Why did Workhorse go with Bilsteins when No one is happy with them?

[RV 4 2]

With all the negative reports and threads about Bilsteins and all the positive threads and reports about the Koni's does anyone know why Workhorse 1. originally chose Bilsteins and 2. Why Workhorse does not start offering Koni's?
I am sure there is a contractual agreement there somewhere.

[RV 4 2]

With all the negative reports and threads about Bilsteins and all the positive threads and reports about the Koni's does anyone know why Workhorse 1. originally chose Bilsteins and 2. Why Workhorse does not start offering Koni's?
I am sure there is a contractual agreement there somewhere.

[max49]

Maybe I'm not a ride connoisseur (uh, spell check) but I have no problem with the Bilsteins.
Maybe Konis are more expensive

[oemtech]

I spoke to Chris Christy when he headed up the Warranty part of Workhorse about this subject. We spent almost an hour on the phone. It goes something like this.

1) The OEM's overloaded the chassis that was spec'd for the original shocks. This manifested itself in porpoising. My original shocks were shot in 2500 miles.
2) The 1st solution was to get the rig weighed and replace the shocks with Monroe Magnums. This fixed the problem for awhile.
3) In Apr of 04 the Bilstein shock became the standard package for Workhorse. This fixed alot of suspension issues. But, the ride was to firm for some.
From here on it is my opinion.
4) Knoi's did hit the RV market until later. Koni's fix the same problems that Bilstein's do but provide a softer ride.

[born2camp]

I'm perfectly happy with mine. I have never had Koni's and see no reason to change over to them. I would put Bilsteins back on if and when I need shocks.

[DriVer]

As an OE install, Bilstein shock absorbers are not low bid devices and they do offer outstanding performance to the majority of Workhorse owners. RV'ers do however have choices and for any number of reasons they may chose a different ride package at some point during their ownership.

The Koni FSD offers owners an option and most that have chosen the FSD are pleased with the results.

I have experienced 3 shock setups; DSP black, Monroe and Koni, however Bilstein was not one of them. I have driven several coaches with Bilsteins and although my ride times were short the Bilsteins were not objectionable.

[Joe Gilbert]

I replaced the OEM shocks with Bilstein's when my W22 was new. I like the Bilsteins. It may be true that these provide a firm ride however, I personally prefer a firm ride and chrisp handling.

By the way my coach, as delivered, was not overloaded. The original shocks were just plain not adequate.

[Tom N]

Bilsteins handle my W24 just fine. I have no complaints and Bilstein gives the original purchaser an unlimited warranty.

-Tom

[tropical36]

Here was my main reason for going with the Bilsteins....
My rig was already on the rack getting air bags and the sales tech. says that my OEM shocks of 9 yrs. are shot and they have a special on 4 Bilsteins that includes free installation...came to about $106 each...if memory serves me. If I would have had a choice at the same time, same place, with the same deal, I would have probably chose the Koni's, but no other brand, over the Bilsteins and since I have nothing else to compare them to, ....I'm happy with what I got.

[Photog]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Joe Gilbert:
The original shocks were just plain not adequate. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I will go beyond that, the OEM Monroe shocks on my coach were just plain junk! Anything would have been an improvement.

I'm sure the use of Bilsteins was an economic decision. I like my Konis; but, I must admit, my friend's coach with Bilsteins rides well.

[edgray]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">the OEM Monroe shocks on my coach were just plain junk! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Please understand this post is ONLY to make a point of clarification, and is not intended to challenge any ones opinion about their shocks or preferences. That PC statement made here is what I believe to be the "history" of W-series chassis shocks:

Originally, they were painted all black. These shocks were sometimes referred to as Monroes, and I think they were designed by Monroe, but I think in fact they were produced by Detroit Steel Products (DSP). If WCC agreed to replace them due to your complaint that they were too soft and creating the porpoising issue, then you got genuine Monroe brand Gas Magnum RV(painted yellow)shocks. At least I did. I was told that new chassis production in Union City was consuming all the Bilsteins that were available to WCC, and therefore the RV Magnum was used to remedy the complaints. Two of them on the front solved my problem. Bilstein shocks became standard OE for new chassis production ILO the black DSP units used previously. I'm not aware of any chassis produced using the RV Magnum as OE. If your chassis came from the factory equipped with them, please correct me.

The Blue over yellow Bilstein shocks have been standard since "late production 2004 model year" and seem to work well for "most" owners. I've not heard of anybody who changed to the Koni FSD being unhappy or dissatisfied with their ride and handling characteristics. ED

[RV 4 2]

My intent of this post was just curiosity to find out some of the history of Bilsteins on the Workhorse chassis and possibly some of the possible reasons behind the selection. I was not trying to get anyone in trouble or cause any issues. I know people have different preferences for shocks and this was not meant to be a Bilstein vs Koni type post. If anyone interpreted this post that way, I apologize. Maybe it was how I worded my original post.
That being said, Dale, Driver and Ed, thanks for the history lesson/information. That was very interesting and clears things up for me.

["007"]

All my MH's I switch out the shocks to BILSTEINS just because they always worked for me now as I get older and if my false teeth begin to chatter maybe I'll try them KONI's.

[Carvin Marvin]

I have an 02 35R Southwind that I just replaced the originals at 50k miles with Bilstiens. The originals were absolutly shot. I could easily compress them with one hand. Haven't road tested yet but have been satisfied with B's on other m/h's. Got them on line $81.00 each including shipping.