar definitely made the most improvement; like night to day. Side winds were much easier to handle and so were oncoming large semis.

    If I had installed the trac bar before replacing the shocks, not sure I would have changed the OEM shocks. The alignment was definitely needed. I cannot believe the motorhome manufacturers do not check the alignment after doing so many changes to the chassis. Wish you the best.

    Ray
  • I installed a Helwig bar on the rear of my '94 E350 based 21' Tioga and am quite pleased with it.

    Yes it helps quite a bit with push from passing trucks. It doesn't stop the effect 100% but I'd say above 80%. It's an easy install and would do it again.

    I haven't done the front. If you do please tell us how you like it.