Better shocks for bad roads ??
I'm wondering if new shocks would help with the rough roads. Seems like every highway bridge has a big bump, some more then others, and rough roads in general create a less then pleasant driving exper...
Forum Discussion
Trigger Happy wrote:
I'm wondering if new shocks would help with the rough roads. Anyone get any real improvement by replacing or upgrading?
Quick answer. No! While some may disagree, shocks whether new or old do not smooth out a rough road and were never intended to. Shocks dampen suspension/body oscillations which helps minimize porpoising and help stabilize body roll however they do not prevent it. Some high performance shocks can actually increase ride harshness because they react more quickly keeping the tires more firmly planted on the ground which is what you want if you're racing. Generally that's not the goal in a motor home.
It is true that some shocks appear to ride smoother than others because they control the suspension rebound rates differently which affects the perceived ride quality.
If the goal is to reduce the harshness of rough roads IMO you'll have better success with altering (usually reducing) tire pressures or using a different tire manufacturer because tire construction and rubber compounds vary. On some vehicles, replacing (if worn) rubber suspension/subframe bushings can substantially improve ride quality including harshness and noise. Changing the spring rates and increasing the unsprung weight can also help smooth out roads and give the limousine effect if that's what you really want.
Chum lee
