Help with Shocks

[Rookie RVer]

Hi folks. I need your help yet again. I'm looking for front shocks for my Dynamax. It is Class C on a Ford F550 chassis, 2006 chassis and 2007 Dynamax. I can't find anywhere a source for front shocks. I can find front shocks for the F550 but as soon as I say "for my Class C RV" they all say, "Nope, no shocks for RV's." I went on Koni site and they don't even offer Koni FSD for F550 but they do offer for F53. I'm bouncing all over the road so I know need new shocks but I gotta find the right ones.....that fit.

Thanks!!

[avfordguy]

The F550 is just that...an F550 it is just a "chassis cab" with an rv box on it. Its not a class "c" per the chassis when ordering any parts. The "rv prep package" only designates certain items for the body builder. The chassis is a straight F550. Check Monroe for shocks. Koni fsd will probably not be available due to low volume of the chassis that is used for an rv.

[Flyer15015]

Try "Shock warehouse", or "Rock Auto", or even "Summit Racing".

[LETMGROW]

NAPA shows shocks available made by Monroe, KYB and Rancho with several choices for each brand from standard to heavy duty.
It would be best if you stopped by the store and discussed this with them.

[twinboat]

Search for schocks using the VIN #.

[Rookie RVer]

That's all great info....as usual you guys have stepped up. Thank you.

I'm curious when I talk with the "pro's" about shocks for my F550 and I mention it is under a Dynamax they freak and say "No RV shocks, we never deal in RV shocks, good bye".

I will definitely check with NAPA and see what the guys there recommend. And searching with the VIN is something I never considered so thanks for that did bit!

Again, thanks

[NXR]

For at least 20 years people with Class A's on the F-53 have been wondering why the Ford chassis build sheet, if they have one, says F550 instead of F53.

Someone just asked the same question on the Forest River Forums site and the GM replied that FR has never bought an F550 chassis to his knowledge. And he used to be GM of the Dynamax product line. He's now the overall motorized division GM. Look at post 41:

Suspension GT7 32 2021
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...d.php?t=250028

Ray

[avfordguy]

The OP should look at his vin# the 11th digit will say what plant it was built at...if 11th digit is "O" it is a F53 built at DCP (Detroit chassis plant)
I can provide more info if needed.

[Rookie RVer]

Originally Posted by NXR

For at least 20 years people with Class A's on the F-53 have been wondering why the Ford chassis build sheet, if they have one, says F550 instead of F53.

Someone just asked the same question on the Forest River Forums site and the GM replied that FR has never bought an F550 chassis to his knowledge. And he used to be GM of the Dynamax product line. He's now the overall motorized division GM. Look at post 41:

Suspension GT7 32 2021
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...d.php?t=250028

Ray

Thanks Ray, but here's the deal. Mine is a 2007 Dynamax, Forest River took over Dynamax in 2011. I have been back to customer service at Forest River on a couple of occasions and the response I get, even though I provide the VIN, etc., is that they have no information on Dynamax produced prior to their takeover in 2011. Sadly that means nothing on the systems, electrical, or any of that. The one thing I did get when I purchased this coach is the Ford book that shows F550 Super Duty. So lacking any info from Forest River I have to generate the information on my own. And you guys are the greatest source of practical approach to RV'ing.

[Rookie RVer]

Originally Posted by avfordguy

The OP should look at his vin# the 11th digit will say what plant it was built at...if 11th digit is "O" it is a F53 built at DCP (Detroit chassis plant)
I can provide more info if needed.

Great info, the last 7 of my VIN is EA79811. Not sure what that tells ya. But input s mighty welcomed!

[avfordguy]

Ok great! "E" code indicates Kentucky Truck Plant, which means you have a F550 ChassisCab , Its not a F53 since those are oy built at DCP . So your search for ANY chassis components ONLY say its a Ford F550 leave out the RV part. The F550 used for rv apications from my knowledge is only a basic F550 with gvw package spec'd by body builder. Also a really easy way to determine is look at the passenger side windshield it might have a decal that states " made with pride" "Kentucky truck" "home of the super duty"
Kentucky truck builds F250/350/450/550.
F650/750 is built at Avon Lake Ohio.

[Rookie RVer]

Originally Posted by avfordguy

Ok great! "E" code indicates Kentucky Truck Plant, which means you have a F550 ChassisCab , Its not a F53 since those are oy built at DCP . So your search for ANY chassis components ONLY say its a Ford F550 leave out the RV part. The F550 used for rv apications from my knowledge is only a basic F550 with gvw package spec'd by body builder. Also a really easy way to determine is look at the passenger side windshield it might have a decal that states " made with pride" "Kentucky truck" "home of the super duty"
Kentucky truck builds F250/350/450/550.
F650/750 is built at Avon Lake Ohio.

Yep, it's a Kentucky truck! I see you are a Super Duty guy. Note that my truck is a 6.0L which I hear has some issues or at least some of them had issues. I'm debating "bullet proofing" through a guy in San Antonio (I'm in Denver) OR waiting until I have issues and then resolving those as needed even up to getting a crate engine to replace original. Do you have thoughts on the topic?

[avfordguy]

Take your question over to the powerstroke forum please

[CharlesinGA]

Originally Posted by Rookie RVer

Yep, it's a Kentucky truck! I see you are a Super Duty guy. Note that my truck is a 6.0L which I hear has some issues or at least some of them had issues. I'm debating "bullet proofing" through a guy in San Antonio (I'm in Denver) OR waiting until I have issues and then resolving those as needed even up to getting a crate engine to replace original. Do you have thoughts on the topic?

Why would anyone want to wait till they have to be towed to resolve a known problem.

Discussing Bullet Proofing is almost as contentious as discussing politics, however the simple answer is that with a 6.0L you WILL eventually have problems, and Bulleting Proofing is a company who has done a lot of design and engineering to create certain parts, and also to bring parts from other companies together to create a solution.


Watch this video and see for yourself (Long Long Honeymoon is the longest running RV channel on Youtube, having begun about 2007 with a new F250 and a slightly used 25 ft 2003 Airstream, both of which they still have. This video is a pretty good one on the full process on their '06 F250 (same engine you have).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPl2UwOePak

Take it to Mesa, AZ and don't waste your time elsewhere.........

Charles