Koni vs Bilstein shocks

I now have Koni FSD shocks (after studying them for about 3 years while waiting for my stock shocks to wear out) on the rear of our E450 24 foot Class C.

I didn't need to compare the Koni FSD shocks to any other shock through direct usage before buying - I just read about how they worked and it made sense that a variable shock was the ultimate kind of shock design. As I understand it, road racing cars have used variable shocks for years - shocks that adjust themselves to the road surface up to many times per second, as required, in real time ... but of course these high performance racing systems are not available for RV vehicles.

The Koni FSD shock is a very basic attempt at providing real time variability in a shock, as they only have two mechanically sensed and invoked states - a "low frequency" damping reaction and a "high frequency" damping reaction. Low frequency damping is for up-and-down bounce control on bumps, dips, curbs, etc. and for leaning control on curves. High frequency damping is for sharp and rapid small road surface variations such as highway cracks and potholes. I believe that the Koni FSD shocks perform as a stiff shock in the former situations and as a soft shock in the latter situations.

The Koni FSD shocks seem to be doing just that in the rear of our under-loaded E450 chassis supporting only a small Class C. In my situation I especially wanted a soft shock for highway cracks and potholes, but a stiff shock otherwise. For cracks and potholes the under-loaded leaf springs in the rear are all the stiffness I could tolerate back there - no added shock stiffness is needed .... and that's just how the FSD shocks perform.

I think most of us who went to the Konis came from the Ford shocks. It would be very interesting to know on my exact RV what the difference is between the Koni FSD and the Bilstein HD. Pricey for trial and changes..

I went with the Konis for reasons as Phil Nichols said in his post. As you have probably read, I'm very happy with them, they improve the driving experience greatly over the Ford shocks on a light 24' motorhome. Mostly based on control, but that is what I'm tuned to (focused) on this. Others have said the ride is much better and it very well could be.

Maybe call Henderson's Line Up Grant's Pass Oregon they may have experience with both shocks.

I found the control of the Ford shocks to be grossly inadequate. If that is your concern the Bilstein HDs could be a perfect fit. I chose the Konis because I didn't want any chance of wrecking the ride quality (or even slightly worse)..and I can say they give much better control with equal or better ride quality.

You ask for "heads to heads" comparisons (a very smart question).

BUT, you will certainly need to tell us what chassis you have!

Also, the more info you have, the better we can answer the question. Said another way, if you are way under GVWR vs overloaded, different shocks may be the preferred choice.

There is no single "silver bullet".

I bought Koni FSD for my 2003 36ft class A because of proposing and it dipped badly in turns. Those two things went away. Also, I noticed a real improvement with passing trucks.

Should I have to get shocks for my class C they will be Koni FSD. They really are that different.

I hope I can afford the cost down the road.

Ha! “No silver bullet”, that is correct. But a good four wheel shotgun does work very well from what I have experienced. I have not experienced a whole lot about shock absorbers on RVs. However, I know when I have spent my money and have great results.

I recently replaced the original Ford shocks on my 2012 E-350 (33,000 miles), with a set of Bilstein HD's. I could not be more pleased with the dramatic improvement in ride and handling. I have no idea what the Koni's cost but have a very hard time believing they could provide any improvement over what the Bilsteins have done.

The Bilsteins were $396, no tax or freight, to my door in 4 days from Florida to Tucson from Shock Warehouse. I spoke with Bilstein and Shock Warehouse and they both recommended that I go with the HD model as we usually run fairly close to our GVWR (11,500), and often tow a 960# utility trailer for my motorcycle.

As always.... Opinions and YMMV.

:C

Would it be considered hijacking if I posted my chassis etc and asked for help with new shocks in this thread?

wolfe10 wrote:
You ask for "heads to heads" comparisons (a very smart question).

BUT, you will certainly need to tell us what chassis you have!

Also, the more info you have, the better we can answer the question. Said another way, if you are way under GVWR vs overloaded, different shocks may be the preferred choice.

There is no single "silver bullet".

Sorry wolfe10, my sig has our 2006 Tioga 31w in it, but I guess that doesn't say it's an E450 chassis with 12k miles on it. We haven't weighed it, but I imagine it's pretty much at the limit of the GVWR when loaded. Even though the wife and I travel pretty light. Just really trying to get rid of the harsh jolts in the rear, and the pogo effect when going over rolling bumps.

pianotuna wrote:
Would it be considered hijacking if I posted my chassis etc and asked for help with new shocks in this thread?

No problem pianotuna, I welcome all info concerning shocks.

I went with the Bilstein HD as replacements. We love them. But we live in an area with real bad roads and often no sholders with long drops where the pavment ends. With the sway bars and the Bilstein HD our little rig is like driving a sports car. Also in our area 35 to 50 mph winds are common, as many that travel I-5 thru the Yreka-Mt Shasta area can tell you..

I recently installed Koni's on my coach and gave a review after a 2500 mile trip. Not sure how to post a link from my list of postings.