Shocks

[rbc185]

Hello Everyone:
Having a rough ride in my 2000 HR Ambassador. Need help on three concerns. I am told I need ride height adjustment - any comments on this and second what is the best riding shocks. I am told to buy Koni shocks and lastly is it feasible for the owner to replace the shocks on this Roadmaster chasis with 4 air bags ?
Thanks

[Clayobx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbc185 Hello Everyone: Having a rough ride in my 2000 HR Ambassador. Need help on three concerns. I am told I need ride height adjustment - any comments on this and second what is the best riding shocks. I am told to buy Koni shocks and lastly is it feasible for the owner to replace the shocks on this Roadmaster chasis with 4 air bags ? Thanks

Ride height is extremely important call the manf. They should be able to provide front and rear measurements along with proper info as from one point on chassis to another. Just installed Koni's along with Henderson bell crank and MCU units. MAJOR difference in my coach, handles like large sports car. I would highly recommend shocks be installed professionally.

[Full.Monte]

Thanks for your service to our country!

I don't have a rig like yours, but I can tell you that the purpose of a shock is different from the purpose of an air bag. Think of an air bag as a supplemental spring that helps your suspension springs in an overloaded situation or where the main suspension springs have relaxed due to age. They are also good for leveling the coach when there is more weight on one side. A shock, on the other hand, is a device that causes the coach to stop bouncing when it hits a bump in the road. It has dampening capability, while an air bag does not. Your rig may need both shocks and air bags, or just shocks. It is highly unlikely that you could improve things by removing the shocks and installing air bags.

[Mike Canter]

RBC185, welcome to the IRV2 forum, I would recommend reading this thread on Monaco shocks. There is also an interesting comparison test between Koni and Bilstein Shocks.

Monaco Factory Installed Bilstein Shock Information

Comparison Test
http://www.irv2.com/forums/attachmen...5&d=1297008469

[hardy1000]

I just ordered the new Bilstein Comfort shocks from eshocks after reading the above test. I replaced the factory shocks on my last MH with Bilsteins and was very happy with them. I just purchased the 8 new Bilsteins for $629 shipped to my door.

[Rex]

You asked if an owner could replace the shocks. Well yes, but you may need an impact tool, air or electric. My coach is an 8 air bag coach and has 8 shocks. Yours should have 4 shocks so half the work. On my coach the top bolt is very difficult to get to on the rear shocks.

[Steve Ownby]

If that were my coach, I would call these guys:

RV-Chassis

Ask them about their trailing arm kit and ride enhancement kit for your chassis. Monaco made a change in the trailing arms at some point on the 4 air bag chassis and the trailing arms they used were under designed and the subject of a recall.

The fix is beefed up trailing arms. Source Manufacturing makes at kit for that and also a ride enhancement kit.

[sc3283]

Shocks are usually a simple ...bolt off, bolt on item.....they do not require much mechanical knowledge.
The upper shock mounts might be a bit of a stretch to reach.
You don't need impacts or power tools...although it can be easier with them.

rbc, you will find that many replacement parts claims...tend to be a bit biased....by this I mean...many times....folks tend to think if they spent the biggest $ for the highest priced part...it is the best.

I have Bilsteins...and have NO issues with them. Just remember.

The best riding shocks, tend not to be the best for controlling the suspension over bumps and visa versa...the best for handing the suspension won't be the best for ride smoothness.

Many times other items will be recommended to make a smooth riding shock have more control of the suspension

[mr300ce]

My MH has air bags inside the front springs. I set them at 90psi when travelling, but what should I set them at while parked/stored for the winter. ???
I have the leveling jacks all the way out, and couch is level.

[Hossandjo]

I have a 2006 Camelot. I was all set to install new shocks because of the rough ride. Pavement seams and potholes slammed the front end. I had the ride height adjusted (was out an inch front and rear) and it made all the difference. I'll wait to spend the money on shocks.

[John Haggard]

I just had 10 Koni shocks installed this past Thursday.

We drove the 300 miles back home from Bristol Tenn. to Jamestown Ky. and are very happy.

we also got to drive the track at BMS. for the 1st. opening night of their spectacular Christmas display.

[Diplomat Don]

rbc....I'll throw in my two cents. I believe your coach was made before they had issues with trailering arms. I may be mistaken, but I believe that was a 2007 and newer issue.

I put on the front four Koni's and liked the way they worke. They really smoothed out the jarring front end. I later put on the rears. With a height adjustment and new shocks, it really improved the ride.

I will throw out a caution on the Bilsteins. One of the forum members, "MonacoMama" had the ride enhancement kit installed and then Bilstein tried several different shocks on her coach, attempting to dial in the perfect ride. I would check with Bilstein and make sure the shocks that are available are made/adjusted for a coach that doesn't have the ride enhancement kit.

I added the Koni's to our friends 07 Cayman with the 4 air bag system. Their coach had a horrendous ride. The Koni's helped it, but didn't fix it. Their coach was only a 36', like mine, which typically ride a little rougher because of the short length.

Finally, I used air tools on my coach when replacing the shocks, which made things easier. As noted by "Rex", the top bolt on the rears (stud coming out the top of shock with nut) was difficult to reach. I placed a closed end wrench on the nut and used a large pair of Channelocks to twist the upper shock housing. The wrench will turn and lock against the frame without having to hold it. After several turns, you should be able to twist the housing with your hands. I installed the new shocks and reveresed the above procedure, but only used my hands to tighten the housing. I was able to twist them enough to compress the rubber grommet.

[DC Cruiser]

Don as far as I understand you would only be able to get the adjusted REK shocks from Source Eng. as that is who has been having them valved. If you bought them from any other vendor I assume they would have the standard valving in them. That is why I had to wait so long for the front shocks on my Windsor as Bilstein was slow in getting them valved properly. I asked Jim @ Source about trying to get them from another vendor but he said they would not be valved properly for the REK.

CHEERS

[Stillwater]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbc185 Hello Everyone: Having a rough ride in my 2000 HR Ambassador. Need help on three concerns. I am told I need ride height adjustment - any comments on this and second what is the best riding shocks. I am told to buy Koni shocks and lastly is it feasible for the owner to replace the shocks on this Roadmaster chasis with 4 air bags ? Thanks

Not sure who gave you that bit of advice but there are a lot of folks (myself included) that favor Bilstein shocks. Bilsteins work just fine. As for changing them yourself I did all 8 of mine inside 2 1/2 hours it's just simple hand tools.