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Old 11-10-2016, 09:23 AM   #1
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Hellwig or not?

I am curious - how can I tell whether I have the Hellwig sway bar installed or not?
Its a Forester 2401 W built July 2017 - but it does not have the decal "Hellwig equipped"on the side like all the others. What do I look for to see the difference between stock and Hellwig?

Not complaining about the handling - it handles as good or bad (I think really good) as my 2013 Solera which did not have it.....

Thanks for any hint what to look for!
Hans
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Old 11-10-2016, 10:36 AM   #2
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This post has a couple of pics:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post953092

The Hellwig bar is quite a bit thicker than the OEM bar and, as I recall, the mounting straps are quite different as well.

Dave
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Old 11-10-2016, 12:00 PM   #3
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Hans - hard to judge sway bar diameter without something to compare to, but as Dave said the brackets are VERY different. If your brackets look like those in post #370 in the thread Dave referenced, you have the Helwig bar.
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Old 11-14-2016, 02:10 PM   #4
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Finally was able to crawl underneath - I guess that is a Hellwig. Any experts can confirm please?
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Old 11-14-2016, 02:13 PM   #5
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And Joshua - if that is indeed a Hellwig swaybar, is there a way to get that decal "Hellwig Equipped"- I do not have it on my coach which was built July 2016....
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Old 11-14-2016, 02:32 PM   #6
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Hans - I do not believe that is a Hellwig bar. The clamps look like the Mercedes clamps. The Hellwig clamps look like the ones in the post referenced above, and use special Allen Wrench bolts (not the six sided bolts in your pictures).
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Old 11-14-2016, 02:59 PM   #7
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Thanks Jleising - that is strange, I thought all MBS come now standard equipped with the Hellwig swaybar....no wonder that I did not feel any difference between my Solera and the Forester! And no decal.....
I hope a factory representative will chime in ......
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Old 11-14-2016, 04:12 PM   #8
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Quote:
that is strange, I thought all MBS come now standard equipped with the Hellwig swaybar....no wonder that I did not feel any difference between my Solera and the Forester! And no decal.....
I hope a factory representative will chime in ......
When I bought 2016 FR MBS 2401R. Sell person said Mercedes told Forest river not to install Hellwig sway bar on 2017 and on any more.
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Old 11-14-2016, 04:29 PM   #9
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Not sure it's related, but a bracket on my Hellwig failed (see my post #358 in the Hellwig string: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-42197-36.html). Hellwig quickly replaced the broken bracket - but I never re-installed. Not enough difference, to me.
Also several reports of "clunking noise" with the Hellwig bar.
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Old 11-14-2016, 10:24 PM   #10
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The 2017 Sunseeker brochure still lists the Hellwig sway bar as standard for the MBS

http://www.forestriverinc.com/brochu...erbrochure.pdf
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Old 11-16-2016, 01:04 PM   #11
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It seems my problem is solved thru (as usual) great costumer support frm FR.
For all who are interested the MBS comes (again) with the Hellwig installed....
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Old 12-08-2016, 11:48 AM   #12
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Hellwig swaybar and install kit came yesterday, installed today - easier than I thought. Test drive will be in 10 days...

Now I really would like to get that "Hellwig equipped" sticker! Can any FR representative help??
Hans
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Old 12-08-2016, 12:21 PM   #13
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I'm confused

Quote:
Originally Posted by Loefflerh View Post
Hellwig swaybar and install kit came yesterday, installed today - easier than I thought. Test drive will be in 10 days...

Now I really would like to get that "Hellwig equipped" sticker! Can any FR representative help??
Hans
So let me see if I understand. The brochure you saw when you bought/ordered your Forester MBS indicated the Helwig sway bar was standard equipment. Your MBS actually did not have the Helwig installed. FR provided you with equipment that was supposed to be installed, you had to install it yourself and for some reason, you are pleased with FR customer service?

If true, it doesn't surprise me that FR and the other manufacturers get away with so much.
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Old 12-08-2016, 05:01 PM   #14
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It wasn't FR, it was MB.

And btw - takes longer to drive 30 miles one way to the dealer, wait, drive back than to loosen 6 bolts, get the old one out and stick the Hellwig in with 6 bolts.
FR immediately responded (within hours)and offered a solution which was ok with me.
Hans
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Old 12-08-2016, 09:38 PM   #15
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I'm still confused

Quote:
Originally Posted by Loefflerh View Post
It wasn't FR, it was MB.

And btw - takes longer to drive 30 miles one way to the dealer, wait, drive back than to loosen 6 bolts, get the old one out and stick the Hellwig in with 6 bolts.
FR immediately responded (within hours)and offered a solution which was ok with me.
Hans
MB does not install nor warrant the Helwig sway bar. FR installs them at the factory, but you indicated it was not installed on your Forester.

So where/how did MB mess up and how exactly did FR "fix" an MB issue?
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Old 12-09-2016, 08:01 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raptor View Post
When I bought 2016 FR MBS 2401R. Sell person said Mercedes told Forest river not to install Hellwig sway bar on 2017 and on any more.
Enough said.
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Old 12-09-2016, 08:48 PM   #17
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Ok, got it

Quote:
Originally Posted by Loefflerh View Post
Enough said.
Reminds me of the line given for the lack of a battery boost switch on the Forester MBS and Solera "Mercedes won't let us (FR) tie into the chassis battery".

Then the Dynamax Isata 3 (Forest River product on MBS chassis) shows up with the same battery control center and a battery boost switch. Oops, never mind.

So I'm sure some sales rep at some dealership has the inside scoop on what MB is telling FR.
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Old 03-24-2017, 06:02 PM   #18
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I'm guessing then that this is a Hellwig:
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Old 03-24-2017, 06:20 PM   #19
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Aftermarket for sure, most likely Hellwig. Clamps held on with Allen-head screws is Hellwig "signature" vs stock.
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Old 03-24-2017, 07:36 PM   #20
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Yes , that's a hellwig sway bar.
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