'59 Tradewind shocks?

[steveirving]

Hi,

My '59 tradewind has a single axle with leaf springs on each side stacked about 6 high.

Should this trailer also have gas or spring shocks on each side?

[Action]

I could be wrong and I believe shocks were not installed as original equipment for leaf springs. With the change to torsion spring axle that is still in use today was the addition of shocks included in the design of Airstream trailers. With that being said, if you want to install shocks then just a traditional type would be my recommendation. No gas and no added spring on the shock.

If you are looking to improve ride height because the existing leaf springs are not doing the job, then new leaf springs are what is necessary.

Good luck.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[Someday'59]

We found some '63 Chevy S10 shocks that worked for us. You can read about it here: 1959 Airstream Overlander, "Someday": Bits and Pieces...

[Action]

Hmmm, I didn't know that Chevrolet made a S-10 in 1963.

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[Someday'59]

Oh, I see what you mean. The guy at the car-parts counter told us these shocks were for a Chevy'63 S-10. I never questioned it. I wonder if they were for a different '63 Chevy truck?

[markdoane]

You definitely need shocks on a leaf spring axle. I can't imagine trying to keep the thing on the ground without them. You can use either 33033 Monroe-Matic, or my preference is the 555003 Monroe Gas-Matic RV group shock. Check dimensions carefully, especially if you want to switch to radial tires.