Shocks on 2012 Eddie Bauer 25'

[sparkymark]

My mechanic is going thru my AS, just told me shocks are toast and I need to replace them. They are Gabriel 610816. I would like to put a better quality shock on, preferably bilstein.
Has anyone else done this, any thoughts?!? Thanks in advance...


Ford F-350 crew cab 4X4 diesel, 25' Jack Bauer edition AS

[slowmover]

Shock absorber design can be pretty specific. Torsion axle AS trailers are one of those places. Personally, I'd doubt shocks 4/5 years old have failed unless can be shown seals blown and fluid leakage. See other threads on this site. Andy at Inland RV for info search words, and purchases


1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

[dkottum]

I wonder how he mechanic determined the shocks were toast? Road test, leaking, did he pull them? Have things been thrown around in your Airstream going down the road?

We have a 2012 FC 25 with Michelin 16" tires and had the running gear inspected, bearing runout and brakes checked, tires rotated last spring at Jackson Center. I talked to the mechanic, he said all is in excellent condition. Never mentioned shocks specifically as I recall.

[Action]

Those shocks are mounted more or less horizontal. (Different than vertical mounting) Because of that the oil & valves in a horizontal mounted shock is in a different position. Mounting a vertical shock in a horizontal position doesn't work.

Because of limited application only Airstream supplies the correct shock.

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

[sparkymark]

The seals are blown, somfar I haven't been able to find anything available except the Gabriel's which, according to AS is a specific shock made exclusively for them...


Ford F-350 crew cab 4X4 diesel, 25' Jack Bauer edition AS

[slowmover]

By report, the AS-specific shock absorbers are inexpensive.


1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

[heitkergm]

They're available from any AS dealer, and online at Outdoors Mart and Inland RV.

Not very expensive at all. And you're right, Gabriel custom makes them for AS.

[Diehard51]

Sparkymark,

I just received 4ea AS shocks for my 1986 Sovereign 25' They are Gabriel brand purchase from Inland RV, there p/n 12416, they are currently on sale 25% off at $30.00 each. Great customer service and fast shipping.

Mike

[sparkymark]

Update: so, all 4 were absolutely shot-if your mechanic doesn't remove the shocks to test them-then they didn't test them. I found a similar replacement made by Bilstien and they all have been replaced and work perfectly!!!


Ford F-350 crew cab 4X4 diesel, 25' Jack Bauer edition AS

[Harpo]

I too have a 25' Eddie Bauer. Just wondering how many miles do you think you have on your trailer before you replaced your shocks?


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[sparkymark]

I purchased it as 'previously owned' in 2013, have no idea of mileage before I picked it up...I purchased it in Arkansas, probably around 5-6,000 over the last 3 years. Not a lot of miles.


Ford F-350 crew cab 4X4 diesel, 25' Jack Bauer edition AS

[Harpo]

Hmmm! I failed to mention mine is a 2012 as well. I probably have about 7 or 8 thousand on mine. I guess I better go get mine checked. Thanks for the reply.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[Julie-Bob]

Wow we have a 2009 25FB Classic with over 30,000 miles no problems with shocks.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by sparkymark

Update: so, all 4 were absolutely shot-if your mechanic doesn't remove the shocks to test them-then they didn't test them. I found a similar replacement made by Bilstien and they all have been replaced and work perfectly!!!


Ford F-350 crew cab 4X4 diesel, 25' Jack Bauer edition AS

Do you happen to have the Bilstien part number of the shock you used?

[thewarden]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Do you happen to have the Bilstien part number of the shock you used?

2 1/2 year old thread. Not sure you will get an answer.

[Action]

If it were me, I would reach out to Bilstien and ask them if any of their shocks would work mounted in a horizontal position.


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