The shocks on your vehicle are one of the most important components when it comes to towing a travel trailer. The best shocks for towing a travel trailer will help with load control and prevent damage from potholes or other surfaces that may not be ideal for driving on.
It is important to make sure you have quality shocks installed because if they wear out, then you risk damaging your vehicle, which can cost more in repairs than the initial investment into new ones.
Product | Name | Editor's Rating | Check Prices |
---|---|---|---|
Air Lift 5000 Series Load Lifter 57275 | 5 out of 5 | ||
Bilstein Monotube 5100 Gas Shock | 5 out of 5 | ||
Monroe 58637 Load Adjusting Shock Absorber | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
KYB Red MonoMax 565104 Gas Shock | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
Gabriel Hijacker 49235 Shok | 4 out of 5 |
With this article, we hope to provide some insight into what makes a great shock system for any type of setup. You'll find observations about various brands so you can get an idea of what is out there and how it might work for your specific needs.
Top 9 Best Shocks for Towing a Travel Trailer Reviews
Use these principles and characteristics as a guide when selecting the best shocks for towing a travel trailer:
1. Air Lift 5000 Series Load Lifter 57275
Towing is easy with the Airlift 57275 Shock. This shock provides the perfect cushioning and spring to protect your vehicle from damage on uneven surfaces such as potholes or rocky dirt roads.
The improvement in road comfort, load handling, and safety will make you happy. You can return the product to your dealer within 60 days of purchase for a full refund.
Air Lift is a leading manufacturer of air spring suspension products. They have won more SEMA awards than any other company and have been in the business of developing them for over 60 years. Air Lift is committed to continual improvement and creating suspension products that work, fit and last.
You can be sure that you are getting the supreme quality shock from an established manufacturer. This company has been in this industry for over five decades. The shock will allow you to control your load on uneven surfaces like potholes and rocky dirt roads.
This product is ideal for anyone who wants to enhance their travel experience with a travel trailer. It allows you to see more of the surroundings while pulling off the road and gives you better control over your vehicle. It provides the perfect cushioning and spring to prevent damage when driving on less-than-ideal surfaces.
These shocks can be used by anyone who wants to enhance their travel experience.
Highlighted Features:
- Provide protection to your vehicle
- Requires no mechanical knowledge for installation
- Improves road comfort, load handling, and safety
- Built with quality materials that will last for a lifetime
2. Bilstein Monotube 5100 Gas Shock
Bilstein 5100 monotube shocks are an excellent upgrade for any vehicle but are especially beneficial for heavier vehicles like travel trailers towing large loads.
Bilstein's 5100 shocks feature a monotube design and digressive 46mm pin to improve road handling on and off-road. One tube body allows rapid heat transfer from a shock's oil to the tube body.
The shock oil is dispersed further so that it doesn't cause the shock to fade. German architecture and American manufacturing combine to ensure the best possible performance and durability for up to 100k miles.
The 5100 model is more stable in difficult situations and on-road terrain than the 4600 series. The 4600 series shocks should be used on factory spec vehicles. They are more suitable for daily driving and in pavement environments.
Highlighted Features:
- Provides a more stable shock performance off-road and on-road
- The 46mm pin reduces the amount of deflection caused by the load
- Heat transfer from oil to tube body means rapid heat transfer
- Optimal for towing, hauling, and industrial applications
- Full-length, threaded body for simple installation and adjustment
3. Monroe 58637 Load Adjusting Shock Absorber
The Monroe 58637 load adjusting series shock absorber is a product of better shocks that are filled with nitrogen gas to deliver long life.
Load adjusting shocks from Monroe help to maintain control when conditions are more demanding, and hardworking vehicles pulling trailers or carrying heavier loads can depend on Monroe shock absorbers to keep them from sagging under load.
The wheels aren't just for comfort, they're essential to your vehicle's safety by distributing the load evenly upon the tires and preventing damage from potholes and other poor surfaces. Make sure you have a good set of these shock absorbers.
When you tow a travel trailer or carry variations of cargo on your vehicle, having the right shocks is essential.
The Monroe 58637 level adjusting heavy duty shocks are one of the better shocks produced by Monroe and deliver many features that make it an excellent choice for those who tow trailers or simply drive a vehicle with varying loads.
Highlighted Features:
- High performance and long-life nitrogen gas shocks
- Load control and protection from potholes
- Adjustable shocks provide optimum vehicle stability
- Prevents premature tire wear and ensures a smooth ride
- Ensures reliable performance even when trailering a travel trailer
4. KYB Red MonoMax 565104 Gas Shock
KYB 565104 MonoMax red gas shocks will go 40% farther than a regular shock. These shocks help with load control so you don't have to worry as much about going over bumps in the road or change of surfaces. They also prevent damage from holes and potholes so your ride is smoother.
The KYB design is superior to all other shocks for a larger tire-wheel vehicle which can be harder to handle on bumpy roads. With more damping performance it's perfect if you're looking for just one last upgrade before running off-road trails.
This truck monotube design will do everything the original could do but is better at handling those heavier vehicles that need just a little more oomph.
These KYB red version shocks are developed for tough conditions and will automatically adjust to changing driving conditions, delivering a smooth ride that keeps tires on the ground and provides superior control.
The KYB 565104 MonoMax is constructed with a corrosion-resistant, zinc-plated steel piston ring with an off-road, dust-resistant boot. Dirt, rocks, and other foreign objects can damage the shaft, so the KYB design is equipped with a rubber boot that protects it from foreign materials.
Highlighted Features:
- Up to 40% more damping performance than standard shock absorbers
- Maximum control for trucks and SUVs
- Offers max dampening for heavy loads vehicles and off-road vehicles
- Reduce friction and wear on seals with an ultra-smooth piston rod
- The rubber boot protects the shaft from debris, protecting it from damage
- Multi-lip oil seal provides the better deal possible in any condition
5. Gabriel Hijacker 49235 Shok
This product, the Gabriel 49235 Hijacker shocks is perfect for towing and hauling large loads. Gabriel's Hijacker air shocks have a jacked-up aggressive stance.
The HiJackers shocks can work in any environment. Although you may believe that all shocks are equal in performance, these shocks can offer customized levels of support and can even be tailored to your specific needs.
These shocks can lift up to 1100 lbs, which aids in load control and protects against damage from potholes or other uneven surfaces. This can improve your vehicle's handling compared to the factory shocks. This increases your comfort when driving in difficult conditions like ice or mud-covered roads.
Gabriel's 49235 Hijacker can be inflated and deflated as quickly as your vehicle's tires. You can inflate the tires before towing and then release the pressure once you are done.
This prevents your tires and suspension from crashing on uneven terrain. These adjustable shocks are great for anyone who hauls heavy loads or wants to look more aggressive. This is why many people love them.
Highlighted Features:
- Customizable performance and support
- Fits over 96% of vehicles
- Lifts up to 1000 lbs and assists in load control
- Great for towing heavy loads or looking more aggressive
- Compressible for towing and hauling heavy loads
- Inflates and deflates as quickly as tires
6. ACDelco 504-554 Air Adjustable Shock Absorbers
ACDelco's 504-554 air adjustable shock absorbers are made to improve the handling of the vehicle in temporary situations when the vehicle tows or hauls trailers.
They can be adjusted to adjust the air pressure compression from 25 to 200 PSI and can carry a load of 1,100 lbs per pair with any type of support that is correctly mounted on the rear wheels assembly, including wheelchair applications.
ACDelco's 504-554 rear airlift shock absorber is sold in pairs and can be used with any compressor. These shocks are used to maintain vehicle height under loaded conditions.
They work with the compressor to stabilize the rear suspension system raising and lowering. The ACDelco rear airlift shock absorber reduces bounce or bucking on rough roads.
These rear shocks maintain constant contact between the tires and the road surface, improving steering response, braking performance, and overall control of your vehicle.
They can help prevent damage from potholes and other surfaces that may be less than ideal. Make sure you have a good set of shocks before going on a long road trip with your RV.
Highlighted Features:
- Reduces bounce or bucking on rough roads
- Improves steering, braking, and vehicle control
- Keeps the wheels in constant contact with the road surface
- Stabilizes the rear suspension under load conditions (airlift)
- Stability Control (ESC) and antilock braking systems (ABS) are compatible
- Comes with all mounting hardware
7. Skyjacker Black MAX B8517 Black Boot Shock
The Skyjacker B8517 black max shock absorber with the black boot was designed so that shocks work hard and get hot so that the foam-cell inserts will compress when the oil expands. This ensures shocks perform at their maximum performance.
Because of its foam-cell insert, which stops adjustable air pressure from entering the cylinder body, the oil in the shock remains intact even on the most challenging terrain. It is possible to mount the shock directly or in either direction thanks to its foam-cell design.
The Skyjacker B8517 shock provides more fluid capacity than standard twin-tube shocks. It also uses industry-leading multistage valving to provide a smooth ride and maximum value. It features a twin-tube design with a chrome-plated shaft and is made of heavy load materials, which gives it a higher load capacity.
Skyjacker B8517 shock absorber is also equipped with arc-welded ends mounts and selected valving to maximize its value in heavy load applications. These are great shocks for towing heavy duty vehicles and come in many sizes, kits, and colors, including red, black, and silver.
Highlighted Features:
- Increased fluid capacity
- Foam cell technology
- Multistage valving for a smooth ride
- Black Max twin-tube shocks are made of heavy-duty materials
- Arc welded end mounts and 180-degree directional mounting
- Industry-leading multistage valving
- Twin-tube design with chrome-plated
8. Blue Ox Tow Bar BX4370, Class III 7500 lb
Blue Ox BX4370 ascent class III 7500 lb tow bar features aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs no more than 31 lbs. The legs of these bars make it easier to turn around tight corners because they are 2 inch longer. A triple lug with an offset makes unhooking easy. The boots keep dust and dirt from entering the legs.
Metallic powder coat finishes on the Diamond Vogel. Centering pin is easy to tow, easy to store. Featuring the diamond powder coat Vogel metallic finish, the Blue Ox BX4370 shocks for towing travel trailers and also helps keep down wear and tear on your RV hitch by providing an extra set of hands when you need them most.
Blue Ox BX4370 ascent class III 7500 lb tow bar is one of the most important components of your vehicle because it helps with load control and prevents damage from potholes and other surfaces that may be less than ideal.
You want to make sure you have a good set of shocks that will work well for your heavy duty shocks towing experience. Without any type of shock system, it is too dangerous to drive because it can cause damage to your vehicle and put you in danger of an accident.
Highlighted Features:
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- The length of the rods allows for easy turning
- Triple lug offset makes unhooking simple
- Boots keep dirt out of feet
- Diamond powder coat finish
- Centering pin is easy to tow, easy to store
9. Lippert 281255 Bolt-2.375" Axle 3.5K Shock Mount Kit
The Lippert 281255 bolt-2.375 Axle 3.5K shock mount kit is a must-have upgrade for any heavy duty shocks towing experience. This kit will allow you to mount all necessary shocks onto your vehicle's existing axle bolt with ease, giving you more load control and durability on the roadway.
The bolts come in one size of either 2-3/8 inches or three inches so you can easily find what works better for your requirements, whether it be heavy-duty oil shocks or gas shocks specifically designed to work well with this product without making installing them difficult.
These premium quality components are designed to last for years, so you won't have to go out and get replacements every year. Replacement AP kits for RV trailers can help the suspension to function in no time. Each kit covers your current tires over to the newer wheel bolt pattern which is different from single axle applications.
The dual wheel attachment fits trailers with one or two wheels per side while the triple wheel attachment works perfectly on three-wheeled trailers like car haulers, boat trailers, utility trailers, and race cars.
Lippert 281255 bolt helps provide a smoother ride by taking away some of the shocks caused by potholes and road conditions. The bolts are simple to install, so you can have your truck on the road again in no time.
Highlighted Features:
- Heavy duty shock absorber hardware
- Premium-quality components
- One size of bolts for either 2-3/8 inches or three inches
- Able to mount all necessary shocks
- Helps with load control and durability on the roadway
- Kits for RV trailers can help vehicle's suspension system in no time
Buying Guides for Best Shocks for Towing a Travel Trailer
Before buying any heavy duty shock absorber, it is important that you must consider the following factors:
i) Building Quality
The quality of the shock absorbers is measured by how well they function, which includes the material used to make them and their ability to work properly.
ii) Basics of Weight Distribution and Equipment
If you are looking for the greatest weight distribution system, then you will need to find out how your vehicle's weight is balanced between front and back. This can be done by using scales.
iii) Adaptability
Different heavy duty shock absorbers are made for different types of vehicles. Before purchasing, you must ensure that the product is compatible with your vehicle's consistent performance system.
iv) The Right Fit
Shock absorbers should fit securely on your vehicle's suspension without causing any damage. If they do not fit, they will cause problems for your suspension and will make the ride uncomfortable.
v) Purchasing Price
The price of shock absorbers varies depending on the type, size, and brand. The higher quality products are more expensive but will last for a very long time.
FAQs
01. How Can Heavy Duty Shocks Aid in Towing?
The shock absorbers in a vehicle provide a cushion between the chassis and wheels. When heavy duty shocks are towing, shocks become important because they absorb all of the weight from the trailer being towed.
Without good shocks, this weight would cause damage to your vehicle over time due to normal road conditions such as potholes and bumps in the road.
02. What is the Typical Lifespan of a Shock?
The lifespan of shocks varies depending on the type, brand, and how often they are used. They can last anywhere from four to five years without maintenance depending on these factors. However, consistent performance depends on the road conditions.
03. What Can I Do to Improve My Towing Performance?
If you need to improve your towing performance, then it is important that you do not overload your trailer or tow it at greater speeds than what you are capable of.
You should also make sure that you have good shocks installed in order to take some load off of the vehicle's chassis and wheels so they can maintain proper suspension while driving on different road conditions.
04. What Kind of Damages can Bad Shocks Cause?
Bad shocks can cause the chassis to fall with the vehicle's wheels, which will generally cause damage in one way or another. If this happens when you are driving with a trailer attached to your vehicle, then it could lead to an accident.
Final Thoughts
When towing a trailer, shocks that reduce the impact of bumps and dips in the road can help you travel with less fatigue. In this blog post, we’ve provided all of your options for finding the amazing best shocks for towing a travel trailer from different manufacturers.
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