I have a question about shock absorbers. My RV, a 1994 33’ Holiday Rambler Vacationer, came standard with Bilstein shocks, that was 58K ago. I’ve only driven the RV a short ways since I bought it in April, however that short way was on I-35 while a 30-35 mph cross wind was hammering me. The rig drove surprisingly well, however it obviously needs shocks (riding Flipper comes to mind). When I priced out the Bilsteins all I could think was YIKES! I’m a very pragmatic guy and am not really bothered that much by a harsh ride (it must be that amazingly sturdy and durable body that God blessed me with) so I decided to look into shocks that were a bit cheaper, hopefully quite a bit cheaper. I went to NAPA but they didn’t have a listing for my rig and weren’t certain how to look up shocks for it. The clerk suggested that I bring a front and rear shock in so that they might do a side-by-side comparison. Would anyone out there know of a way to look up the NAPA or perhaps Monroe shocks without having to make a physical side-by-side comparison.And please, remember, I’m the guy who never slows down for speed bumps, who ran his 1991 Dodge Caravan work car 256K miles with the original shocks. I’m just not a Princess and the Pea kind of guy, particularly if I can get an adequate ride and save a pile of $$$$ to boot. I apologize but the truth is, rhapsodizing endlessly about Bilstein’s and Koni’s is likely to fall on deaf ears.Steve

I'd be hesitant to buy shocks that were just matched up externally. The valving for a heavy rig like yours may be very different from other applications that the unknown shock fits. The Bilsteins are very good for porpoising - at least when they're newer.No matter what I would get shocks that are specifically for your chassis even if that means you have to get the more expensive Bils again (which are my personal favorite).Good lick,Scott

Geocritter, go to stengelbros.com....they carry the Monroe RV Gas Magnum shocks you're looking for. I had a 35' P32 chassis that came with Bilsteins, I switched out to the Monroes for a MUCH smoother ride.

^^^ what ScottG saidThe outside of the shock has little bearing on the internal valving, which has to account for things like spring rate, vehicle weight, and myriad other factors.

I just bought Bilsteins for my F-350 and they came with a lifetime warranty. So you might want to contact Bilstein and ask if yours have the same warranty.

Stengel Bros is an excellent source for Monroe RV Magnums. If you desire other brands try shock warehouse. Forget NAPA, most of their counter personnel have their heads stuck where the sun never shines.

NAPA and Monroe shock absorbers | Good Sam Community

topflite51
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
dbl post
topflite51
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
cbr46 wrote:
My 2002 Terra on Ford F53 seems to slam on all the bumps, especially at highway speed. Concrete roads are the worst. It's like the shocks have really stiff high speed compression. On dips it seems to perform ok.

I don't have experience with other MH's and was thinking this is normal. Is it? This is my first coach.

The MH has 65k miles and mostly sat since 2009. Dealer installed new Dynatrac tires before pulling it off the lot.

How much would a set of Bilsteins or Monroes improve the high speed ride?

Best,
- bob
Have you weighed your rig and then inflated tires accordingly? Virtually any new shock will be an improvement over OEM's at 65K. I personally would go with Monroe RV Magnums, but that is just me. As to actual overall improvement, only your BUTT dyno can be the judge of that.
jerseyjim
Explorer
Jul 06, 2013
My 2001 F-53....I replaced tires and shocks (tires, now twice at 51,000). Went to CW where Bilsteins were installed. The original equipment Ford shocks at 28,000 were nothing more than rubber bands. The new Bilsteins improved the ride and stopped much of the "wallowing". Gotta remember, these motorhomes can be top heavy. Bilsteins give a lifetime warranty.
No matter what brand...they aren't cheap. But then again, NOTHING with a motorhome is cheap. I think all 6 tires (Goodyear 19.5" at 80 psi) and the 4 shocks were something like $2700. Keep in mind, what you describe as "slamming" might be the road surface itself.
Brace yourself and your charge cards....and enjoy .
cbr46
Explorer
Jul 05, 2013
My 2002 Terra on Ford F53 seems to slam on all the bumps, especially at highway speed. Concrete roads are the worst. It's like the shocks have really stiff high speed compression. On dips it seems to perform ok.

I don't have experience with other MH's and was thinking this is normal. Is it? This is my first coach.

The MH has 65k miles and mostly sat since 2009. Dealer installed new Dynatrac tires before pulling it off the lot.

How much would a set of Bilsteins or Monroes improve the high speed ride?

Best,
- bob
Sully2
Explorer
Jul 04, 2013
Look up the price for 4 Koni's if you want a heart attack!
ronmc
Explorer
Jul 04, 2013
I bought a new 2002 Kountry Star in 2002.
Severe porpoising. The dealer put Monroe Magnums. Still have it, the ride is still like new.I recommend them!!
FuelFunnel
Explorer
Jul 04, 2013
My 1991 F53 used Monroe #557001 for front and 557002 for rear.

Kris
Geocritter
Explorer
Jul 04, 2013
Thanks to all y'all for weighing in on my shock absorber questions. Since Texas summers are hotternhell for this Scandinavian Yankee (Texan by choice if you will) I'm in the parts acquisition mode right now. This way when the weather cools down in October I'll have everything I need (purchased at the best possible price) to prepare my rig for our future journeys. YEEHAW!
Steve
JoeH
Explorer III
Jul 04, 2013
Geocritter wrote:
JoeH wrote:
What chassis is your MH on ?

As best as I can tell via my research, I believe it has a Ford Super Duty F53 chassis.
Steve

I put Monroe Gas Magnums on our 1999 V-10 F53 and it made a wolrd of difference over the stock Ford units.
Monroe part # are 557001 for the fronts, 55707 for the rear.... purchased at Napa for about $40 ea. ... that was a few yrs ago
Geocritter
Explorer
Jul 04, 2013
jerseyjim wrote:
Bilstens have a lifetime warranty. But I'm sure the labor is on you if you have a shop replace them.
Next question: If you DO have a lifetime waranty, why pay for another brand AND installation? Bilstens are as good as any. IMO, stay with them.

Hi jerseyjim,
What you're saying makes sense, particularly if the initial purchase price is competitive. However, I'd have to thoroughly read their lifetime warranty in advance. Many times such warranties will have disclaimers such as 'Must be professionally installed' while I understand the need for such disclaimers (a lot of idiots waving wrenches around out there). I'm both blessed and cursed with a extremely high mechanical aptitude and have done nearly all my own mechanical work (including appliances) for over 50 years. To be frank when it comes to repairs and mechanical work, I'm one of the few people I trust to do the job correctly. I don't need to have my lifetime warranty ruined because I had the audacity to install the shocks myself.
Steve

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