Forum Discussion

rsg63's avatar
rsg63
Explorer
Dec 07, 2016

Looking to see if a sway bar exists for 5th wheels.

I did due diligence and searched this topic but found nothing.

Does anyone know of a sway bar (think Hellwig) kit for 5th wheel rv's? I'd like to add one if they exist. I've already upgraded the rims and tires, and all four shocks to KYB units. My new rig is tall and narrow and I believe a sway kit could be the answer. Can I get some chimes on this? Impossible? Insane? Slow down around curves? Are you rich? I'll settle even for that stuff. hahahaha
  • Would having a sideways tilting hitch head allow for the trailer to tilt more on turns than a regular hitch head?
  • Thanks Biscuit, No modifications to trailer suspension other than replacing factory lousy shocks. I see where you're going with that and it would be a low cost improvement overall even if not directly corresponding to the lean.
  • Has 5vr suspension been modified.....raised?

    Go to weld shop
    Have 2" square tube welded to spring hangers side to side stiffing/adding support at spring shackles


  • Thank you for that, MOR/ryde is something I had not considered, I will check into that. I also would like to check the side-to side weights. I only did axle-by-axle. And since we have a residential refer along with a very large slide all on one side, it could be a major factor.
  • Many modern 5th wheels are MUCH heavier on one side than the other - typically the side with the kitchen/pantry/entertainment center (and maybe even bedroom) slides. That's the case with our's - right at 1,000# heavier on the street side than the curb side (Escapees' wheel-by-wheel weights). With the stock suspension, the trailer sat 1 - 1-1/2" lower on the street side than the curb side. Some on the Grand Design forum have put heavier springs on the street side. Since we had other issues (bent axle/spindle), we opted for the MOR/ryde independent suspension. The MOR/ryde folks adjusted the spring height side-to-side to level everything out. This is also not an inexpensive solution - but what a difference in the way the rig tows!

    Rob
  • MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    ADDCO
    Automotive Design And Development Co
    Lake Park FL.

    Call to see if they'll do one for you

    Please report back with price estimate after appropriate emergency dose of tranquilizers. Price will be appreciable.

    Addco absolutely knows what they are doing. Been around 50 years or so.

    That is awesome info, thank you! And thanks for the warning that this may not be cheap. I will reply with any info found.
  • Ah, one more thing, I did Cat Scale my entire rig one axle at a time. All good, at almost 50% of entire capacity and trailer nose is level as water. Sidewinder working and installed properly.
    I probably should be clear about what I am looking to fix here. She LEANS too much. No swaying at all (in a towing perspective). I want sway bars to limit the lean this rig has around corners, just like it would do for any vehicle around a corner.
  • ADDCO
    Automotive Design And Development Co
    Lake Park FL.

    Call to see if they'll do one for you

    Then it's blueprint time. Measure inside spring pad to spring pad. Distance vertical to frame. You absolutely will have to box the frame at bar hanger attachment points. Tack weld 1" tacks. 3/16" 1010 mild steel. Have weight scale pounds available. Take images beneath rig AND with one wheel removed to email. Maybe six or eight images. Try for mounting perspective views.

    Understand please this response is solely to deal with the issue of availability and not if you "need" it or not. A large bar will reduce roll aspect to less than 1"

    Please report back with price estimate after appropriate emergency dose of tranquilizers. Price will be appreciable.

    Addco absolutely knows what they are doing. Been around 50 years or so.
  • Sorry had to update my signature. My ZX is gone now I have a narrow 2016 Bighorn, which is about the same height but lighter and narrower. And my truck is rated at 30K pounds as it is also updated to a 2016 Ram 3500 dually. So the trailer leans like it's going to tip regardless of how careful I am. It tows Waaay differently than my much-loved TH. I know it's only 5-6 inched narrower but **** it sure feels like more.
    So yes, I really do feel a sway bar kit (I think it should be even simpler than for a truck as there is far less suspension travel on these trailers) but I also know figuring out the frame mounting could take a few minutes...:-)
  • NO.........
    There is NOT a 'sway bar' kit for 5th wheel.
    NOT needed PLUS it would be an engineering cluster mess

    So are you towing NOSE HIGH
    Does TH sit level when hooked up to truck?


    Swaying issues with a 5th wheel are due to tail heavy/nose light.

    CAT Scales to see what real pin weight is????


    My 5vr is 13/4" tall and tows very stable even in high side winds.
    Height isn't issue (13'6" limit)
    Width isn't issue (102"-96"=6")


    Check/verify
    Pin Weight
    Tow Level
    Tail heavy
    Reese Sidewinder set up properly....correct torque on turret bolts and correct wedge being used

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,208 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 24, 2025