I only use my '06 RAM 2500 TD for towing. It otherwise stays in the garage. I tow a fiver rv and am curious if the Firestone Ride-Rite air bags will do the same trick as a Hellwig rear stabilizer bar for better stability of the truck in crosswinds. I ahve heard that the stabilzer bar will make it worsen the ride when empty. I figure it they both can accomplish the same thing, I'd go with the bags which would then offer me better load leveling, etc. Thanks. PCM.

 

Is the Hellwig a sway bar? If so, no, the bags won't do the same job. As long as the mounts don't interfere with each other you can run both.

 

They work excellent together.

 

Best of both worlds right there. I bet that carries a load well!

 

So if all I'm trying to acheive is more cross wind stability, don't bother with the air bags??? PCM

 

Yeah, that's more the job of the sway bar. Although independently plumbed air bags may help, also. But I'd definitely start with a sway bar.

 

I have the rear hellwig and It does not hurt the ride. The Sway bar really helps on mountain roads. I believe it saved my life while traveling from Angel Fire to Taos. A dodge pulling a 5er was about 18 inches on my side of the line coming around the curve. He ducked down but I was able to adjust and maintain control. The rear bar even helps towing. I added the bar because I could not keep up with my friends duramax dually on mountain roads while towing. Now I can maintain the center of my lane better than he can and I have a shortbed.

If you only travel in the flatlands, then you do not need the bar.

 

Since I live in FL, I'd feel say to say I only tow in the flatlands! We do get a lot of wind around here - especially this time of year. I feel it the crosswinds with the fiver. Steering is straight on, but you feel almost a rocking motion with the crosswind gusts. Do you think a sway bar will help this? PCM

 

Independently plumbed airbags do an amazing job of sway control, thou I have never run a swaybar.

The bags provide multiple benefits as well... improved steering, lighting, and pinion angle...

 

I do not know. I have not had a wind problem before or after installing the rear sway bar.

 

I have kelderman air ride in the rear, would the sway bar help? I plan on using the helliwig 4 leaf overloads, I really want the most rock solid towing platform i can get. I have a 1967 travel queen cab over, sits on my flatbed about a foot taller than a normal truck bed, so its quit the shoe box going down the freeway, and im in NorCal, huge grades, very windy.

 

The airbags offer the most overall control & stability for towing compared to a sway bar.

A set of premium shocks will also help with ride control.

Airbags should always be plumbed independent in the rear. A common line will make your roll worse in a sidewind. As the leeward side compresses it fills the windward side more causing more roll.

 

Decesions decesions.....I am enclined to put the Ride-Rites on the truck. At this point, I don't need them for weight. Since I rarely drive the truck solo, maybe I'd have more benefit from the bags. Again, I'm looking for stability from crosswinds while towing. IF (IF) the bags will provide that, I will do them as opposed to the bar. PCM

 

I live where wind IS a major factor in towing, I installed the Ride Rites and am VERY satisfied with they way they increased wind stability. I also drive in a lot of mountaneous terrain, sudden high crosswinds, constant tight turns up/down hills, etc - the Ride Rites have put the word PLEASURE back into driving.

I looked long and hard at the decision between the two, glad I chose the ride rites first. I bet there would be sufficient reasons to actually have them both.

CD

 

Have you contacted Kelderman to find out what they recommend?