installing rv shocks

[1jeep]

I am planning to install some shocks on my rv this winter, hoping they help smooth out the ride as we have noticed since upgrading to the sailun tires it rides a bit rougher.

So my question is those who have done this, did it help? did you buy a kit? I see lippert has a kit which is about $125 per axle with shocks, has anybody used this one?
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/shock-kit-for-3-inch-axle-tube/62535&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&scid=scplp62535&sc_intid=62535&affiliateid=6313&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjf7gs4nk1wIVSbjACh0pAAsHEAQYBSABEgIJzPD_BwE

[1jeep]

after gathering some info and looking under my trailer ive decided to make my own brackets and mount the longest shocks as vertical that I can fit. Being a toyhauler It looks like I have plenty of room as there is nothing near my mounting points.

Thanks for all the info.

[FishOnOne]

Here's a video from Big Truck Big RV who installed shocks on his camper.

Link

[rhagfo]

I installed the Lippert kit on both axles about four years ago. It made a very noticeable improvement. Shortly after install drove down an old county road that was concrete with a light chip seal overlay. Bumpy, bumpy, could barely feel in the cab, and zero feedback from the 5er.

Due to clearance issues on the outboard side of the frame, mainly slide drive system, I mounted inboard.

This required moving both the galley drain line, and the gas line inboard about 3" to 4" both easly done.

Moved Drain line on drivers side.



Moved gas line on curb side inward about 3" to clear shocks tubes.



This is the moved gas line to clear the shock tubes.

[TS21sso]

Wild Card wrote:
I put Joy ride on mine. I liked the angles designed into the brackets. I welded the frame brackets not bolted like they show

x2
I had mine installed Nov of 2014. Just as stated in other posts, over all ride is noticeably improved, especially over expansion joints and washboard / uneven roads. The shocks installed with original brackets were at 13 1/2 inches. I understand the newer model brackets will be at 14 inches giving more travel to shock, ie, even smoother ride. Haven’t had any experience with other makes, but have been really satisfied with Joy Rider.

[2naEagle]

I had Disc brakes put on by Performance Trailer Braking
I put the Joy Rider RV Shocks on myself. Also put a Morryde X-Factor on for extra bracing I highly recommend all.
I run my "G" rated Goodyear's at 100psi.

[mapguy]

pcm1959 wrote:
Those of you that have installed shocks, what kind of difference did you notice with the shock addition?

After shocks - large Monroe gas trailer spec units, the trailer ride is smoother and doesn't bounce around after hitting a pothole or pavement edge.

Before shocks -the trailer would bounce repeatedly after hitting a pothole or pavement edge.

Trailer spec shocks are designed/valve biased to control the rebound(the bounce).

Try Stengel Brothers for Monroe shocks at decent price. The Monroe trailer shock mounting kits are hard to find....
http://www.stengelbros.com/load-support-ride-handling/monroe-shocks/

[momentum_rv]

The only reason the Sailuns should be riding rougher is if you are running at max pressure and your load does not require it. You need to weigh the trailer, find a load chart and adjust as needed.

I also installed Joy Riders and it made a huge difference in the bouncing (diving board effect) especially when I have 1 of our cars in the back of the toy hauler. Well worth the cost.

[ScottG]

pcm1959 wrote:
Those of you that have installed shocks, what kind of difference did you notice with the shock addition?

As I wrote in my previous post, the shocks keep you from feeling the tug of the trailer when it hits expansion joints and other minor irregularities. This just makes for a less fatiguing drive. Much like having a better riding vehicle. Frankly I was surprised at this result as I had not expected it at all.
It's also nice when driving through a pot holed CG road because the trailer doesn't bounce and lean.

[pcm1959]

Those of you that have installed shocks, what kind of difference did you notice with the shock addition?

[routemaster]

I made top brackets and bolted and bolted to the frame cause no welder.

[Rvpapa]

Sounds almost like an un-balanced or out of round issue.
Art.

[1jeep]

thanks for the info I will check out the video on the joy rider install and yes I plan to weld whatever brackets as I don't like to drill holes in the frame.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

Here’s a video by BigTruckBigRV of a Joy Rider installation along with a Never Fail Bushing install. In a later video he installed the MorRyde SRE 4000 Suspension System along with the Wet Bolt Kit. In that video he mentioned that grease shouldn’t have been used on the Never Fail bushings.
The actual work in first video begins around the 13:00 minute mark.

[lee_worsdell]

mine are at 105 there was not a lot of bouncing out of these new tires. I have about 5000 miles on them now still look new. I guess its the stiffer sidewall.