shocks

[jnlncn59]

Is anyone having problems keeping shocks on their rig other than me? I have run through OEM, Rancho's, & Monroe's. I have a slide in on the truck permanently. I see others who have heavier campers than mine and don't seen to have any problems. My truck and camper wt 11800, 4540 frnt and 7180 rear. Front axle is 40lbs over, rear is 320 under GAWR. Truck has camper pkg. Shocks last abt 3 mos tops and then go soft and truck rides like no shocks.

 

[Dane]

John,

Yes, I've seen the same thing you are seeing on more than just my Ram. Longest lasting shock I've had so far are Bilsteins.



I don't think any shock will last more than 50K or so. Some folks will disagree, but I chock that up to different "seat meters" on different folks.



I go to Baja and have worn out a set of new shocks in one trip - Edelbrock IAS. The term "Baja tough" is not from some marketing ninny, it's from regular folks like us.



Bottom line imo is the more you work the shock the quicker it wears out - no matter who makes em. Heaver loads work the shock harder. The first to go is the rebound damping and that 's bad because most shocks don't have enough to begin with.



Shocks are like a waffle faced hammer imo. The longer you use it the smoother the face gets and the worse it works for the intended application. It still looks like a hammer and will pound a nail, but it needs to be replaced.

 

[jnlncn59]

Dane-Bilstiens

Dane thanks for your reply. I ordered a set of Bilstiens the day I posted this originally so I'm glad to hear you say that you found them to be the best. How much does your cabover weigh, and is it on all the time or only some of the time? Thanks.

 

[Dane]

My cabover is 1800 fully loaded for a trip. I don't keep it on full time like you, only for trips.