58 replies to this topic

[michpiggy]

Hi all

We are thinking about getting alko shock absorbers fitted to the caravan, to help stability when towing, has anyone else had these put on there caravan or any experience of whether they are effective (any good) or not.

Secondly does anyone know how much it will cost & do they have to be fitted at the dealers or can we do it ourselves.

[barney rubble]

Mich look HERE they are an easy diy fit.

[Maurice]

I want to fit them -think they are a good idea -- and I am sure that I could do it my self ---BUT -- will they fit with a Trauma Mover fitted to the front and a Al-KO wheel carrier to the rear of the axle??

Ideas please

[RogerL]

If your caravan has an Al-Ko chassis, they're available on mail order from Al-Ko Direct for around ?60 for the pair (they may have gone up since I purchased - two pairs needed for twin axles).

They're easy to fit diy and within the capabilities of most caravan workshops!

I fitted a pair on my Pageant Magenta when we first had it. We tow at 97% towing ratio but you wouldn't think so with these dampers fitted.

[Metz]

Hi Folks, Strangely i fitted a pair to my Abbey this morning, took about 20 mins including getting the tools out of the van!! i haven't towed it yet but i would expect a better ride and stability, Maurice i would think you could have a problem with the mover although i have fitted a Powrtouch to an Abbey recently that was fitted with shocker's just had to make sure it was spaced exactly in the right position so it didn't foul the tyres within the bounds of the suspension play.

[Iain]

Had them on the last 3 vans - excellent - all with movers in front of the wheels (first a Truma Euro Mover now a Reich) and a spare wheel carrier behind.

Highly recommended.

[DaveE]

Just ordered shocks for mine - twin axle so four needed.

[Maurice]

Van in for service next week -- will get them to see if they can be fitted..

[michpiggy]

Mich look HERE they are an easy diy fit.

Thanks for the link Gaz

I think we need the red ones

I hope they fit with having our mover on

Those of you that do have them have you noticed a difference with them being on?

[Iain]

Yes, stability is improved, van bounces about less on rough (typical!) UK roads.

[mr december]

They're fitted as standard to our van and I can vouch for their effectiveness, they're are excellent.

[mike]

will they fit with a Trauma Mover fitted to the front and a Al-KO wheel carrier to the rear of the axle??

That is exactly what I have Maurice - with shock absorbers.

[NeilD]

I fitted the red shock absorbers myself earlier this year. A fairly simple DIY job.
You may need to move your Mover out slightly to make room for the shocks though.

As for performance since fitting them:
1) The contents of the van are no longer shaken about.
2) Van is less affected by passing coaches (because the van is more stable and doesn't rock from side to side.)
3) The van is more stable and sticks to the road better making it easier to tow.


Neil.

[John Douglas]

So you guys have talked me into it.   I've just ordered them!

[tony from suffolk]

They're fitted as standard to our Knaus van. It's worth pointing out that I originally wanted the latest Truma mover with the powered engagement (I'm NOT lazy, I have a chronic back complaint) but this couldn't be fitted with the shocks.