Anyone Using KYB Gas Shocks On A Class C ?

[Fourwinds28A]

Looking at replacing the original shocks on the 28A Four Winds
with 3500 chevy chassis. Was looking at the KYB replacement for the standard OEM shocks. Anyone use these ? would you consider the heavy duty version instead ?

Thanks

[Grayhawk51]

Originally Posted by Fourwinds28A

Looking at replacing the original shocks on the 28A Four Winds
with 3500 chevy chassis. Was looking at the KYB replacement for the standard OEM shocks. Anyone use these ? would you consider the heavy duty version instead ?

Thanks

Jayco class C's have the Bilstein shock absorbers which feature a unique monotube gas-pressure design. Unlike twin-tube designs, Bilstein’s single tube won’t trap heat, decreasing shock failure.

The Bilstein piston has 228% larger surface area than conventional twin-tube pistons, offering greater control for the ultimate in handling.


Your KYB's more then likely will suffice. I had them on my diesel P/U and worked great. As for the Bilstein's on the Grayhawk I like them. Not mushy. Handle good.

[Fourwinds28A]

Thanks for the reply.
I have Bilsteins on my dually truck and really like them.

Still trying to find out exactly which 3500 chassis is under my four winds 28A and get a part number for the shocks. I had thought it was the
the Chevy 3500 express but will contact a Chevy dealer to confirm

Originally Posted by Grayhawk51

Jayco class C's have the Bilstein shock absorbers which feature a unique monotube gas-pressure design. Unlike twin-tube designs, Bilstein’s single tube won’t trap heat, decreasing shock failure.

The Bilstein piston has 228% larger surface area than conventional twin-tube pistons, offering greater control for the ultimate in handling.


Your KYB's more then likely will suffice. I had them on my diesel P/U and worked great. As for the Bilstein's on the Grayhawk I like them. Not mushy. Handle good.

[Dan_Johnston]

I have always used only Bilstiens or Koni. They work perfectly and have made racing shocks that are always top quality and performance. You can not go wrong with those two. I also use Shockwarehouse.com best prices and awesome quick shipping. Good people.

[George Schweikle]

There has been lots of improvement in shock absorber design since we had a 1976 Midas mini class C, but I installed KYB shocks and they worked very well compared to Monroe Magnum shocks that gave out after 5-6000 miles. My thought then was that class C motorhomes had lots of rear overhang to cantilever weight to the rear since the front suspension weight capacity was somewhat limited, and I see the same thing today. In our case, this meant the heavier capacity rear suspension didn't move much while the front "rocked" up and down a lot while pivoting at the rear axle. As a result, the rear shocks wore out much faster than the rear.

Disclaimer: these comments are for a condition from 30 plus years ago, and may not be as correct today

Originally Posted by Fourwinds28A

Looking at replacing the original shocks on the 28A Four Winds
with 3500 chevy chassis. Was looking at the KYB replacement for the standard OEM shocks. Anyone use these ? would you consider the heavy duty version instead ?

Thanks

[Fourwinds28A]

Just got an e-mail from KYB tech support, They do have a heavy duty series designed for Class C rv's called the monomax. Looks like I may give them a try.
Rockauto has them for $51.79 each. May not be as good as the Bilstein but probably better than everything else besides the Bilstein

[Fourwinds28A]

Used PB blaster on the shock bolts. Did not have to remove any of the wheels to replace the shocks. Jacked up the front a-arm
and placed a safety stand underneath. Leaned in on top of the front tire and grabbed the top of the shock stem with a vise grip and removed the nut with a ratchet box end. Bit of a pain as the bolt stud was rusted. Then removed the bottom two bolts and
the shock came out. Replaced with a New KYB shock. Bolted the top
nuts and washers and then used a second floor jack to raise the shock up to bolt into the 2 bolts in the bottom of the a-arm.

Rear shocks were a little easier as no jack was required. One bolt on the bottom of the shock and two above.

Was hot, humid and miserable while changing the shocks.
The original rear shocks were completely gone and once pushed in by hand they did not even move back out at all.

Old Shocks and the KYB Monomax Box
Rear Shocks were completely shot and did not even move when pushed in


KYB monomax shocks installed in the rear. Shocks come with dirt shields

[Fourwinds28A]

We took the Fourwinds on her first trip up into the mountains of Blowing Rock, NC and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway . The KYB shocks worked very well. Very little body roll and a nice ride. Lots of curves and bends, steep inclines and declines and sharp corners. Very please how the shocks worked out.

Heading Up The Mountain

[Santara]

put them on my frt abt 3 mo ago had a leak in 1 after 1 100 mi trip SWH stood behind them , al thought KYB didn;t want t pay for labor SWH did. Now as far as ride like them just fine like other guy said better then monore,cheaper then Bil.

[Capt Steve]

Originally Posted by Dan_Johnston

I have always used only Bilstiens or Koni. They work perfectly and have made racing shocks that are always top quality and performance. You can not go wrong with those two. I also use Shockwarehouse.com best prices and awesome quick shipping. Good people.

X2. Just replaced the original shocks on our 24' Nexus Class C after 33,000 miles with a set of Bilsteins. The difference is amazing! Got them from Shock Warehouse, full set was $394 no tax or freight.