Using Yakima Heavy Duty Shocks on Rack and Roll 66 Inch Trailer

Question:

I purchased a Yakima Rack and Roll trailer 66 inch last spring. So far, it has performed well. my question: I was going to replace the standard shocks with their heavy duty shocks. If you look inside the standard shocks, what seems like a study shaft actually shrinks to fragile pencil-width inside. But Yakima advises against using the heavy duty shocks on the 66inch model of the trailer. I cannot get anyone to tell me why? Any thoughts? Why would replacing the basic shocks with heavy duty shocks be ill advised? Thank you.

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

I also confirmed with my contact at Yakima that the Heavy Duty Shocks # Y08110 are not recommended for the 66 inch Rack and Roll Trailer # Y08106. The shocks should only be used to upgrade the 78 inch trailer # Y08107.

In order to use the Heavy Duty Shocks, the trailer will need to be upgraded to a 78 inch trailer by using the 78 Inch Crossmember Kit for Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer # Y08111. This kit comes with the crossmembers and crossbars needed to upgrade a 66 inch trailer to a 78 inch trailer.

My contact said the heavy duty shocks are not road safe on the 66 inch trailer. Additionally, the 66 inch Rack and Roll # Y08106 is only rated to carry 250 pounds, and the shocks will not increase the weight capacity of the trailer. My thoughts are that the HD shocks are not recommended because the trailer is not rated to stand up to the same weight as the shocks, and using the heavy duty shocks will cause too stiff of a ride for the trailer.