Best Shock Upgrades for 2024 Fleetwood Bounder 35K

What's Going On

Yes, there are definitely better shock options for your 2024 Fleetwood Bounder 35K than the factory units! Your Class A motorhome likely came with basic Monroe or Gabriel gas shocks that prioritize cost over performance. Since you've got a relatively new coach with low miles, upgrading the shocks is one of the most cost-effective ways to dramatically improve ride quality without going to full air suspension systems like Liquid Springs.

Koni shocks are indeed an excellent upgrade choice for your Bounder 35K. The Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shocks are specifically designed for heavy vehicles and will provide much better control over body roll, pitch, and bounce compared to your factory shocks. You're looking at about $800-1200 for a complete set of four Koni shocks, depending on your exact chassis configuration. Bilstein 4600 series is another premium option that many Bounder owners swear by, offering similar performance at a slightly lower price point.

Why This Happens

Factory RV manufacturers typically install the most basic shock absorbers to keep costs down during production. Your Bounder 35K, being built on a Freightliner chassis, came with entry-level shocks that are adequate for basic functionality but don't provide the damping characteristics needed for optimal comfort in a 35-foot motorhome. These basic shocks have limited valving and often use lower-grade oil that breaks down faster under the constant heavy-duty cycling.

The physics of your large motorhome create unique challenges that basic shocks can't handle well. When you hit bumps or make turns, the massive weight and high center of gravity create forces that overwhelm simple shock designs. This results in excessive body roll in corners, porpoising over highway undulations, and general floatiness that makes the coach feel less stable and comfortable than it could be.

Premium shocks like Koni FSD or Bilstein 4600 use sophisticated valving systems that automatically adjust damping force based on the speed and amplitude of suspension movement. They also use higher-quality seals and shock oil that maintains consistent performance over many more miles than factory units.

Getting Ready

Before ordering shocks, you'll need to identify your exact chassis specifications. Look for the chassis tag typically located in the driver's side door frame or engine compartment. Your 2024 Bounder 35K is built on a Freightliner chassis - this determines which shock part numbers you need. You'll also want to measure your current shock mounting points and extended/compressed lengths to ensure proper fitment.

For tools, you'll need a good floor jack rated for at least 3 tons, heavy-duty jack stands, basic hand tools with metric wrenches or sockets (sizes vary by chassis - consult service manual), and potentially a shock compressor tool depending on your front suspension design. Having a helper makes the job much easier, especially for the rear shocks which can be heavy and awkward to maneuver.

Plan for about 4-6 hours if you're doing this yourself, or budget $200-400 for professional installation at an RV service center or truck shop. Many owners find the rear shocks fairly straightforward to replace, while the front shocks may require more chassis access and potentially removing wheel well liners.

Walking Through the Fix

Start with the rear shocks as they're typically more accessible. Jack up the rear of the coach and secure it with heavy-duty jack stands - never work under the RV supported only by a jack. IMPORTANT: Support the axle independently with a jack or stands before removing shocks to prevent axle drop and component damage. Remove the wheels to access the shock mounting points. The lower shock mount usually connects to the axle housing with a single bolt, while the upper mount attaches to the frame with a bushing assembly.

Apply penetrating oil to all mounting hardware before attempting removal, as these bolts can be quite tight from the factory. When installing the new Koni or Bilstein shocks, replace bushings and hardware with the supplied components from your shock kit, and inspect frame mounting bolts for wear - don't reuse any old bushings or hardware as they may be compressed or deteriorated even with low miles.

For the front shocks, access varies depending on your chassis type. Ford chassis typically have more straightforward access, while Freightliner setups may require removing plastic splash shields or working around steering components. Take photos before disassembly to ensure proper reassembly. Front shocks often have different upper mounting configurations, so pay close attention to orientation and hardware sequence.

After installation, take the coach for a test drive at various speeds and road conditions. You should immediately notice reduced body roll, better control over bumps, and less bouncing after going over road irregularities. The improvement in ride quality is usually dramatic and immediately apparent.

Beyond DIY Territory

While shock replacement is within the capabilities of most mechanically inclined RV owners, there are situations where professional help makes sense. If your coach has been modified with aftermarket suspension components, or if you discover worn bushings, ball joints, or other suspension wear during the shock replacement, it's time to involve a qualified RV or truck service center.

Some owners also choose to upgrade anti-sway bars, steering stabilizers, or suspension bushings at the same time as shock replacement. These complementary upgrades work together to maximize ride improvement, but they require more specialized tools and knowledge. A good RV suspension shop can evaluate your entire system and recommend the most cost-effective combination of upgrades.

If you're not comfortable working under your valuable new motorhome, professional installation ensures proper torque specifications (consult chassis service manual for specific values) and safety procedures. Many RV service centers have experience with Bounder chassis and can complete the work efficiently while checking for other potential issues. The peace of mind is often worth the additional labor cost, especially on a coach you'll be driving thousands of miles.