Opinion needed on Shock upgrade

[Inrelentlesspursuit]

Newbies purchased a 2014 Thor freedom elite 28H with 4k miles on it we converted it to where we can travel with my 13-year-old special needs son in his wheelchair , .. I just had the front end aligned and the roadmaster steering stabilizer installed , New Tires front is inflated to 65, back is inflated to 80psi unloaded .. next I wanna do front shocks.These are the three brands I’m looking at Billstein , Koni & Fox ..I would like everyone’s opinion on what you are using ..Thanks in Advance

 

[ducksface]

Why are you doing shocks?
Many folks who do so are just parts buyers for no particular reason.

Now, if it's time to change the shocks that's very different but at 4k miles I don't imagine such.

I'm pretty sure Not one person here has owned two let one three brands on the same rv with the same Miles on all.

We truly have no way to compare.

Who told you the tire pressures to use?

 

[Inrelentlesspursuit]

When I’m doing about 70-75 I feel like the front tires are bouncing , I have had the tires balanced The Motorhome sat for years before I purchased it , So I assumed the shocks may have gone bad and that’s what was making the bouncing feeling up front I don’t want to throw parts at it , just trying to figure out what’s causing the issue ..As for the air pressure in the tires that’s what the Tire shop put in them to start with ..

 

[ducksface]

There's a sticker in your rv
It gives you
A STARTING PLACE for proper inflation.

 

[Inrelentlesspursuit]

Thank you sir …Do you think this is my issue from feeling like the front tires are bouncing up & down ?

 

[Bob Nodine]

Thank you sir …Do you think this is my issue from feeling like the front tires are bouncing up & down ?

First of all the so called shock absorber is poorly named. They do not absorb shock. They are dampers. If your front wheels are bouncing the bounce is not caused by the shocks. If you put on a shock stiff enough to stop the bounce it will significantly reduce the ride quality of the motorhome. Actually the best ride possible (we are talking about managing bumps) is with no shocks at all. I have a friend who removed all his shocks and did a test drive just to test the ride. Unfortunately we need the shocks to stop roll, bounce, and porpoising. If balancing the tires did not fix the problem I would give serious thought to a problem with the tires or the wheels. I have even heard of Ford wheels on Class C motorhomes that did not center correctly. You might want to think about purchasing aftermarket aluminum wheels for the front and give that a try.

 

[ghnl]

When I’m doing about 70-75 I feel like the front tires are bouncing , I have had the tires balanced The Motorhome sat for years before I purchased it...

Sitting for years may have damaged the tires (internally). Especially if they were sitting with low air pressure. They'll look OK externally but the reinforcing cords in the rubber can take a set that may have become permanent.

Remember you can "balance" a square tire but it'll never ride smooth. If you can find a shop able to do a Road Force Balance that can give a better ride. Not sure if they can do that with motorhome size tires. Or if it's worth it. How old are the tires - read the date codes? If more than 5 - 6 years old I'd start by replacing them. 6 - 8 year old tires are about at or past their 'use-by' dates (even if the tread is not worn out).

 

[EA37TS]

Bouncing in the front end is normally caused by one or more if the following

Road surface. If the road surface is washboard nothing you do will correct this problem.

Tire not balanced correctly.

Tires are out of round or have a flat spot. Balancing will not correct this problem. This has to be corrected by a shop that can shave the tire to bring it to round. If I remember correctly, a few people on the forum had this problem around 2016 or 2017.

As to shocks, three motorhomes over the past 15 years and I’ve never had to replace the shocks.

 

[2soon]

Installed Sumo springs on our 2017 Thor 22E when we first
got it. No more swaying, or drifting when semi's pass us.
Installed them myself.
Took a lot of "hoop de do" out of going down interstates also.
https://www.superspringsinternational.com


2soon

 

[Bonzen]

Replaced mine with Bilsteins on my 26B. Night and day difference with handling and a feeling of confidence. Rig just feels more stable and sways less. Especially towing. Worth the few hundred bucks.