RAS Vs Hellwig Vs Both
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
RAS Vs Hellwig Vs Both
I have an 03 ex with a 6L PSD and I'm in the process of getting a new travel trailer, 30Ft Outback, and was looking for some advise on gaining a little more stability on the road. I'm bringing the Ex in the shop for new ball joints this week and figured while it was there I would also get either the Hellwig, RAS or Both. Is it really necessary for both or will one due.
Thanks
Thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
How heavy is the tongue weight on your trailer?
I found that when I only had about 900#'s of tongue weight on my old trailer...the Hellwig ALONE was all I needed on my Ex for it to tow flawlessly.
However when I stepped into my new TT that has 1100-1200#'s of tongue weight...I found that I had more sag in the rear of my Ex than I liked (~3") so I went with the RAS to add some rear spring capacity and lessen the sag.
There are a few folks on here that have experimented with RAS ONLY. If I remember right...those that have tried just the RAS are happy with the performance/stability.
Regardless of which way you go...it is critical that you have a WD hitch with properly sized spring bars for your tongue weight. Also it is critical that you have some type of sway control over and above the typical friction bar (my opinion). Also it is imperitive that you visit a CAT scale to insure your WD system is set up properly.
So to answer your direct question...if your tongue weight is under 900#'s...I'd go Hellwig first if it is over 900#'s I'd go RAS first but regardless...make sure your WD is sized properly and verified set up right via a scale.
Good luck,
joe.
I found that when I only had about 900#'s of tongue weight on my old trailer...the Hellwig ALONE was all I needed on my Ex for it to tow flawlessly.
However when I stepped into my new TT that has 1100-1200#'s of tongue weight...I found that I had more sag in the rear of my Ex than I liked (~3") so I went with the RAS to add some rear spring capacity and lessen the sag.
There are a few folks on here that have experimented with RAS ONLY. If I remember right...those that have tried just the RAS are happy with the performance/stability.
Regardless of which way you go...it is critical that you have a WD hitch with properly sized spring bars for your tongue weight. Also it is critical that you have some type of sway control over and above the typical friction bar (my opinion). Also it is imperitive that you visit a CAT scale to insure your WD system is set up properly.
So to answer your direct question...if your tongue weight is under 900#'s...I'd go Hellwig first if it is over 900#'s I'd go RAS first but regardless...make sure your WD is sized properly and verified set up right via a scale.
Good luck,
joe.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,678
Likes: 2
From: Rapid City SD
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Vero Beach, FL
I'll be the contrarian...
First, to disagree slightly with cficare, they ARE designed for different primary purposes, but I would submit that the RAS performs some sway control as a secondary function.
If I were in your shoes (which, in fact, I was, not that long ago), I would go RAS first. RAS increases spring rate like a helper spring (only when you need it), which helps reduce rear-end sag (which the sway bar won't). It also helps with reduce sway, by increasing the spring rate. It may not be as effective as the sway bar, but in my case, I found that the RAS provided improved ride stability that I'm very happy with.
Granted, I'm not towing a monster trailer, but my approach was to buy the RAS first, and see if it did what I wanted, and added stability, avoiding the need for the sway bar. I can GUARANTEE you that the reverse order will NOT do anything to reduce rear-end sag.
I guess it all depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
First, to disagree slightly with cficare, they ARE designed for different primary purposes, but I would submit that the RAS performs some sway control as a secondary function.
If I were in your shoes (which, in fact, I was, not that long ago), I would go RAS first. RAS increases spring rate like a helper spring (only when you need it), which helps reduce rear-end sag (which the sway bar won't). It also helps with reduce sway, by increasing the spring rate. It may not be as effective as the sway bar, but in my case, I found that the RAS provided improved ride stability that I'm very happy with.
Granted, I'm not towing a monster trailer, but my approach was to buy the RAS first, and see if it did what I wanted, and added stability, avoiding the need for the sway bar. I can GUARANTEE you that the reverse order will NOT do anything to reduce rear-end sag.
I guess it all depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Misky6.0
Excursion - King of SUVs
68
Jun 13, 2011 05:57 PM