Community Forums

jeffinsalida · 06-21-2009, 10:54 PM

While working on my rig I noticed what look like shock absorber brackets. Shocks were an option in 2007 on some models. Does anyone have factory shocks to give me a model number or pictures if possible? I called my closest dealer (120 Miles) but the parts department wouldn't even discuss my question. They wanted me to bring it in and they would look at it. I bought the trailer used somewhere else. Any info would be helpful. I may hook up and take it by my local Auto Zone.
Thanks in advance.

falconman · 06-24-2009, 09:41 AM

Go to the Monroe shock selector site Monroe Shocks and Struts - The industry Leader in Manufacturing OE & Aftermarket Ride Control Products for Import and Domestic Vehicles and click on special applications. If you can determine the type of mounting brackets you have and can measure the size shock needed (compressed/ extended lengths), it will give you the stock number.

jeffinsalida · 06-26-2009, 07:57 PM

Thanks for the website. I called Gulfstream and they gave my a stock number for monroe shocks. He wasn't confident they would make much difference and referred me to Morryde. Anyone think shocks helped, or didn't?

stevesandidg · 06-28-2009, 01:36 PM

hi jeff,
i guess the 1st thing that comes to my mind is why do you want to put shocks on? they are for creature comfort, ie dampining the road. since you are not in your camper when it goes down the road, the shocks will not be doing you much good. most trailers have springs, or they have the flex axle to eliminate some of the jarring. does yours have this? just curious,
steve

jeffinsalida · 06-29-2009, 10:37 PM

I want to reduce the pounding the rear kitchen is taking.

allendp · 07-05-2009, 10:29 PM

Shocks when properly mounted certainly reduced the pounding my truck was taking on our sorry interstate highways especially those old concrete ones with joints.

My 5ver had the shocks from the factory but they were poorly engineered and I had to put different mounts on the trailer and replace the shocks because they all had broken or bent shafts the way they were installed at the factory. My dealer got new ones for me from Keystone.

FFStreetDoc · 07-24-2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffinsalida

Thanks for the website. I called Gulfstream and they gave my a stock number for monroe shocks. He wasn't confident they would make much difference and referred me to Morryde. Anyone think shocks helped, or didn't?

What is that number??? i have a Canyon Trail, it will use the same shocks and i have been wanting to add them.

jeffinsalida · 07-24-2009, 12:04 PM

The numbers are in a notebook in my office at work. I will get them Monday and post them for you. I think I am going to try it. I do not want to spend $2,000 even though everyone who has mor-ryde seems to love it. The shocks should be less than $200.00. We like the rear kitchen floorplan when parked...We just have to get it there without destroying itself.

FFStreetDoc · 07-24-2009, 12:20 PM

Thanks Jeff i will check back next week, i know some say it's a waste but i agree with you, it would have to make the ride better, cut down on some vibration, keep it from shaking itself to pieces LOL

Workshop · 07-25-2009, 11:16 AM

I have a 2001, 33 ft Excel. My unit came standard with Dexter shocks on both axles. Can't imagion not havig them installed. The Dexter #052-003-00 and cost $24.48 ea when they were replaced last year. A Monroe Gas Shock #555001 can also be used as a replacement for the Dexter shock. As I have Dexter axles, the mounting hardware is also Dexter and can be orders in needed (pg 92).

In the photo, on the earlier Excels, the shocks were mounted on the outside of the springs which caused some shock housing rub on the wheel hubs. On later models -04(?) and newer they were located inside the spring.

jeffinsalida · 07-31-2009, 10:51 PM

FFstreetDoc, sorry it has taken so long to get back....my wife was in the hospital this week.

But everything is looking ok now.

Anyway the numbers I got are Monroe #555-025 (may be the NAPA #) 4 3/4" travel and 13 1/2 " extended. I am going to the parts store tomorrow and see what they look like. If I get to them I will take pictures and try to learn how to post them. (After a search for a tutorial) I am sure it will take a few trips to see if they worked. If they didn't I am not embarrassed to post that it was a waste of money.

FFStreetDoc · 08-08-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffinsalida

FFstreetDoc, sorry it has taken so long to get back....my wife was in the hospital this week.

But everything is looking ok now.

Anyway the numbers I got are Monroe #555-025 (may be the NAPA #) 4 3/4" travel and 13 1/2 " extended. I am going to the parts store tomorrow and see what they look like. If I get to them I will take pictures and try to learn how to post them. (After a search for a tutorial) I am sure it will take a few trips to see if they worked. If they didn't I am not embarrassed to post that it was a waste of money.

Jeff
Thanks
Hope all is well with your wife!!

jeffinsalida · 08-25-2009, 08:01 PM

I got the shocks in from my local NAPA, $183.00 total for 4. I got them put on.... it really was a piece of cake. The holes are there just bolt them on. I have pulled it about 2 hours home from Dillon CO. For the short stint on I-70 it seemed to be smother. I could be full of it but it seemed my braking had improved?? I did not have anything in the Fridge to see if the shelves fell. We are going camping in the boonies this weekend and the road has some washboards. I will post back. If this fixes our biggest compliant about the rear kitchen we will be happy campers

On the Dexter website they have a rubber equalizer for between the springs that I will use next if this does not do it.