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Topic: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless) (Read 840 times) previous topic - next topic
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Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
My RV is getting it's annual check over and I knew there would be some "big ticket" repairs/replacements this time.  I got an estimate for Monroe shocks at this price:

Front - $386.40 for two
Rear - $440.64 for two

Yes, and plus installation. 

First of all is Monroe the shock I should go with as it seems most people have the Bilstein 5100?
Second, doesn't this quote seem somewhat excessive and would I be better ordering on my own and having them installed?

Thanks in advance...
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #1 –
Monroe shocks wouldn't be my first choice for a mid-bath rig.    Monroe makes a variety of shocks though, and you will want to find out exactly which model you're buying.   There is a huge difference between their entry level and premium products.

This site can help you compare options and prices.

Search – ShockWarehouse

If those prices are shock only (no install), I think you can do better.

If your shocks are worn out, chances are that your bushings, sway bar links, and steering stabilizer could also use replacement.

Anything new will feel like a substantial improvement over worn out shocks.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #2 –
I replaced my Bilsteins in my 1999 a few years ago. Not sure they needed to be replaced, I think they had gotten stiffer and I think they were from 1999.
How old and what kind are on there now?
I went with Koni FSD. I like them, they don't seem as stiff and are maybe a bit easier over the bumps. But really hard to compare, it would be nice to switch between the two while driving, but not possible.
I bought from Shockwarehouse.
Koni Shocks – ShockWarehouse
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #3 –
On our 24’ model, I run regular 4600 Bilsteins on the front and the softer riding Bilstein 4600 Comforts on the rear.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #4 –
Quote from: rich  - 
Monroe shocks wouldn't be my first choice for a mid-bath rig.    Monroe makes a variety of shocks though, and you will want to find out exactly which model you're buying.   There is a huge difference between their entry level and premium products.

This site can help you compare options and prices.

Search – ShockWarehouse

If those prices are shock only (no install), I think you can do better.
If your shocks are worn out, chances are that your bushings, sway bar links, and steering stabilizer could also use replacement.
Anything new will feel like a substantial improvement over worn out shocks.

Rich

Thanks for replying - here's the cut and paste quote: 

Replace shocks all the way around. They all are at the end of their life cycle. Install new bushings and hardware.
$270.00
($90.00 ea.) × 3
Monroe front shocks
$386.40
($193.20 ea.) × 2
Monroe Rear shocks
$440.64
($220.32 ea.) × 2


I've had this rig for ten years now (62,300 at purchase) and have put roughly 20,000 miles on it.  Another mechanic ten years ago recommended a steering stabilizer called Steer Safe (manufactured here in Las Cruces).  I think it's probably best to purchase the shocks on my own and let him do the install at his shop rate of $90/hour.

Thanks again as I don't want to make a costly (and poor) decision...
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #5 –
Quote from: StevenJill  - 
I replaced my Bilsteins in my 1999 a few years ago. Not sure they needed to be replaced, I think they had gotten stiffer and I think they were from 1999.
How old and what kind are on there now?
I went with Koni FSD. I like them, they don't seem as stiff and are maybe a bit easier over the bumps. But really hard to compare, it would be nice to switch between the two while driving, but not possible.
I bought from Shockwarehouse.
Koni Shocks – ShockWarehouse

Sorry, I actually don't know what kind are on there now, but they're ten years old with about 20,000 miles on them.  I think I'm best to go with either Bilstein or Koni (and that might be why my Andy Baird pantry has separated from the wall twice since 2017).  Thanks for responding - I just want to make a smart decision.
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
On our 24’ model, I run regular 4600 Bilsteins on the front and the softer riding Bilstein 4600 Comforts on the rear.

Larry
Thanks for your input - I'll look into them!
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #7 –
Quote from: desertdivanm  - 
Thanks for replying - here's the cut and paste quote: 

Replace shocks all the way around. They all are at the end of their life cycle. Install new bushings and hardware.
$270.00
($90.00 ea.) × 3
Monroe front shocks
$386.40
($193.20 ea.) × 2
Monroe Rear shocks
$440.64
($220.32 ea.) × 2


I've had this rig for ten years now (62,300 at purchase) and have put roughly 20,000 miles on it.  Another mechanic ten years ago recommended a steering stabilizer called Steer Safe (manufactured here in Las Cruces).  I think it's probably best to purchase the shocks on my own and let him do the install at his shop rate of $90/hour.

Thanks again as I don't want to make a costly (and poor) decision...

The quote isn't as complete as it could be, but here is a setup I would be happy with from ShockWarehouse:

Bilstein E350/E450 Motorhome Heavy Duty Front and Rear Shock Kit w Ste –...

Bilstein E350/E450 Motorhome Heavy Duty Front and Rear Shock Kit w Steering Stabilizer
Position: Front and Rear
Notes:
HD Standard valving for commercial and HD use. More Firm
Regular Price: $662.00 Our Price: $625.00

Then ask him to replace the front sway bar bushings as described by LarryW here:
Sway bar bushings- E450 2003 LD | Flickr

The bushing should be cheap, and shop time at $90/hour would be a bargain where I live.

I would give the shop a chance to order the bilsteins if they wanted to and could come close on pricing. 

I think most people could be happy with that setup for another 50k miles.

Rich

2003 MB
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #9 –
Quote from: rich  - 
For what it's worth - I asked Grok AI the same questions and here are the recommendations it gave.   Pretty impressive, IMHO:
https://x.com/i/grok/share/wWJoyyeekEPJV7Q9g2mI4XDC

It also recommended Bilstein B6 Steering Dampener, a good choice for a long-lasting stabilizer.
All of Blstein products are high-quality, long-lasting gear, our shocks lasted 100,000 miles in the front and even longer in the rear.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #10 –
These are not Bilstein's, but the most expensive shock at RockAuto.com are KYB's at $64 a piece.

Chuck
1997 RB
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #11 –
I actually went with (bought) the Bilstein shocks from Shock Warehouse and had them shipped to my RV repair person.  I have a Steer Safe anti-sway bar that was previously installed and on their recommendation just purchased the Bilstein shocks. 
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #12 –

Quote from: desertdivanm  - 
I actually went with (bought) the Bilstein shocks from Shock Warehouse and had them shipped to my RV repair person.  I have a Steer Safe anti-sway bar that was previously installed and on their recommendation just purchased the Bilstein shocks. 

Been looking into Bilstein's for our RK, Cheryl.  How're you liking your ride with your new shocks.  Is the change noticeable?  Ride comfortable or too stiff?

Am thinking on sticking with the Bilstein steering stabilizer, also.   We're planning on a trip in September to Colorado, Utah & Wyoming and would be towing our Jeep Wrangler.
Zia, our 2013  27’ RK
2001  Jeep  Wrangler
Land of Enchantment
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Jaxon  - 
Been looking into Bilstein's for our RK, Cheryl.  How're you liking your ride with your new shocks.  Is the change noticeable?  Ride comfortable or too stiff?

Am thinking on sticking with the Bilstein steering stabilizer, also.   We're planning on a trip in September to Colorado, Utah & Wyoming and would be towing our Jeep Wrangler.

Actually, I haven't really driven my RV yet as I have a couple more items on my list - i.e. new tires and alignment and replacing my generator exhaust pipe that I managed to take out when I hit a road construction cone coming home to Las Cruces from Puerto Penasco.  I actually have a Steer Safe stabilizer as it's manufactured in my home town of Las Cruces.
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #14 –
Quote from: desertdivanm  - 
Actually, I haven't really driven my RV yet
That's why I found it hard to compare. I installed mine myself, the RV is kept in the backyard, but time had passed and it is hard to judge.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #15 –
I have a 31 foot LD purchased in 11-2007.  LD  installed  front and rear Bilstein shocks at my request.  Now have 63,000 miles

on them, M H rides like new,  no damage or leaks to shocks, very satisfied.

Bob
2007 31 IB
Re: Recommended Shocks - (Sorry, I'm Clueless)
Reply #17 –
Cheryl,  We put on the B6 4600 Blisteins on front and rear and changed out the steering dampener with same back in December 2023 before we went to Baja and it made the trip way better, smoother, safer then the old shocks which were original with about 125K on them.  I think the rears went on in about an hour and the fronts a little faster but I used floor jacks and it would have gone faster if I had access to a lift.

     Karen~Liam
       98 ~ MB
          NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags