RAS vs Hellwig helpers

Been looking at the RAS hd kit, and the hellwig helper spring kit for my 2018 Tundra double cab.
These two type of system both essentially do the same thing, help with sag and payload, but the ras works on the back half of the leaf while the hellwigs disperses evenly accross the whole leaf..which is better and why?

Carrying a 6hole metal dog box mounted to the bed full time plus gear and dogs...
Just want to help with sag and load, stiffen it up a bit.

 

I like my RAS. No noise, easy to adjust.

The Hellwig is cheaper, install a set and let us know!

 

So funny thing is my old 2002 standard cab 8ft bed tundra has the box on it now and all I did was add a 100$ single leaf and a hellwig kit. Its handled the setup great for 5yrs, absolute no sag with box on it, (still keeps factory height) and doesnt squat loaded with 6 dogs loaded too and gear...
I've been impressed with the hellwig kit on my 2002 but since I'm about to upgrade to the 2018 tundra just bought, all I've been reading on here is these RAS kits?! Just wondering if one has pros and cons vs the other..

 

Depends which kit he goes with from Hellwig, ones sub 200 the other just under 500.

OP, haven't heard anything about these kits from Hellwig, but they have a good reputation for their other products. The RAS HD has the ability of adjustability where the Hellwig kit looks to be non-adjustable.

 

Thanks for the reply fellas.. so on my 02 tundra the hellwig kit I bought you can adjust the "firmness" or "load leveling" by tightening these u bolt looking clamps. Tighten more for stiffer/more weight, less for softer/less weight.
I wish I had a pic of it but it's down at my shop right now..its a nest little design. The main difference I can tell is it disperses the weight accross the front middle and rear of the leaf pack, kinda across the entire leaf it that makes any sense..
These RAS kits look like they use the back half of the leafs geometry to get the same effect, either way they seem to do about the same thing..lol

Ps, here's the new 2018 tundra the box is going on

 

Ah good to know that about the Hellwig system. I couldn't figure out how to get more info without downloading their pdfs and their posted info is pretty bare bones.

If you are a fan of their system, I'm a sucker for sticking with what I know lol

 

I wouldn't really worry about the whole "it only loads the back half of the spring" thing. Enough of them are out there and working well with any issues.

From what i see, the Hellwigs are simpler, but the RAS is easier to install (no removing the u-bolts). Supposedly RAS does not contact the frame limiting up travel, so i assume the same out of the hellwigs too.

 

Thanks for the reply I've read this forum all over and here nothing but good things about the RAS kits, and I've had great experience with the Hellwig kit also.

The hellwig kit does require you to unbolt the ubolts from the axle, the RAS kit doesnt which is a plus to some people I'm sure.
But if I'm gonna throw in another leaf I could just throw on the hellwig kit while I'm in there.

With 120k on these rear leaf packs, once I throw this box on im sure they're gonna need a extra leaf for help. Can anyone reccomend a nice basic single leaf to throw in there? I've also heard about these icon rxt complete leaf packs..they seem like a possible good idea for helping the rear cover all this weight also..thoughts on the rxts?

Definitely thinking im gonna add some bilstein 5100 or 5160s to the rear to help also.

Thanks for the replys!

 

Check out HotShotOffroad, and our vendor @memario1214. He sells leaf packs and shocks. He sometimes has things besides what is on the website so feel free to talk to him about what you want. He is great to work with.

https://hotshotoffroad.com/collections/14-21-tundra-leaf-packs-add-a-leaf-blocks

 

Another option… buy my RAS HD, I’ll buy the hellwigs and let ya know which is better

 

Beware, my understanding is them double cab beds don't sit on any support at the front. Might be something you should look into before planning to load it. Good luck!

 

2mchfun can you elaborate what you mean the beds dont sit on anything at the front?
What should I be looking for?
Thanks

 

Also RobertD, checked the hotshotoffroad.com site, and found amit of nice products! I'll be reaching out

 

He's active on here and responsive to questions (memario1214). I've enjoyed working with him and his prices tend to be some of the best out there. Good luck to you sir!

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/cracked-pinch-welds-under-bed.107934/

 

Wow after reading that thread it sure has me concerned about the bed rails supporting weight.
I'm no engineer or mechanic, but I've been known "rig/macgyver" some things.. has anyone just filled this gap with a block/wedge or some sort and welded it in?
Seems like something can be mounted on the driver side front to help support it..I can't be the only one who thought about this when I saw and read this post?

Thanks, Jeff