Hi folks, I've been looking at both Hellwig and Roadmaster and the instructions seem fairly straightforward, other than needing to drill into the frame. I'm considering having a shop do it but the retail upcharge + labor costs are looking quite high from the first estimate. In other words I can order online and install myself and save $1000 at first glance. So I'd like to hear from anyone who has tried this. I am used to DIY maintenance/mods on all my vehicles, have installed my own toad baseplate, a couple timing belt changes, tie rod ends, CV joints, all sorts of stuff but nothing quite this BIG. The rig sits in storage on a level concrete pad so I plan to do it over a couple weeks here and there.Thanks!

Well, back when we had our gasser on a Ford F53 Chassis, I installed a Davis TruTrac on the front and a Henderson Rear Track Bar on the rear. However, both came with bracketing that matched up with pre-drilled holes that were already in the frame from the chassis manufacturer. So, it was basically just bolt them up into place. Isn't your 2011 Tiffin Allegro 35QBA setting on a Ford Chassis? If so, you could get bars that will fit the pre-drilled holes in the frame as I did.Henderson Track Bars for Ford F-53 ChassisDavis TruTrac Front sway bar for F-53 ChassisNow, if you have to drill into the frame, that gets a lot tougher.

mtrumpet wrote:Now, if you have to drill into the frame, that gets a lot tougher.Yep I have to drill the frame - our Tiffin is on one of the last Workhorse Chassis. All the bolt-on steps look fairly straightforward but the last time I had to drill into a frame rail was on my F250. Need to make sure I have the right approach for that.

The question calls to mind your skill set and desires to do it rather than how complex the job is.Said another way, it is not a complex job-- but drilling a frame rail requires the right tool and a bit of knowledge in how to drill through metal (proper bit, proper drill RPM, lubrication...).I have installed several, including the drilling. Ain't fun laying on your back drilling, but not rocket science either.

I installed an IPD (now Roadmaster) rear sway bar on our 2001 motorhome on the F53 chassis. It did require drilling some holes in the frame, but it wasn't a difficult job. It can easily be accomplished in a couple hours depending on the time of day. I did ours in the morning so as not to interfere with happy hour. If I'd started it during happy hour I might still be at it.

Yes, if you are handy it's not too hard of a job. I've even drilled my own holes before.

Has anyone installed sway bars on their own? | Good Sam Community

TriumphGuy
Explorer
May 05, 2016
Update - somehow I negotiated our local CW to match the lowest online prices I found + $400, out the door installed. I decided to go for it since my back is just getting better from another adventure. They originally had me at +$800 which I balked at - goes to show a little respectful haggling can help out.

Now I do know about many stories of bad CW experiences for installs so I'll be keeping my eyes open. If it goes south I'll certainly post here :)
TriumphGuy
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
Thanks you guys. I think I have a big corded drill with an extra handle but will check. Otherwise my neighbor has just about everything I don't :)
btcruzer
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
drilling slow and use lube is good advice. Pref. use a tool with an adjustable clutch. Also make sure the tool has an aux. handle. Drill a small pilot hole and then use a "step drill bit" to get to the desired hole size. The " step bits" don't hang up nearly as bad as a regular bit. Take your time and plan this out. In the long run, slow and steady is faster than a detour through the emergency room. BTY my fractured wrist is healing nicely.
DSDP_Don
Explorer
Apr 29, 2016
"TriumphGuy"....I've installed the bolt on kind and ones you have to drill the frame. I installed them on my Monaco and had to drill the frame for the rears.

A couple of secrets....I good 1/2" drill motor, (low speed) good quality drills and WD40 while drilling. If you need to lay on your back to do the job, pull a towel up over your chest covering your neck, wear goggles and a hat. This will keep the metal off of your body.

If drilling upward, you can often take a couple of boards and make a lever to put pressure on the drill, rather than trying to hold it yourself (like a drill press).
TriumphGuy
Explorer
Apr 28, 2016
TNGW1500SE wrote:
I suspect that if you would consider doing the job yourself, that you probably can.

This has gotten me into so much trouble. But it has also gotten a done :)
TriumphGuy
Explorer
Apr 28, 2016
wolfe10 wrote:

Said another way, it is not a complex job-- but drilling a frame rail requires the right tool and a bit of knowledge in how to drill through metal (proper bit, proper drill RPM, lubrication...).

I'm all ears. My hamfisted approach has been to buy a good metal bit, switch the drill to high speed, and act like I was a CNC drill with the motion (plunge slow at high speed - after drilling a pilot hole - while spraying fluid, pull drill out to clear chips and repeat).
TNGW1500SE
Explorer
Apr 28, 2016
I suspect that if you would consider doing the job yourself, that you probably can.
crasster
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2016
Yes, if you are handy it's not too hard of a job. I've even drilled my own holes before.
Hikerdogs
Explorer
Apr 28, 2016
I installed an IPD (now Roadmaster) rear sway bar on our 2001 motorhome on the F53 chassis. It did require drilling some holes in the frame, but it wasn't a difficult job. It can easily be accomplished in a couple hours depending on the time of day. I did ours in the morning so as not to interfere with happy hour. If I'd started it during happy hour I might still be at it.
wolfe10
Explorer
Apr 28, 2016
The question calls to mind your skill set and desires to do it rather than how complex the job is.

Said another way, it is not a complex job-- but drilling a frame rail requires the right tool and a bit of knowledge in how to drill through metal (proper bit, proper drill RPM, lubrication...).

I have installed several, including the drilling. Ain't fun laying on your back drilling, but not rocket science either.

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Has anyone installed sway bars on their own?

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