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View Full Version : Shocks and trailering


wingnut2u
09-02-2006, 11:47 PM
Ok, I have read the threads about all of the recommended shocks. I am leaning towards the Rancho 9000 adjustables. But as you can see by the pic, I trailer a heavy boat that drags down the rear of my H2. I do not have the air suspension.

Will I sink even more when I replace the stock shocks with the Rancho's or is there a better shock to use.

Anti-Blingers please go easy on me.

Sorry about the quality of the pic as it is from my camera phone.

HummBob
09-03-2006, 12:00 AM
No idea on SHOCKS:D

But NICE LOOKING SETUP :perfect10s:

wingnut2u
09-03-2006, 12:18 AM
Thanks, here a few more pics

wingnut2u
09-03-2006, 12:20 AM
another again

raptor2ride
09-03-2006, 12:49 AM
First, are you using a weight distribution hitch? Second, I too do not have the factory air system but I installed an aftermarket air bag system. It was cheap and works great for what it is.
Sorry ,but I dont have any experience with the rancho shocks.

KenP
09-03-2006, 12:57 AM
The Ranchos set on 9 may help. If not, you could always roll the boat back a few feet to relieve tongue weight.:giggling:




Almost forgot... That's some YELLOW right there! I bet CO Hummer is jealous.

tomp
09-03-2006, 01:44 AM
Looks like your air bag sys is not able to support all of the tongue weight. Because of this, I wouldn't jump right into swapping out the high pressure OEM shocks for non-pressurized shocks as are the 9000s.

Go with Rod Hall Hummer shocks or Monroe (self adjusting shock) or the Rancho RSX shocks (self adjusting shock) - both of which are high pressure. Rancho/Monroe are the same company so these are the same shocks with differnent appearance on outside. Rancho/Monroe also make the OEM Hummer shocks.

If you OEM shocks are worn out, I have some OEM ones with low miles. I also have a brand new set of never opened Monroe Self adjusting shocks for the H2. The are brand new in sealed boxes. About to list them on ebay of you want them let me know ASAP.

Any shock that is not high pressure 285-300psi may cost you some ride height, as they appear to assist the H2's height.

Try keeping boat a little further back on trailer.

tomp
09-03-2006, 01:45 AM
OEM with sterring stabilizer

tomp
09-03-2006, 01:46 AM
Monroe self-adjusting

PARAGON
09-03-2006, 02:10 AM
First, are you using a weight distribution hitch? Second, I too do not have the factory air system but I installed an aftermarket air bag system. It was cheap and works great for what it is.
Sorry ,but I dont have any experience with the rancho shocks.No, he's not.

Shocks are not your first concern. You need to consider how you are going to handle the tongue weight of the trailer. Since you do not have air there are a few options. A weight distributing hitch is an option as it will (if properly set) keep the vehicle ride height even. Second you could do some secondary or even primary air bag systems that replace the coils such as the ones Firestone make. Thirdly you could add air shocks that work off a compressor to add additonal carrying capacity on an as needed basis but operate as a normal shock.

Aside from option 3, the shocks will just change your vehicle ride characteristics. They may change the height at which your truck will sit when sitting still but that's simply an aesthetic concern if you're accomodating the functional concerns.

Lastly, if you going to pull much, dump the H2 and buy one with rear air. Truly makes all the difference in the world.

Big Z
09-03-2006, 05:27 AM
First Off!....Need to know the LOADED Weight (full tank also) of the Boat And Trailer....Then You need to know the "Actual " Tongue weight--

If your not, OVER the Towing Capacity of the H2, I'd suggest moving the Boat...Back on the Trailer....until the correct Tongue weight is achieved....(lighter side of the Range--2,3,4oo#) J an O ;) ...Well, something I've done anyway

Get the 9000's! Their a great shock.....and not you problem!

wingnut2u
09-03-2006, 05:44 AM
Ok, I am getting some ideas and possible options :confused:

The boat weighs 4,000lbs with a 87 gal tank, that would be roughly 4,700lbs with full tank.

I have no clue how to figure out the actual tongue weight (any suggestions) and I would have thought that the triple axle trailer would eleviate some of the tongue weight.

As far as moving the boat back on the trailer, Get Real :twak:

KenP
09-03-2006, 05:50 AM
As far as moving the boat back on the trailer, Get Real :twak:I thought that reference would been seen as a clear joke.

Check out the weight distributing hitch or air bags.

Going back to my drag racing days, we had air bags in the rear coils that could be inflated to any pressure we needed to limit launch squat. That type of very inexpensive system should work for you.

Maybe this:
http://www.globalintersection.com/auto-parts/store/ShowProd.asp?idProduct=133092&idRef=Froogle

wingnut2u
09-03-2006, 06:03 AM
Thanks Ken and btw I did get the joke about moving it back ;)

Also if you notice, the graphics on the boat make it appear as though the boat is leaning forward, just an optical illusion.

I will check into the airbags as you mentioned. Where would I look into get some of those?

Big Z
09-03-2006, 06:19 AM
Ok, I am getting some ideas and possible options :confused:

The boat weighs 4,000lbs with a 87 gal tank, that would be roughly 4,700lbs with full tank.

I have no clue how to figure out the actual tongue weight (any suggestions) and I would have thought that the triple axle trailer would eleviate some of the tongue weight.

As far as moving the boat back on the trailer, Get Real :twak:

I am Real! :twak: ...How Do you think the Tongue is Adjusted!...Sheesh! Take your outfit by an RV dealer...They should have a Ball Scale!..They really have such things!....Or Buy One!:twak:

I Never Joke about Towing! And Safety!;)

KenP
09-03-2006, 06:20 AM
Thanks Ken and btw I did get the joke about moving it back ;)

Also if you notice, the graphics on the boat make it appear as though the boat is leaning forward, just an optical illusion.

I will check into the airbags as you mentioned. Where would I look into get some of those?You can buy them from the website I linked to, but that's just the first one that came up. I'm sure there's others, but I didn't look any deeper.

BTW, roll the boat back so the transom is about 6" off the ground. I promise that'll work.:dancingbanana:

KenP
09-03-2006, 06:21 AM
I am Real! :twak: ...How Do you think the Tongue is Adjusted!...Sheesh! Take your outfit by an RV dealer...They should have a Ball Scale!..They really have such things!....Or Buy One!:twak:

I Never Joke about Towing! And Safety!You obviously know your towing shiz. Damn, look at all that crap you pull around!!!!!:jump:

KenP
09-03-2006, 06:22 AM
BALL SCALE!!!:jump: :jump:

wingnut2u
09-03-2006, 06:27 AM
Hmmmm, I've never weighed my balls before :shhh:

KenP
09-03-2006, 06:34 AM
Hmmmm, I've never weighed my balls before :shhh:If she gags they sunk deep enough....:beerchug:

Big Z
09-03-2006, 06:35 AM
The boat weighs 4,000lbs with a 87 gal tank, that would be roughly 4,700lbs with full tank.



Fill the Boat up with fuel, gear and cooler(s), Then DRAG IT across a set of scales! ...Ya need REAL #'s!, Not Guesstamats!...From the looks of it..I'd say your outfit is close if not OVER the Tow Cap Of the 2 Anyway!.....Would be cool to know for sure! :cool: :confused:

http://www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm