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Best shocks for 5th wheel towing

snowpeke
Explorer
Explorer
Looking to get the best schocks for a 2002 Dmax, hoping to smooth out the 5 th wheel ride
2002 Chevy DuraMax
2014 jayco eagle
Two Pekingese dogs
10 REPLIES 10

N-Trouble
Explorer
Explorer
The big difference between cheap and expensive shocks is how long they last moreso than a difference in ride. So either spend a little more up front or go cheap and expect to replace again in a few years
2015 Attitude 28SAG w/slide
2012 GMC 2500HD SLT Duramax
B&W Turnover w/Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch

mtofell1
Explorer
Explorer
Hannibal wrote:
If you have a kid bouncing in the back seat of the truck, shocks won't help. It's like that with the 5th wheel back there bouncing on the hitch. I like Monroe HD shocks. Cost effective and they do their intended job.


X2 - IMO shocks get far too much focus and attention for how much of a change they actually make. Nothing is going to change the feeling of having a 5th wheel attached to your truck. Sure, when the shocks are worn out it can lead to excess stress on other parts and they should be changed out. Even with something nice if you like. Just don't expect them to change your life.

I've run expensive ones and cheap ones and after a couple months they all feel about the same.

Halmfamily
Explorer
Explorer
I put Bilstein 5100's on the rear and 4600's on the front of our 08 GMC 3500 and it made a big difference. My OEM shocks were totally shot so anything would have helped. I really noticed the improvement yesterday while driving some fire roads in the TNF without my trailer, much smoother and truck felt more controlled.
2008 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT DRW D/A 4x4 (Big All)
2006 Ford F350 PSD SRW King Ranch 4x4 (Henry) (Sold)
B&W Companion, 90 Aux Fuel Tank, Scan Gauge II, Curt f/m hitch, Swagman XC
2015 Forest River Sierra 360 PDEK
DW Diane, DS Michael, FB Draco and Sabian

Hannibal
Explorer
Explorer
If you have a kid bouncing in the back seat of the truck, shocks won't help. It's like that with the 5th wheel back there bouncing on the hitch. I like Monroe HD shocks. Cost effective and they do their intended job.
2020 F250 STX CC SB 7.3L 10spd 3.55 4x4
2010 F250 XLT CC SB 5.4L 5spdTS 3.73
ex '95 Cummins,'98 12v Cummins,'01.5 Cummins,'03 Cummins; '05 Hemi
2017 Jayco 28RLS TT 32.5'

Second_Chance
Explorer II
Explorer II
It's going to take a combination of Bilstein 4600 shocks and a dampened pin box.

Rob
U.S. Army retired
2020 Solitude 310GK-R
MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
2012 F350 CC DRW Lariat 6.7
Full-time since 8/2015

Me_Again
Explorer II
Explorer II
I had Rancho 9000's on my 2001.5 and liked them. Ran at the lowest setting empty and highest with the trailer. Chris
2021 F150 2.7 Ecoboost - Summer Home 2017 Bighorn 3575el. Can Am Spyder RT-L Chrome, Kawasaki KRX1000. Retired and enjoying it! RIP DW 07-05-2021

Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Explorer
I have a Morryde pin box on mine.. really takes up the shocks.
Mike
2012 Winnebago Impulse Silver 26QP
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
previously Snowbird Campers,
Triple E Motorhome and Fifth Wheel

rhagfo
Explorer III
Explorer III
X3 for Bil's

Does your 5er have shocks? You will be surprised how much smoother ride you get with shocks on the 5er.
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#

"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"

Durb
Explorer
Explorer
I installed Bilsteins on my truck to help with the same problem. They didn't help at all to quell the harshness coming from the trailer which was transmitted to the truck quite efficiently by the hitch. They were stiffer than the OEM shocks for my truck so the the ride from a smoothness point worsened. However, from a control standpoint they are superior and are a good add.

If you want a smooth ride with your 5er attached get an air hitch to dissipate the forces coming from your trailer. Worked perfectly for me.

azdryheat
Explorer
Explorer
There is no best shock. I like Bilstein but they're all I know.
2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually
2014 Voltage 3600 toy hauler
2019 RZR 1000XP TRE