I think that this has been discussed not long ago - but I cannot find it ! Is it worth fitting these, and does it make any difference to the tow. I can well understand that it could be beneficial to the van structure if bumpy lanes etc are used, but, that aside, are there many benefits??
Alko Shock Absorbers
- Thread starter Rodone
- Start date
Hi,
I think it is quite significant that the likes of Swift are now fitting them as standard equipment on their vans. Probably cheaper option than cracked panels! They don't give something for nothing!!
I think it is quite significant that the likes of Swift are now fitting them as standard equipment on their vans. Probably cheaper option than cracked panels! They don't give something for nothing!!
I don't know if it's my imagination or auto-suggestion but coach 'bow waves' certainly seem to have less effect since I've fitted shocks.
Most top range vans come with them already fitted, and most people who fit them believe that their outfit is more stable as a result. Both good enough arguments for me to order a pair for my own van!
Be warned though, they appear to be in fairly short supply at the moment so order earlier rather than later.
The cheapest I could find were
Be warned though, they appear to be in fairly short supply at the moment so order earlier rather than later.
The cheapest I could find were
As you mention there was quite a long discussion on these a while back. It has possibly fallen off the Forum with age, something that is going to be addressed in the future????
The fitting of the shock adsorbers will undoubtedly limit the movemet of the suspension and many people have noticed a difference. However, it must be said that many vans are supplied without them and even ALKO do not see any specific requirement to fit them to all their products. Any damage such as cracking would I feel be difficult to associate with just the lack of a shock adsorber. That would be more of a case of poorly fitted panels, or even substandard panels.
After sales fitting is entirely up to the owner. I have had vans both fitted, and not and never really noticed that much of a difference. I feel that good loading practice will eliminate many of the problems that can be possibly thrown at shocker absense. As they are not a high price item then why not, but do not use that as an excuse to load excessively.
The fitting of the shock adsorbers will undoubtedly limit the movemet of the suspension and many people have noticed a difference. However, it must be said that many vans are supplied without them and even ALKO do not see any specific requirement to fit them to all their products. Any damage such as cracking would I feel be difficult to associate with just the lack of a shock adsorber. That would be more of a case of poorly fitted panels, or even substandard panels.
After sales fitting is entirely up to the owner. I have had vans both fitted, and not and never really noticed that much of a difference. I feel that good loading practice will eliminate many of the problems that can be possibly thrown at shocker absense. As they are not a high price item then why not, but do not use that as an excuse to load excessively.
I feitted them to my Indiana and it seems lots better,also had the van wheels balanced today each wheel needed about 100gms of weight split between the inner and outer sides so hoping things will be very stable and vibration free.
100 grams x 2 is 1/2lb of lead, drop that on your foot and you would know it!!
So what damage could that amount of out of balance be doing to the van spinning at xx revs per minute while doing 60mph???
It's reasonable to say.. rule nothing out!
Regardless of that, shockers are a definite advantage to smooth towing, if you get a chance, try the van without on a bumpy road and then again with shockers and the difference I'm sure you will find is pronounced!
So what damage could that amount of out of balance be doing to the van spinning at xx revs per minute while doing 60mph???
It's reasonable to say.. rule nothing out!
Regardless of that, shockers are a definite advantage to smooth towing, if you get a chance, try the van without on a bumpy road and then again with shockers and the difference I'm sure you will find is pronounced!
I had them fitted to our ta last year. A much smoother drive, certainly less bounce over the rough roads.
They must protect the structure of the caravan from uneccessary oscillations , so can only be good.
The rubber torsion bar suspension is not totally self damping,you wonder why Swift and Bailey didn't fit them years ago. Cost??
Cheers
Dustydog
They must protect the structure of the caravan from uneccessary oscillations , so can only be good.
The rubber torsion bar suspension is not totally self damping,you wonder why Swift and Bailey didn't fit them years ago. Cost??
Cheers
Dustydog
hi rod
we fitted them last year to our 1500kg caraboat[thats another story]and didnt notice the difference from bow waves from coaches and trucks but towing on rough and bumpy roads it much much better,for this alone i think its money well spent and there a doddle to fit.
cheers
dave
we fitted them last year to our 1500kg caraboat[thats another story]and didnt notice the difference from bow waves from coaches and trucks but towing on rough and bumpy roads it much much better,for this alone i think its money well spent and there a doddle to fit.
cheers
dave
Have just changed over to a new van which has shock absorbers. It is noticeably smoother to tow with less vibration being transmitted through to the car.
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