I guess I'll just have to give a different opinion. I can't argue with the incorrect angle that heartland did when they mounted the shocks. If it were mine I would change the angle to give it a more verticle location and make sure I had a shock that was correct for the weight of the unit. You can read my other posts discussing shocks and also I recently posted pics on how I mounted them on our NT-24-RBS. Now, why you should have shocks. Anytime you hit a dip or bump in the road, no matter how large or small the spring compresses. That compressed energy has to be used up in some way or fashion. If you have no shocks the spring keeps oscillating until the energy is gone. That is a law of physics that can't be changed. When the spring is oscillating on the up motion the tire looses contact with the road and some traction is lost. On the down motion the tire is compressed and some extra tread wear takes place. The amount of tread wear and lost traction that occurs is determined by many variables: unit weight, tire quality, tire pressure, and others. This motion does happen even if it's so slight that you can't feel it. To improve tire life, ride quality, effect on TV, improve traction the shocks absorb the oscillation of the springs. A good shock when it compresses will oscillate once then stop. The energy of the compressed spring is absorbed by the shock in the form of heat.
It is still a mystery to me why the TT industry does not concern themselves more with shocks and their correct placement. It's not an expensive item to add. Especially since we are talking about towing and ride quality as well as improved tire life. I believe it is a hold over from early trailer building when utility trailers did not come with shocks. Even today most smaller trailers utility or otherwise don't. That still does not reduce the effect of the laws of physics. Some have also told me that you don't ride in your trailer so why do you need shocks?? To do exactly what I have already described. If your TT is bouncing more than it should it has to effect the TV by pulling on it as the TT bounces. Here's something else to consider. When you travel any cross wind effect, 18-wheelers, trees blocking wind overpasses, head on traffic etc. will cause some trailer sway. Shocks minimize and/or eliminate that effect. We just finished a 1200 mile trip after I had installed the shocks. We traveled last week during a lot of rain and wind. No white knuckle driving, very little sway even when passing an 18-wheeler head on. As I type I am sitting in the TT on the ICW in FL. The wind is gusting in off the water at about 20-30 knots. The TT is just sitting here with very little movement. So it helps even if you're parked. Just my 2- cents worth.
Here's one more tid bit of information as to why the TT industry is not to concerned about shocks. Why do they still build girls bicycles with the center bar lowered??? They originally did it back in the 1890's when women's skirts went to the ground and it was not lady like to throw your leg over the bar. Why do we still do it today???? Because that's what we've always done. TRADITION
TeJay
