Added Shocks to the Sunline this week

[ScottK]

I completed shock absorber install last week. I used JohnB's fabulous write up on adding shocks for this install. Everything went well and I'm very pleased with the results. Attached are some pictures (albeit not great ones) and a short video I shot with my GoPro video camera, of the shocks in action. The 3 black marks on the shock are "0" (center of travel) 1" (below center) and 2" (fully compressed) so I could identify how much travel I was getting. I have about 45 minutes of higher quality video, some on the highway too, but it all looks about the same. I can't post more if someone would like to see it. I wanted to see some more extreme articulation, so I got a shot as I rolled over a curb and it was still not even close to fully articulating the shocks, up or down. I was pleasantly surprised to see how little travel is actually needed.

I used 3"x2" L for the top mount and tube for the bottom. I had to ream the tube to 5/8" because if the internal weld, but it was a perfect fit. I had 5/8" on the brain when I drilled the hole for the top mount in the L, so I had to a 5/8" bolt instead of the 1/2" shoulder bolt that came with the shocks…I really kicked myself on that one! The measurements worked out where I welded the L to the frame right up next to the the spring hanger which will give both parts a little more stability. A special thanks to JohnB for his help on this project. I think we are close to making this a pretty easy install for folks if you are looking to do it. PLease let me know if you have questions on any part of the process.

I would recommend it the mod, as it really does make a difference going down the road. Much less rocking after going over bumps and I can only image how much better it will be for the camper in general.

[ScottK]

The first video is as I leave the campground on the dirt road. The second video clip is rolling over the curb to test extreme articulation/range of motion.

[luvrque]

Great videos and photos.
Thanks for taken time to post them.

[apackoftwo]

Wow, great photos and video!

[JerryJ]

I have believed 100% in having shocks on trailers, yet some of the trailer shops you go to pooh-poohed the idea. Either these trailer shops just don't know or it's too much work to devise a set up. It's quite obvious that some of these guys just don't understand the physics involved.
I had a box trailer a few years ago and when empty, every time it when over the local railway tracks or that infamous bump/pole hole, you could rest assure that something is being jarred.
Faced it when something is bouncing all over the place instead of trailing smooth, there's your added resistance right off the bat. Resistance equals fuel consumption.
Great video and thanks for the post

Shocks on my T1350 is on my to-do list.

[apackoftwo]

It definitely makes sense to me

However, this isn't something I would attempt to do so who would? Truck or Rv repair? And what would one expect to pay?

Originally Posted by JerryJ

I have believed 100% in having shocks on trailers, yet some of the trailer shops you go to pooh-poohed the idea. Either these trailer shops just don't know or it's too much work to devise a set up. It's quite obvious that some of these guys just don't understand the physics involved.
I had a box trailer a few years ago and when empty, every time it when over the local railway tracks or that infamous bump/pole hole, you could rest assure that something is being jarred.
Faced it when something is bouncing all over the place instead of trailing smooth, there's your added resistance right off the bat. Resistance equals fuel consumption.
Great video and thanks for the post

Shocks on my T1350 is on my to-do list.

[ScottK]

Originally Posted by apackoftwo

It definitely makes sense to me

However, this isn't something I would attempt to do so who would? Truck or Rv repair? And what would one expect to pay?

That's a good question. One factor would be, how well you have the design details worked out in advance (which shocks, mounting locations, mounting bracket design, etc). Maybe bringing in a "pre-fab" kit like this one might be a smart thing in this instance. They cost more, but it may save you in the long run. "Hey how much to install this kit?" vs. "How much for you to figure out how to install shocks from scratch on my RV?"

I would think the RV Dealer is going to be more expensive, but it might be hard to find a non-rv dealer who wants to work on a camper. Maybe a custom 4x4 truck shop would give it a go. Those guys have a really good handle on moving around suspension components, fabrication and would certainly be able to figure out how to mount simple shocks rather quickly. Good luck and keep us posted!

One other thought...does your 1950 have leaf springs? My 1950 had torsion axles (no leaf springs). That might change things as they already ride smoother and it might be trickier (or maybe simpler) to install shocks.

[apackoftwo]

I would probably give John of Camper's Choice a call to see if it's something he does.

My T-1950 is a 2005. I don't know without looking at the owner's manual if it has leaf springs or torsion axles or if the owners manual would even say?

Originally Posted by ScottK

That's a good question. One factor would be, how well you have the design details worked out in advance (which shocks, mounting locations, mounting bracket design, etc). Maybe bringing in a "pre-fab" kit like this one might be a smart thing in this instance. They cost more, but it may save you in the long run. "Hey how much to install this kit?" vs. "How much for you to figure out how to install shocks from scratch on my RV?"

I would think the RV Dealer is going to be more expensive, but it might be hard to find a non-rv dealer who wants to work on a camper. Maybe a custom 4x4 truck shop would give it a go. Those guys have a really good handle on moving around suspension components, fabrication and would certainly be able to figure out how to mount simple shocks rather quickly. Good luck and keep us posted!

One other thought...does your 1950 have leaf springs? My 1950 had torsion axles (no leaf springs). That might change things as they already ride smoother and it might be trickier (or maybe simpler) to install shocks.

[ScottK]

Torsion axles were an option...at least they were in 2004. Manual might have some paperwork in it if it has them. Easier just to take a look underneath and see if you can see leaf springs.

[apackoftwo]

I'll take a look, thanks

Originally Posted by ScottK

Torsion axles were an option...at least they were in 2004. Manual might have some paperwork in it if it has them. Easier just to take a look underneath and see if you can see leaf springs.

[ScottK]

Here's what you are looking for...

Leaf Springs


Torsion Axles (rubber spring inside the axle)

[apackoftwo]

Well that just made it a heck of a lot easier!

I think I have the leaf springs but will double check tomorrow, thanks!

Originally Posted by ScottK

Here's what you are looking for...

Leaf Springs


Torsion Axles (rubber spring inside the axle)

[apackoftwo]

I checked. It has leaf springs. I texted John today and he has done them. However, he said," Coming up with the right short throw shock is the problem"

I have no idea if the link to the shock kit you provided would work for me (T-1950) as I have no idea what a "short throw shock" is

But since it's a Camping World kit item it might work

Originally Posted by ScottK

That's a good question. One factor would be, how well you have the design details worked out in advance (which shocks, mounting locations, mounting bracket design, etc). Maybe bringing in a "pre-fab" kit like this one might be a smart thing in this instance. They cost more, but it may save you in the long run. "Hey how much to install this kit?" vs. "How much for you to figure out how to install shocks from scratch on my RV?"

I would think the RV Dealer is going to be more expensive, but it might be hard to find a non-rv dealer who wants to work on a camper. Maybe a custom 4x4 truck shop would give it a go. Those guys have a really good handle on moving around suspension components, fabrication and would certainly be able to figure out how to mount simple shocks rather quickly. Good luck and keep us posted!

One other thought...does your 1950 have leaf springs? My 1950 had torsion axles (no leaf springs). That might change things as they already ride smoother and it might be trickier (or maybe simpler) to install shocks.

[ScottK]

Originally Posted by apackoftwo

I checked. It has leaf springs. I texted John today and he has done them. However, he said," Coming up with the right short throw shock is the problem"

I have no idea if the link to the shock kit you provided would work for me (T-1950) as I have no idea what a "short throw shock" is

But since it's a Camping World kit item it might work

He just means that the shock is much shorter than most regular shocks on cars and trucks. I used Monroe Part #555002, but I would think one of these 3 would work. But of course, these are just shocks and don't include mounting hardware. That's where the kits might be nice.

Part # compressed extended travel
length length length
555002 8.625" 12.750" 4.125"
555003 9.625" 14.750" 5.125"
555004 11.250" 17.875" 6.625"

I pulled these spec from this monroe document of thousands of shocks specs

[apackoftwo]

WOW thanks for doing the research! Much appreciated

I will definitely pass this along to John

Originally Posted by ScottK

He just means that the shock is much shorter than most regular shocks on cars and trucks. I used Monroe Part #555002, but I would think one of these 3 would work. But of course, these are just shocks and don't include mounting hardware. That's where the kits might be nice.

Part # compressed extended travel
length length length
555002 8.625" 12.750" 4.125"
555003 9.625" 14.750" 5.125"
555004 11.250" 17.875" 6.625"

I pulled these spec from this monroe document of thousands of shocks specs

[JohnB]

Scott, Been busy and just made it on tonight. GREAT job!!!! And the video, extra super!! I sense a new toy in my future...

And yes, they for sure make the camper ride better and take out the whipping in the wind sine wave oscillation on a long camper. All that excess flexing going on it not helping the longevity of the camper.

Thanks for sharing.

John

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by JerryJ

I have believed 100% in having shocks on trailers, yet some of the trailer shops you go to pooh-poohed the idea. Either these trailer shops just don't know or it's too much work to devise a set up. It's quite obvious that some of these guys just don't understand the physics involved.

Jerry, you are right. This also applies to balancing the tires. Another thing they pooh - poo. Why??? This even includes some tire dealers. Just because they normally don't do it, doe not mean it is not needed. If anything needs less vibration in it, a camper and ST trailer tires for sure can benefit from less vibration.

[Sunline Fan]

Mmmm, Sunline porn videos!

Seriously though, the GoPro footage is awesome. I only have a suction cup mount for mine. How fast would you say you were going in the first video?