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tvfrfireman's avatar
tvfrfireman
Explorer
Jun 20, 2013

Which model of Bilstein shocks

The ride when pulling our heavy fifth wheel has quite a bit of bounce at times. The factory shocks need to be replaced and I hear a lot of good things about Bilstein's. I went to their website and have no idea which one to order. We have a 2011 Chevy Dually with a duramax. Is there one of these shocks that is geared to the truck that pulls fifth wheels? I emailed the factory but never heard back. Any other quality gas shocks that you know about I would like to know about them as well. Thanks for any help.
Tow Vehicles

19 Replies

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  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer III
    Jun 20, 2013
    Look at the KYB Monomax's, good shock for the money especially when towing heavy.
  • The_Mad_Norsky's avatar
    The_Mad_Norsky
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2013
    catfishmontana wrote:
    Another vote for the 5100's.


    I used to say the same, until a recent thread in the truck camper section.

    Folks had the 5100 Bilstein's installed, and wow was their truck unstable.

    To summarize as quickly as possible, contact with Bilstein showed the 5100 series not meant for heavy loads and such. It is valved differently than their other shocks, and really meant for quick recovery on off roading type vehicles, not heavy haulers.

    These folks changed the 5100's over to 4600 series Bilstein and are really happy.

    So a vote for the 4600 series Bilstein.

    ON EDIT: here is a direct link to this same subject in the truck camper thread. Informative. Link: Bilstein vs OEM Ram truck shocks
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Jun 20, 2013
    hammer21661 wrote:
    If it is when you launch off of an overpass and get 3 GOOD bounces let me know how you make out and what you picked.


    My 5100's have me down to one small bounce!

    GoPackGo wrote:
    I just had Bilstein 5100s installed on my new F350. Have not pulled anything with it yet. One thing - There are several models within the 5100 line. I think I got the ones that fit a truck that is between stock height and + 2 inches of lift. Got mine from Autozone for about $109 each.

    I should add that my truck is a stock dually and I will be pulling a 5th wheel. I chose the 5100s based on other reports that I read here on RV.net


    I got mine through XDP diesel XDPThey were around $85 each, worth every penny!

    Silver 5100's, for 0' to 2" lift (I don't have a lift).
  • GoPackGo's avatar
    GoPackGo
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2013
    I just had Bilstein 5100s installed on my new F350. Have not pulled anything with it yet. One thing - There are several models within the 5100 line. I think I got the ones that fit a truck that is between stock height and + 2 inches of lift. Got mine from Autozone for about $109 each.

    I should add that my truck is a stock dually and I will be pulling a 5th wheel. I chose the 5100s based on other reports that I read here on RV.net
  • hammer21661's avatar
    hammer21661
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2013
    If it is when you launch off of an overpass and get 3 GOOD bounces let me know how you make out and what you picked.

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