Shocks -- Again

A timely thread indeed, thanks to all who have posted. Our 2012 E350 24' Nexus is rapidly coming due for a new set of shocks. Admittedly we have put 25,000+ miles on the coach in the last 24 months over some of the rougher roads in our coast to coast wandering.

We are headed home tomorrow (currently in Silver City, NM), after an 18 day heat beating 2,500+ mile trip up through NM and CO). I will start doing the heavy research for new shocks as soon as I get home. Bilsteins, Koni's and Monroe comprise my short list.

We run very close to our GVWR of 11,500# but several thousand # under our GCWR as I only tow a small utility trailer that loaded with my motorcycle only weighs 850#. The handling has always been excellent but the ride quality is beginning to suffer.

Your thoughts/recommendations, especially regarding my current 3 possibles would be greatly appreciated.

:C

klutchdust wrote:
Mine shipped yesterday, will be installing next week.

Please let us know how you like them. I'm considering leaving our new OEM Ford front shocks and replacing the 40,000-mile OEM Ford rear shocks with FSD's. Right now I'm so deep in projects (and the related cost!) that it'd be awhile before I'd get to a rear shock install.

I can offer a tip for the fronts - unless you want to try and wiggle in there with the wheels on, undo the bottom end of the shocks then drop the axle down and let the spring out of its pocket. This gives very good access to the upper shock.

j-d wrote:
Did your previous Koni shocks have the FSD design they now offer and recently made available for Class C? Do a search and you'll find good results from two very particular members here.

Mine shipped yesterday, will be installing next week.

Here's a link for MorRyde.

I specifically queried Sulastic about the SA-06HDD and they replied that their shackles would be fully collapsed with my normal 8500 pound rear axle weight. They sent me info about a different unit and asked me if it might work. They didn't leave me with a a warm feeling. I think MorRyde has a far superior product to offer; however, I've decided to just let the stiff springs hammer along.

j-d wrote:
I think Bryan might have SuLastic or an equivalent kit.

Yes, I think he has tried them, but he has an E350 DRW 4x4 van. Not a typical motor home.

I think Bryan might have SuLastic or an equivalent kit.

The only shock that reduces road imperfections is supposedly the gold colored Koni-FSD. We have the red colored Koni adjustable shocks set to the Heavy-Duty setting. They work great for handling, but I do wish the ride was softer while straight-up cruising. Over-inflating the tires makes it worse yet.

Like everyone with a motor home, I too would like to further soften our ride without sacrifice to shock-performance and handling. I wish someone here had first-hand experience with SULASTIC SHACKLES FOR E350/E450 MOTORHOMES for they are very simple and make sense in how they improve the ride. I am concerned the product may sag the rear end and/or increase side-to-side leaning. The pair costs $419 including shipping.

You mention air bags on the back. Why? Was the rear sagging? You wanted to take enough weight off the springs so that they run rough now? Most springs are sort of stiff until you have enough weight on them to make them a bit spoungy.

It reminds me of the 'lumber wagon' description of how the 1 ton trucks used to ride when not loading to some degree.

Now with longer leaf springs, they seem to ride much better.

Try running less air pressure in the air bags, and see if that helps.

I replaced my stock shocks with Bilstiens when the RV was a year old, it was a wonderful improvement. I am not really impressed with Monroe shocks.

Fred.

Did your previous Koni shocks have the FSD design they now offer and recently made available for Class C? Do a search and you'll find good results from two very particular members here.