Community Forums

Wizard · 08-29-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathy_MD

Thank you all for your informative response to my queries.

Although I am tempted to install four Koni FSD shocks, I am hesitant due to the light mileage (12K) on my lifetime warranty Bilstines (OEM).

Basically, for my MH, this is a $860 gamble.

Additionally, I am a bit concerned regarding the reviews (this forum and elsewhere) of the Konis. Some state no difference, some state a bit of difference, a small majority state a vast improvement. I have tried to read these reviews while taking into account both the buyer-justification and buyer-remorse factors. I can only assume that the variance of the reviews is due to chassis age, loading, tire pressure, driving style, and, most importantly, expectations.

I'll continue to research, read and keep my credit card on hot-standby.

Again, thanks.
Katherine

I agree with you, if your old shocks are not worn out then you probably won't see much improvement. Mine was 9 years old so I thought I would try anything.

Kathy_MD · 09-04-2010, 04:01 AM

While researching a GAWR question (another post on this forum), I am swayed to take the $860 gamble. In fact, have already placed my bet.

While talking to a suspension shop owner regarding an observation of my rear springs, I brought up the subject of shock absorbers. I told him I had Bilsteins shocks. His reply, "Those are great shocks [pause] for a service truck". He then went on to explain how the Bilsteins were valved vs the Konis (he lost me at gas and fluid differences and rebound rate percentages - I went into mind blur).

Although I truly appreciated his candor and subject matter expertise, I asked him to simplify his response to a recommendation - or a response my uneducated mind could comprehend.

Basically, he stated I will note a marked difference when I replace my relatively new OEM Bilsteins with the Koni shocks. He also stated not to get my expectations too high regarding the ride quality of my MH on the F-53 chassis. He stated the MH will still ride like a truck with the Koni shocks, albeit it will be a much nicer riding truck.

He had nothing to gain/loose from his recommendations because a local shop is performing the install and I ordered the shocks online. It is always refreshing to talk to an individual both enthusiastic about their profession and willing to share their knowledge freely. If his shop was closer he would have my business.

I'll post back when I have these installed and finish a trip - sometime in November.

Thanks,
Katherine

New2this · 12-09-2010, 08:16 AM

Any feedback on your new Koni's? I am anxious to hear your review.

pkunk1 · 12-09-2010, 09:04 AM

A year ago, after reading many shock stories, I decided to try the Monroe RV shocks. They are a softer shock which seem to transmit less of the sharp hits while still providing control. That and my Hankooks running 75 psi in the front have helped alot. Hankook charts only go down to 80psi as do other mfg's but with the light front end 75psi is OK. My TST system doesn't ever report any unusual temperature increases. As a matter of fact, the fronts run cooler than the rears at 80-85psi. The Monroes are not that expensive either.

Big Bear Local · 12-09-2010, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmar10

Has anyone installed SumoSprings on their Ford chassis?

Im' late on this thred but a friend of mine recomends the sumos. What I have read on their site is they are a solid high density foam and act like an airbag.

Orchardhill · 12-09-2010, 04:51 PM

I may be in the same boat. 1997-F53. Was wondering if I go to Koni's, should we also go to a wider tire. Have 16 in on a gasser and it seems ride is dictated by road, as going down right lane that is indented by big trucks, rocking and rolling in groves TP seems a non starter.

rough road · 12-15-2010, 07:09 AM

If the coach is a keeper bite the bullet and go for the full air suspension, yes you will probably spend 10 large but there isn't anything that can compare to riding on air, hey that rhymes.

Plus, if will be alot easier to get rid of the old hag when it has the air bags, on a roll here.

Topflite51 · 12-15-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orchardhill

I may be in the same boat. 1997-F53. Was wondering if I go to Koni's, should we also go to a wider tire. Have 16 in on a gasser and it seems ride is dictated by road, as going down right lane that is indented by big trucks, rocking and rolling in groves TP seems a non starter.

I have a 97 F53 chassis, when loaded for travel it weighs in at 15K, I travel light. For me the FSD's (which are available only for the front) were a waste of money. I had replaced one year old Monroe's. If you are considerably heavier than that, then they might help.

Have to be carefull going to a wider 16" tire, make sure the rim width is sufficient, most on MH's are not.

We eliminated a lot of rock and roll and wind/truck push when we installed rear air bags. Also, having a proper alignment is critical, especially the caster.

DriVer · 12-15-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rough road

If the coach is a keeper bite the bullet and go for the full air suspension, yes you will probably spend 10 large but there isn't anything that can compare to riding on air, hey that rhymes..

rough road,
There is also one other option that Ford Owners may want to consider and that's Mor-Ryde. Air bag suspensions are not always the best solutions for gasoline powered motorcoaches.

KJB · 12-16-2010, 04:34 AM

I wonder what ever happened to Katherine who started this thread. I was anxious to hear her assessment of her new Koni shocks.

rough road · 12-16-2010, 05:19 AM

DriVer, MorRyde has a very established track record on medium/heavy duty vehicles and if our old rv had the couple of inches above the axles we would have put the rears in, for the money it does not seem that you could go wrong.

New2this · 12-17-2010, 07:14 AM

I have a 2003 Fleetwood Storm RV on the Ford chassis. What is a guesstimate of what it would cost to install the Mor-Ryde?

DriVer · 12-17-2010, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New2this

I have a 2003 Fleetwood Storm RV on the Ford chassis. What is a guesstimate of what it would cost to install the Mor-Ryde?

Call Mor-Ryde and tell them that you heard about their product on iRV2.com. "PLEASE" 574.293.1581

I'm sure they can get you a quote right away since they've done a lot of vehicles in your type and year.

Obviously, No purchase necessary.

Just let them know you heard about Mor-Ryde right here.

Topflite51 · 12-17-2010, 09:36 AM

I checked Mor Ryde price right after I bought my '97 F53 chassis, it was right around $1500 per axle installed (this was in '06). Don't remember the part/labor breakdown. I nearly fainted.