0220003 shock replacement

[MarkW]

I have a shock that has oil leaking out to the frame. Guessing that is not good. My question is do I replace the one shock or both on that axle, or do I replace all four?

[Steamy1]

Others may have a different opinion, but I am replacing all four with the Monroe Magnum RV 555003 after finding one of the original shocks leaking.

I like having matched components on the suspension system.

[MarkW]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

Others may have a different opinion, but I am replacing all four with the Monroe Magnum RV 555003 after finding one of the original shocks leaking.

I like having matched components on the suspension system.

Thank you Steamy1, I was thinking the same thing. If one is bad the others most likely will follow. They are 5 years old and maybe 30,000 miles, but a lot is travel through Louisiana and their great roads. Thanks also for the Monroe part number.

[sfranklin]

Agree. If this just started a few months after delivery, I'd say just replace the one, but you've got a 2019 (built as early as 8/18 and an unknown placed into service date) putting that trailer at or around the 5 year mark with an estimated number of miles.

Shocks are not overly expensive. I'd replace all 4 with the OEM or equiv.

[thewarden]

When replacing your AS shocks, make sure they are the type specifically designed to be horizontally mounted. Most shocks are bi-tube design (tube inside a tube) and will not work if mounted horizontally. You need a shock that is mono-tube design.

[Steamy1]

It is my understanding that the Monroe Magnum RV 555003 shocks are designed to be mounted horizontally. In a past Forum thread, it was mentioned that it is the shock Colin Hyde uses.

I purchased mine on Amazon for about $25.00 each. The shocks are black and not yellow as pictured on Amazon. Also, made is USA, not China as in the Amazon description.

I installed these last summer on our Bambi, and ordered this set for our 23FB. Just received yesterday. Also installing new brakes while I am at it.

[MarkW]

Originally Posted by sfranklin

Agree. If this just started a few months after delivery, I'd say just replace the one, but you've got a 2019 (built as early as 8/18 and an unknown placed into service date) putting that trailer at or around the 5 year mark with an estimated number of miles.

Shocks are not overly expensive. I'd replace all 4 with the OEM or equiv.

My thoughts also! Thanks for your thoughts!

[FloydCoVa]

Steamy1 I sent you a pm.

[Action]

Monotube versus a tube in a tube

https://www.monroe.com/technical-res...be-shocks.html

Monroe 555003 shock data
https://www.drivparts.com/part-detai...t_name=%7B2%7D
Does not list design


Action

[Fungus]

Monroe 555003 data mentions monotube

[SilverCottage]

I emailed Monroe's tech support last week about their 555003 and was told:

"Thanks for the question. The Monroe 555003 shock absorber is a twin tube design and must operate in an upright position to ensure the valving stays submerged with oil."

When I asked if they had one with that design and similar dimensions I was told
"You will be looking for a monotube shock absorber or a shock absorber/steering damper with a cellular charge. I checked both of our brands – Monroe and Rancho – and we do not offer any that are close enough dimensionally to work."

So the experts at Monroe say the 555003 is not the correct shock.

[Action]

The shock made for Air Stream is very limited in application.

Many have purchased a shock of sources other than Air Stream. A few have even reported that non-Air Stream shock works. Not sure how they determined that.

But the only source I know of that has the shock that is correct for late 1960s Air Stream to present Air Stream trailers is Air Stream or a dealership. That has been my experience since 2004.

Action

[AlbertF]

It has been my understanding for nearly two decades that Airstream shock absorbers are made by Gabriel, and are designed for horizontal mounting.

[crispyboy]

Monroe told me the same thing 10 years ago. Use the Gabriel shocks.

[Action]

The vendor matters not.

The vendor will make shocks for anyone, in any design, with any label on the shock (for a price). It is the unique Air Stream shock design that makes this shock work in this position. Because the application is so limited there are no aftermarket units for sale.

Even Dexter, the vendor that supplies the axle that the shock is attached to, does not offer shock absorbers as an option when buying their axle.

These shocks are a niche thing on a niche axle. And the "horizontal" mounting only occurred in the last model years of the 1960s. Prior to that, an Airstream trailer had traditional vertically mounted shocks. In the world of production, there may be a total of 100,000 to 200,000 AS trailers made with horizontal shocks. Compared to cars and light trucks that is a week's worth of production. No one in the aftermarket world is playing in that small of a pool. Except Air Stream.

Action

[gypsydad]

I replaced all 4 last year. Monroe. Earlier thread on this:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f46...lp-252995.html

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

I replaced all 4 last year. Monroe. Earlier thread on this:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f46...lp-252995.html

In looking at the thread you linked to, as well as the thread that thread linked to, there still appears to be the issue of mounting the Monroe shocks in a near-horizontal position.

Were you able to get verification from Monroe that this was acceptable?

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by richard5933

In looking at the thread you linked to, as well as the thread that thread linked to, there still appears to be the issue of mounting the Monroe shocks in a near-horizontal position.

Were you able to get verification from Monroe that this was acceptable?

Actually, did not call Monroe; I ordered the shocks after reading all the AS threads on the model I installed. I read somewhere this particular shock was the one AS uses and recommends...and is fine with horizontal mounting, vs other models; have you found that not to be the case?

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Actually, did not call Monroe; I ordered the shocks after reading all the AS threads on the model I installed. I read somewhere this particular shock was the one AS uses and recommends...and is fine with horizontal mounting, vs other models; have you found that not to be the case?

Unless I've totally got it backwards, my impression after reading through these threads is that Monroe recommends this shock be mounted vertically or thereabouts, and that Airstream is currently using a shock manufactured by Gabriel. If I've got it wrong I'm sure someone will say so.