Which way to lean a shock
I am in the process of installing Mobile Outfitters Shock Kit. http://store.ripvanwinklecampgrounds.com/rvw/details.php?ITEM=5728155 I've got the plates installed then I tried to figure out which wa...
Forum Discussion
Monroe specifies that the top of their shocks should be away from the equalizers. Scroll to the bottom of this for diagram: Monroe RV trailer shocks
In all the research I've done, the shocks are always installed in the orientation the way Monroe shows them. They should be at an angle because the axles do not move only in a vertical direction. As the springs flatten out from suspension travel, the axles have a horizontal movement towards the equalizers. You want dampening action on both the horizontal and vertical components of the movement. Google "RV trailer shock absorbers" and you'll see some examples of shock installations in the photos in google images. They're all the Monroe way for tandem axles.
I *think*, and it's just a theory, that the top of the shocks should be away from each other because of the force imposed by the shock action back onto the frame attachment points. By mounting the shocks apart, this force (however small) will be spread farther apart along the frame as opposed to nearly the same point on the frame above the equalizers. The only other reason I can think of for doing this is that you won't end up with welding (or bolting on) the upper mounts side by side that might conflict with each other.
In choosing shocks, you need to select ones that have the appropriate static length to give you the correct mounting angle. Determining the upper mounting point may not be easy if you have a slideout shaft, gas piping or other obstructions in the way.
We just had Monroes installed on our 2014 KZ Spree. I made a detailed layout drawing and a shop did the install. They are an amazing improvement. Now the trailer barely moves up and down when travelling down the road. Even speed bumps barely have an affect. I've also found that our truck rides smoother because the tongue isn't pulling up and down on the ball like it used to.
In all the research I've done, the shocks are always installed in the orientation the way Monroe shows them. They should be at an angle because the axles do not move only in a vertical direction. As the springs flatten out from suspension travel, the axles have a horizontal movement towards the equalizers. You want dampening action on both the horizontal and vertical components of the movement. Google "RV trailer shock absorbers" and you'll see some examples of shock installations in the photos in google images. They're all the Monroe way for tandem axles.
I *think*, and it's just a theory, that the top of the shocks should be away from each other because of the force imposed by the shock action back onto the frame attachment points. By mounting the shocks apart, this force (however small) will be spread farther apart along the frame as opposed to nearly the same point on the frame above the equalizers. The only other reason I can think of for doing this is that you won't end up with welding (or bolting on) the upper mounts side by side that might conflict with each other.
In choosing shocks, you need to select ones that have the appropriate static length to give you the correct mounting angle. Determining the upper mounting point may not be easy if you have a slideout shaft, gas piping or other obstructions in the way.
We just had Monroes installed on our 2014 KZ Spree. I made a detailed layout drawing and a shop did the install. They are an amazing improvement. Now the trailer barely moves up and down when travelling down the road. Even speed bumps barely have an affect. I've also found that our truck rides smoother because the tongue isn't pulling up and down on the ball like it used to.
