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Leaf spring suspensions are tough but not exactly smooth. These Roadmaster Comfort Ride shock absorbers use nitrogen-charged gas shocks to absorb the road vibration that leaf springs alone can’t handle. With a 17-1/2" extended and 11-1/2" compressed length, each shock keeps the trailer steady and reduces bouncing, chucking, and porpoising on uneven pavement. The result is a ride that feels controlled instead of jarring, even with a fully loaded trailer.
A trailer that rocks side-to-side can make towing feel tiring. These shocks mount at a 15-degree outward angle and use adjustable frame brackets that set them nearly vertical for maximum leverage. That setup controls up-and-down movement during both compression and rebound while also limiting lateral sway. The trailer tracks straight behind the tow vehicle, even when the road isn’t perfect.
Roadmaster didn’t stop at design—they validated it. Each Comfort Ride shock system went through Finite Element Analysis and real-world durability testing at the Navistar Proving Grounds. The result is a tested and trusted setup that holds up mile after mile, so your suspension upgrade keeps working long after the first trip out.
You don’t have to cut or weld to get a better ride. The kit bolts on using included tie plates, hardware, and adjustable mounting brackets that fit tandem-axle trailers with 2-3/8" diameter (typical 3,500-lb) axles. The upper brackets mount to the trailer frame, and the shocks connect between the tie-plate extensions and the frame brackets for a solid, aligned setup that works with either overslung or underslung axles.
This complete kit includes four heavy-duty shocks and all the hardware needed to upgrade both axles. Once installed, it smooths out the ride, helps protect your trailer’s structure and contents, and adds confidence to every haul. It’s a simple way to make towing feel less like work and more like travel.
Alternate Instructions
Customer Satisfaction Score:
71% were satisfied with this product
29% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Love the system, I ended up installing it myself and I feel bridge transitions in my truck but not in my camper
The Roadmaster shocks and brackets all appear to be good quality. I say appear, because I haven’t road tested them yet.
The kit is very expensive, considering the shocks individually are not expensive. I considered making my own brackets, but I’m under a tight deadline.
The Axle bracket install is straight forward and relatively simple, because the axles are below the springs.
HOWEVER, the upper brackets are more challenging.
I’ve read on RV group sites that the “self tapping” bolts installed on the chassis top brackets can work loose, causing travelers to use a repair shop and weld them secure.
Self tapping bolts may not be a problem on a chassis that is 1/4” thick steel, but the Grand Design chassis appears to be 10 gauge (1/8”) “C” channel.
I elected to use grade 8 bolts and nuts, which required squeezing my hand into the underbelly covering and installing the washer, nut, and red tread lock from behind.
It’s a real knuckle buster and time consuming, but I feel much better about them not working loose from the constant vibration of the road surface.
BTW, I did consider welding, but there are wires and water pipes all in close proximity to the chassis.
Compression nuts are also possible, but bracket hole alignment must be perfect and I couldn’t do that without first dropping the leaf springs out of the way.
Other than that, I’m pleased with outcome so far.
As advertised
Real nice
Worked as advertised. Good product
They definitely help with a smoother ri de.
Installation was difficult. I had to release the spring shackles to drive the screws, but the chaos in the trailer appears to be reduced
I received the RoadmasterComfort ice Shock Kit today and have not had the opportunity to install the the kit at this time. However, upon opening the box of parts, I was impressed by the quality of the materials provided in the kit. That is a grand start, for good review of the Roadmaster Kit.
Will provide more review once installed and tested.
Thanks for the expedient shipment of the kit and the follow-up.
All travel trailers should be equipped with shock absorbers. Roadmaster nailed it with the brackets which fit perfectly. Be sure to order the longer u bolts.
Installation was as shown on videos Directions were clear and all parts were included and well packaged. I need to move the gray water drain line with being all plastic was not a problem. I’ve only pulled the trailer about 5 miles since the installation I believe it’s made a large difference in the ride in the tow vehicle and the sway and handling of the trailer. The only negative I found is the shock bolts bolts are metric and the assembly bolts are SAE easy to confuse a half inch self locking nut with a 12 mm. Ruined 1/2 inch nut requiring a trip to the hardware store. A good half inch drive impact wrench is a huge labor saver and putting the 32 self tapping bolts into the trailer frame.
One of the best things I’ve installed on my travel trailer. They smoothed out the ride and removed the sway from my trailer. Every travel trailer made should have these installed on them at the factory.
Thank you for asking for a 1 year review as I never do them without enough test time.
I have made several trips into western VA and West VA so have used the mountains and found it made a big difference in stability and bounce as advertised. No fault of the product but had I known I would have changed axles to next load level higher and kit to match. Instructions were pretty good, it does require some drilling through 3/16 steel 9/16" holes so having proper tools for job is essential. I got some trailer jack stands from [nationwide retailer] they provided safety at a reasonable cost. I highly recommend them.
Rich D.
4/20/2021
Absolutely great I couldn’t be more pleased
We bought a new Grand Design 22 foot Travel Trailer and Ford Expedition Tow Vehicle. Even after we installed a Curt Trunnion Bar Equalizer Hitch, the trailer bucking was unbearable for long trips. It was so bad we were ready to sell the whole rig. The suspension of all travel trailers is sub-standard.
We bought the Roadmaster RM-2450 Shock absorber kit and installed it ourselves. It made a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in the ride! However, the installation was not easy for a 76 year old man. Thanks to a neighbor with a flat paved driveway and an extensive tool inventory, I got it done. You need pre-planning and high jack stands. Read the instructions and view some online videos before committing. Verify that there are no gas or water pipes next to the trailer frames.
Determining the location of the upper shock frame bracket is tricky. This measurement sets the angle of the shock absorber, and has to be done BEFORE you lift the trailer and remove the wheels! You have to have the trailer loaded, the wheels on the ground and the tow vehicle connected. Then install one shock absorber from the bottom up and measure where the upper bracket sets on the frame. Then you can disconnect and lift the trailer up on jack stands and drill the frame holes. I was lucky that I was close to the IDEAL 35 degree angle on my trailer. I don't know what you would do if you are outside the 25 to 40 degree allowable range.
The instructions say you have to get 12" long drill bits to drill into the bottom of the frame. There's not enough clearance to insert a standard drill between the springs and frame. Pushing the drill up overhead, and having the bit tight to the springs makes it almost impossible to get the holes straight. So when you drive the self tapping bolts into the holes it is very easy to strip them. A better solution is to have a low profile angle drill. Otherwise you'll be welding the brackets or glueing bolts.
We also installed heavy duty shackles, wet bolts and bronze bushings while the trailer was up on the jack stands. You have to refer to other reviews for that. The Trailer Mfg. stock components are junk.
Roger
5/23/2021
Great. We’ve towed all over the country about 13,000 miles, and we’re still pleased with the ride.
The hardest part was drilling the upper plates to the trailer i beem. I went to Lowles and bought a 5/16 and 1/8" 12" long drills, made it much easier. Impossible with out them.
7-28-2023
1. The impression from "people" was usually "why shocks on a camper", which I would answer "why shocks on your car".
2. The ride was much better; as you may imagine driving your car without shocks. And the sway was minimized & the braking effectiveness increase.
3. We've sold that RV and on our new one already planning the install; and including the wet bolts and mod on the leaf-spring hangers.
Condition: Missing Parts
Notes: Item is missing all of the u bolt assblies and the parts present has several scratches and are covered in tape and tape residue. Otherwise unused.
Info for this part was:
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Randy
6/25/2023
Still working great, still have a smooth ride with no sway. Love it!