Installing ALKO octagon shock absorbers on the caravan

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In this video i Install ALKO octagon shock absorbers on the caravan. They were not installed from the outset, but these retro fit kit can be added back on to any caravan with or without a ALKO chassis.
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Our caravan had some work done to the brakes and i managed to get the shocks installed at the same time. These shock absorbers dampen and vastly reduce any bounce the caravan may have as it travels.
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Опубликовано:

8 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 91

@janiceperkins5411 4 года назад

Well thanks for the video Dan I am now going to keep my caravan and fit the shock absorber kit in an effort to make me less nervous lol. Only been caravaning over 25 years and still get a little perturbed by bow waves etc from kamikaze van drivers who seem to find it entertaining by passing as fast and close as they possibly can sadly. Still onwards and upwards looking forward to sites reopening when they are finally permitted. ☺

@alanwilliams6622 4 года назад

Great video, thank you! I didn't know about these until now! Just had a red set delivered. Weighed the box containing struts, brackets and screws and it comes in at bang on 3kg on our kitchen scales! That's only equivalent to ditching about 3 bottles of beer, so not so bad!

@justinway5192 5 лет назад

Thanks Dan. We have just changed our caravan and were suffering with motion sickness due to the rocking of the caravan (properly loaded) due to the cars air suspension. Have added the shocks to the chassis and its made a marked improvement.

@garryw1305 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for the video. This really helped me when fitting mine. One thing I would say for anyone going to do it themselves, if you have a van that's a little older like mine (2007 Abbey), those plastic bungs are an absolute b**ger to get out! Took me about 20-30mins each swing arm. In the end, after searching forums, I had to use a hammer and old chisel and whack the heck out of them. They were absolutely stuck in from years of grime and rust building up around them and setting. After a while of tapping them they became mishapen enough to get a chisel or screwdriver up into the opening and lever them out. The shocks themselves took about 5mins each after that. I didn't take the wheel off and just raised each side up on a leveling block, lowered the steadies, and slid under.

@TheTrudgians 8 месяцев назад

Great feed back. Thank you for sharing.

@michaelvincent1425 5 лет назад

Best thing I ever fitted to our Lunar. The towing is transformed and even pitched up there's less movement. Took me about an hour with basic tools and a cup of tea😀

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

Did you make good use of the swear jar? I must admit when folks told me they could do it on the floor in 15mins, I was surprised. I tried to have a go, but honestly i just couldn't see an easy path to tighten up the bolts.

@michaelvincent1425 5 лет назад

@@TheTrudgians Getting enough clearance for the torque wrench was the hardest part. Chocks under the opposite wheel and axel stands on full extent sorted that. I may have put a few pound coins into the jar😉

@Family-Man-Reviews 2 года назад

Great video , thank you, just installed mine today and also got the wheels balanced while they were off. Found out my swift alloy is actually buckled!! In the process.

@geralddean5305 5 лет назад

I have ordered some shockers from The caravan shop £75.85, a lot cheaper than anywhere else, well worth the money.

@mercedes_and_more 4 месяца назад

Always torque the nut and not the bolt otherwise you get a false (under) reading. If this can’t be avoided because of space etc then you need to add 10% to the torque figure 👍

@bobdavis4820 5 лет назад

Hi Dane, great vid going to put a pair on mine, the total weight is including brackets is 3.199kg £82 from prima leisure.Bob.

@davidcutts2650 5 лет назад

Great video. I have a 1600kg axle with shocks fitted. They work well on on many of our gravel roads, especially where there are corrugated roads.

@britsd6397 5 лет назад

Hi Dan, great video. I got mine as standard on my new Lunar and immediately noticed how smooth the towing was. Didn't choose them but wouldn't be without them now.

@ajfrog699 3 месяца назад

Thank you for this amazing instructional video. Really straight forward and great instruction. Thought it was going to be quick and have to say, leaving the wheel on, be prepared to ask for an extra pair of hands or be as flexible as a gymnast. All in all, about 30-40mins thanks to this great video

@christinehughes998 2 месяца назад

I asked my dealer cost to fit . Told 3 hours labour at £72ph plus parts😮

@martynlawrence2365 Год назад

Just purchased a pair of Alko shock absorbers exactly the same as yours (Red Ones). As requested, I have weighed mine prior to fitting and the weights are: 1640 grms / 58.3 oz PER SIDE including brackets and nuts & bolts. Double these numbers for Gross weight. Martyn

@malcolmqua9226 5 лет назад

Fitted the Red Shocks on my Bailey Rimini. Didn't need to remove wheels. Very simple fit. Also used thread locker just to be sure. £79.90 including shipping from the caravan shop Glasgow. Thanks Dan.

@1122geoff 5 лет назад

As usual looks easy until you try it yourself , think our caravan already has them fitted, good clear video thanks , look forward to your next one

@jonnmedds 5 лет назад

Fitted Shocks to my 2016 Bailey Pegasus a couple of years ago. I was shocked at how easy they were to fit myself and they made a fantastic difference to the ride, especially on the motorway when being overtaken by bigger vehicles and when it's windy.

@jonwagstaff6613 5 лет назад

£90... that's a pretty good deal for something that will make a real difference.. thank you.

@willramshaw4677 5 лет назад

Great video again Dan, I've had these fitted on my van for a few months and they really do stop most of the movement on all roads. I also highly recommend this product.

@7eis Год назад

Absolute great video! I ordered a set for a Neptun 380 trailer. Quickly realized they provided the wrong rating shocks and omitted the brackets as well. It's interesting to me how the trailer manufacturer don't link the al-ko pdf on their website, seems like an obvious upsell from the dealer as well.

@lostweekendscaravan 5 лет назад

Hi I agree with David. They should really be standard on all vans. Love the idea may look into this. Cheers Phil👍

@tinajones4644 5 лет назад

We're getting the fitted when goes in for service next week Glad you did this video Hope you and family keeping well

@MrG.42 2 года назад

Hi Dan, I know this video is a couple of years old now, but just for information, I have weighed a pair of red shocks including the brackets and bolts. 3303g so 3.3kg. Hope this helps somebody

@fazerman50 5 лет назад

Thanks for the video Dan, we are having these fitted to our caravan next week when its serviced great to hear they make a difference.

@garydavis1528 5 лет назад

Collecting our new Major 4SB back in a few hours from the dealer with the red shock absorbers now fitted, I hope it helps the towing experience. Under warranty I have just had awful squealing brake shoes replaced so a good time to fit these shocks, apparently Al-Ko is undergoing a huge claims and replacements scheme to replace their faulty brakes. Not a few affected but the many! These shocks should be a standard fitment along with wheel balancing.

@stevechurchman1824 5 лет назад

Very interesting. Thanks for showing how easy they are to fit.

@NJoi1one 5 лет назад

Good video again, according to Unitrailer web site, red units are 2.6 kg.

@DesmondsDonders 5 лет назад

I am shocked these aren't standard on all caravans ;-)

@pokitoland 6 месяцев назад

Saludos desde España!

@TheTrudgians 6 месяцев назад

¡Gracias por ver!

@grimreaperbadboy 5 лет назад

I did contact u last to ask u about these good to see you put video up I fitted some makes a difference on motorway driving hope u and family are bearing up ok.

@kevandrews4699 5 лет назад

Nice one dan a well worth investment will be ordering some soon thanks for sharing. Kev

@lensmanonline 5 лет назад

Great info Dan I'll have to go and check our caravan as I never noticed whether we have. Our caravan is due a service soon, might look into getting some fitted. Best wishes Jon

@EvimDoga 2 года назад

thanks for great video. I'm wondering about choosing correct one. My caravan is near to 1600kg. The values on their document is only single tire or whole van weight. Thanks for your help!

@ForTheLoveOfCaravans 5 лет назад

Thanks Dan. Interesting video. To be honest I have not thought of shocks. If I did do this upgrade myself I would definitely need that swear jar. Ian....

@CaravanVlogger 5 лет назад

Really useful upgrade and look remarkably easy. I guess some caravan don’t have them fitted as money saving on behalf of manufacturers to distinguish between models. Looks like a no brainier though doesn’t it? 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for sharing Graham

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

Morning Graham, yeah I think you’re right. We had them on the Lunar, and never even though about it. A very worthwhile DIY job for anyone I think.

@colinmew6695 5 лет назад

Another great video Dan keep them coming. Think I’ll get my Bailey GT70 fitted with them.

@alanpostma5861 5 лет назад

Looks easy to fit 👍

@littlebasher3959 3 года назад

Middle one it is then ! Thanks

@thecaravanus4067 5 лет назад

Thanks Dan, great info.

@MyBigTOW 5 лет назад

When I saw you were doing this install I thought I'd look into getting some. I searched online and couldn't find the correct ones to retrofit to our caravan. Doh !! Reason is ...... they were already fitted and I didn't know. Great video though Dan and It's not too expensive an upgrade for many caravans.

@Vicq52400 5 лет назад

My Big TOW They’re readily available and not fitted to Adria as standard. Just checked my Adora and definitely not fitted. Also supplied by longtons

@paultraynorbsc627 3 года назад

Thanks will fit a pair one new van

@laptopsid 5 лет назад

You can blame me Dan for the ruts on the M4 . I’m going to Swindon again tomorrow.from Tilbury.😂😂 Sorry. Ps great video again Dan.

@Slash1066 5 лет назад

Seems like quite a bargain, I always thought the suspension on caravans was quite basic for something that weighs about the same as a car and only has 2 wheels, I might look at these for mine

@ashlybrown5341 5 лет назад

I really don't know why the shocks wernt fitted years ago Dan as just makes common sense Paul

@hairywol 2 года назад

Dampers should be standard. Had to have them fitted to my Bailey Brindisi after seven years with a Challenger where they were standard. I'd be unhappy having a caravan without them.

@Cherokyv 5 лет назад

Good vídeo and very interesant

@stevehanshaw2729 5 лет назад

love the swear jar lol that's going to pay for my next holl !

@TheMasmaz Год назад

Hi, great video...however I don't have an AL-KO frame but I have an AL-KO derived axle that has that bracket at the rear of the Tire, so unlike your setup that you put the front shock absorber to the tire, I I would be forced to put it at the rear, therefore when the comma takes the blow the shock absorber works in compression when the rubber returns downwards the shock absorber works in extension... My question is: does the octagon work equally well?

@TheTrudgians Год назад

Hi, ok - I’m unsure if this is suitable. I would ask an engineer or fitter if this will work for you. Sorry I can’t be more help.

@TheMasmaz Год назад

@@TheTrudgians - regards - being a double action shock absorber in my opinion there shouldn't be any problems...

@steveone9375 5 лет назад

So are you saying that a standard caravan chassis has no dampers on the wheels

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

"Some" caravans that have the ALKO chassis do not have shock absorbers fitted as standard. they rely on the rubber suspension fitted within the axle tube. see here for more information. www.alko-tech.com/uk/al-ko-hexagonal-rubber-suspension

@steveone9375 5 лет назад

@@TheTrudgians thanks for the info i have just ordered them from amazon ,, keep up the good work

@DJColinCook 2 года назад

They weigh 1.3kg so won't make much of a difference. Information available on the Al-Ko site

@MrMslagter 5 лет назад

Good video,Dan.....but why on earth didn't they fitted those shocks right from the factory????? It's not exectly that you're caravan was costing small money after all,nor is it a small and light one Our 1990 Fendt Joker E 470 had them fitted as standard (on it's Alko chassis with angled axle) and i must say that it's just one of those things you just have to have. It makes such a big difference in the ride quality. Money very well spend and enjoy the much bounce-less ride (;

@CaravanningwiththeCoxs 5 лет назад

I’ve heard Alko Chassis have squeaky breaks. What did they do to rectify this? Cheers Oliver

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

Hi Oliver it really depends how bad it is. Either knock the leading edge off the brake shoes or replace them for a new set. With mine, they replaced the shoes completely.

@CaravanningwiththeCoxs 5 лет назад

Thanks for that Dan only a week to go!

@scotiajinker8392 5 лет назад

Squeaky brakes on new baileys seems to be common.

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

Morning, It seems to be anything that uses the ALKO running gear. For some reason the leading edge of the shoes all need re-profiling or replacing. Odd isn't it?

@jimgalloway6751 5 лет назад

The Trudgians Hi Dan the brake problem is well known .I picked up my new Bailey gt70 a year ago with squeaking brakes . To cut a long story short my dealer replaced shoes and drums under warranty . I picked up my caravan on Wednesday driving home got a few miles down the road and it started again so round the first roundabout and back to my dealer they said they heard me coming and were outside to meet me . The caravan is with them as bailey have now sent word they have shoes with different material on to cure this problem !

@scotiajinker8392 5 лет назад

The Trudgians my van is a year old , I thought bailey would have sorted this out with alko ages ago , forums have full of people with brake issues. A bit disappointing that your van has the problem since it’s a well known problem.

@brianknowles1727 5 лет назад

Can't tell any difference at all was fitted standard on my buccaneer .

@cotter4638 5 лет назад

What about you air con ?

@SyncMan172 5 лет назад

If I fiited these myself I wonder if my caravan warranty would be void?

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

Morning, as long as they are fitted correctly as per the instructions they would not invalidate any warranty.

@willramshaw4677 5 лет назад

I asked about the warranty on our Bailey and as long as they are fitted my a registered fitter it's OK.

@Bernie_Outdoors 5 лет назад

Dan, 3.5 Kilos for 2 Red Shock Absorbers

@Warrior6504 5 лет назад

Not really needed I’ve had caravans with shock absorbers and without and you can’t tell the difference.

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

I noticed it. it made a HUGE difference.

@malcolml7533 5 лет назад

Did your caravan come without shock absorbers?

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

Hi Malcolm, Yes, it came without shocks, as mentioned right at the beginning of the video. Many caravans don't come with them as standard.

@malcolml7533 5 лет назад

As a newbie to Caravanning I find that the lack of shock absorbers a strange omission. So now understand the need for the video.

@birdingbilly 5 лет назад

Should work well - until the axle fails !

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

Why would the axle fail?

@birdingbilly 5 лет назад

Unfortunately its become a not uncommon occurence with Alko axles on bailey single axle caravans - I'm amazed you are not aware of this - look on any of the forums and you will see what i mean@@TheTrudgians

@TheTrudgians 5 лет назад

Ah, you're referring to the issue that was on S3 unicorns? . yeah - i'm aware of it and the fix that was put in place, its not really an issue nowadays, unless the axle is overloaded. (i.e over the MTPLM) as you will know there are lots of very vocal people on this topic. take care

@birdingbilly 5 лет назад

The only fix was to replace the axle and yes it's still an issue as some are reporting failure of the S4 - have you weighed your van ? you should it would make a good video and I think you will be surprised. The caravan media have been very week on this issue and indeed other issues in relation to the build quality of UK built vans another good example being the very very common roof strap leak, too many vested interest I' afraid. Maybe you as a RU-vidr should pick up on some of these issues.@@TheTrudgians

@malcolmqua9226 5 лет назад

@@birdingbilly I can vouch for the roof strap! My S4 2017 Pegasus Rimini is with the dealer at the minute as my roof strap failed last weekend. Considerable wet offside rear locker. I've also stripped the van of all unnecessary payload and carry the spare wheel in the car to hopefully avoid axle failure. Part of my reason for fitting shocks was to ease any trauma on the axle rubbers.