Community Forums

Pexring · 10-22-2015, 11:47 PM

Definitely want to get rid of the bouncing in my Newmar. From what I've been reading, Koni shocks are the way to go. Yet when I go to KoniRV.com, Newmar isn't even listed as an RV option in their drop-down menu. How do I determine which Koni shocks to buy for my 2000 Dutch Star? Also, any links to some installation tips?

Monfish · 10-23-2015, 07:14 AM

Call or email Spartan parts. Give them your VIN number, and they will give you the Koni shocks you need. They also sell them on their parts website (rvchassisparts.com). Once you have the parts numbers you can shop around for best price/shipping costs, etc.

abarkl · 10-23-2015, 07:16 AM

It's based on chassis. I have a newer Holiday Rambler on the Roadmaster chassis. My old Holiday Rambler was on a Workhorse chassis.

Which chassis do you have?

DocJim · 10-23-2015, 06:59 PM

I agree with Monfish. We put Koni FSD shocks on the Front (I-Beam) of our coach last year and plan on doing the Rear and Tag this year. Amazing difference in the ride and cornering. Look at Dutch Star Don's comments on Koni.

Pexring · 10-26-2015, 08:12 AM

Well that was easy. Sunday night I sent a message to Spartan at serviceparts@spartanchassis.com and before I was even out of bed on Monday I had a response. Unfortunately Koni does not make a replacement shock for the front of my 2000 Dutch Star, but they do for the back. Will have to settle for Bilsetin for the front. So good to know. Have to say I was impressed with their quick response, and their pricing seems reasonable as well.

GaryKD · 10-26-2015, 08:26 AM

Hi Pexring,
Not so fast. There may be a Koni for the front of your coach. Consider contacting Koni directly by telephone. I got the same initial response. After I talked with the Koni rep, it was agree cutting off the shock dust shield would allow the Koni to fit. Been happy with them (front and rear) for about 6 years and 60K + miles.

Pexring · 10-26-2015, 05:04 PM

I should call Koni then. Got too busy today to call Spartan back to place an order so maybe that's a blessing in disguise. Will see what Koni says tomorrow.

Mr_D · 10-26-2015, 05:09 PM

On our '02 DSDP Newmar had Spartan install a 14,600# front axle to replace the overloaded 12,000# OEM. The new axle rode very rough so Reyco-Granning had a Spartan shop install new front air bags. Still rode rough so then I went through 5 sets of Bilstein or Koni shocks, depending on which they wanted tested. I finally settled on the last set of Bilsteins they sent. They were the Comfitrack ones and worked well. Plus all of the shocks were FREE other than my labor to remove and install.
A call to Koni or Bilstein should give the OP the correct info.

Pexring · 10-27-2015, 07:45 AM

Mr D, so did you install and remove those other shocks yourself? If so how easy is it? What are the steps?

Pexring · 10-27-2015, 10:59 AM

I called Koni. They needed more specific info about my chassis to be of any help. So I called Spartan back to get that info. I talked to a different guy at Spartan and he again looked up my vin # and did find Koni's for the front. So I said let's get them ordered. He said if I order them from their website, he had a free shipping code good for this month.

So I put the order in using my PC at my office, and for some reason the checkout wouldn't work. So I pulled my Mac out of my bag and used it and the checkout worked fine. So new Koni shocks are on the way with free shipping!

I have to say that Spartan is one of the most helpful companies in the RV Industry. Plus I got added info about the chassis I have for future endeavors.

dennis45 · 10-27-2015, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pexring

I called Koni. They needed more specific info about my chassis to be of any help. So I called Spartan back to get that info. I talked to a different guy at Spartan and he again looked up my vin # and did find Koni's for the front. So I said let's get them ordered. He said if I order them from their website, he had a free shipping code good for this month.

So I put the order in using my PC at my office, and for some reason the checkout wouldn't work. So I pulled my Mac out of my bag and used it and the checkout worked fine. So new Koni shocks are on the way with free shipping!

I have to say that Spartan is one of the most helpful companies in the RV Industry. Plus I got added info about the chassis I have for future endeavors.

I bought mine from Spartan also and had my RV shop install them. You will be pleased with the result. Mine used to down the road like a Porpoise.
And yes, Spartan has very good customer and parts department.

Mr_D · 10-27-2015, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pexring

Mr D, so did you install and remove those other shocks yourself? If so how easy is it? What are the steps?

Really no different than a car used to be before they went to struts although the bolts are bigger and the torque requirements are higher.
Depending on your setup you may need to buy lower adapter plates too. I needed them for a few of the different shocks I tried.
A pit would be nice to work from but a driveway will work. Need to raise the front end for clearance, remover upper and lower bolts and reverse the process. It's really easy if you've done much mechanical work.

Pexring · 10-27-2015, 08:24 PM

I can pretty much fix anything but don't think I've ever replaced a shock. Do you lift up the coach a bit with its jacks to help take pressure off of the old shock prior to removing it? Oddly, YouTube lacks any really good videos on replacing shocks on a motorhome.

Also, do most people soften-up the front Koni shocks before installing? I found a YouTube video showing how to adjust the shocks. Perhaps soften them up a turn or two?