Which Hellwig Anti-Sway Bars Should Be Installed on a 2022 Entegra Odyssey 26D

Question:

I have an 22 Entegra Odyssey 26D. The OEM installed EZ-Drive package list Helwig Helper springs and Standard front and rear stabilizer bars. I experience quite a bit of sway and push when passed by semi-trucks and gusty winds. I think that the Helwig HE78RR would be a significant improvement, providing some stiffness to the rear and would help resist the push when being passed, and believe that the priority would be rear sway bar first followed by front if Im still not satisfied. Will the Hellwig helper springs interfere with the installation of a replacement sway bar?

asked by: Robert S

Expert Reply:

Hey Robert, thanks for reaching out!

You are correct that you'll want to install the rear Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar # HE78RR first on your '22 Entegra Odyssey 26D, and then if you still need more help you can install the front Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar # HE26GR. You'll see a bigger difference with the rear bar replacement than you will with the front which is why we recommend changing out the rear first.

Some additional upgrades you might be interested in for the the future are a steering stabilizer and some suspension enhancement. If you end up wanting to add these here are the parts I recommend:

- Steering Stabilizer # RM-RBK24-RSSC
- Rear Suspension Enhancement # SSR-106-47-1
- Front Suspension Enhancement # SSF-106-47

expert reply by: Jon G

Robert

4/23/2024

Jon G, Thanks for the info. I have another question, after looking into the suspension enhancement kits. Roll can be controlled two ways - more spring in the anti-sway bar, or Suspension Enhancement. I see that you recommended Sumo springs. Would these be the right first step rather than replacing the anti-sway bars? My MH rides pretty low in the back, and while I have weighed the MH and have ~ 5000 lbs on the front, it feels as if the front is light when loaded and while I'm in control, it just feels loose. In dry load condition (Storage bins full, no food or personal belongings loaded, ~ 80 lbs of water in tank) the distance between the rear bump stop and axel is ~ 4.25", with ~ 6.5" between frame and axel. What is the unloaded height of the Sumo or Timbren spring? For RV applications they should be in contact with the axel when unloaded, so if the spring is any higher than 6.5" it will start to carry the load and should help with the angle that the MH is sitting, lowering the front slightly. The helper springs installed by OEM are definitely compressed, and the ride is pretty stiff, and I'm beginning to think if I'm working with a limited budget fixing the rear sag, reducing the rough ride bounce (and a modest increase in roll reduction) may be a better approach. If I am still not satisfied with the sway and handling when passed by Semi trucks, the sway bar would be a logical alternative. Thoughts? Robert

Jon G.

4/23/2024

@Robert Thanks for the follow up! The black spring in the kit I referenced above is 7" tall so it will start to carry the load like you mentioned. The best first thing to add is the rear anti-sway bar, but your idea isn't bad, especially since you said you're needing some suspension help anyways - I say go for it!

Robert

4/24/2024

Jon G. Thanks - I can't use the Sumo spring kit as I already have helper springs above the axle. I would need to use the Timbren - they replace the bump stops and are clear of the helper springs. Same question applies - what is the uncompress height of the Timbren assembly? Thanks! Robert

Jon G.

4/24/2024

@Robert The spring itself for the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System # TFERSD is 5-1/4" tall, but if installs on a bracket that measures 1-5/8" tall. So altogether you're looking at 6-7/8" tall when everything is put together. The Timbren instructions state that motorhomes will have constant contact with the spring when installed so no gap is just fine for your application.