Think I need to change my shocks. So, I tow a travel trailer sometimes with 800 lb. tongue weight and about 8700 lbs. total weight. Since there is a price difference between them, which is better, Gabriel, Monroe, Blistein or? Is there enough of a difference to make them worth the cost over another brand? Thanks for any answers.
I'll never consider anything but Bilstein. My trailer is 8900 empty with ~1300 tongue weight. I've pulled it with my E and F 350 super duty and have Bilstein's on both.
I use the Monroe shocks that have the coil over springs. They are listed as the HD/RV/ ambulance ones and a big difference over the standard ones.
Also if you really want to improve the tow and load ride the Firestone ride right air bag set up is something to consider. It really makes a big difference with a load or towing.
For you guys with the Bilsteins, check your front top insulator rubbers/bushings, the one on top of tower, just under washer/nut. I found both of mine were eaten up gone. The bushing on the lower side of tower looks fine. You might need to use a mirror to see the one on top of tower.
Thanks for the heads up, Bork. I checked mine today and they still look like new. I've got about 25k miles on them, mostly pulling a 10k pound trailer with Hensley hitch. I firmly believe in Bilsteins.
I'm using Fox shocks on mine. Amazing ride! Got them from Agile Offroad in San Diego. My van is lifted but pretty sure they could match whatever you need.
Wife & I have towed a travel trailers many miles over this great country during the past fourteen years with our 2002 F-250. Tried a lot of different shocks. A good part of her 200K plus miles have been hard towing miles.
Bilstein shocks have been the best towing shocks for us.
Update; I just rechecked the generic ones purchased at auto parts store & they are getting eaten up also. I think I'm going to try and cut some out of tire carcass, so they will have ply reinforcement.
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