Shocks

[hwy81sooner]

2004 Newmar Scottsdale, will the ride performance be that much better with koni vs Bilstein. Considering cost difference? Thanks

[Jim_HiTek]

Base your decision on your past expiriences. Did shocks ever make any difference in the ride that you noticed in the past? If you're like me, you don't have a calibrated butt. I've often strained to feel any difference in the ride with new shocks. All I usually notice is the vehicle is quieter when going over RR tracks. Maybe,,,,,,,maybe a little smoother.

But that's me. I hear lots of praise for Koni shocks and how much improved the ride is. But when I weighted my lack of butt sensitivity with the age of the RV, it just made more sense to install Bilsteins. And the last set I got, last summer, I really did notice a difference. And that wasn't really 'comfort' as much as less noise when I was on the freeway and hit a transition...it wouldn't be as much of a bang now as a thump. So that was good. Also noticed that I don't rack side to side as much with the new shock when going over an offset speed bump.

There's several factors to consider, but if you really want smooth, I'd say that Koni would be your choice. But that's only based on my reading. If you want economy, then go with the Bilstein.

JMO.

[Earl II]

Originally Posted by hwy81sooner

2004 Newmar Scottsdale, will the ride performance be that much better with koni vs Bilstein. Considering cost difference? Thanks

If you have stock shocks on your rig, you will find improvement even with the cheapest that AutoZone will sell you. Personally, I had my brand new shocks on my F-53 replaced with Koni FSD shocks which are made for RVs because I couldn't stand the porpoising the rig did on bridge transitions and the crap roads especially in SoCal. Huge improvement and no more porpoising which was worth the money to me.

[Pillbox]

Hey all, following because......
I bought koni fsd for my front, but....
Anyone mix and match?
Thinking of bilstiens for the rear?

[CaptainJerry]

Hey Pillbox, I share your question. I put Konis on the front several years ago and still have the original Monroe Gold on the rear. I am fairly satisfied with the Konis but figure I am probably overdue for rear shock replacement but don't see the value in spending at the Koni level for the rear. I have even considered just putting on new Monroe Golds. ... or maybe Bilsteins. Would like to hear others experience. I was especially intrigued by the comment that new shocks reduced side to side sway. I have the stock front anti sway bar.

[RichKimball]

Originally Posted by Jim_HiTek

Base your decision on your past expiriences. Did shocks ever make any difference in the ride that you noticed in the past? If you're like me, you don't have a calibrated butt. I've often strained to feel any difference in the ride with new shocks. All I usually notice is the vehicle is quieter when going over RR tracks. Maybe,,,,,,,maybe a little smoother.

But that's me. I hear lots of praise for Koni shocks and how much improved the ride is. But when I weighted my lack of butt sensitivity with the age of the RV, it just made more sense to install Bilsteins. And the last set I got, last summer, I really did notice a difference. And that wasn't really 'comfort' as much as less noise when I was on the freeway and hit a transition...it wouldn't be as much of a bang now as a thump. So that was good. Also noticed that I don't rack side to side as much with the new shock when going over an offset speed bump.

There's several factors to consider, but if you really want smooth, I'd say that Koni would be your choice. But that's only based on my reading. If you want economy, then go with the Bilstein.

JMO.

Well spoken JMO. Ditto.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Most owners think shocks have a lot to do with ride comfort, but that's not really true. They are there to keep the wheels from bouncing off the pavement after a big dip or bump. They don't soften bumps or reduce sway or anything like that. If your coach doesn't "porpoise" with the factory provided shocks, stay with those. What's porpoising? Read here...


https://blog.goodsam.com/porpoising-...ow-to-stop-it/


Koni makes an excellent quality shock and always a sound choice, but you did say "considering the cost difference".


After 16 years (and how may miles?), any new shock is going to be an improvement (reduce the degree of porpoising).

[Treetop Flyer]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Most owners think shocks have a lot to do with ride comfort, but that's not really true. They are there to keep the wheels from bouncing off the pavement after a big dip or bump. They don't soften bumps or reduce sway or anything like that. If your coach doesn't "porpoise" with the factory provided shocks, stay with those. What's porpoising? Read here...


https://blog.goodsam.com/porpoising-...ow-to-stop-it/


Koni makes an excellent quality shock and always a sound choice, but you did say "considering the cost difference".


After 16 years (and how may miles?), any new shock is going to be an improvement (reduce the degree of porpoising).

We purchased 2005 Winnebago Journey 34’ diesel with 12K miles 18 months ago. It has a Freightliner air ride suspension. The ride was pretty jarring and overall handling was quite tiring.

First thing we got the 4 corners weighed and correctly set tire pressures on both axles per the Michelin chart for their tires on our unit.

Next mod was a safety t plus steering device. Noticeable difference in handling but didn’t improve the rough ride.

Then had a 4 wheel alignment performed and ride height set to Freightliner specifications.

Also replaced all 4 original shocks with Koni fsd shocks and installed.

Last mod was adding Super Steer motion control valves on the rear air bags only.

The overall handling and ride are now a night and day difference from where we started. The motorhome is much more comfortable to drive.

I’m sold on the Koni fsd shocks for this application.