Alko Shock Absorbers

PJMEG
PJMEG Forum Participant Posts: 180
edited September 2020 in Caravans #1

HI,

I have recently purchased a Swift Sprite Alpine 2 2019 model, this being an entry level van albeit with the diamond pack it does not have alko shocks fitted, I have looked at the shocks on line and believe that the ones required are the blue ones for the weight of my van.

Has anyone had these retro fit or fitted them there selves, and if so was it an easy fit and have you found that they have made any sort of difference to the handling or ride quality of the van, the reason for asking is that they are not cheap and so before spending the money I would like any real world feedback,

Thanks Jmeg.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2020 #2

    Yes, they work. You may not notice any difference when towing other than, perhaps, a less harsh ride but they play a part in helping the van not fall to pieces. I'd get the wheels balanced as well.

    I've fitted them on a couple of vans. Whether it's easy depends on ability and the tools to hand.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2020 #3

    I have fitted them to two previous c/vans since selling our last motor caravan ,and IMHO did not notice any differece when not fitted we do not have them on our latest Bailey,  it may be that the wheels are balanced at manufacture ,the ride and stability have as yet not caused any problems 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2020 #4

    I'm with TinWheeler. Though people say they can be fitted with the wheel in situ, it's far easier with the wheel removed ..... you can what you're doing properly.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2020 #5

    shocks every time, they will assist in stopping the rocking  if you hit a pothole on one side and a more solid tow. 

  • Phishing
    Phishing Forum Participant Posts: 597
    500 Comments
    edited September 2020 #6

    Fitted them to my first van, good kit, really easy to fit. Benefits not massive until it gets a bit twisty or choppy surface then it calms it down a bit by triangulating the hub load to the chassis. The 1920s elastic band suspension on caravans needs all the help it can get.  

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2020 #7

    My first caravan (Robin something) had coil spring suspension .... not 'elastic band' indespension units 😉

  • Extugger
    Extugger Forum Participant Posts: 1,293
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    edited September 2020 #8
     

    Fitted them on my current van, albeit the red ones. Took 30 mins to fit and yes they make a difference.

     
  • Matthews1963
    Matthews1963 Forum Participant Posts: 47
    edited October 2020 #9

    I’ve got the red shocks on my 2019 Swift Challenger 560 fitted as standard equipment. Our previous Swift did not have shock absorbers fitted. I can feel the improvement towing this bigger van it’s more stable on bumpy roads. 

  • TonyBurton
    TonyBurton Forum Participant Posts: 269
    edited October 2020 #10

    I fitted them on my old Eldiss. A fairly straightforward job. The instructions explained how to do it. I tend not to roll around on the floor under a jacked up caravan these days and have asked my dealer to fit them when we bought our last two caravans.

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