Shocks on Trailer - Cure for Insanity?

[boonsur]

It's been months since I pulled my 30' TT, but I still clearly remember the state of mind that develops after driving for any peroid of time on a bad section of highway. The zones where the road is milled sideways, in strips, seem to be the worse for trailer hop. Between the steering wander and the extreme bouncing/jerking, I would probably sell my entire rig (real cheap) to a person standing at the end of a rough area.

Reading through a recent copy of Trailer Life, I saw an advertisement (Monroe) for a retrofit kit, to add shocks to the leaf springs. I can't confirm (my trailer is in storage 5 hours away), but I don't think it has any shocks. This sounds like the obvious (2x4 in the face) cure for my insanity.

Do trailers normally come without shocks?

Does anybody have a before/after testimonial about adding shocks?

Which are the best ones to use?

Hopefully this will prevent switching to a sedan and a Holiday Inn preferred customer card.

 

[TowPro]

I don't see what kind of RV you have, but I think only the "top of the line" ones came with shocks. My 2000 Terry EX has shock mounts, but no shocks.

I was crossing a bridge on 695 around baltomore when I hit a bump, I 5er started bouncing and with each bounce it jumped higher! I will be installing shocks this spring.

 

[Rambling]

Boonsur,
My 24' 5'er came with shocks. Glad of it. It does deminish the rebound effect. That's the good news.

The bad news is on stretches of hiway like you describe, only slowing down reduces the problem caused by the distance between the strips and the distance between the car and the trailer axles.

If mine didn't have shocks, I would install them. IMO it's a good thing to add even if it doesn't cure the lousy road conditions.


[This message has been edited by Rattlin (edited 02-03-2001). ]

 

[B.G. Smith]

My trailer has shocks. I installed the Ranco 9000 shocks on the truck and they do help smooth out some of the bounce, also make the truck ride a lot better when not towing. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 110 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[boonsur]

Sounds like a fairly inexpensive thing that I owe it to myself to try.

Where would be a good place to find these? I will probably begin shopping at some RV dealers in the area next week. Would automotive stores has this type of retrofit for a trailer? What are some good websites to check for shocks/trailer accessories?

Thanks for your help. I will post more after some shopping, and after the maiden voyage (hopefully April).

 

[Gonzo 1066]

The trailer manufacturers dont even balance tires #ad
. If you want to have a eye opener try getting those tires balanced and note the differnce. I am sure shocks would make a big differnce.

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1995 2500 5 spd US Gear 2 speed,PackBrake, bombed,big turbo, injectors CUMMINS POWER!!. 2001 ETH 3500 PackBrake, gagues,otherwise stock. 1972 "1066" International Harvester 414 ci diesel pulling tractor, big pump,turbo and injectors. Alcohol injection,BINDER POWER!! .
GONZO

 

[Okie-Go]

Guys, I hate to say it but the shocks may make a difference. My 30ft. Terry EX has shocks on it,I ordered it from factory. I also put 16 inch tires and wheels on it. I don't know but was told with 16 inch tires the brake drums are bigger than on 15 inch ones. Mine pulls like a dream.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[TowPro]

Which Terry do you have? I have a 2000 EX 30-5G with double slides. Just got a recall notice from Fleetwood. They have to weld some attitional cross members in the frame, and box the frame near the center spring mount. Man if that don't pi$$ you off! Look at the bright site, they local dealer will be sending it to a welding shop, No lot boys under it with a Lincon 225 stick welder! (I hope)
Anyway, I still love it. While were on the subject, any change you have a part number for the shocks on your Terry? There the same for all the larger Fleetwoods, and I am sure Fleetwood is not making them themself.
After calling Fleetwood several times (and not getting the answer) I need a number to cross reference.
I spent the afternoon at the auto parts shop looking at the cross reference and picture pages. It seems that old Checker cabs, and 50's Ford pickups had the same shock. Not like I am going to find "them" on the shelf to look at!

Originally posted by Okie-Go:
Guys, I hate to say it but the shocks may make a difference. My 30ft. Terry EX has shocks on it,I ordered it from factory. I also put 16 inch tires and wheels on it. I don't know but was told with 16 inch tires the brake drums are bigger than on 15 inch ones. Mine pulls like a dream.

 

[WCrovo]

My 28' Tahoe transport toy hauler came with 4 shocks. The plates, cups, cans etc. stay in one place. My Prowler and Weekend Warrior looked like a bomb went off in the cupboards after a thousand mile day. My experience says shocks are a must. Robert you are correct and thanx for reminding me. I will balance my trailer tires before3 I leave in a week. The balance alone will smooth things considerably, I'm amazed they don't balance them.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH/DEE, 3. 54 Bright white,4 wheel discs.

 

[C Schomer]

Boonsur, I had a 26' 5er that threw stuff out of the back cabinets. I got 4 HD gas shocks, built mounts, welded them on and put the shocks on. Then I found out Monroe makes a kit. What a difference, not only for the trailer. The truck smooths out too! Nothing ever flew out of the back cabinets again. It's well worth whatever it takes! Craig

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97 3/4Ton, 2WD, 5SP, #11 Plate, AFC kit, 14 Housing, AF942M Air filter, Gutted Cat, 4"From Turbo, Airlift, Shortened Frame, Custom Bed, HEY FORDBOY POWERSTROKE THIS!

 

[Davison]

I've had trailers with and without shocks. With shocks is definately better, and worth the cost.

I love the 'dampening' effect when going over a bump or across a dip. All around they are a good deal.

Look under some other trailers and you will see that it's not a complicated set up. If your rig already has the brackets it would be a breeze for installation.

A last thought. Last year we bought a small (10ft) Wells Cargo for moving stuff. It has the Dexter torsion axles. No leafs. Wow! #ad
It literally smoothes out the road! I look in the side mirrors and see the wheels going up and down like mad and the trailer isn't moving at all! We haven't had any breakage moving stuff. Airstreams have a similar type of axle. Supposed to be super duper. If $$ weren't a consideration, putting on these new Dexter axles on your unit instead of shocks would be really great!
But that's dreaming... .

Back to reality: Keep looking at the shocks! #ad

 

[RPhCummins]

Boonsur,

Which issue of Trailer Life was it?


Thanks
RPh

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1996 Long Box Club-cab, K&N filter, misplaced silencer ring, kitty and muffler are history, totally stock otherwise, 255/85 R16's, just waitin' to get bombed, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Member, Pioneer stereo system.

 

[boonsur]

It was one of the last issues (Feb/March?). It had the Durango/HiLo featured on the cover. It was just a little advertisement closer to the back of the magazine. (magazine is at home, so I can't provide any more detail right now).


I'm at home now:

February 2001 issue, p91.
http://www.tenneco-automotivehd.com/torsion_spring_towable_kit.htm

[This message has been edited by boonsur (edited 02-06-2001). ]

 

[Okie-Go]

I have the 2000EX 30 5G also. It has double slides. Mine was built in Longview,TX. That may be the difference. I am taking mine in today to reattach the trim,(too close to a fence post). The service manager at the dealer said if the tires are wearing even and not on the edges to not worry about the recall. While there I will definately let him look at it. I wanted to put a hitch behind mine for the 5x12 haulin my 4wheeler but now I am kinda chicken.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[TowPro]

I called fleetwood about putting a hitch on the back of mine, but for carrying a 250 lb dirt bike. they said "no problem, your good for 500 lbs weight back there". Only problem is the hitches I see will not cover the distance between the frame rails. guess I will have to build one when I install the spair under the back with a winch system like our pickups use for there spare.

About the recall, here is the URL
CLICK HERE
On the LS of the screen, enter 2000, then Fleetwood, then Terry, then just hit enter for all data and you will see the information.

Mine was made in Winchester VA.

Originally posted by Okie-Go:
[BI wanted to put a hitch behind mine for the 5x12 haulin my 4wheeler but now I am kinda chicken.

[/B]

[This message has been edited by TowPro (edited 02-06-2001). ]