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klutchdust's avatar
klutchdust
Explorer II
Sep 02, 2015

Koni FSD shocks installed (updates)

My coach is an 09 Itasca Cambria,30ft. E-450 chassis. Had my Koni's installed yesterday .On the drive home about 7miles I noticed an immediate lack of banging when I drove over RR tracks and

expansion joints. Took a drive down a windy S curve road that dips off to the right and the coach leans then returns. It used to lean, return then lean again . I also have sway bars on front and rear previous

owner installed. Ride is definitely improved. I used to refer to my coach as having that "shuttle bus" ride where every imperfection in the road was a banging and rattling nightmare. So far I am pleased.

Installer commented about having difficulty removing the original gas shocks on the coach, they would not compress so he had to drill to relieve the gas pressure. Glad I took my wife's advice and had

my friends shop do it. Going on a long trip in a few weeks, will report back after that.
Class C
  • golfknut's avatar
    golfknut
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2015
    Thanks for the report.
    I will be interested to hear about your experience on a longer trip.
  • hotjag1's avatar
    hotjag1
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2015
    Yes, please report back. I am debating about getting Bilstiens or Konis for our coach, so I will look forward to hearing about your experience on a longer trip.
  • AJR's avatar
    AJR
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2015
    I have to say I put Koni FSD shocks on a 36’ Class A gasser and they made a world of difference.

    I am not going to follow this thread. I do not want to spend the money again. :)
  • biggjc's avatar
    biggjc
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    Klutchdust- could you describe the "banging" that you experienced prior to installing new Koni Shocks? I have a 2010 Aspect, and I have some banging and I cannot pinpoint the source. Occurs on railroad crossings and beat up pavement.
  • klutchdust's avatar
    klutchdust
    Explorer II
    Sep 03, 2015
    biggjc wrote:
    Klutchdust- could you describe the "banging" that you experienced prior to installing new Koni Shocks? I have a 2010 Aspect, and I have some banging and I cannot pinpoint the source. Occurs on railroad crossings and beat up pavement.


    I couldn't feel any shock absorption. The rear end was just too rigid. Then going around corners it leaned too far. Seemed to be better with the jeep behind me but that didn't add much tongue weight. Pulled a

    heavy 20ft. trailer a few times and I aired up the bags to 50lbs. and the ride was smooth. I think the springs they install are with the intention of the coach having a lot of weight on it. Well,

    without the weight it's rough. I am curious how it will be on our next trip. Ill post some info as we tool along in the next few weeks.
  • OFDPOS's avatar
    OFDPOS
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    Good to hear your liking the shocks !
    I put Bilstiens on both used MHs I've owned. Noticed night and day difference on both over the stock ones !
    So have never used nor have any feed back on the Koni's ..

    Saying that I think almost any decent brand shock replacement is an improvement over the stock shocks that these MHs come with. Unless of coarse they were upgraded when new ;)
  • Oldme's avatar
    Oldme
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    Thanks for the report
    Glad to gear that they are working as they should.
    It seems that so many wants shocks that take out the suspension from the
    suspension.

    The FSD series are totally new in design and it is great to see real feedback.
  • WesternHorizon's avatar
    WesternHorizon
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2015
    The Koni FSD is a non-linear shock so it is different:

    http://www.koni-na.com/fsd.cfm

    Basically the valving changes the behavior of the shock depending on conditions.

    Fox Suspension in their suspension tuning bible would call these "digressive" curves if I remember right because they flatten out.

    It's all good. They are twice as much as Bilsteins but I respect the engineering and will give them a try. Will report on results.

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