Replacement Trailer Shock Absorber for 2004 Jayco Designer 31RLS

Question

Question:

Jason...I received an answer to a question about the shock size I would need yesterday and have a concern about your suggestion you yesterday about the LC283280. The distance from mount to mount with my trailer sitting level is 11. This shock fully ext. is 13.5inch and compressed is 8.625. If I were to install this shock, I would have to compress it to almost maximum around 9inch with the bushings installed which would leave only approx. 1/2inch of compression left. I would be bottoming out on every uneven surface. Would I not be better off with the LC283271 which is 12inch ext. and 7.5inch compressed? This shock installed would be compressed to approx. 9inch with the bushings and would give me approx. 3+inch to extend and 1.5inch to compress. Your advice? Thank-you!

asked by: Ken

0

Expert Reply:

Lippert Components Heavy-Duty Replacement Shock - Yellow # LC283280 are what you will need as replacement shocks. They are 8.625 inches completely compressed and 13.5 inches completely extended so under weight they likely will be right at your 11 inch measurement.

If you need replacement brackets, you can use the kit # LC281281.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

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Ken

4/5/2019

Jason...I received an answer to a question about the shock size I would need yesterday and have a concern about your suggestion you yesterday about the LC283280. The distance from mount to mount with my trailer sitting level is 11. This shock fully ext. is 13.5inch and compressed is 8.625. If I were to install this shock, I would have to compress it to almost maximum around 9inch with the bushings installed which would leave only approx. 1/2inch of compression left. I would be bottoming out on every uneven surface. Would I not be better off with the LC283271 which is 12inch ext. and 7.5inch compressed? This shock installed would be compressed to approx. 9inch with the bushings and would give me approx. 3+inch to extend and 1.5inch to compress. Your advice? Thank-you!

Reply

Jason S.

4/5/2019

Great point. The Lippert Components Standard Replacement Shock - Black # LC283271 will extend to 12 inches and compress to 7-1/2 inches and you are correct that the grommets will add some additional height causing that bottom out spot to be better than the # LC283280. However, the issue is that I reached out to my tech contact at Lippert and that shock absorber is only rated for 3,500 lbs axles which isn't strong enough for your axles. I still recommend the heavy duty shock absorber # LC283280 which will provide some support and shock absorption. The only option with this type of system is to move the brackets to allow more travel before bottoming out. You may want to consider an equalizer upgrade to assist with your suspension. I've linked the page to assist.

Reply

Answer 1

In order to determine if the Lippert Replacement Shock #LC283271 will fit your 2001 Thor Wanderer, you will need to remove one of its current shocks and take a measurement. If it has a compressed length of 7-1/2" and an extended length of…

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Answer 2

Your Montana 5th wheel trailer will likely use the Lippert Components Standard Replacement Shock - Black Item #LC283271. But to be sure you can remove a shock from the trailer and measure its compressed and extended lengths to determine if it is a…

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Answer 3

I contacted MORryde and this does happen from time to time as the weight of the trailer can spread out the axles due to downward pressure on the springs/suspension. Odds are the 35" wheel base #MR27ZR will be the correct one for you, but they…

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Answer 4

To correctly measure a leaf spring, you'll want to jack the trailer up on jack stands so the axle is hanging freely, then measure directly across from the center of one spring eye to the other, as shown in the provided diagram. The height of the…

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Answer 5

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 8

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is the…

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Answer 9

Hey Patrick, so for your leaf spring upgrade I am going to need to know a couple of things before I can get you over to the right part. Specifically, the length from eye to eye, the spring width, leaf thickness, and the number of leaves. From here I…

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Answer 10

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 11

Yes, going from a 4 leaf to a 6 leaf spring would add slightly to your ride height. For example, if the current 4 leaf spring has 3/8" thick leaves, and you go to a 6 leaf spring with 3/8" thick leaves, you would be adding 3/4" of…

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Answer 12

The hangers you currently have on your trailer are ones I have run into before. That being said, I spoke with MORryde and the #MR27ZR will still fit your trailer, but there is a modification that will need to be made. You’ll have to trim according to…

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