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Shock question. Please point me in the right direction

eddd
Explorer
Explorer
I friend needs new shocks for his 2009 Chevy 2500HD w/Duramax and 4 wheel drive. He has as 26' travel trailer that is used on the highway, but he also does lot of off road driving on Utah mountains roads without the trailer.

Any thought on replacement shocks that will handle both conditions? or where I can find posts on the matter?

My normal google search method isn't being very helpful.

Thanks.
2002 KZ Sportsman Toyhauler
11 REPLIES 11

djsamuel
Nomad
Nomad
Can't go wrong with Bilsteins.

2013 Camplite 21BHS Trailer, Ram 1500 Tow Vehicle

trailer_newbe
Explorer II
Explorer II
Had Bilsteins on my Tundra and they were awesome. For my 2500 Cummins RAM I went with Rancho 9000XL with the adjustable dampening knob. Haven’t done a camping trip yet but one is right around the corner. We shall see.
2018 Jayco White Hawk 28RL

Area13
Explorer
Explorer
Twosown zero is right, 4600’s, not 4500. I like the 5100 better because they are silver zinc plated and look very nice in my wheel well compared to the yellow and blue 4600’s.
I had a discussion on the TC forum a while back about the difference since everyone seems to think you need a lifted truck for 5100’s. I ended up contacting Bilstein directly. They said order the 5100’s rated for 0-2” lift for non lifted trucks and they will work fine, and they do on 2 different trucks now. They also said they are the same inside.
2020 Outdoors RV 21RD
2015 F-150 FX4 5.0 3.73

the_bear_II
Explorer
Explorer
Another vote for Bilsteins

eddd
Explorer
Explorer
Good info. Thanks
2002 KZ Sportsman Toyhauler

ktmrfs
Explorer
Explorer
again, I'll say the bilsteins. on my 2004.5 I installed bilsteins at about 10K miles. the difference was dramatic both loaded and unloaded. The factory shocks IMHO aren't valved well for either unloaded or loaded riding. The bilsteins are still working well on the truck (now our sons) at 200K miles.

When we got our 2015 I put bilsteins on as soon as I could get them. again factory valving on the stock shocks wasn't what I liked.

In both cases I used the HD yellow units. there is a firmer set for lifted suspensions or larger tires which the claim is a stiffer ride with stock suspension. I think the HD yellows are a 4500 or 4600 series while the blue units are the 5100 series.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!

twodownzero
Explorer
Explorer
The yellow and blue Bilsteins are what he wants, the 4600s.

rbpru
Explorer II
Explorer II
2x on Bilsteins.
Twenty six foot 2010 Dutchmen Lite pulled with a 2011 EcoBoost F-150 4x4.

Just right for Grandpa, Grandma and the dog.

Area13
Explorer
Explorer
Bilstein 4500 or 5100
2020 Outdoors RV 21RD
2015 F-150 FX4 5.0 3.73

DustyR
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 2008 Duramax and I thought my shocks were still serviceable until a section of bad interstate had it doing the porpoise dance. I replaced with a known brand that were decent for a short period of time, then back to the bouncing act. I finally went with a set of 'Bilstein 4600's' a year ago and my vehicle is now bounce free.
2016 Open Range 319RLS
Tow Vehicle: 2008 Silverado 2500 HD
Duramax, Allison Transmission.

ppine
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have used the 1 inch piston Monroe heavy duty shocks for years.