Shocks on a fiver

The posts above are correct when the say nearly horizontal mounted shocks don't really work in a standard mounting configuration. I like them tilted 10-35deg depending on amount of travel required, space concerns, and if traction hop is an issue. My preference is also to use a high pressure monotube....the application of these are from a Chevy G2500 van. Simple 1/2" mounting eyes on both ends.

This is how I laid mine out:

RAS43 wrote:

bpounds wrote:
Never felt the need for shocks on a trailer.

So your Keystone Cougar doesn't have shocks? Inquisitive minds would like to know.

No, it doesn't, and it is a rear kitchen. No problems with cabinet loads shifting or breaking things. But ours is a smaller fiver, and all rigs are different. I don't buy all the "what a difference" hype, but if I were fighting an issue I would definitely give shocks a try, as I said above. There isn't any downside, so put them on and then you'll know.

You may want to research theseShocks

I've read here many complaints that rear kitchen models have "bouncing" problems.

I added shocks to our middle kitchen unit, and found they helped keeping stuff in place both in the kitchen, and in the overhead bins in the rear of the 5er.

They also helped a lot with the ride of the truck.

I'll certainly have them on the next unit we get.

Doug

bpounds wrote:
Never felt the need for shocks on a trailer. And BTW, it is nothing like a car or truck, so that comparison is specious.

But when you've got an issue like this that needs a solution, I say go for it so you'll know if it helps. Both axles to maximize any benefit.

So your Keystone Cougar doesn't have shocks? Inquisitive minds would like to know.

I had a 5er that rode and bounced badly. I wasn't aware of the kits back then so I went to a parts store and got some really good gas magnums meant for a pickup and built the brackets. What a difference... and the truck rode a lot better, too!! I've also replaced worn out rv shocks since then and the rv shocks are only about 1/3 that of a heavy pickup shock but they still do a lot of good. If you have to build brackets, get some good auto shocks. Craig

What has not been mentioned is how shocks on a trailer effect the ride of the tow vehicle. It takes out the jolts of hitting any bumps or expansion joints. It really makes the tow rig ride much smoother because your not feeling that constant sensation of the trailers tires hit road irregularities.

Also, they are comparable to a car without shocks in that the trailer will move up and down a lot more without them. This equates to more wear on the suspension and movement of contents.

If if rotates it should be balanced and if it's held up by springs, it should be dampened.....it's that simple!

bpounds wrote:
Never felt the need for shocks on a trailer. And BTW, it is nothing like a car or truck, so that comparison is specious.

But when you've got an issue like this that needs a solution, I say go for it so you'll know if it helps. Both axles to maximize any benefit.

The above post is....."specious".

Take a short ride *in* your no-shock trailer sometime!

Never felt the need for shocks on a utility trailer, but upwards from there the difference is dramatic!..:S

OP - Jayco must have "cheaped out" on some model lines, as there were shocks on rear kitchen Designers.
(Never had any problems with items falling out of cabinets, or breakage on my RK).

Stop by a dealer and take a look under the Pinnacle - or other mfgr's top of the line models.

~

Had shocks on mine and they were installed on too much of an angle to work, all they did was bend the shock shaft. I redid them and still had problems with shock blowing fluid. I took them off at the first of this year and trailer rides no different than with them. I did install the egua-flex egualizer, wet bolt kit and new heavier leaf springs. I don't have a rear kitchen. This is just my situation you might have better luck with shocks. I would install them on both axles if your going to put them on. Make sure your tires are balanced. Did you ever see how a tire bounces on a car that is not balanced. Just think how it is on a trailer with 4 unbalanced tires. Good luck.