Shocks on a 5th wheel trailer

[TeJay]

When I did that stuff I didn't find much in the way of shocks kits and mounts. I guess that's kind of changed.

I wish I did have some pics. Doing this kind of stuff is right up my alley. I wish I could help in some way.

If an axle moves vertically I can't see how anything but an almost vertical shock can do it much good. It will work if it's off the vertical some but not to much.

If any of you live near or visit the northwest corner of AR drive by and I'll help if I can.

[schrod]

Originally Posted by shane wood

I installed centrepoint air bags on my trailer still had rebound coming off bridge transitions so installed joy rider shocks and they work great. Between the 2 the only thing better would be IS
Have 15000 on the combo and very happy with the ride

What air pressure do you run in the centerpoint? I have just added it and it seems that 40-45 is about what it takes to get the 5 inch separation the instructions advise. My trailer is 16,500.

[shane wood]

Originally Posted by schrod

What air pressure do you run in the centerpoint? I have just added it and it seems that 40-45 is about what it takes to get the 5 inch separation the instructions advise. My trailer is 16,500.

I am at 17,500 and run it around 60 to 65lbs
I believe the instructions suggested 5lbs for every 1000lbs of weight

[Tdave]

Originally Posted by grindstone01

Hi Tdave - It sounds like you plan to add the shocks to your camper. I hope you will start a post with your before and after ride comparisons. I too have a air bag pin box recently installed that made a big ride improvement and it sounds like a similar RV wt. Myself and others are interested in your findings. Thanks

Well, the verdict is in. Roadmaster kit installed, first 200 mile trip taken today, lots of I95 and even some downtown Baltimore (thanks a lot RV GPS).

Outstanding.

Where my heavy rig would porpoise 3 or so times after hitting a bridge expansion joint at speed, it now settles after one bounce. And that bounce is of considerably less amplitude than before. Shocks doing what shocks are designed to do.

Actual return on investment? A more relaxed ride and most likely a lot less stress on the camper.

Took me a day to install, used a digital protractor and a right angle triangle online calculator to double check my installed angle (32 degrees was best I could do).

Welded the upper perches in addition to using the self tapping bolts since my rig has square tubing along the suspension anchor point to the main frame, which has a little less wall thickness than a 12” I beam.

Highly recommended!

[jdpm]

Great to hear!