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Topic: grand villa shocks - HELP! (Read 635 times) previous topic - next topic

grand villa shocks - HELP!

I'm new to the forum and could use some help. We have an 87 36' Grand Villa on an OshKosh ORED chassis. It has 73,000 miles in excellent shape. I recently had new air bags and shocks put on. My concern was the air bag rubber was nearly 30 years old I figured while the mechanic was in there we'd put in new shocks as well.  The only number I could really cross to the Neway number was a Monroe 66610. We are on the maiden voyage with this suspension, and these shocks are garbage. The ride is absolutely horrible, way too soft and spongy, almost to the point of having control issues. My question is has anyone been able to locate a Bilstein or Koni solution for this model? I'm seriously considering putting the old Neway's back on. No matter what though I've got to safely get her home first though. Any suggestion relatively to a better replacement would be greatly appreciated.

Gerry
Newberg, Oregon

Re: grand villa shocks - HELP!

Reply #1 –
Gerry,

Welcome to the ForeForum.

Give these guys a call directly:

Bilstein 800 537-1085

Koni (859) 488-0339

Re: grand villa shocks - HELP!

Reply #2 –
Yes, do that. I have never in any rolling stock I've owned found anything with "monroe" on it to be up to the task. Whereas, the Konis that are probably OEM on our coach are still doing thier job and doing it well after a quarter century.

Re: grand villa shocks - HELP!

Reply #3 –
Gerry,

That shock is the correct one for RVs with air bags. Check your ride height in case you have your airbags fully inflated, the tech may have installed them wrong or set the ride height too high.  Also did the tech install the shocks the right way up?  It is possible to do that with some shocks I have seen that done believe it or not!  Also are your tire and air bag pressures correct for your loading.

I would not have chosen Monroes. I prefer Bilsteins first and Konis second though others may differ.

If you need further help just ask.

Keith
 

Re: grand villa shocks - HELP!

Reply #4 –
While I agree in general on Monroe shocks and wouldn't normally touch em with a ten foot pole, they were installed on my coach when I bought it.  I had intended to replace them but occasionally drive another 36 with Konis and can't tell a difference in ride.  So, on they stay in all their yellow glory.