Best shocks for 5th wheel towing

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Rob

I had Rancho 9000's on my 2001.5 and liked them. Ran at the lowest setting empty and highest with the trailer. Chris

I have a Morryde pin box on mine.. really takes up the shocks.

X3 for Bil's

Does your 5er have shocks? You will be surprised how much smoother ride you get with shocks on the 5er.

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.

There is no best shock. I like Bilstein but they're all I know.