shocks

[dallen54200]

Greetings to all. I need new shocks. I have a 40 foot Alfa Gold on a Freightliner chassis. What do you suggest?

[JimM68]

Remeber a shock is a dampening device. It can make the ride harsher or softer than it has to be, but it is the springs that hold the weight, and the springs that really determine the ride.

Only as related to the weight they are actually carrying, stiff spring = stiff ride.

[topflite51]

I have a F53 chassis and I travel light, by that I mean I am no where near the capacity of the chassis. I have had at one time or another OEM Bilsteins(original), Monroe Magnums, Koni FSD's and now the Comfort's from Bilstein(and this is all within 6 years). After 3K trip this summer, I believe the best ride and control, for me any way is provided by the Comfort's. With a different chassis and load your mileage will vary. I have found that there is no best answer to the question, as some would have you believe.

Forgot to add: I have a friend with a F53 w/tag and he swears by KYB adjustables, GO FIGURE. :B

[bluwtr49]

I'm also looking at new shocks and the FSD's were highly recommended as the best choice...at least for the Beaver. Yep, they are spendy especially when you need 8 of them.

[CaptainJack51]

I have Koni-FDS's on my 05 Allegro Bus (Freightliner XC chassie), they provide an excellent ride and stability, would not have anything else.

[J-Rooster]

I bought new Bilsteins (gas shock) last fall so far there doing the job and I'm pleased! We will see what the future brings? My old shocks were Monroes and I don't have anything good to say about them except I'm glad Jim is having good luck with his! I must of had one of those Monroe sets that were made at the factory on a late Friday afternoon!

[JimM68]

Koni fsd's are very good, also very expensive.
The comfortride bilstiens are nice.
Old style adjustable koni's tend to be harsh, as do old style bilstiens.
Monroes are said to be crap, but at 5 years old and 40k, ours are just fine and I am not even thinking of replacing them.

[wolfe10]

RFCN2 wrote:
What did your coach come with new? Those might be the best.

Guess I'll have to disagree with that one. While some high end manufacturers choose high end shocks, many chassis have their shock choices made by the bean counters or go with corporate partners.

So, the OE MAY be the best shock available for your chassis/coach, but it could also be a much less expensive/much less desirable one.

[fcooper]

viajante wrote:
Koni FSDs are better........... in my opinion.

Agree that Koni's are good...Koni FSD's helped the ride on my Freightliner chassis when I replaced the original equipment shocks.

Fred

[RFCN2]

What did your coach come with new? Those might be the best.

Mine came with Koni. The fronts have 112,000 miles on them and work flawlessly. I replaced the rears earlier this year. The Koni's work well. I had Bilsien on my previous motor home and they worked well too.

[viajante]

Koni FSDs are better........... in my opinion.

[donn0128]

Bilstein is a good brand.