Trailer Shocks: when to replace?

Question

My Outdoors RV Timber Ridge 240RKScame with no-name shock absorbers, 4 on a pair of 5200# axles.

It's time for new tires after ~33K miles and I'm wondering if I should also have them replace the shocks.

:h

How do you test a trailer shock? Can't exactly push down on the bumper. The trailer still seems to track ok in the wind (although the new RAM 2500 certainly helps there as well).

sar_tracker · Answer

Any signs of oil leakage?  Replace it.Only SURE way is to remove the shock, and compress it.  If it stays compressed, it needs to be replaced.

lynnmor · Answer

SAR Tracker wrote:Only SURE way is to remove the shock, and compress it.  If it stays compressed, it needs to be replaced.A pressurized gas shock should act that way, but you have no idea if it is that kind.Remove the bolt from one end and check for resistance in both directions.

brulaz · Answer

Well, the tire dealer can't do shocks anyway.So it will have to wait to this summer when I may try it myself.Thinking of KYB monotube shocks, possibly KG5514 if the dimensions are right.

dclark1946 · Answer

I replaced the factory shocks on our 08 KZ Spree TT when it was 7 years old with the same type ordered from KZ. I checked the old ones after they were removed and two of the four acted like there were bubbles in the fluid because the resistance was intermittent over both compression and extension strokes. The factory supplied shocks were not gas charged.

ras43 · Answer

I replaced the shocks on my 5th wheel last summer with Monroe Gas Magnum RV shocks. Shopped on line and found them for $113 with shipping for 4. The originals were not gas and were weak so they needed replacing. The Monroes are great and I can feel the difference in how the 5th wheel rides. Many trailers use the same shock. I got mine here

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Trailer Shocks: when to replace?

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