OK I just finished my front airbags on my F-53 chassis, I now have airbags on all 4 corners and the ride has improved but now wanting to change my stock Bilstein shocks, {5 yrs old & 33000 miles}Have heard the Monroe shocks give the F-53 a smoother ride, but also heard Bilstein has a newer improved shock for comfort.Hate to buy the new improved Bilstein about $390 and find it still has a harsh ride, the Monroe shocks cost the least, really would like to hear from other F-53 owners and what was the best for smooth confront. :C

Koni FSD are the best. The Monroe is used by Kelderman and is definitely softer. Bilsteins were always stiff.

Of course you know which shock some will suggest, but just so you know, the Monroe gas matic you can find online for under $100 bucks each & will help the ride quite a bit.Our old removed OEM shocks, you could push them in & out with ease. The new Monroes, couldnt move them at all.Neil

timmac wrote:OK I just finished my front airbags on my F-53 chassis, I now have airbags on all 4 corners and the ride has improved...Just wondering, did it improve the ride enough to warrant the cost and effort (i.e. the DW says WOW that sure was worth the money?)

John&Joey wrote:timmac wrote:OK I just finished my front airbags on my F-53 chassis, I now have airbags on all 4 corners and the ride has improved...Just wondering, did it improve the ride enough to warrant the cost and effort (i.e. the DW says WOW that sure was worth the money?)Yes it did, I only had to buy the front airbags, the rear airbags and onboard pump and dual control was already on motorhome when I bought it, the front airbags only cost $380.00, that's my total investment for all 4 airbags, was going to change shocks after install anyways, just looking for the best shock to make this Bounder motorhome ride the best it can.

Goldencrazy wrote:Koni FSD are the best. The Monroe is used by Kelderman and is definitely softer. Bilsteins were always stiff.Was unaware the Kelderman used the Monroe's, maybe they know something, I think Bilstein are good shocks but the rough ride it gives the F-53 makes me think they are not the right shock for the F-53.

Bilstein vs Monroe shocks for F-53 chassis | Good Sam Community

Goldencrazy
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Koni FSD are the best. The Monroe is used by Kelderman and is definitely softer. Bilsteins were always stiff.
C-Leigh_Racing
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Of course you know which shock some will suggest, but just so you know, the Monroe gas matic you can find online for under $100 bucks each & will help the ride quite a bit.
Our old removed OEM shocks, you could push them in & out with ease. The new Monroes, couldnt move them at all.
Neil
John_Joey
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
timmac wrote:
OK I just finished my front airbags on my F-53 chassis, I now have airbags on all 4 corners and the ride has improved...

Just wondering, did it improve the ride enough to warrant the cost and effort (i.e. the DW says WOW that sure was worth the money?)
timmac
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
John&Joey wrote:
timmac wrote:
OK I just finished my front airbags on my F-53 chassis, I now have airbags on all 4 corners and the ride has improved...

Just wondering, did it improve the ride enough to warrant the cost and effort (i.e. the DW says WOW that sure was worth the money?)

Yes it did, I only had to buy the front airbags, the rear airbags and onboard pump and dual control was already on motorhome when I bought it, the front airbags only cost $380.00, that's my total investment for all 4 airbags, was going to change shocks after install anyways, just looking for the best shock to make this Bounder motorhome ride the best it can.
timmac
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Goldencrazy wrote:
Koni FSD are the best. The Monroe is used by Kelderman and is definitely softer. Bilsteins were always stiff.

Was unaware the Kelderman used the Monroe's, maybe they know something, I think Bilstein are good shocks but the rough ride it gives the F-53 makes me think they are not the right shock for the F-53.
CoastieSCPO
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Never considered Monroe's, but I changed out my nearly new Bilsteins with Koni FSD's. They have a softer and better ride and makes the coach easier to handle, especially when driving on roads with wide expansion joints and rough surfaces.
timmac
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
Here is Bilstein RV shocks spec below :

•Hardened steel chrome rod
•Seamless cylinders
•Self-lubricating seals
•Machined valve components
•High pressure Nitrogen gas filled (360 psi)
•Monotube design
•Specific valving

Here is Monroe RV shocks spec below :

•Primarily for Class A motorhomes, both front and rear engine
•1 -3/4" bore
•2.38" reserve tube
•Single lip piston rod seal
•Low pressure nitrogen gas charge (60psi)

WOW > 360 psi vs 60 psi, I wonder which shock would ride smoother..
pkunk
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
I put the Monroe RV shock on mine several years ago. They are considerably softer than the OE shocks.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Oct 29, 2013
timmac wrote:
Here is Bilstein RV shocks spec below :

•Hardened steel chrome rod
•Seamless cylinders
•Self-lubricating seals
•Machined valve components
•High pressure Nitrogen gas filled (360 psi)
•Monotube design
•Specific valving

Here is Monroe RV shocks spec below :

•Primarily for Class A motorhomes, both front and rear engine
•1 -3/4" bore
•2.38" reserve tube
•Single lip piston rod seal
•Low pressure nitrogen gas charge (60psi)

WOW > 360 psi vs 60 psi, I wonder which shock would ride smoother..

And then you have Koni FSD shocks which are NOT gas charged and, as some here have found out, ride the smoothest of all. .
Goldencrazy
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
timmac wrote:
Goldencrazy wrote:
Koni FSD are the best. The Monroe is used by Kelderman and is definitely softer. Bilsteins were always stiff.

Was unaware the Kelderman used the Monroe's, maybe they know something, I think Bilstein are good shocks but the rough ride it gives the F-53 makes me think they are not the right shock for the F-53.

I spoke with Kelderman and used Koni instead with my Kelderman system. They said either were fine. I had good experience with the Koni in past motorhome as well.