Need new shocks on my '12 Sanibel 3500

[kdanie]

I've got about 20,000 miles on my '12 Sanibel 3500 and it needs new shocks. I've found regular replacements-Lippert heavy duty shocks- but they don't seem to be all that heavy duty to me. Has anyone found a heavier duty shock than Lippert installed at the factory??

Ken

[clr]

Lippert makes the frame for the Sanibel as well as many other models. So I guess that they put their own shocks on their frames. I had this problem with my old 5th wheel and was able to remove one shock that it into NAPA and they were able to cross the old shock to many models made by others.

[Tiggerdad]

Take one to NAPA or any other parts store. They can cross to a Monroe which is better and only costs a few dollars more. I think you will find that the old shocks are bent, frozen up or have no action. That's what happened to the ones on previous rig after only a few thousand miles.

[kdanie]

Thanks, these are just worn out, I'll check with NAPA and see what they can do.

ken

[BBBlue]

Originally Posted by kdanie

Thanks, these are just worn out, I'll check with NAPA and see what they can do.

ken

I would be interested in hearing what you found at NAPA.

[OldCoot]

You can measure the compressed length and extended length of your old shock and find a Monroe replacement.

[kdanie]

I've been disappointed with parts counter people for years, if they don't have a make/model/year to put in their computer they can't find anything BUT I got them to give me their book and I found only one shock with the same specs and it was a basic passenger car shock #5157-NAPA brand made by Monroe. I don't think it will be enough dampening on a #15000 5th wheel... Hopefully my shocks from Lippert will arrive today so I can get them on tomorrow morning early before it hits 100*.

If the shocks were just mounted with eyes on each end better replacements would be easy to find.

I suppose I'll get another set on the way when i get about 10,000 miles on these.

ken

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by kdanie

I've been disappointed with parts counter people for years, if they don't have a make/model/year to put in their computer they can't find anything BUT I got them to give me their book and I found only one shock with the same specs and it was a basic passenger car shock #5157-NAPA brand made by Monroe. I don't think it will be enough dampening on a #15000 5th wheel... Hopefully my shocks from Lippert will arrive today so I can get them on tomorrow morning early before it hits 100*.

If the shocks were just mounted with eyes on each end better replacements would be easy to find.

I suppose I'll get another set on the way when i get about 10,000 miles on these.

ken

I sincerely doubt that Lippert shocks are as good as Monroe and the valving will probably be the same. IIRC, they are probably 65/45 valving. IMO, I would go with Monroe as they probably sell to Lippert and have been making shocks longer than Lippert has been in existence.

[TURBS]

There should have been a name and part number stamped on the bottom of the shock.
Lippert likely doesn't even make there own shock as suggested.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

[TURBS]

Like such.


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

[kdanie]

The NAPA/Monroe shocks actually look like the lippert light duty shocks. I'm sure a passenger car shock that has to dampen maybe 1000lb per corner won't be enough to dampen closer to SEVERAL thousand pounds per corner.

ken

[kdanie]

So, I received my 4 new shocks from Lippert on Wed. and got them on this morning. The new shocks are NOT exactly like the old ones. Old= 7.5" compressed, 12" extended. New=8.5" compressed, 13.5" extended. The installed length is 10". I hope they don't bottom when I hit a bump. The part number on the new is the same as the old. New shocks are gas charged, the old have no gas but it probably leaked out as they wore out. The new shocks are not nearly as stiff as I think they need to be and the dampening seems to be approximately 45% compression and 65% extension=a little stiffer when extending. I will continue looking for something I think is more suitable.

Installing the new shocks was very easy, I have the 6 way leveling system and just broke the lugs loose then ran it up so I could remove all the tires. A 9/16 deep socket is all that's needed once the threaded studs are cleaned off. I also installed urethane end grommets instead of the stock rubber grommets, this will take out the give the rubber has before the shocks start to actually dampen the movement so they will be more effective. BTW Lippert only included hardware for 2 shocks, not for 4 so I just reused the nuts and washers from 2 of the old shocks.

I also lubed the spring pivots while the tires were off-it's much easier that way. The first time I lubed the spring pivots, 2 years ago I found ALL the grease fittings loose-not impressed with Lippert QC. I lubed the bearings on my Dexter ez-lube axles, I LOVE those gun drilled axles. I checked the air pressure in the tires and torqued all the wheels. We are all ready to hit the road again tomorrow morning!

ken

[OldCoot]

You can always go to some expensive racing shocks that have adjustable valving. We used Carrerra at about $150 ea 20 yrs ago. They are aluminum body shocks and are adjustable to just about anything you want.

[kdanie]

I thought of that but these are straight studs on each end, if they had eyes it would be easy.

BTW the pn on the shock is 177734 which I can't get to come up for anything on the internet.

ken

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by kdanie

I thought of that but these are straight studs on each end, if they had eyes it would be easy.

BTW the pn on the shock is 177734 which I can't get to come up for anything on the internet.

ken

We used straight studs. 1/2" gr8 bolts.

[kdanie]

These shocks have straight studs:

[OldCoot]

Modify the anchors. Would just take a pc of angle iron.

[kdanie]

That's certainly do-able. I can fabricate just about anything. I've got a 1000 mile trip starting tomorrow to test it out with these shocks.

ken

[emptynest2]

We have a 2013 3400 and in May we were traveling down I5 from Oregon when we ended up with a blow out. Ended up with damage on the slide and under carriage. We aren't close to a good authorized dealer for repair so have ended up with a RV Repair shop. After this happened and taking the trailer to our local tire shop he discovered that the shocks have been rubbing on the inside of our door side tires. After looking at the situation it looked like the axles either had shifted or something else. We have it at the repair shop fixing the tire blowout damage and then dealing with the axle or come to find out shock issue. After contacting Prime Time they said that this is a shock issue. They had put these shocks on some of their trailers before discovering there were issues. We/They are very lucky that this was discovered. This is a major safety issue. We could of easily had 2 tires blow out at once with the rubber it was taking out of the tires. I am hoping they take care of replacing the shocks along with buying us all new tires. Considering what a safety issue this is why can't Prime Time contact the owners with a recall notice.

[kdanie]

That sucks, I have plenty of clearance on my 3500. They COULD contact most of the owners (some, like me are not where we were when we bought the trailer) but it would cost a ton and it's all about the $$ like any business. They have been very good to me with issues, hopefully they will be as good to you.

ken