Community Forums

Canuck53 · 08-05-2021, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I changed out the Sachs shocks to Koni's on both my 2014 DS and my 2019 DS. On the 2014 DS, the Koni EVO's for the front had not yet been created. I went with the Koni RED's which was a shock that has been around for years. It was no better than the Sachs on the front. About a year later, the Koni EVO was created and switched the fonts to those. They made quite a difference.

As soon as my 2019 DS arrived, I ordered Koni FSD's for the rear and the Koni EVO's for the front and changed them out. On the front, the Koni EVO's get rid of that short chatter that can make your front shade hop up and down and they dulled the thud of pot holes and smoothed out the ride. These truck chassis' will never ride like a limousine.

It's human nature to praise a product when you spend a lot of money on something, even if it doesn't work. I don't feel that way, if it doesn't work, I let others know and move on. On my 2014 DS, I threw away the Koni RED's that I just bought when they didn't improve the ride and went with the EVO"s when they entered the market. Within a month, I changed out the shocks on my 2019 DS. Some may think I'm nuts, but my motor home is my hot rod and I like to make handling improvements. I'm very finicky about the handling, including the addition of Centramatic wheel balancers.

Lastly, go to Koni NA, plug in your chassis and it will give you the shock numbers. Then go online and find the best deal. Stay away from Shock Warehosue. I bought mine from Ultra RV Products.

https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthA...cts/Motorhome/

https://www.ultrarvproducts.com/Koni-Shocks

So it sounds like you changed all the shocks?

Canuck53 · 08-05-2021, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpecks

I paid $125 to have a shop do it. Took less than 1 hr while I sipped on my coffee.

I do agree it’s the best $$$ you’ll spend

I have a 2019 4369 Spartan. We’re there any other items that had to be purchased? On the Koni web site there were several choices depending on construction of the front end and ratings.

Dutch Star Don · 08-06-2021, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck53

I have a 2019 4369 Spartan. We’re there any other items that had to be purchased? On the Koni web site there were several choices depending on construction of the front end and ratings.

Yes, I changed all the shocks on both coaches. The rears take Koni FSD's, which I find make the coach corner better. On the Freightliner, the rear and tag axle shocks are the same shocks.

On the front, they most likely are listing the Koni RED and Koni EVO. You want the Koni EVO's, deigned for IFS.

Canuck53 · 08-06-2021, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Yes, I changed all the shocks on both coaches. The rears take Koni FSD's, which I find make the coach corner better. On the Freightliner, the rear and tag axle shocks are the same shocks.

On the front, they most likely are listing the Koni RED and Koni EVO. You want the Koni EVO's, deigned for IFS.

Thanks

Steve 716 · 08-08-2021, 03:49 PM

I purchased my front Koni shocks online and a truck tire center installed them for a nominal amount of money. It took them about a half hour to install both sides so a self install should be straightforward.

I can speak to the ride difference. My original Bilstein shocks were a rough ride whenever I drove on poor roads, including interstates. It was like my coach was connected directly to the road and I worried about damage to my suspension and tires. I felt almost every pothole, dip, and bump even if they were small. There was no cushion at all. It was jarring and rough, I coiuld feel every imprefection on the road. I hated it.

Koni fixed all of that. My ride is cushier and steering is easier. I do occasionally get a controlled bounce or two from dips in the road but no more being slammed around. You are doig a good thing by swapping out your front shocks.

Hbruce · 08-08-2021, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogdriver

My previous Spartan K2 rode a lot better w the Koni shocks I had installed. Considering putting them on the front of this 21 DutchStar 4369.

I have a considerable amount of tools including impact wrenches but I do not have a vehicle pit, lift, or ramps for a vehicle this size. Has anybody done this in their driveway or garage? Can it be a DIY, or does this require a pit or professional install?

I installed them front & back on my 36’ in my driveway. Jacked it up, put jackstands under it & installed. Did it 5yrs ago. Best thing I ever did. Night & day difference.

Clemson · 08-08-2021, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogdriver

My previous Spartan K2 rode a lot better w the Koni shocks I had installed. Considering putting them on the front of this 21 DutchStar 4369.

I have a considerable amount of tools including impact wrenches but I do not have a vehicle pit, lift, or ramps for a vehicle this size. Has anybody done this in their driveway or garage? Can it be a DIY, or does this require a pit or professional install?

Don’t waste your money IMO. I swapped our’s out for Konis. ZERO changes in ride.

Richard346 · 08-08-2021, 08:19 PM

This is my first reply in 5 years; I have a 40" Diesel Pusher, I am 75 years old 5'5", on my driveway concrete pad, by my self, installed 2ea Kone, and 2 ea Bilstein, a Safe-T-Plus, RoadMaster front and rear stabilizer's (the rear was a challenge). I am mechanically inclined, and have all the tools, so It can be done, I enjoy doing these things myself, because I can. Some day in the boondocks it may only be me.

Sugaree · 08-09-2021, 12:32 AM

My 2019 4369 on Spartan K2 already rides like a Cadillac, so why all this discussion about swapping out with Koni shocks? Is the difference in the ride really that significant?

Dutch Star Don · 08-09-2021, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugaree

My 2019 4369 on Spartan K2 already rides like a Cadillac, so why all this discussion about swapping out with Koni shocks? Is the difference in the ride really that significant?

To some it is. Many people buy coaches, drive them for 80K miles and never change anything. Some are more finicky and can see an improvement by changing things like shocks. There wouldn't be a HUGE aftermarket of products, if there wasn't some improvement in what they offered.

We live in California with the worse roads in the country. The shocks improved my ride tremendously.

I constantly read where people spend thousands of dollars on internet antennas, new cell phones and stereo systems, yet they won't replace a set of cheap shocks for $350.00.

jdb20 · 08-09-2021, 01:58 PM

I haven't read all the posts, but it looks as if the heavy 40+ footers ride is greatly enhanced with Koni shocks but Clemson advised the lighter Ventana was not. I have a 2015 37ft Dutchstar which is a mid-weight and I do feel the rough roads pretty bad, would the Koni shocks help on this size RV and should I change just front or front and rear(no tag axle).
I would like to say Thank You to Dutch Star Don, He has always given great advise...without fail, on the posts I have followed.

Dutch Star Don · 08-09-2021, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdb20

I haven't read all the posts, but it looks as if the heavy 40+ footers ride is greatly enhanced with Koni shocks but Clemson advised the lighter Ventana was not. I have a 2015 37ft Dutchstar which is a mid-weight and I do feel the rough roads pretty bad, would the Koni shocks help on this size RV and should I change just front or front and rear(no tag axle).
I would like to say Thank You to Dutch Star Don, He has always given great advise...without fail, on the posts I have followed.

If his Ventana, had a straight front axle, I'm not sure what year they went to IFS, and he installed the Koni RED shocks for a straight axle, he wouldn't see an improvement. It's the Koni EVO's that provide improvement on the IFS coaches.

Change your rears to the Koni FSD's and the front to Koni EVO's you'll notice the Koni's on the rear will improve cornering.