Shock absorbers on my 1989 Excella 29

[RBosque]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and have a question I hope you can help me with. I need to replace all 4 shock absorbers on my 1989 Excella 29. I understand that Gabriel makes special shocks for this application. Would anyone happen to know the part number for those shocks?

Thanks in advance,
Raul

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by RBosque

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and have a question I hope you can help me with. I need to replace all 4 shock absorbers on my 1989 Excella 29. I understand that Gabriel makes special shocks for this application. Would anyone happen to know the part number for those shocks?

Thanks in advance,
Raul

Those shocks are especially made for Airstream, and are only available from a Airstream parts stocking dealer.

You cannot buy them anywhere else, and there is no substitute.

You can buy them directly from Airstream, but you must physically be in Jackson Center.

Andy

[RBosque]

Thanks for the quick reply, Andy.

Unfortunately, I can't find any Airstream dealers in South Florida. The closest seems to be Bates RV in the central/western part of the state. I was hoping I could just get a set from a local parts store. That would be too easy

[Hodum]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Those shocks are especially made for Airstream, and are only available from a Airstream parts stocking dealer.

You cannot buy them anywhere else, and there is no substitute.

You can buy them directly from Airstream, but you must physically be in Jackson Center.

Andy

I have a 1995 34ft Classic. I suppose that the same would apply for me. Also when I change the shocks I would like to repaint under the wheel wells. Is there any special paint for that? There is a Airstream dealer near Knoxville, TN that I will be passing near to in April. Are these shocks something readily available at dealers?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Hodum

I have a 1995 34ft Classic. I suppose that the same would apply for me. Also when I change the shocks I would like to repaint under the wheel wells. Is there any special paint for that? There is a Airstream dealer near Knoxville, TN that I will be passing near to in April. Are these shocks something readily available at dealers?

Yes, your 1995 uses the same shocks.

The outer wheel wells in your airstream are plastic. Why do you want to paint them. If anything, you could apply a couple of coats of underseal.

Most dealers do not stock parts, but instead order them as needed.

Very few dealers stock parts.

Andy

[casa3805]

Originally Posted by Hodum

I have a 1995 34ft Classic. I suppose that the same would apply for me. Also when I change the shocks I would like to repaint under the wheel wells. Is there any special paint for that? There is a Airstream dealer near Knoxville, TN that I will be passing near to in April. Are these shocks something readily available at dealers?

Krylon FUSION Semi Gloss Black will make it pop. Recommended to me by a forum member and specially made for the plastic. I recommend you de-grease the area with brake cleaner first. I bought some when I put on new wheels recently, but did not have time to clean and paint the wheel wells. (decided to go camping instead.

[RBosque]

I ordered a set of shocks from Inland RV. The price, including shipping, was lower than a dealer's in north Florida (over 350 miles away) and I get them delivered to my house.

[perryg114]

Does that mean they are the only horizontal duty shocks that will work?

Perry

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Those shocks are especially made for Airstream, and are only available from a Airstream parts stocking dealer.

You cannot buy them anywhere else, and there is no substitute.

You can buy them directly from Airstream, but you must physically be in Jackson Center.

Andy

[Skatiero]

Welcome to the forum! We also have an 89 excella 29, and we just love it!

[Action]

Originally Posted by perryg114

Does that mean they are the only horizontal duty shocks that will work?

Perry

Yes.


>>>>>Action

[1966mustang]

I recently purchased a 1986 Sovereign that need new shocks. Inland RV sales the Airstream Replacement ($28.00+) on sale. There is also another online dealer on the East cost with the same product. I would go with origional.

[casa3805]

Ok...hate to show my complete ignorance too often, but...how would I know if I needed shocks?

[RBosque]

Originally Posted by Skatiero

Welcome to the forum! We also have an 89 excella 29, and we just love it!

Thanks. Happy to be here. We love our trailer too. We're getting it ready for a long trip this summer from South Florida (Fort Lauderdale area) to the Grand Canyon.

Projects include new shocks, new brake assemblies and new tires. We may replace the air conditioner and stove before the trip as well.

Taking out the old shocks has proven to be quite a challenge, but I've done the two on the right side already. Hoping to change the two on the left today.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by casa3805

Ok...hate to show my complete ignorance too often, but...how would I know if I needed shocks?

Mileage does not always count for shocks.

As an example, if the running gear was not balanced, the shocks can pound themselves to death.

On the other hand, if the running gear was properly balanced over the years, then the shocks would last a long time.

However, 28 year old shocks, ought to be replaced, just on good PM.

Shocks are easily replaced, in less than an hour.

Andy

[casa3805]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Mileage does not always count for shocks.

As an example, if the running gear was not balanced, the shocks can pound themselves to death.

On the other hand, if the running gear was properly balanced over the years, then the shocks would last a long time.

However, 28 year old shocks, ought to be replaced, just on good PM.

Shocks are easily replaced, in less than an hour.

Andy

Hmmmmmm, good point. Just ordered them, thanks Andy.