Sumo springs vs. Bilstein shocks

[dvs57]

Need opinions please. Which is better - Sumo springs or Bilstein shocks and why? We have a 2008 Fleetwood Fiesta. Gas. 37 ft. long. We intend on keeping it for many years.

[Hudsoner]

wolfe10 wrote:
They serve ENTIRELY different purposes.

What are you trying to change????

As you say, I have Bilstein shocks and Sumo Springs. Two different kind of animals.

[smacdiesel]

I did both on mine, shocks for ride, sumo springs for sway. Made a huge difference.

[usersmanual]

dvs57 wrote:
How do you mean that they serve entirely different purposes? I thought they would improve the ride.

pretty hard to improve the ride as those gassers are sprung pretty stiff
as mentioned the overload sumo springs serve a entirely different
service than Bilstein shocks. If your trying to get rid of the inherent factory top heavy sway then sumos may work But I would go to the aftermarket big bar sway bar kits
Bilstein shocks will make it handle better but ride stiffer
If your overloading the factory spring system then add the sumos

[dvs57]

Thanks. You've given us something to think about.

[J-Rooster]

smkettner wrote:

dvs57 wrote:
How do you mean that they serve entirely different purposes? I thought they would improve the ride.

Sumo will help carry the load without sagging or bottoming the suspension.
Bilstein will dampen excessive up and down motion of the suspension.
Sway bar will help with excessive leaning in turns or side winds.

So what part of the ride are you looking to improve?

X-2 on the Bilstein shocks. I had new Bilsteins put on last year when I come off a driveway my coach goes up and down one and a half times and that is it. Before the Bilsteins I had Monroe Shocks and that was up and down three times.

[jolooote]

Sorry to see you are hearing from the 'Technocrates'. You'll get no simple answer from them. Best to do your own research.

[Phil___Stephie]

Sumo helps with leaning and side winds.

[time2roll]

dvs57 wrote:
How do you mean that they serve entirely different purposes? I thought they would improve the ride.

Sumo will help carry the load without sagging or bottoming the suspension.
Bilstein will dampen excessive up and down motion of the suspension.
Sway bar will help with excessive leaning in turns or side winds.

So what part of the ride are you looking to improve?

[wolfe10]

Tell us what you want to improve/change:

Are you porpoising/too much up/down motion over bumps? If so, shocks are what you need.

Are you bottoming out over bumps and need more spring rate? If so, sumo are one option.

If rough ride is your issue, you will start with correct tire PSI based on your actual weights. No aftermarket device will overcome tires that are overinflated. And, here, some shocks are better than others at softening ride over little bumps while still providing needed (more) dampening over large ones. Koni FSD's are an example of this technology.

[dvs57]

How do you mean that they serve entirely different purposes? I thought they would improve the ride.

[wolfe10]

They serve ENTIRELY different purposes.

What are you trying to change????