Stability Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles

Large vehicles tend to be harder to handle for a variety of reasons. The center of gravity in trucks and RVs is often considerably higher, resulting in decreased stability. Distribution of weight may be unequal - think of a pickup loaded down with cargo in the rear, or a motor home with cabinets and appliances weighing down one side. This can create an unstable ride even during straight-line movement, let alone during cornering. Merely having greater size and mass makes a vehicle less aerodynamic and more susceptible to crosswinds as well. So what can be done to counter these issues?

Roadmaster and Blue Ox both have developed lines of suspension enhancement products that are designed to combat these all-too-common problems. Each item is customized to fit your vehicle and work with its stock suspension. Not only do these products complement your current system, they are also guaranteed not to interfere with it or with most popular aftermarket add-ons. Therefore, these enhancement products will not affect your vehicle warranty.

Do you need suspension enhancement?

Take a look at the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, then you should consider a suspension enhancement product.

Does your vehicle rock from side to side, especially when taking corners?
Is it difficult to keep your vehicle in the lane?
Do you experience loose steering or, in general, feel as though you are not in control of your vehicle?
Are you physically exhausted after driving for a prolonged period of time?
Do you find yourself oversteering and veering into other lanes when your wheels land in ruts or rough patches?
Does your vehicle rock back and forth due to crosswinds or passing trucks?

Benefits of Suspension Enhancement

All of these suspension enhancement products are engineered from high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting, superior functioning components. But they also work to keep your vehicle operating at its best for the long haul. No matter which product you choose, you will notice:

Improved handling with more driver control
Reduced driver fatigue
Improved tire and tread life
Less wear and tear on the suspension
A safer, more comfortable driving experience

Which suspension product is right for me?

Now that you know that your vehicle would benefit from suspension enhancement, it's time to determine which product is best suited for your particular needs. Please note, these products can be used together for maximum benefit on many vehicles.

Anti-Sway Bar

If your primary concern is reducing the side-to-side movement of your vehicle to gain greater control over it, or if you experience excessive body roll when cornering, then Roadmaster's Anti-Sway Bar is your best bet. Benefits of this stabilizing product include:

Reducing sway and body roll, especially while cornering
Diminishing effects of crosswinds, passing motorists and shifting cargo
Improving handling to create a more steady, controlled ride
Compensating for a high center of gravity by balancing the weight of your vehicle across the length of its axles
Creating a more level ride, even on irregular surfaces

Many large vehicles have anti-sway bars from the factory, but Roadmaster has created a more effective system. Each anti-sway bar is made of cadmium-plated 4140 chromoly steel that is stronger and thicker than the standard 1020 steel bars that tend to come from the factory. On average, these bars are approximately 30 percent better at reducing sway than the competition. Polyurethane bushings and grommets are used at the attachment points to create pivot points that are neither so rigid nor so malleable as to become ineffective. These durable bushings outlast traditional rubber ones and permit less flex between the anti-roll bar and the vehicle frame, creating a stronger, more reliable system.

Roadmaster Hardware versus Competitor's Hardware Image

Axle Stabilizers

A track rod is your best choice for improving the basic handling characteristics of your vehicle. If you find that your steering often feels loose and uncontrolled, and your vehicle seems to wander into other lanes or veer when you hit potholes and ruts, then this product is for you. Track rods help correct excessive axle side play, which will reduce:

Loose, uncontrolled steering
Sway resulting from crosswinds and passing motorists
Excessive vibration

The design of these stabilizers is quite simple. Attach the durable steel rod to your vehicle's axle at one end and then to its chassis at the other to create a sturdy link between the two vehicle components. This connection serves to essentially hold your vehicle's axle in place, steadying it in normal driving situations and, more importantly, on uneven terrain.

There are 2 different types of track rods available:

Roadmaster's Davis TruTrac
- Attaches to the front axle
- Reduces rut tracking, keeping your vehicle from veering onto uneven patches of pavement
Blue Ox's TigerTrak
- Attaches to the rear axle
- Minimizes rear-end sway and "tail wag" to keep your vehicle in line and under your control

Steering Stabilizers

If you find yourself constantly oversteering and working to keep your vehicle in line and you're certain that if you were to blow out a front tire you would completely lose control of your vehicle, then you need a steering stabilizer. This is not exactly a suspension enhancement product, but it helps correct some of the same problems that the anti-sway and track bars are designed to correct. In addition to simply keeping your steering firm, a stabilizer will:

Minimize wander and loose steering for a more controlled ride
Return your vehicle to center when you hit potholes, uneven pavement or in the event of a tire blowout
Reduce oversteering by dampening the rapid steering movement that occurs when you try to quickly correct

Roadmaster's Steering Stabilizer attaches to your vehicle's steering tie rod on one end, and to its frame on the other, creating a tight connection between the two components that keeps steering firm and controlled. The tempered steel spring on the outside of the stabilizer constantly works to maintain its natural state, pulling back into shape when it's stretched and pushing out again when compressed. This action causes your vehicle to return to center no matter how you steer or how the frame is pushed or pulled.

Roadmaster Steering Stabilizer Under Vehicle Image

Blue Ox's TruCenter functions in much the same way, but with one additional, unique feature. This stabilizer has an in-cab, push-button control that lets you manually adjust the tension for a perfect ride. Simply press the button, steer into the most comfortable, controlled, centered position, and release. The TruCenter applies just the right amount of pressure for your vehicle to maintain that desired positioning, keeping it in line for the duration.

Updated By: Jacob J

Last Updated:01/29/2024

Explore Expert Info

on Anti-Sway Bars

Videos

for Anti-Sway Bars

Help Articles

for Anti-Sway Bars

Expert Answers

for Anti-Sway Bars

Choosing the Right Vehicle Suspension Upgrades

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Rear Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers Review

RM Reflex Steering Stabilizer w Mount Brackets for Class C M: The Breakdown

Choosing the Right Swaybar Upgrades

Installing the Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit on a 2024 Ford Bronco

Ultimate Overview of the Roadmaster TruTrac Front-Axle Trac Rod for Large Trucks and RVs

Pacbrake Alpha Air Bag Suspension Kit Review and Comparison

Installing the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms on a 2024 Ford Bronco

Review of Pacbrake Vehicle Suspension - Alpha HD Rear Axle Double Convoluted Air Bags - PB49RV

B&W Tow & Stow 3-Ball Mount Test Fit - 2025 GMC Sierra 2500

Review of Trimax Locks Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - Aluminum HD Adj 2 Ball 2-1/2 Inch Hitch - TMX97QR

Hellwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar Step-By-Step Installation - 2024 Ford E-Series Cutaway

RV Sway Control, Stabilization, and Suspension Enhancement

How to Mount a Truck Bed Camper

Performance Chips and Modules

Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)

Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV

30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?

My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit

The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy

Best RV Roof Vents

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

Steering Stabilizer that Fits 2005 Tiffin Allegro Bay34

Hey Warren, the correct steering stabilizer you need for your 2005 Tiffin Allegro Bay34 is the Roadmaster part #RM88RR based on your chassis and GVWR. Have you done any other suspension modifications to your RV?

view full answer...

Comparing Pacbrake to Firestone and Air Lift Air Bags

Hey Micah! Pacbrake has actually been around for a long time, more than 60 years. We have had customers ask for these air bags in the past, and we've seen them on vehicles coming in. Until now, Firestone has been the go to since their quality is…

view full answer...

What is Correct Monitor Replacement for Voyager VOM-784CT

Hey Jerrie, the current wiring of your Voyager system could be reused so that you could replace the monitor you have. The correct monitor replacement would be the part #VO34FR.

view full answer...

Hitch extensions over 18 inches aren't very common because of the stress and torque they put on the trailer hitch and vehicle frame. For a 30 inch extension, the first place we will want to start is with your truck's trailer hitch. In order…

view full answer...

Will the Curt Gooseneck Hitch #C60642 Install in a Different Spot Than the B&W #BWGNRK1020?

Hello Nick, The Hitch ball for the Curt #C60642 will sit above or slightly forward of the rear truck axle. I attached 2 pictures of the underbody of the 2022 GMC Sierra, as you can see that the Curt #C60642 sits in the same spot as the B&W…

view full answer...

Which Sway Bars are Better for 2022 Ford F-350 Hellwig or Roadmaster

Hey Matt, so the biggest difference between the Hellwig and Roadmaster sway bars that fit your 2022 Ford F-350 is the diameter of them which is what directly influences how stiff they are. The Hellwigs are a smaller diameter than the Roadmaster so…

view full answer...

Looking to Add Roadmaster Comfort Ride and MORryde X-Factor Crossmember, are Wet Bolts Compatible?

Hello Brandon, You're putting together a great combo for your 2022 Crossroads Zinger 280RB with the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Suspension Kit #RM-2460-2560, and the MORryde X-Factor Crossmember #MR33WR. These two upgrades complement each other…

view full answer...

Hey Frank. The SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket item #SS26MV you were looking at are going to take some of the bounce out of your trailer's suspension. They will smooth out your ride as they essentially act like shock…

view full answer...

Can MORryde X-Factor and Roadmaster Comfort Ride Systems be Installed Together?

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! Yes, the MORryde X-Factor Crossmember for Standard Frame Hangers #MR33WR can be installed with the Roadmaster Comfort Ride #RM-2460-2570. Just as long as the X-Factor is installed on either of the end hangers as…

view full answer...

Front Mount Hitch Installation with a Western Snow Plow

It all depends if the plow on your 2019 Ford F250 uses the mounting locations that the EcoHitch does. The EcoHitch #306-X7904 will bolt under the frame rails but will sit inside your frame. As long as they don't interfere you will be good to go.…

view full answer...

Will The Air Lift 7500 XL AL83DQ Air Bags Fit A 2025 Ford F350 Crew Cab Dually With FX4 Package?

Good question, Todd! I spoke with Air Lift and the LoadLifter 7500 XL #AL83DQ will have no issues working on a 2025 Ford F350 Crew Cab Dually with the FX4 package. Have you considered an sir compressor system as well? They aren't completely…

view full answer...

What Is The Inside Flange Width Of The TowSmart Trailer Hitch TS46VR?

Hey Matt, thanks for reaching out. I took a walk out to our warehouse and measured the TowSmart Trailer Hitch #TS46VR. I measured 2-7/8" between the mounting flanges. I snapped a picture for you too. This TowSmart #TS46VR is a custom fit hitch…

view full answer...