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Should the camper be on the truck when adjusting a Hellwig sway bar. I have unloaded my camper and just noticed the bar is facing way down and was level with it on.
The Hellwig instructions say adjust bar with the weight of the vehicle on the suspension but it does not specify having the weight of the camper on the suspension. So what did you guys with Hellwigs do?
The sway bar is essentially inert when the truck is level side-to-side. AFAIK, it shouldn’t make any difference for the installation if the truck is loaded or not.
However, there’s probably better access for installation if the truck is empty.
My bar is pointed way down right now with the camper unloaded. So much so that it looks like it could snag something. It just doesn't look right. However, it was level with the camper on. I would not think that you would have to readjust every time you unloaded your camper which for me would not be that often , but still I wouldn't want to do it.
I adjust mine about level with the truck and honestly never paid any attention after that. Just looking at the ends now with a flashlight, it looks like it is pointed slightly down with our camper on, but I don’t think it really changes that much. I have mine set on the middle hole where the hourglasses attach.
I think I adjusted my strut rods to make the swaybar level with the camper on it and so they point a bit upward when unloaded. Better than having anything hanging down waiting to catch on something loaded or unloaded. Also I am using the most inside hole for connection point. Works good for my use, keeps load tight and controlled.
Installed mine on the previous 2018 F350 with camper off. For this installation there would have been pre-loaded tension on the bar due to the adjusters were bolted to the frame and the axle tubes had the camper been on. I could see if it were installed with the camper weight that it would point in an odd direction when taken off. Re-read the install instructions and it doesn't mention anything about having weight in the bed or not.
I raised mine to have the most clearance when the camper is loaded. The bar is even with the bottom of the gear housing when unloaded and exactly flat when loaded.
The camera angle is high and makes it look lower than it is. The gear housing will hit the object first and I haven’t had any snags happen on the bar.
I worry more about wire and plastic wrap screwing up the drive train. Cost me when pallet wrap got sucked up on the drive shaft and ruined the rear seal. If you really get off road skip the bar and put on heavy duty leaf springs to lessen the sway.
I actually mounted my Hellwig upside down and made an offset beside the smallish muffler and the bar shape kicks out beside the gas tank now.
I made my own frame mounts, and my axle clamps have the Hellwig supplied 1/2-20 U-bolts plus I welded a muffler U-bolt saddle beside the Hellwig ones that use 3/8" U-bolts that just aid in preventing slipping, as I tucked the bar forward just a little so the bar itself misses my exhaust after I lowered the truck 2"
I tried several adjustments but now, once it was finalized, I added to the links some gussets to reinforce them where they are offset.
Hellwig says to adjust with weight on the vehicle because that's how it sits 99% of the time on the road. Clearing on bumps, dips, articulation have to be considered too though.
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