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Old 10-19-2016, 11:11 AM   #1
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Cool Outrageous cost for shocks??

We recently bought a 38' Newmar. Husband ordered some really good shocks on line (nearly $400) - and then took it to local dealer to have them installed. They charged us $400 ! (It took them about 2 hours to install). Not having done this before, we wonder if this is even reasonable? Dealer usually charges $120 hr for labor - but they had two guys working to install -- to remove bolts from current shocks and bolt the new ones on. This doesn't seem reasonable to me.
Anyone have a cost comparison ?
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Old 10-19-2016, 11:28 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cmedford View Post
We recently bought a 38' Newmar. Husband ordered some really good shocks on line (nearly $400) - and then took it to local dealer to have them installed. They charged us $400 ! (It took them about 2 hours to install). Not having done this before, we wonder if this is even reasonable? Dealer usually charges $120 hr for labor - but they had two guys working to install -- to remove bolts from current shocks and bolt the new ones on. This doesn't seem reasonable to me.
Anyone have a cost comparison ?
When I had my fronts replaced, I also supplied the new shocks and the shop charged me two hours for ONE person. $200 If I recall correctly, I had it done along with an oil change.
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Old 10-19-2016, 11:34 AM   #3
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I replaced the front shocks several times on our previous 40 DSDP. First time it took me two hours and that included finding the right tools and doing it myself. Changed the shocks on the present Magna and it took me about an hour to do both and again that was by myself.
But I took the rig to a truck shop to replace two rear shocks and they charged me almost $400 to do it, plus damaged the rear hub covers.
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Old 10-19-2016, 12:39 PM   #4
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$400 is about three hours shop time which sounds about right for 8 shocks.
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Old 10-19-2016, 12:48 PM   #5
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I'd say you got nothing to complain about.
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Old 10-19-2016, 01:27 PM   #6
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If you're ever going to have some suspension work done, start applying penetrating oil to the components you're going to replace as soon as you decide to do it. That way when you do it yourself or have a shop do it, hopefully less time will be spent on the clock trying to remove the hardware due to corrosion and dirt.

Also if you have access to and can get replacement hardware..nuts, bolts, washers and bushings do so. A dollar bolt can end up costing you ten or more if a shop has to replace it.
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Old 10-19-2016, 01:38 PM   #7
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We are in business to make money not provide free services. We charge $150 an hour for labor for each person. But I'm in the crane business not a repair facility.
In the future ask the for the cost estimate before having the work done.
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Old 10-19-2016, 02:51 PM   #8
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I got a set of 4 Koni shocks for $700 and had Oregon Motor Coach install them, cost $165, 1.6hrs one guy plus we stayed the night before the install no charge.
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Old 10-21-2016, 07:11 AM   #9
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Always think
"would you do it yourself for someone else for $400"
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Old 10-21-2016, 08:35 AM   #10
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Always get a couple bids on any work that is not an emergency. Also dealers for the most part do not hire well qualified mechanics, they cost too much. Truck centers or RV oriented repair shops do many of these chassis job every day, dealer in my option deal better in house issues.

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Old 10-21-2016, 09:43 AM   #11
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$400 is about three hours shop time which sounds about right for 8 shocks.
The Newmar doesn't have 8 shocks like the Monacos. Different chassis, requires only 4 shocks (6 with a tag axle).

I think $400 is outrageous for a simple R&R job like replacing shocks. Presumably 2 techs x 2 hours x $100/hour, but that should be a one-man job and about 30 minutes per shock. $200-$250 tops, in my opinion.

Don't use RV dealers for chassis work - they are high-priced and only minimally skilled at chassis work.
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Old 10-21-2016, 04:29 PM   #12
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The Newmar doesn't have 8 shocks like the Monacos. Different chassis, requires only 4 shocks (6 with a tag axle).

I think $400 is outrageous for a simple R&R job like replacing shocks. Presumably 2 techs x 2 hours x $100/hour, but that should be a one-man job and about 30 minutes per shock. $200-$250 tops, in my opinion.

Don't use RV dealers for chassis work - they are high-priced and only minimally skilled at chassis work.
Outside of warranty work, a dealer would be the last place I would want to touch my rv. You end up paying high labor rates of $150/hr or so by us. They hire low level wrenchers for $20/hr maybe.

How putting on shocks can warrant being a two man operation to me is inconceivable.

Find a good independent shop for your work if at all possible. Unless it is motor/transmission or something like that and then go directly to the authorized manufacturer repair facility.


Beyond that, always get an estimate first. And maybe shop around. And tell them so. That tends to keep everyone honest.
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Old 10-21-2016, 10:17 PM   #13
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I got a $35 jack from Harbor Freight and got top of the line Blitsen shocks from RockAuto and the whole upgrade cost me less then $500 including the steering assist one. Shocks are not like car struts... they are easy.
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Old 10-22-2016, 05:43 AM   #14
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I replaced all four shocks on mine in an afternoon as it was parked on the pad in the back yard. All it cost was my time and the price of the shocks. They are easy if you have the tools. LARGE sockets and breaker bar and some penetrating oil helps. They are only held on by one bolt at the top and one at the bottom, only had a problem with clearance on one of the front shocks but worked it out.
I used Monroe shocks and have been happy with them. My OEM's were shot, had been on there since day one, Freightliner chassis.
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