Add shocks to 5er

[Diesel_Camper]

We have a 2004 Wilderness 255BHS. It has shock absorber mounts on the frame and on the axles. Are there shocks made especially for this or can I just add a set from the autoparts store that fit?

[NC_Hauler]

I replaced my OEM shocks with Monroe Severe duty shocks, fit perfectly....Much more robust than OEM shocks that came on my 5er.

[lv2rom]

Stengelbros.com.....depending upon the distance between your mounts you need either 555001 or 555025. These are both Monroe RV gas shocks and will run about $30 each with free shipping. Their tech page has all the measurements, and these are both bayonet ends (threaded) regardless of the picture. They also have KYB but are a little more expensive. Good Luck...Brian

[rhagfo]

Golden, there are many mid range solid 5ers that come without shocks. We add them to our Copper Canyon after an incident with a highway speed bump (flood buckle). Our 5er towed fine before a little extra bounce on bridge transitions, now much smoother even on the worst transitions, well worth the cost and effort to install.

[Golden_HVAC]

IF the length is correct, then a shock absorber designed for a Ranger Pickup, or Toyota, or other light duty pickup would be about the 'correct' push and pull range for a 3,500 - 4,000 pound rated axle.

Something designed for a F-150 with a heavier axle might not be correct for your application. Problem is that 'Most' auto parts stores can not tell you what to install on your vehicle unless you tell them the year, make (must be a Ford, GM or other big brand name) and model. They do not know how to or take the time to look up a parts book that will list shock absorber models by length compressed and extended, and spring rates of the shocks. (about of weight to make it move 1")

Also the end 'eye' needs to be a certain inside diameter, while most are designed to accept a 1/2" bolt, that might not be the case for all shocks. Make sure that you are using heat treated grade 8 hardware, and I would also suggest 2 nuts, so they do not back off on their own.

I was going to answer this question with a statement like this one: I would never install shocks on a fifth wheel. If they did not come as factory equipment, then the manufacture is so cheap they can not afford to install a pair of $49 shock absorbers for your safety and to keep the RV from bouncing - look for another brand, and let the dealership know why you will not buy "Brand A" - because it does not come factory equipped with shocks. . So no shocks, it is probably shoddy engineering, or some nickle mizer is in the design department saying 'cut out this and that to save $10 per unit' and that can lead to really poor trailers. Weekend Warrior used to be a great trailer back in the early 90's, until they expanded and hired some more engineers, and started to have warranty problems. By the time the company folded, there where problems with the frames cracking, and other engineering problems. No shock absorbers is a sure sign that the company is going as cheap as possible.

Good luck!

Fred.

[newman_fulltime]

Go to amazon
monroe 555001
monroe 555025

[IAMICHABOD]

You can always try E Shocks They are very helpful people.

I called them about shocks on an off road car and they walked me thru how to get the measurement right for my application. I get all my shocks there for all the toys and cars and they are the cheapest around.

[Timay]

2oldman wrote:


It would probably do the OP a favor if you would post your online source.

Yes it would - and the reason I came back here once I remembered the online source...I have Dexter axles on my 5er and I went to Dexter's website and they have replacement shock 'kits' and also kits to put the shocks on where none were before. I found the information on my axles in the package that came with my trailer (thank you previous owner!)

You can also find a tag on the axles themselves to determine whose axles you have. Not too hard to find, if you buy online.

HTH!

Tim

[2oldman]

Timay wrote:
You just need to get the length correct and you can then use anybodies shocks. I found mine online

If the auto parts store is willing to go by measurements, yes, but many are not, and require a brand. I also tried Amazon, but found it difficult (impossible) to get the length of mounting points 'at rest'.

It would probably do the OP a favor if you would post your online source.

[Timay]

sfpcservice wrote:
We have a 2004 Wilderness 255BHS. It has shock absorber mounts on the frame and on the axles. Are there shocks made especially for this or can I just add a set from the autoparts store that fit?

You just need to get the length correct and you can then use anybodies shocks. I found mine online (the factory replacements), but they are more pricey, so I am going to buy mine from Monroe (at the auto parts).

Tim

[Veebyes]

Correct. Not easy to find. Measure at least twice to be sure to buy once.

[2oldman]

Not easy to find. Got mine at Benlo's RV in CA.