How can I tell if I need new shocks?

[Dutch Star Don]

Yes....on a 16 year old coach, your ride height could be way off. All it takes to knock it out of alignment is a piece of road debris. Most coaches have three ride height valves. Monaco use to put two in the rear and one up front, but that was a straight front axle. My IFS has two in the front and one in the back. The three valves create a triangle, which allows you to level out the coach. If you look under the coach, the ride height valve is the valve with the metal arm hanging down.

As stated, if you've never adjusted these, you might leave it to a professional. They are VERY simple to adjust, but if you move or bump the valve, the coach can quickly drop down on you.

[JNSNWT]

DDD, I had not considered the ride height.That sounds like an excellent piece of the puzzle. I'll follow the safety advice and let Mr. Freightliner do that job.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by JNSNWT

DDD, I had not considered the ride height.That sounds like an excellent piece of the puzzle. I'll follow the safety advice and let Mr. Freightliner do that job.

John, you're a smart man!

[chunker]

As was stated, adjusting the ride height is easy but it helps to be mechanically inclined. I made 6 ramps with stacked 2x12s and ride up on it with all 6 tires supported. Before I used them I dumped the air and made sure I could roll around freely on the creeper. Plenty of clearance in case I accidentally dumped a valve while adjusting. I checked my measurements a week ago and am 1/2" low front and rear. Next week I'll adjust them again before the summer 4 month trip out west. For me it appears to be an annual adjustment.