Shock does not really absorb shocks to dampen it. Why is it important for you to know? To improve the quality of driving, or if a camper trailer, the "white knuckle" factor induces oscillation of the trailer and bounce, you must understand a little 'the dynamics of a shock absorber attempts to take control. This mod discussed both driving dynamics and problems associated with it, and how to improve your RV drastically mod your ride and / or experience towing.
In short,a cushion sole purpose is to dampen the bounce of the train and suspension, controlling the speed with which a suspension cycles. Without it, your RV would continue to bounce up and down until the kinetic energy is ultimately derived from the suspension, the springs (eg leaf springs, coil springs, torsion bars, etc..) Let us now think the law of conservation of energy. With this law in mind, shock will have two functions. The first is the slowTo compress the suspension of cycling or bouncing. Secondly, because energy can not be destroyed, turned the shock kinetic energy into heat, as it dampens the "jump" of the springs. That's it. This is what a shock.
So why is this important? Most camper trailer are not equipped with shock absorbers factory! And while the class A, B and C motor homes have impact, are often barely enough to maintain control over the suspension and what excursionsSide by side movement on uneven surfaces.
How to install shock absorbers on an RV trailer, a kit is usually needed, although some have been towing the frame and the bracket must have card. A retrofit kit includes mounting brackets and hardware necessary for easy installation of the shocks. These kits use a drive attached to the underside of the leaf spring shackle mounts and has a tab at the bottom of the mountain shock. The top bracket for the shock sets the framework. It is often necessaryDrill a hole in the chassis for superior shock mount bolt. That sounds scary to do, but it is usually enough of a framework material that does not weaken the hole is drilled in a significant amount.
Torsion axles for a different type, such as the Dexter brand, the modification kit, a bit '. Since there are no chains, it is necessary to replace the torque arm welded links (from the housing to the stem axis) with a mount that has a shock, or a tab to the link arm twisting.The upper mount can either be drilled through the frame or an additional mounting tab will need to be welded to the frame. Much depends on your particular axle arrangement, though most torsion axle setups are generally the same.
Motor homes are a little different. Since they already come equipped with shock absorbers, replacing them is all that is necessary. This is a mod you can usually tackle yourself as all that is generally involved is, using basic hand tools, to unbolt the shocks from their mounts and replace them using the reverse order used during removal. There may be some bolt corrosion to deal with but a little penetrating fluid sprayed on a half hour or so before bolt removal will make things much easier. If you have a motor home that has struts (like a Sprinter) instead of independent springs and shocks, you should have a qualified suspension professional do the job. Special tools are required to compress the strut assembly in order to remove and replace the shock cartridge.
Tip: When fitting a towable RV with shocks using a retrofit kit, you will have to ensure you know how long of a shock you need beforehand as the upper mount point can vary from trailer to trailer. A close guesstimate is to measure from the lower shackle plate to the middle of the frame rail. If you opt for the kit that includes shocks, make sure this measurement is within the working range of the shocks supplied with the kit.
Tip: In addition to replacing shocks to improve ride characteristics of a motor home, there are several other mods that can be done to help as well, such as sway bars, urethane bushing replacement, and even air suspension. But these are mods for another time. Stay tuned!
