Community Forums

Dan 1 · 04-12-2011, 05:17 PM

Hi Everyone,

How easy is it to install Koni FSD shocks on a 2003 Coachmen with an F53 chassis? I assume I'll need a hydraulic jack with a specific weight rating and a couple of jack stands. Any information you can provide is greatly apprecieated!

Thanks,
Dan

Big Bear Local · 04-12-2011, 06:42 PM

No jack needed on my 2007 Class A Winni. Plenty of room to work under. Turn front wheels from side to side to reach in easier. You will need an Impact gun and a breaker bar and lots of elbow grease. Hardest part is loosening the old shocks. Attach the tops of new shocks before cutting strap on new shocks and guide into lower mount. Took me about 1 1/2 hours for front and rear.

Dan 1 · 04-12-2011, 09:23 PM

Thanks Campingman!

I changed shocks on cars in my younger years, but this is my 1st MH and I'm a learner again. Now I just need to order the shocks and I'm away to the races. By the sounds of the feedback, these shocks will improve my ride. I just bought my 2003 Coachmen Mirada 300QB and when driving it home I could really feel the big trucks passing me and there was quite a bit of vibration (especially over 60mph). I had a mechanical inspection performed before I bought it, but will take it in again this year to have the front-end rechecked as well as wheel balancing and alignment.

Regards,
Dan

Wizard · 04-12-2011, 09:39 PM

Hardest part for me was also breaking the nuts loose on the old shocks. On the rear upper, could not get a socket and impact wrench on them. Had to use a wrench and cheater. Broke one wrench

.

Are your old shocks worn out or are you just wanting a smoother ride. I will add that 4 new Koni's didn't help my ride any at all but if you're willing to spent that much money, have at it.

Wife finally made me trade to get a smoother ride.

Dan 1 · 04-12-2011, 09:49 PM

Hi Wizard,

I don't think they're worn out, not leaking anyways. I'm just interested in a smoother ride and a little more sway control (I hear Koni's help a little with sway too). I guess I better get my wife in the MH for a ride soon and maybe she'll make me get my upgrades sooner

Have a good night!
Dan

Brazel's RV Performance · 04-12-2011, 11:54 PM

Trac bars are going to help a lot more with passing trucks and cross winds than shocks. Btw Koni shocks are one of the easiest shock to install because they are hydraulic and you can manually compress them with out them springing back.

Dan 1 · 04-13-2011, 07:24 AM

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the feedback. I'd be heading in to see you if only we lived closer to you. Have a good day!

Regards,
Dan

CJ7ole · 04-16-2011, 09:16 PM

I installed my Konis and noticed that the expansion strips no longer felt like potholes.

I tried a IR 1/2" impact wrench, no luck, then I bought a big breaker bar from HF. Couldn't get enough swing. So I just used my 1 1/8" combination wrench with a floor jack for muscle on the nut with my 1/2" socket set against the frame to hold the bolt end from turning . Worked like a charm.

Izzyblueye · 04-17-2011, 08:10 AM

Man it is good to see all of this good ole American ingenuity still alive and kicking.

bellsharbor · 04-18-2011, 10:42 AM

Keep us posted on how the new shocks do. Thanks--

ga traveler · 04-20-2011, 04:59 PM

If you are not satisfied with the ride after the shock change, Try air bags. I installed dozens of Ride Rite air bags on my customers F53's and never had a customer who didn't think it was a great improvement. The first thing I did after buying my Pace,was to install front airbags. (keep the press at about 25psi for a great ride.)

LVJ58 · 04-21-2011, 10:19 AM

Must agree with ga traveler, the Koni FSD shocks worked wonders, added the ride-rite bags front and rear, now like icing on the cake. Run between 60 & 70 psi rear and 20-25psi front. I highly recommend them.

Topflite51 · 04-21-2011, 10:09 PM

Put your money in air bags, front and rear. You won't be sorry on your F53 chassis, and as Jim said "20 to 25" in the front and "60 to 70" in the rear.