Adding shocks to a fiver
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
Adding shocks to a fiver
This "new to us" fiver is shorty at 27 feet with the axles already flipped. It has the brackets for shocks at the axles, but no shocks and lots of rigs used to have the brackets, but no shocks. Since it sits high, 28" off the ground at the bottom of back bumper, I have been thinking about the wisdom of adding shocks. The kits are in my catalogs and the price is not super bad, but I have never messed with them. Has anyone added shocks to their towable and was it worth the time and money?
The nitwit "tech" who flipped the axle cut the brake leads to the passenger side, a whole other post, so that is my first order of business.
Thanks,
Steve
The nitwit "tech" who flipped the axle cut the brake leads to the passenger side, a whole other post, so that is my first order of business.
Thanks,
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Central Colorado
I do not know about adding shocks after the fact, but mine came with shocks. I must say that compared to 5er's I have pulled in the past, between the shocks and the Trailair hitch it tows down the road very smoothly.
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From: Bristol, TN.
Steve
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Texas
Steve,
Once had a 30 ft Sunnybrook that sat pretty low and dragged the bumper at times. Flipped the axles, no shocks, and did not notice any extra sway.
Shocks should help, but maybe the flip wasn't done correctly? Or the springs are weak?
Normal flips result in a 2" rise, at most 3"--on a short trailer, wouldn't think it would have noticeable sway just because it was higher, but could be the problem.
Joe
Once had a 30 ft Sunnybrook that sat pretty low and dragged the bumper at times. Flipped the axles, no shocks, and did not notice any extra sway.
Shocks should help, but maybe the flip wasn't done correctly? Or the springs are weak?
Normal flips result in a 2" rise, at most 3"--on a short trailer, wouldn't think it would have noticeable sway just because it was higher, but could be the problem.
Joe
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
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Congrats on the new 5er Steve ! Enjoy !
How about a sway bar on your 5er ?!? A takeoff can be had cheap
I do know I drove my new 350 for a week or two before the sway bar came in and cornering was a big difference once installed !
How about a sway bar on your 5er ?!? A takeoff can be had cheap
I do know I drove my new 350 for a week or two before the sway bar came in and cornering was a big difference once installed !
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
No sure I have a problem. Just researching. I needed a project and a testing ground for some stuff I want to try. When work goes to super slow in January and February might head south and close shop until March NASCAR week here.
Steve
Steve
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Forest lake minnesota
I added shocks to my Jayco eagle as it already had the brackets and I was getting some bounce. I just measured the distance between the two mounting points and off to my local auto parts store I went. We looked until we found a shock that had about 3 or 4 inches on both sides of my measurement meaning full compression and full extension..
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Ontario Canada
I added shocks to my Jayco eagle as it already had the brackets and I was getting some bounce. I just measured the distance between the two mounting points and off to my local auto parts store I went. We looked until we found a shock that had about 3 or 4 inches on both sides of my measurement meaning full compression and full extension..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
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From: Upstate NY
Some of the guys on the Titanium forum added shocks to their 5ers and have reported back that they made quite a difference in the way the trailers went through the 'oops' bumps, especially at bridge approaches and departures. Mine already has shocks, as had an earlier one plus the 3-TT we had so really don't know what the difference really would be. Monroe makes the standard or retro shock kits for TT/5ers (MONROE® COMMERCIAL VEHICLE :: e-Catalog). Yes, it is well worth the cost, time and effort to keep everything inside where you left it
I did the over/under mod on the previous 30' 5er and it had some tail waggle. I then did it on a 27' TT and it was just fine and handled great. I may do this one that we have as it does sit pretty low with it being close tire-to-underbody but I'm not sure that I want to raise it to near normal bridge height, 13'6" as it already tops 12' at the Aero Vents and $olar panels
I did the over/under mod on the previous 30' 5er and it had some tail waggle. I then did it on a 27' TT and it was just fine and handled great. I may do this one that we have as it does sit pretty low with it being close tire-to-underbody but I'm not sure that I want to raise it to near normal bridge height, 13'6" as it already tops 12' at the Aero Vents and $olar panels
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
Some of the guys on the Titanium forum added shocks to their 5ers and have reported back that they made quite a difference in the way the trailers went through the 'oops' bumps, especially at bridge approaches and departures. Mine already has shocks, as had an earlier one plus the 3-TT we had so really don't know what the difference really would be. Monroe makes the standard or retro shock kits for TT/5ers (MONROE® COMMERCIAL VEHICLE :: e-Catalog). Yes, it is well worth the cost, time and effort to keep everything inside where you left it
I did the over/under mod on the previous 30' 5er and it had some tail waggle. I then did it on a 27' TT and it was just fine and handled great. I may do this one that we have as it does sit pretty low with it being close tire-to-underbody but I'm not sure that I want to raise it to near normal bridge height, 13'6" as it already tops 12' at the Aero Vents and $olar panels
I did the over/under mod on the previous 30' 5er and it had some tail waggle. I then did it on a 27' TT and it was just fine and handled great. I may do this one that we have as it does sit pretty low with it being close tire-to-underbody but I'm not sure that I want to raise it to near normal bridge height, 13'6" as it already tops 12' at the Aero Vents and $olar panels
Yup, on my service truck I carry an extension ladder and on some of the fivers I have to extend it quite far and on others I have to extend it all the way to just make the edge of the roof! Going off topic for a minute, I have a solar system from our last motor home, I may put on this fiver.
Steve
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
Yup, on my service truck I carry an extension ladder and on some of the fivers I have to extend it quite far and on others I have to extend it all the way to just make the edge of the roof! Going off topic for a minute, I have a solar system from our last motor home, I may put on this fiver.
Steve
Steve
The solar system works well for dry camping - it at least keeps the two batteries charged better then that dinky panel on the a/c - plus you can use some small appliances through the inverter though it is still only two x 80 watt panels
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