Forum Discussion

Likes_to_tow's avatar
Dec 23, 2018

Anyone install shocks on their trailer??

There are a few kits out there now to install shocks on trailers. Seems like a fairly easy job. The one I seem to like best is by Joyride Shock System which apparently is now bought out by Roadmaster
Inc. Has anyone done this to their trailer? Were there any problems?? Lots of people have reported broken springs and shocks would have to help. It would be helpful for anyone to share their experiences or brand names.
  • I replaced my OEM Shock with Joyriders last year. GREAT ride improvement and usually much less onboard disturbances. Also added Supersprings to my RAM tow vehicle this Fall and now towing is much softer (as is the unloaded ride) - Per the August (?) Trailer Life article. I strongly recommend BOTH!
  • I believe that Monroe still makes the shocks, but the installation kit has been discontinued years ago. I made my own mounting hardware and installed Monroe shocks.

    The X-Factor mentioned above is a good idea. I made my own from one piece rectangular tubing, the purchased items are bolt together. They do control side to side flexing of the frame and stopped my frame cracking problems.
  • IMHO just about anything you do is probably better than the stock on most trailers. It's just going to be a matter of how much money and work you want to put into it.

    For the bigger trailers the MORryde IS is probably going to be top of the line but also lots of dollars and you have to go to them.

    There are things you can do to help with longevity. Heavy duty shackles and wet bolts.
    Extra bracing like the MORryde X-Factor.

    Anything you do to help the ride has to be better on the trailer.
    After saying all that I have the Heavy Duty Shackles, Joy Rider Shocks (I think roadmaster is the same thing) and the MORryde SRE4000. I'm very happy with it all and highly recommend it all.
    After all this the TrailerSaver air ride hitch is my favorite. It really helps the ride of the truck and trailer.
  • I put a Monroe shock kit on a 2 month old 1984 26' 8600 gvwr 5th wheel trailer. The trailer was a RB (rear bath) with a closet and medicine cabinet on the rear wall. Contents were every where on rougher roads. The shocks did their job. This was over 30 years ago so I have no idea if Monroe is still in business or offers the kit.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Put shocks on the Copper Canyon, used the Lippert kit, checked shocks when installing Correct Track and felt they were already worn, so replaced with Monroe Shocks still rides very well.
  • My Titanium came with shocks, the Grand Design that replaced it doesn't have them. Haven't really noticed a difference but I would rather have them than not.
  • I understand Airstream's have had shocks for over 50 years. Maybe there is something to it?
  • I did this about ten years ago and it was well worth the effort. You will no longer feel expansion joints and the like.
    I made my own mounts and used Monroe shocks that were meant for trailers and the weight of my RV.
    BTW, more and more new trailers have shocks from the factory.