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Old 07-27-2014, 02:54 PM   #1
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F-53 Shocks

Hi...I'm trying to upgrade the ride and handling of my 1999 HR Vacationer...it has a Ford F-53 chassis ...thought I would start with shocks since it probably has the original OEM shocks on it..would like to get everyone's opinion for the best brand to buy before I spend the cash...
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Old 07-27-2014, 05:38 PM   #2
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I just bought my Monroe Gas shocks at Oreilly's for $40.00 per, & will install them on the front next week. Then I'll replace the rear end and tags. I previously installed them on an '87 Pace 34' with good results. Eddie Elk.
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Old 07-27-2014, 05:38 PM   #3
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Expect many and varied opinions on which is the best shock for your f53. For us, the Koni FSD shocks worked excellent on our 2000 coach significantly improving ride comfort.

They're very expensive but we found them well worth the $$$ spent.

I believe Bilstein now has a new shock series called Comfort Track that are comparable to the Koni FSD's.

Good luck with your choice of shocks and safe travels...
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Old 07-28-2014, 05:50 AM   #4
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Good luck on the hunt for the perfect shocks. On our 2000 model motorhome I went from whatever the original shocks were to Bilstein. At times I wished I had never changed as the old shocks, wore out I'm sure, were much softer. The Bilstein were like they had no give at all. Then I went from the original Bilstein to Koni on our 2008 motorhome at 12,000 miles. Did the fronts first, Koni were better riding at slow speeds up to 25 mph, but above that there response time is to long and the ride is near the same as the Bilstein. About 2 months later I put Koni on the rear and could see no difference between the old Bilstein and the new Koni. I have tried to move weight forward in hopes of a better front end ride, but you can only shift so much weight forward. There has to be a softer more responsive shock for the front end, but at what point do you stop replacing shocks?
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Old 07-28-2014, 06:16 AM   #5
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I have the Monroe RV shocks front and rear and am happy with them. I however realize I am essentially driving a truck and don't expect it to ride like a car.
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Old 07-28-2014, 11:08 AM   #6
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I installed Monroe Gas-magnum RV Shocks, DIY, $61.36 each, That was four years and ~30K miles ago. Originals were worn out, you could hear them bounce! Ride was much better with new ones. They are still a good ride. I have since installed front air bags to help deal with battery (6) weight that sat near one wheel and that added to the comfort. I know others love Koni's, and that's OK, I just could not justify the cost/comfort ratio. http://www.irv2.com/forums/images/smilies/nonono.gif

YMMV

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Old 07-28-2014, 01:02 PM   #7
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Kent paid just over $100 each
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Old 07-28-2014, 08:57 PM   #8
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I installed KYB in front on my 2013 hurricane 33g and love it. I also did installed air bag all around with individual pressure. Planning to change my rear shock with KYB.
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Old 07-28-2014, 09:23 PM   #9
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How can one tell if they still have the original factory shocks?


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Old 07-29-2014, 09:03 AM   #10
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I'm sure your shocks are long past their life expectancy. We replaced the shocks on our 2001 F53 chassis at 22,000 miles. 3 of the 4 had no resistance what so ever, and the 4th was leaking. We replaced them with Bilsteins. When we traded it off it had over 100,000 miles on it and the shocks were still good.
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Old 08-05-2014, 10:49 AM   #11
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Jeepers..a Koni is $195 EACH?!!! That's ridiculous! The Bilstien is $100 each..that's still a bit steep. The Monroe is $60 but looks like a generic shock. (Amazon prices)

Gosh...this shouldn't be so difficult. Maybe I should see what's installed on it, although I have looked and can't really tell. They have a rubber boot on top so it's hard to see any labels or logo's, but maybe I just have to bring a rag and wipe things down and hopefully be able to see something. I have no idea if the previous owner replaced them or not.

Oh well..I'll keep hunting and watching these threads.

Thanks.
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Old 08-05-2014, 11:25 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TriMoot View Post
?.....a Koni is $195 EACH?!!! That's ridiculous! The Bilstien is $100 each..that's still a bit steep. The Monroe is $60 .....

I wonder how much difference there really is between them.


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Old 08-05-2014, 11:33 AM   #13
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KYB is a little more than Bilstein, but look like a good shock

Shock Warehouse F53 motor home shock pricing
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Old 08-05-2014, 01:45 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Digger293 View Post
Hi...I'm trying to upgrade the ride and handling of my 1999 HR Vacationer...it has a Ford F-53 chassis ...thought I would start with shocks since it probably has the original OEM shocks on it..would like to get everyone's opinion for the best brand to buy before I spend the cash...
The original shocks were from Ford. They were black and didn't have any identification as to who made them. The ones on our 2001 F53 chassis were shot at about 20,000 miles. 3 of the 4 had no resistance whatsoever and the 4th was leaking. In 2003 or 2004 Ford went to lifetime Bilsteins from the factory. We replaced our originals with Bilsteins. They were still good when we traded it off with over 100,000 miles on the odometer.
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