Anti-sway bars are a seldom discussed but critical safety feature of modern RVs. They are essential for ensuring a safe and smooth ride, particularly for heavier and larger profile models. Hellwig and Roadmaster are some of the most renowned brands in the industry.
They have impressive reputations, and both offer very similar sway bar systems. Understanding the differences between these two product offerings can be very challenging. Therefore, this article has compiled all of the most significant differences to consider to guarantee any diligent RV owner makes the best possible choice.
Sway Bar
Sway bars are not standard features on typical cars. However, more significant, heavier vehicles such as RVs require them as an integral safety feature. In essence, the metal bar connects two axles to ensure their suspension components experience the same forces on the vehicle during corners and dynamic terrain.
Effectively this reasonable simple metal bar ensures that a vehicle does not sway and cause it to tip over. As expected, taller and heavier vehicles like RVs are exposed to greater forces which makes them a crucial feature of these complex constructions.
Comparison Table
Understanding the differences between these relatively similar products can be a difficult task. This is particularly true for those who are inexperienced at sourcing vehicle parts, who will quickly appreciate the difficult task it can be.
Therefore, the comparison table below has been created to best illustrate the precise differences between these two brands’ products:
| Features | Hellwig | Roadmaster |
| Price | Approx $500 | Approx $700 |
| Parts Helpline | No | Yes |
| RV Standard Feature | Often Used by manufacturers | Not used by RV manufacturers |
| Installation | Works with existing holes | New holes required |
| Front and Rear | Yes – Both recommended | Yes |
Hellwig VS Roadmaster Sway Bar
1. Price
As with every investment in significant purchases like RVs price is a key consideration at every stage. RVs are one of the biggest investments anyone will make other than a traditional home in their lifetime. RV owners tend to have a great love and affection for their mobile homes on wheels that rightfully take great pride in their possession.
Therefore, it is evident that enthusiasts are conscience of the ongoing investments in their RV. As we are all well aware, price does not always denote quality. Therefore, it is critical to consider all of the price parameters.
As illustrated by the comparison table, it is evident that the Roadmaster is priced at a significantly higher bracket compared to the Hellwig. It is significant to understand that these prices do vary and that they are an estimate of their overall range.
However, often both a rear and front sidebar is required for an RV which effectively doubles the prices above. Generally speaking, more economically conscience buyers should opt for the Hellwig, which will generally be priced at a lower bracket and perform the same job.
2. Parts Helpline
Purchasing products for an RV can be somewhat of a minefield. There is an ever-growing number of permutations and configurations of vehicle and RV constructions that are increasingly complex and bespoke.
Essentially it means that part requirements are becoming more niche where even the same model of RV may require different parts depending on the year of manufacturing. Although both companies have customer helplines, it is the Roadmaster brand that offers a dedicated line for part finding for customers’ specific requirements.
This is an extremely useful resource, particularly for customers who are not as well acquainted with the intricacies of vehicle component installation.
This resource is even more impressive due to the comparative size of the roadmaster business. It is a much smaller operation compared to Hellwig, illistrating their commitment to meeting their customer’s needs.
3. RV Standard Feature
As previously mentioned, the Hellwig brand is significantly more complex and larger in capacity and reach compared to the Roadmaster. Their ease of accessibility in the market and their reputation as a dependable brand have made them a standard factory feature for many RV manufacturing firms.
These anti-sway bars have been integrated into the manufacturing process, which is a testament to their value to the end user. It is unclear whether it is cost, quality or value which has contibuted to manufacturers using these so regularly.
4. Installation Process
Due to their abundance in the RV industry, it is evident that the Hellwig brand has deliberately manufactured their anti-sway to be easily integrated into a range of typical RV models. They have expertly designed their components to fit within the numerous pre-existing spaces within a number of vehicle subframes.
This ensures a smoother installation process both for manufacturers but also private owners who can easily install these critical safety features at home. Ease of installation is an enormous benefit to users who can follow the detailed installation instruction, saving them hundreds of dollars in labour costs in the process.
Alternatively, the Roadmaster is less effective at universal integration. Although it will naturally fit into some models, many will require additional holes to be cut into the vehicle’s suspension system.
This is not only a difficult and precarious process, but it may also void the warranty of many RVs. This is a serious drawback of the Roadmaster that transcends its association as a robust and dependable brand.
5. Front and Rear Suspension Required
The suspension system in RVs incorporates dedicated load springs or hydraulics to deal with the undulation terrain they experience. Typically, RVs have a 4-wheel set-up, all of which contribute to the risk of excessive swaying, which can ultimately have devastating effects.
In many circumstances, the majority of the RVs weight is positioned at the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, most would recommend that anti-sway bars are installed on the rear axle for the most effctive initial results.
This is the recommendation of Roadmaster, who notes that although they have both front and rear available, often the rear is the only necessary option. This is a testament to their trust in the quality of their product which has been designed to function very efficiently.
However, the Hellwig brand is more committed to recommending that both front and rear axel anti-roll bars are used in conjunction. It is difficult to ascertain if this is a marketing ploy to get more money or if it is due to an inferior quality product.
There have been customer reviews of their products that have stated that using the rear bar is more than enough to enjoy a smoother driving experience.
Conclusion
Both Hellwig and Roadmaster offer excellent quality anti-sway bars for the RV industry. It is easy to see why they have such unrelentingly positive reputations. However, there are some key differences to observe, particularly for inexperienced buyers.
As highlighted throughout this article, there are some crucial differences which should be considered when making such a large investment. But, in either case, you can rest assured that once installed they will perform well and allow a more smoother and enjoyable driving experience.
