Shocks for my 2008 Cardinal?

[Wanderer]

Have been trying to get info on the correct shocks to buy from FR reps, two different reps actually who have not replied.
So have any Cardinal owners replaced their shocks and do you have a suggested source?
Our unit is a fiver, 2008, model RK30.
Thank You,
Wanderer

[Wanderer]

Have numerous emails to Forest River on this subject and NO response.
Now, 156 of you have read this post however not one reply/suggestion?
So I'm assuming no one changes the shocks on a Cardinal?
A bit odd don't you think?

[garmford]

If you can get the make or model number off the existing shocks you can go to an auto parts store or tire place and have them cross reference the shock to other brands and suggest something to you.
I would replace them with the same brand that you have. They lasted 8 years thus far, that's pretty good!



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[dieselguy]

Most OEM shocks on any TT or fiver are mounted at such an angle, they don't contibute much of anything to a suspension system. Think about it, if a shock is mounted at say 30 degrees ... just how much of an effect will a stubby shock have on a suspension that only moves 4"- 5" total vertically? I have no involvement with this outfit, but if you want shocks that really matter on your fiver or TT ... look at this link or fab brackets that get the shocks above 45 degrees
http://www.rvimprovementsystems.com/..._Joy_Rider.pdf

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by dieselguy

Most OEM shocks on any TT or fiver are mounted at such an angle, they don't contibute much of anything to a suspension system. Think about it, if a shock is mounted at say 30 degrees ... just how much of an effect will a stubby shock have on a suspension that only moves 4"- 5" total vertically? I have no involvement with this outfit, but if you want shocks that really matter on your fiver or TT ... look at this link or fab brackets that get the shocks above 45 degrees
http://www.rvimprovementsystems.com/..._Joy_Rider.pdf

@Dieselguy, Thanks for suggestion and link, and was just reading on the Joy Rider yesterday. Agree with limited rebound the shock effectiveness is limited.

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by garmford

If you can get the make or model number off the existing shocks you can go to an auto parts store or tire place and have them cross reference the shock to other brands and suggest something to you.
I would replace them with the same brand that you have. They lasted 8 years thus far, that's pretty good!



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@garmford, thank you, thought about that, we bought this fiver used and shock and suspension is rusted so was just thinking , those shocks are probably doing little to smooth out our ride. I have metal underbelly and would have to remove some to even access the upper bolt. Thanks again.

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by dieselguy

Most OEM shocks on any TT or fiver are mounted at such an angle, they don't contibute much of anything to a suspension system. Think about it, if a shock is mounted at say 30 degrees ... just how much of an effect will a stubby shock have on a suspension that only moves 4"- 5" total vertically? I have no involvement with this outfit, but if you want shocks that really matter on your fiver or TT ... look at this link or fab brackets that get the shocks above 45 degrees
http://www.rvimprovementsystems.com/..._Joy_Rider.pdf

Crawled under the rig today and those shocks are set at about 30 degrees if not less, so yes I see they probably do not make a lot of difference.

[DrLewie]

I broke a shock and the repair shop had no trouble getting the replacement, but I don't know their source. I hate to state the obvious,but have you tried a Cardinal dealer?