DIY Shock Absorber Replacement

It is not a difficult task. I changed my shock absorbers on my Freightliner chassis. I found that I needed an air impact wrench to remove the nuts but one was available from Harbor Freight. Be sure and use jack stands.

As long as you have the proper tools, jacks, it should be no problem.

LOG, you can do it yourself! RV.Net Poster, Clay sent me instructions on how to do it and how much time it will take you. Hopefully, he will see this post and send it to you? I would like to give you a heads up and inform you to check your VIN and Year of your Winnebago before ordering your shocks (numbers will be on drivers door panel) due to Winnebago changes there chassis every 4 years. My Winnebago is a 2004, but the chassis is a 2003 if I would have ordered shocks for a 2004 they would not have fit, because Winnebago changed the chassis in 04! Good luck with your new shocks I had new Bilsteins installed on mine about 7 months ago and it makes a big difference in the ride.

It depends on the type of shocks that you use as to how hard it is. Koni FSD shocks are not gas charged so they can be extended or retraced to easily be installed. Bilstiens, Monroes, and some other shocks are gas charged so that you must adjust the mounting points to match the fully extended shock. Still doable, but just a little more difficult.

Technically it's not hard, physically can be demanding. If you have air tools may only take a few minutes per shock. I'm small enough and can still move around well enough that I did all four in about an hour with air tools.

Replacing shocks is definitely DYI. However, if you don't have air tools it'd be a good idea to have at least a 1/2" drive breaker bar, and maybe a 3' long pipe to use as a "cheater" to break the bolts loose (after they're broken loose it gets much easier). I'm planning on doing my shocks when the weather cools down here in October, of course I've been doing my own service all my life so it's pretty second nature.
Steve

ALL repairs on an RV are DIY jobs if you are physically able, have good electro-mechanical skills and either have the tools or are willing to buy them. Other than mounting tires I've never had any vehicle/boat in a shop in my life, so it's all up to what you feel you can accomplish. Once completed you'll feel great and will have the satisfaction of knowing it was performed correctly. Good luck with your repair.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

Hi LOG,
I noticed we both live in Austin (actually I just moved to San Marcos). Anyhow, if you'd like a little guidance and the use of a few of my tools I'll help you with it. However, you'd be doing the actual work, unless you want to wait until October and cooler weather.
Steve
PS unlike some people I can be PM'd directly

I agree, you can likely DIY. Just replaced air bags, shocks and 8 springs on HWH levelers on my KADP. Air tools are mandatory, unless you are an ox. I do my own tires as well. Count on being a little stiff after the experience. Of course I'm 76, maybe that has some effect.....

I have both an Air Impact wrench and an Electric Impact Wrench . Either will,work equally well to loosen Shock mounting bolts. Other than wheel Lug Nuts ,I haven't found too many fasteners that these babies can't handle!
There are several sizes of each Impact wrench available, some are not as good as others.