Replacement Trailer Shock Absorber for 2004 Jayco Designer 31RLS

Published 04/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Lippert Heavy-Duty Replacement Shock - Yellow

(64)

$58.45

Lippert Bolt-On Shock Kit w/ Heavy Duty Gas Shocks - 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb (3") Overslung Axle

(80)

$215.31

Lippert Standard Replacement Shock - Black

(76)

$55.00

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

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

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Ken

4/5/2019

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.