Air shocks for Airstream

[Don.44]

Do you know if anyone makes an air shock for the air stream ? One that can be inflated to compensate for weak axle tubes ?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Don.44

Do you know if anyone makes an air shock for the air stream ? One that can be inflated to compensate for weak axle tubes ?

A device like that should "NEVER" be used on an Airstream.

First, you will break the shock studs.

Second, they won't fit.

Third, the trailer will no longer handle properly.

Shocks, air inflated or otherwise, can never replace the suspension of a torsion axle.

Andy

[Frank's Trailer Works]

so is the shock redundant? Dexter thinks so. Does Axis also?

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

so is the shock redundant? Dexter thinks so. Does Axis also?

I didn't ask Axis. When Luke and I got around to doing my Overlander, we didn't give Dexter enough time to weld on the unique shock mounts for Airstream, so I decided I didn't need them. The Overlander has been up to Seattle twice since then and once all the way around the West, and I can't tell any difference--I'm convinced they are redundant.

Roger

[Don.44]

Is there a trailer heigth measurement available to determine if the trailer torsion axles may be weak ? From the belt line to the ground ?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Don.44

Is there a trailer heigth measurement available to determine if the trailer torsion axles may be weak ? From the belt line to the ground ?

Reading the following article, will better help you to check out the axles.

The Dura-Torque Axle

Andy

[racoco]

Not so sure the shocks are redundant. Couldn't figure out why our 2007 pulled so bad compared to our 1976. Interior rivets were shearing, we had to constantly tighten screws. Stuff rattled around more than we ever expected (opening doors became a game).

Then while replacing a tire I discovered that the RS shock was never installed. The mounting studs were immaculate. Got a shock ordered, got it on, and all the odd problems stopped immediately.

Well, except for traveling in Louisiana, but that's a whole different story.

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by racoco

Not so sure the shocks are redundant. ...

... I discovered that the RS shock was never installed. The mounting studs were immaculate. Got a shock ordered, got it on, and all the odd problems stopped immediately.

Whoa, that's certainly something to think about.

Zep

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

Whoa, that's certainly something to think about.

Zep

Part of it may be there was one shock on one side only. I do believe they should be all or nothing, and the one shock may have made a non-issue into a real issue.

[barts]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

Whoa, that's certainly something to think about.

Zep

I wonder if shocks are more critical on single axle trailers? On a trailer with two axles, the spring rate on each axle is half that of a single axle unit... which would certainly make a difference. Keep in mind that leaf springs have a significant amount of self damping due to the leaves rubbing together.

- Bart

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by barts

I wonder if shocks are more critical on single axle trailers? ...

I think it's much more critical on a single axle. I finally decided on dual axles, only. Sold the Caravel. I hated the high spring rate when the single tire hit a pot hole.

Zep

[Action]

Shocks are used to dampen or restrict axle or coach movement. Because of the design of the torsion axle with internal rubber rods there are situations where shocks don't have much function. All the dampening work is being done internally with the axle.

>>>>>Action

[lucymcdog]

Originally Posted by racoco

Got a shock ordered, got it on, and all the odd problems stopped immediately.

Where did you get your shock? I'm looking for shocks for my 1965 24' Tradewind - any good source for ordering them?

[racoco]

I ordered the one I needed from Out-of-Doors Mart (outofdoors.com) in NC. They were very helpful and the box was here in three days. Install was even easier than they explained it to be. Good luck.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Parts stocking Airstream dealers, have the correct shocks.

Andy

[Action]

Lucymcdog, Your '65 will have vertical shocks. NAPA would be a good source.

Later years have horizontal shocks and those are a dealer only shock.

>>>>>>>>Action

[MaxAB]

Originally Posted by racoco

Not so sure the shocks are redundant. Couldn't figure out why our 2007 pulled so bad compared to our 1976. Interior rivets were shearing, we had to constantly tighten screws. Stuff rattled around more than we ever expected (opening doors became a game).

Then while replacing a tire I discovered that the RS shock was never installed. The mounting studs were immaculate. Got a shock ordered, got it on, and all the odd problems stopped immediately.

Well, except for traveling in Louisiana, but that's a whole different story.

Did you use an AS "horizontal" type shock?

[Action]

All units built after 1966 are designed for a horizontal shock.

>>>>>>Action