Air Bags Or New Shocks Or Both?

[zibzer]

Need some help here on a decision. I pulled a 5000lb trailer the other day and the back end was jumping around real bad for me. My shocks are pretty old and likely worn out. I went out and bought new shocks but haven't installed them yet (Monroe reflex monotubes). I'm second guessing myself and thinking I should have stuck with my old shocks and bought air bags... What do you guys think? I can always return the Monroe shocks as I haven't installed them yet.

[DanJS10]

Need some help here on a decision. I pulled a 5000lb trailer the other day and the back end was jumping around real bad for me. My shocks are pretty old and likely worn out. I went out and bought new shocks but haven't installed them yet (Monroe reflex monotubes). I'm second guessing myself and thinking I should have stuck with my old shocks and bought air bags... What do you guys think? I can always return the Monroe shocks as I haven't installed them yet.

 

 

If you've got more than 100k miles than it's probably a good idea to change your shocks. Shocks help control the bouncing that the leaf springs, the weight of the vehicle and imperfections of the road create so if you were feeling the back bouncing up and down a lot it couldn't hurt to change them.

 

Air bags are good for helping set the ride height of the rear of the truck while loaded. If the weight of the trailer is causing the rear end to sag then it's probably a good idea to get air bags.

[sicilien]

Need some help here on a decision. I pulled a 5000lb trailer the other day and the back end was jumping around real bad for me. My shocks are pretty old and likely worn out. I went out and bought new shocks but haven't installed them yet (Monroe reflex monotubes). I'm second guessing myself and thinking I should have stuck with my old shocks and bought air bags... What do you guys think? I can always return the Monroe shocks as I haven't installed them yet.

 

What do you mean by jumping around ?

 

Do you have a weight ditribution hitch ? At 5000 lbs a WDH, well adjusted really helps smooth out stabilize the ride.[/font]

[zibzer]

What do you mean by jumping around ?

 

Do you have a weight ditribution hitch ? At 5000 lbs a WDH, well adjusted really helps smooth out stabilize the ride.

 

 

The trailer tounge had a tendency to bounce more than what it should when I hit bumps in the road... Would the new shocks help this enough. 266,000km... Likely origional shocks, no wdh

[Matt_]

At that mileage, you need shocks regardless...so put them on and go from there.

[imollison]

At the high mileage your truck has, you need to replace the shocks. I have a 2500HD and just put in air bags.....while I have a heavier truck, I find that when the truck is empty is will bounce on big bumps, but get a load in it and it really smooths out the ride. Especially when towing a trailer. I have a 28' 5th wheel and the bags help in leveling the truck and helping smooth the ride. My 2 cents....

[slapshot]

I'd definately replace the shocks to start with. You'll need them for all driving, not just towing. This is my first truck with air bags. While towing, they make a HUGE difference. For normal driving, I didn't notice any change or firmer ride. I keep the pressure around 6 psi all the time. It's just enough to level it out when I'm towing my boat, but it keeps the ride decent when I'm not.

[zibzer]

Thanks everyone, I'll put on the new shocks and see how that works.