Best shocks for towing and slide-in camper on F350 DRW - Diesel Forum

**MJPliska** · 02-28-2005, 01:23 PM

What are your recommendations for replacement shocks on a 1995 F350 DRW, used for hauling a 2800# (loaded) slide-in camper, &/or towing a 12000# tag trailer? Driving is mostly smooth roads, but may include the occasional narrow/bumpy scenic highway. Worst regular part is the speed bumps on the semi-steep hill on the way to my house.

Thanks and regards,
Michael Pliska

dboston · 02-28-2005, 01:43 PM

I put Bilsteins on my dually and they handle great. It's not a mushy ride and with the 5er hooked up, it still does well over bumps and joints in the road. A friend just installed KYB shocks on his truck and his opinion is they are as good as the Bilsteins. It definitely helped the ride in his truck (dually). Maybe price between the two would make the choice, all things being equal. Good luck.

dmd · 02-28-2005, 03:34 PM

Bilstiens are OK, but if you want a stiff ride the camper, but want it a but softer when it is unloaded youy might want to look at Rancho 9000 adjustables. I can set them to what I want.

96STROKE · 02-28-2005, 09:44 PM

I understand the rancho 9000 work great, but you have to crawl under the truck and adjust for empty/hauling, if thats your bag, right on.

I went with the bilsteins because I didn't want to adjust anything, they are self adjusting. Work great, I highly recomend them.

**Kanman** · 03-01-2005, 01:19 AM

I like the cheap Ranchos.

**Flywheel** · 03-01-2005, 01:21 AM

Maybe consider some airbags.

CyberVet65 · 03-01-2005, 11:08 PM

I installed my Rancho 9000's when I towed a 6 ton 5th wheel. Loved it! Crank them up when towing and turn them down when empty!
I now tote a Lance 1130 and still love them! Excellent to crank to the max for stability. I also highly recommend the Timbren overloads in the back. When empty they never touch the frame. Easy to install in 30 minutes. They use the same mounting holes as the 'bump stops'. And they work seamlessly with the Ranchos!
Chet

LMJD · 03-02-2005, 11:21 AM

I have KYB's and agree with the alignment shop that sold them to me, they're really high quality but they don't have a big add campaign so they're not in the lime light like other brands. I found out later with a web search KYB is one of the biggest commercial hydraulics companies in Japan.
An interesting note, I told the shop owner since my truck rides like a board anyway I didn't want those huge Monroe's. He started laughing and led me over to a display board with KYB's, Monroe's, and Bilstein's all cut in half lengthwise from top to bottom. Like he pointed out, Monroes are all huge hollow shell with the smallest valving and working components of the three. It was evident the other two are twice the shock.