Hellwig or Roadmaster sway bar?

HMS Beagle wrote:

I put a Roadmaster on the back of my '99 F350 2WD and a Hellwig on the front because Roadmaster did not make a front bar.

I wonder if that's just a 2wd/4wd thing, because other than that, we have the same truck and I have a Roadmaster in the front.

btggraphix wrote:
What I am curious about is if that is still something you can easily change after the fact or if it would be a big PITA to change it later if you decided it needed to change and even change it around until you got it dialed in for your application.

I have a Bigwig and yes it adjustable, has 3 settings (holes) on the end of the bar. I do adjust mine, when the camper is on I have it set in the middle, when I pull the 5th wheel I set it to the inward hole. Takes about 10 minutes a side to unbolt the end and move it. It's been a great addition, takes a lot of side to side wobble out, when transitioning uneven surfaces

Another question.....I saw a Hellwig guy at the expo and he told me the mounting points are adjustable so you can choose how stiff you want them to be which seems like a good option since as pointed out there is such a thing as too stiff for the application. What I am curious about is if that is still something you can easily change after the fact or if it would be a big PITA to change it later if you decided it needed to change and even change it around until you got it dialed in for your application.

Probably not. But with sway bars, bigger and stiffer isn't always better. I enjoy my Hellwig, after looking and reading I determined the Roadmaster might be on the other end of the spectrum and it cost more so.... The Hellwig upgrade to the front factory swaybar is also just right. I wouldn't want any more than that. I'm sure both are equally fine, do what makes you warm and fuzzy inside.

Are the two brands using the same metal and treatment techniques? Is size the ONLY factor between them?

There may be a difference in diameter of bar, depending on the application. Keep in mind that the stiffness of the bar is the fifth power of diameter.

I put a Roadmaster on the back of my '99 F350 2WD and a Hellwig on the front because Roadmaster did not make a front bar. The Roadmaster is a higher quality kit, but both work. I would pick Roadmaster first, but would not hesitate to put on a Hellwig if that is what you can get/afford. It makes a tremendous different in handling.

Buzzcut1 wrote:
the roadmaster is bigger than the hellwig and bolts right in to the F350

x2
Problem you'll have with your question, which is in essence, "which is better", is that there likely will not be someone who has had both on the same truck that can give you an objective opinion.

I have the same basic truck as you, with 9000xl shocks. Difference being I have springs instead of bags. Here's my observations--

* Installed shocks first-- Loaded, I had to set rear to 10, front to 4 for stability and help with sway control.

* Went a couple months, then installed rear Roadmaster. Immediately noticed I could turn the shocks down to 5, ride was smoother and sway was significantly improved.

* ~3 months later, installed front Roadmaster. Yet another very noticeable step in sway control, on par with swapping out rear factory bar with Roadmaster.

* ~1 month later installed Torklift StableLoads. Empty ride quality suffered, sway control improved yet again, albeit slightly - not as much as adding the actual sway bars.

With all the mods complete, the truck handles my heavy double-slide TC excellent.

**Compared to bone stock, I would say the truck now handles loaded virtually the same as it did when it was bone-stock and empty.

I put a Roadmaster on my 2004 Ford dually. It made a world of difference in handling.
Have a Roadmaster on my current truck.
Great quality, great fit, great customer service.

The only problem that I experienced with Hellwig is the bar was shipped with missing parts. There were a few others back then who had the same problem and posted on this forum about their experience. I will say that a phone call to Hellwig solved the problem and got me the parts in 2 days, so they do stand behind their product. Hopefully they have solved that issue.
I suggest no matter which one you get to make sure you go thru the box to see if all the parts are there. Its when you get all your tools out and get ready to install it to discover parts are missing is when its bothersome.

I have the Bigwig on my Ram, sure does corner a lot better. :) Not sure of the difference between the 2 brands, but Torklift in Kent, WA recommended the Bigwig over the Roadmaster. I m sure both are very good. I think the Bigwig is bigger.