Choice of Shock Brands for 2019 Forza 34T

[JimBath]

I am about to upgrade the shocks on my 2019 Forza 34 T. There appear to be two leading the pack: Koni and Bilstein. Did a lot of due diligence, but for the life of me, I can't see where there is any difference between them. Therefore, it appears the bottom line is cost. Any thoughts guys?
Semper Fi;
Jim

 

[jdkbrooks]

My 2016 Sightseer came with Bilstein

 

[Royaidlot]

We have used both Bilstein and Koni. Like Koni batter. Just upgraded our Koni to a two-stage shock that provided a smoother ride…but at a higher cost.

 

[Mikeknapp]

Koni for sure!
My 29r Class A F-53 had OEM Bilstein when I got it and it rode like a truck. I put Koni on it after a few trips and the ride was significantly better.
Also put Sumo springs on all 4 corners, bigger antisway on the front, replaced bushings on the rear sway bar, Super steer front radius rods and rear trac bar, and of course the Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer.
Smart money spent, about $5K for parts.
Each incrementally improves the stability and ease of driving.
The only thing that would be better is to put in full air suspension, but that is a very expensive endeavor. Might as well buy a bus...

 

[Richard Koontz]

We had the same question with our improved chassis F53 w/V8 2021 Adventurer 30-T with its truck-like suspension. Henderson Line Up in Grants Pass Oregon, who's been improving RV suspensions for decades, is now recommending just the Koni Evos on all four corners, plus the Safety Plus steering stabilizer.

 

[RobbyG]

I am about to upgrade the shocks on my 2019 Forza 34 T. There appear to be two leading the pack: Koni and Bilstein. Did a lot of due diligence, but for the life of me, I can't see where there is any difference between them. Therefore, it appears the bottom line is cost. Any thoughts guys?
Semper Fi;
Jim

I pulled Bilsteins off of my 2016 30T and replaced them with Monroe for a dramatically better ride. Buy American, jus sayin.

 

[Cr250]

Koni

 

[TerryDerry]

We just installed new Koni EVOs on all 4 corners and added the Sumo Springs also on our 2012 Winnebago Vista and it made a huge difference in handling and road rumble and banging. We had added the steering stabilizer last year and it helped greatly also. And I was contemplating the sway bars for both front and back before I read about the Airtabs on another thread and decided to try them first (for about $250) and the improvement is amazing - no more being blown out of my lane by a passing semi, just barely feel it go by! A lot cheaper than the sway bars. And it helps with fuel economy too. Good luck with your upgrades!

 

[creativepart]

Both are great products. The two German brands have been competing for decades. They may seem the same but are quite different and both have their proponents.

Lots of Ford F53 based gas motorhomes come with Bilsteins, but those OEM shocks are not the same as their regular product line.

Koni seems to be the most popular for motorhomes but I’ve heard good things about Bilsteins too. I have Koni FSD shocks on my gas motorhome.