Smooth out the ride

[troyrice76]

We are new to this but in the past two weeks have been to Hilton Head SC and are now in Grand Rapids MI. I feel really comfortable driving and in control of the coach, however it would be nice if it were smoother. WV had a ton of tolls but it is safe to say that money is not used for keeping their highways in tip top shape. I am driving a 2012 Bounder, and it has Biltstein shocks on it. Would Koni shock be a better option. I have read several threads about shocks but did not really see one that said what shock was on a coach before the install of the Koni's. Biltstein makes a great shock I think they may be a little to ridgid for me.

Thanks,

Troy

[pkunk1]

The softest shock is the Monroe Magnum RV that I put on after removing the stock Bilsteins. Many people have said that the Koni would be a better option but I really believe that there really isn't (without spending mega $$$) any way to soften stiff springs on an underloaded front suspension. Tire pressure & the Monroes helped my coach alot.

[LVJ58]

I found Monroe's to give a superior ride than the factory OEM shocks that came on our 2000 coach. Later when I later replaced the Monroe's with Koni FSD shocks,there was an even greater improvement in ride comfort.

Granted, $300 for the 2 Koni's could be considered Mega $$$, however I found the ride comfort improvement to be well worth the $$$ spent.

Good luck with your choice of replacement shocks,

[troyrice76]

From all that I have read I am going to go with the Koni's. The more input the better.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by troyrice76 We are new to this but in the past two weeks have been to Hilton Head SC and are now in Grand Rapids MI. I feel really comfortable driving and in control of the coach, however it would be nice if it were smoother. WV had a ton of tolls but it is safe to say that money is not used for keeping their highways in tip top shape. I am driving a 2012 Bounder, and it has Biltstein shocks on it. Would Koni shock be a better option. I have read several threads about shocks but did not really see one that said what shock was on a coach before the install of the Koni's. Biltstein makes a great shock I think they may be a little to ridgid for me. Thanks, Troy

My bilsteins give me a great ride ,however nothing will satisfy you on rough roads. You may be looking for something unreasonable. If you were unhappy on smooth roads that would be different. It is different than four wheel autos for sure. My Bounder handles great and usually gives me a smooth ride except of course on those miserable roads you described. There's nothing wrong with your Bilsteins. If you had an older MH and were looking for new shocks than you might consider all your options , but I think replacing them on a new rig would be a waste and not accomplish much.

[troyrice76]

Great point on good roads the Bounder does handle great and the ride is smooth. The roads we were on were terrible to say the least. From other posts I thought the Koni's would make a rougher road better. You are correct the last thing I want to do is buy these shocks and be stuck with them and not see any real improvements. What year Bounder do you have Clifftall?

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by troyrice76 Great point on good roads the Bounder does handle great and the ride is smooth. The roads we were on were terrible to say the least. From other posts I thought the Koni's would make a rougher road better. You are correct the last thing I want to do is buy these shocks and be stuck with them and not see any real improvements. What year Bounder do you have Clifftall?

2008 35 E. And what model
Is yours?

[troyrice76]

2012 34b

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by troyrice76 2012 34b

That's a Classic I believe. Best of luck with it. Also you may want to stop by the Fleetwood forum.

[goldwingerx2]

Our 06 had 19.5 tires the new one has 22.5 which I think makes a lot of difference. Now I know you cannot change tires but the info might be helpful.

[LVJ58]

Troy, when you replace your shocks regardless of what brand you choose, please let us know how they work for you.

Thanks, Jim

[troyrice76]

Will do. I have never owned anything that remained stock why should this be any different

[Seajay]

The best way to fix the ride of a f53 Ford chassis is to trade it for a P30 chassis. I have had both and the P30 rode like a cloud and the F53 rides like a farm tractor. When I traded coaches I drove the P30 down to the dealer and the F53 back and I had to ask myself ...... ''WHAT THE HAY HAVE I DONE''.......
JMHO........
Thank a vet for your freedoms ....

[loulong]

I replaced my OEM shocks with Monroe Gas magnums and added Firestone air bags to the front. The total outlay was only slightly more than the price of Koni's alone, and I feel that I have a much superior ride now.

No more teeth jarring road expansion joints. No more feeling and sounding like it's bottoming out. Keeping the air bag pressure at 22 lbs prevents any excessive floating and/or excessive bouncing feeling as well.