Advice on new shocks

[GDH1]

Having had 3 class C motorhomes over the years, I recently purchased a 2002 Bounder 36S Workhorse. It is quite different than the C classes I've owned in the past. Having just put on new tires, this weekend, the tire shop informed me that the way the tires wore, it probably needed new shocks. One noticeable difference in this MH and the C class is when I leave the driveway, and go over the curb, it sways considerably more than other MHs have, even making it feel like it is going to tip over. I've wondered if this is due to sitting much higher in the cab of a class A as opposed to in a class C, or is it in fact an issue of the shocks. I've read a great deal of these forums looking for answers, and it appears there is some difference in buying shocks for a class A and class Cs. If there are any owners or former owners of the 36 ft Bounders that have any helpful information on this, I would appreciate it. Also any comments on adding airbags vs just changing to Koni shocks.

Thanks

Gary

[edgray]

Originally Posted by GDH1

Having had 3 class C motorhomes over the years, I recently purchased a 2002 Bounder 36S Workhorse. It is quite different than the C classes I've owned in the past. Having just put on new tires, this weekend, the tire shop informed me that the way the tires wore, it probably needed new shocks. One noticeable difference in this MH and the C class is when I leave the driveway, and go over the curb, it sways considerably more than other MHs have, even making it feel like it is going to tip over. I've wondered if this is due to sitting much higher in the cab of a class A as opposed to in a class C, or is it in fact an issue of the shocks. I've read a great deal of these forums looking for answers, and it appears there is some difference in buying shocks for a class A and class Cs. If there are any owners or former owners of the 36 ft Bounders that have any helpful information on this, I would appreciate it. Also any comments on adding airbags vs just changing to Koni shocks.

Thanks

Gary

Welcome to iRV2.com You will find there is a sub forum for Workhorse owners in the "chassis club section and another one for Fleetwood owners in the owners forums. Check them out.


You didn't say if your chassis is a P32 with air bags inside the coil springs of the IFS, or if it is a W series with solid front axle. Generally speaking, most owners seem to favor the Koni FSD shocks for the W series, and many have also replaced their OE "jounce bumpers" with the more robust SUMO springs.


Do you know if there are any aftermarket add-ons such as a rear track bar or steering dampner already added?

[Kahoona]

Koni can give a smoother ride over bumps without loss of control but they are expensive. Blisten's can be quite firm and Monroe are softer. I have used all three.

The shocks are not the problem with the swaying. Firstly the A is taller and heavier and they do that. You need to proceed slowly and plan your moves over uneven surfaces at low speeds. You may benefit from better sway bars, better bushings in the front end, air assist bags in back if you are fully loaded. A search in the Workhorse chassis section under terms like suspension improvements or stability will give you tons of information.