Forum Discussion

BradW's avatar
BradW
Explorer II
Oct 21, 2019

Roadmaster Sway Bar 2018 F350 4X4



OK, just got back from our first real road trip with the new truck and camper. Didn't take long for me to realize I had a LOT more sway with this truck/camper (2018 F350 DRW, tembrens, oem shocks, longer/heavier camper with CG farther back) than our last one (2006 F350 DRW, timbrens, rancho 9000s).

Based on the always 100% reliable Internet information, I ordered a bigger rear ant-sway bar; Roadmaster (1139-193) from etrailer. Arrived very quickly; only 2 days with free shipping. As stated on the etrailer website, it was easy to install and only took about 1 hour. Only tools required are a 1/2" ratchet wrench, 18mm socket, 13mm socket and some blue Loctite.

The new sway bar is 1.5” diameter vs the OEM bar at 1.0”.

Results: Sway is much reduced. I’ve only done a couple of short test drives, but the side to side rocking has been reduced about 80%.

One other issue I had before the new sway bar was with the steering. I think I was getting so much side to side rocking that it was affecting the steering. It kind of felt like “bump steer” that can occur when a 4X4 is lifted and the steering geometry is screwed up, so when the front suspension articulates, the front wheels turn slightly to one side or the other. That problem is completely gone now with the new Roadmaster sway bar.

Conclusion: I’m very happy with the new sway bar. It does what it is advertised to do and what others have said about it on the Internet. I wished I had bought it before our 4,000 miles trip to Yellowstone and Moab last month. It would have made the interstate driving much easier.

Roadmaster Sway Bar Photos

bradw
Truck Campers
  • realter's avatar
    realter
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2019
    In 2009 I had Camping World install a Roadmaster anti sway bar on my GMC 2500. It took the kid all day, and the only thing that happened— my wallet was $750 lighter.

    Absolutely no difference in the handling and sway that we noticed.

    Glad you had better experience.
  • Camper_Jeff___K's avatar
    Camper_Jeff___K
    Nomad III
    Oct 26, 2019
    That's a beast. I have front and rear sway bars on my 2000 F-250 but not that big. I think my front and rear are both 1-1/4. Will have to measure. I do ride pretty well with the help of Rancho 9000 shocks.
  • Boondocking2019's avatar
    Boondocking2019
    Explorer
    Oct 26, 2019
    jaycocreek wrote:
    Boondocking2019 wrote:
    I’m installing my Roadmaster Sway Bar on my F350 SRW this week. I’m hoping for a good reduction with Sway hauling my 89RBS Adventurer. Upgraded tires and Wheels to 4500lb Cap. Don’t really want to go the DRW route.


    You should give us a review of your Adventurer 89RBS and your thoughts on it on your SRW before and after adding the Roadmaster sway bars..

    Adventurer truck campers are the most under rated TC on the internet in my opinion..In my search for the last TC in my life,the 89RBS is very high on the list..My only issue is lack of inside storage for food/dishes etc..But I have only seen them in pictures,never in person except the 89RB..There well made units in my opinion but little is ever said on the internet about the Adventurer TC..

    I would also be interested in how you feel about the 89RBS on a SRW with the Roadmaster sway bar..


    Jaycocreek, it’ll be a few weeks before I load the camper back onto the truck for Sway /Handling test run. . As for the 89RBS the wife liked this model of Adventurer over the under 9’ models of Lance and Arctic Fox. Yes the 89RBS lacks storage space but overall the price was better in comparison to other brands. Also the Adventurer 89RBS was Truck Camper of the year in 2017 and the model has since improved with upgrades in 2020.
    This is our first TC as we stepped down from a 36’ Montana 5th Wheel because we have a UTV Side x Side that we need to trailer for our trips to Utah and Wyoming. The 89RBS fully optioned out with Generator, Side Awning, Super Step Bumper adds to the Dry Weight and probably cannon fodder for the Forum Weight Cops screaming it belongs on a DRW. However, Adding 295/70R/18 Tires rated 4000lbs, Method 305 NV Heavy Duty 18” Wheels rated 4500 lbs, Air Lift Air Bags, and the Roadmaster Sway Bar won’t change the SRW F350 11500 GVW but it easily helped exceed the listed Rear Axle Weight capability’s over the OEM Tires and Wheels. I’m optimistic the Sway Bar and Tire / Wheel upgrades will meet my expectations for handling.
  • jaycocreek's avatar
    jaycocreek
    Explorer II
    Oct 23, 2019
    Boondocking2019 wrote:
    I’m installing my Roadmaster Sway Bar on my F350 SRW this week. I’m hoping for a good reduction with Sway hauling my 89RBS Adventurer. Upgraded tires and Wheels to 4500lb Cap. Don’t really want to go the DRW route.


    You should give us a review of your Adventurer 89RBS and your thoughts on it on your SRW before and after adding the Roadmaster sway bars..

    Adventurer truck campers are the most under rated TC on the internet in my opinion..In my search for the last TC in my life,the 89RBS is very high on the list..My only issue is lack of inside storage for food/dishes etc..But I have only seen them in pictures,never in person except the 89RB..There well made units in my opinion but little is ever said on the internet about the Adventurer TC..

    I would also be interested in how you feel about the 89RBS on a SRW with the Roadmaster sway bar..
  • NRALIFR's avatar
    NRALIFR
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2019
    jimh425 wrote:
    Good to hear. Are you going to change the front?

    I wonder what a stock F450 sway bar measures. Not that I think I need one.


    On my 2016, the front is 1-3/8”, the rear is 1-1/4”.

    :):)
  • BradW's avatar
    BradW
    Explorer II
    Oct 23, 2019
    Connect the two links first, but leave them loose. Then you can just swing the heavy end up and attach the two bushings and brackets.

    In addition to the tools mentioned above, I needed a pair of vice grips to hold the studs on the sway bar links.
  • Boondocking2019's avatar
    Boondocking2019
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2019
    I’m installing my Roadmaster Sway Bar on my F350 SRW this week. I’m hoping for a good reduction with Sway hauling my 89RBS Adventurer. Upgraded tires and Wheels to 4500lb Cap. Don’t really want to go the DRW route.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Oct 22, 2019
    Good to hear. Are you going to change the front?

    I wonder what a stock F450 sway bar measures. Not that I think I need one.

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