When Should 5th Wheel Shocks be Replaced?

[Pook-60]

Howdy Folks

We have a 2006 Montana and it still has the original shocks on it. Over the last two years we've put about 4,000 miles on the rig and are getting ready for even more travel this summer.

That said...I've been unable to find (via "thread search" or google) any information I can use to determine what the frequency of change should be for the shocks.

If it helps the conversation, the rig has leaf springs, is 30 ft long and has a rear kitchen.

TX
Dane

[Brantlaker]

I would say that when you can shake it up and down hooked to the TV and it takes time to stabilize or if they are leaking.

[bobbecky]

WOW!! You have shocks?? I guess they figure they aren't needed on the newer rigs. I wonder if they would improve the ride?

[theeyres]

Assuming they are similar or the same as auto shocks 4000 miles sounds like nothing. I would be thinking in terms of 25,000+ miles.

[Whitewolf]

According to the internet(and we all know that everything on the internet is true) 25K - 40K is the normal life span of a shock. That being said, I've gone over 100K on a truck before even thinking of changing shocks.

[bsmith0404]

Anywhere from 5 - 100,000 miles. Shocks fail and wear out for various reasons, load and terrain being the most significant. The only way to know for sure is to remove one and check if it rebounds when compressed. If you are starting to notice more body role, it's probably a good sign.

[Pook-60]

Thanks folks...appears I have a few thousand miles on these shocks before I need to replace them. I'll keep looking for obvious signs (leaks, etc.) until my gut says it's time to swap them out.

Dane