MORryde Independent Suspension Shock Upgrade: SuperSteer SS80-2928 and SS80-2929

MORryde Independent Suspension is already one of the most significant suspension upgrades available for fifth wheels and trailers. Compared with a traditional leaf spring suspension, the independent design can dramatically improve the way a heavily loaded fifth wheel rides and handles. But even a great suspension can have room for improvement. One area where we've seen an opportunity for additional control and longevity is the shock absorbers. That's why SuperSteer worked with KONI to develop custom-valved premium shock options specifically for MORryde Independent Suspension.

For the earlier MORryde IS with stem-style shock mounts, that solution is the SuperSteer SS80-2928.

For the newer MORryde IS 2.0 with loop-style shock mounts, that solution is the SuperSteer SS80-2929.

Here's what fifth-wheel owners should know about both options.

The SuperSteer SS80-2928 is a custom-valved KONI shock developed specifically for earlier MORryde Independent Suspension applications. SuperSteer worked directly with KONI to develop the shock's damping characteristics, similar to the development process used for the SuperSteer SS88-1889 shock for the Sprinter market. The SS80-2928 is designed for MORryde IS systems that use a stem mount at both the top and bottom of the shock.

It replaces the standard: Monroe 555001

The SS8029-28 also comes with new installation hardware.

MORryde Independent Suspension itself is an excellent upgrade. It can make a substantial difference in the ride and handling of a fifth wheel, particularly on heavier units. The concern isn't with the independent suspension design itself. Rather, we've encountered situations where the standard shock absorbers have not provided the lifespan or additional damping control some owners are looking for. If you've already replaced your shocks multiple times, want additional control from your suspension, or simply want to move to a more premium shock, the SuperSteer option gives you another choice.

Yes. This is one of the biggest reasons to consider upgrading the shocks on MORryde Independent Suspension.

Certain fifth-wheel configurations can be more prone to bouncing or porpoising, particularly:

A stronger shock provides additional damping to control that suspension movement. Instead of allowing the trailer to continue bouncing after the suspension moves, additional rebound control helps settle the suspension more quickly.

Depending on adjustment, the SS80-2928 can provide approximately 50% to 100% more rebound control than the standard Monroe shock.

That additional rebound damping is designed to provide greater control over:

Importantly, that does not mean the shock has simply been made extremely stiff in every direction. The SS80-2928 maintains softer compression characteristics, helping preserve the smoother ride quality that makes MORryde Independent Suspension so appealing in the first place. The goal is to increase control without unnecessarily sacrificing ride quality.

Yes. The SS80-2928 is a manually adjustable shock, allowing the damping to be tailored for the application and desired level of control. For owners looking for additional control, we typically recommend adjusting the shock approximately one turn stronger than the factory setting. Depending on the fifth wheel and desired handling characteristics, that may be increased to approximately one and a half turns. As the shock approaches its maximum setting, low-speed damping increases substantially.

To adjust the shock, it must first be fully collapsed. Once collapsed, the internal adjuster engages. The shock can then be rotated to increase the damping setting. It's important to count the number of turns carefully so each shock receives the same adjustment.

A typical adjustment may look like:

For many applications where additional control is desired, approximately one to one and a half turns provides a useful adjustment range.

The SS80-2928 and SS80-2929 are designed to increase rebound control while remaining relatively soft in compression. That's an important distinction. The goal isn't to eliminate the smoother ride provided by MORryde Independent Suspension. Instead, the shock is designed to better control the suspension after it moves. That means you can maintain the benefits of the MORryde IS while gaining additional control over bouncing and porpoising.

Not every MORryde IS owner needs to replace the standard shocks immediately. The standard Monroe shocks can work well with the MORryde system. However, there are several reasons an owner may want to consider upgrading:

Owners of heavier fifth wheels, toy haulers, and rear-kitchen units may want additional damping.

If you've already replaced shocks multiple times, moving to a premium alternative may be preferable to continuing to install the same replacement shock.

The KONI-based SuperSteer shocks are designed to provide consistent damping performance throughout the shock's lifespan and across different traveling conditions.

On the earlier MORryde IS application, the SS80-2928 allows the damping level to be manually adjusted based on the amount of control desired.

The SuperSteer shocks are backed by a lifetime shock warranty through SuperSteer for as long as you own the fifth wheel with the shocks installed.

This is extremely important because the earlier MORryde IS and newer MORryde IS 2.0 use different shock mounting designs.

The earlier suspension uses a stem-style shock mount at both the top and bottom.

For this application:

Standard Monroe shock: 555001
SuperSteer upgrade: SS80-2928
SuperSteer shock: Manually adjustable

The newer MORryde IS 2.0 uses a loop-style shock mounting design.

For this application:

Standard Monroe shock: 555002
SuperSteer upgrade: SS80-2929
SuperSteer shock: Non-adjustable

The two SuperSteer shocks should not be treated as interchangeable. Your suspension's shock mounting style determines which application you need.

The SuperSteer SS80-2929 is being developed for the newer MORryde IS 2.0 suspension.

Unlike the SS80-2928, the SS80-2929 uses a loop-style mounting required by the newer suspension and it is non-adjustable.

Rather than requiring the owner or installer to select a damping setting, the SS80-2929 will come pre-set to provide the increased low-speed damping appropriate for the application. The target is approximately 50% or more additional control in the low-speed damping range, helping reduce bounce and porpoising. It will also carry the SuperSteer lifetime shock warranty and is designed to provide consistent, high-quality damping throughout its lifespan.

Some fifth wheels are coming from the manufacturer with MORryde Independent Suspension but without shock absorbers installed. In that situation, adding quality shocks can be particularly beneficial. Instead of replacing an existing damping system, you're going from no shock damping to a high-quality damping system. That gives the suspension additional control to complement the improved ride already provided by the independent suspension.

The easiest starting point is identifying your shock mounting style.

If you have an earlier MORryde IS with stem mounts at the top and bottom: Choose the SuperSteer SS80-2928. It replaces the Monroe 555001 and is manually adjustable.

If you have a newer MORryde IS 2.0 with loop-style shock mounts: The SuperSteer SS80-2929 is the corresponding upgrade. It replaces the Monroe 555002 application and will be non-adjustable.

If you're unsure which MORryde suspension is underneath your fifth wheel, contact SuperSteer before ordering so the correct application can be confirmed.

MORryde Independent Suspension already provides a major improvement over a traditional leaf spring suspension, especially on heavy fifth wheels and toy haulers. Upgrading the shocks is about building on that foundation.

For owners dealing with excessive bounce or porpoising, looking for greater suspension control, or wanting a more premium alternative to the standard shock, the SuperSteer SS80-2928 and SuperSteer SS80-2929 provide a custom-valved KONI solution for both versions of MORryde IS systems. Both are designed around the same goal: more control while preserving the ride-quality benefits of MORryde Independent Suspension.

If you have questions about the SS80-2928, SS80-2929, MORryde Independent Suspension, shock fitment, or which option is right for your fifth wheel, contact SuperSteer at (888)898-3281 or visit supersteerparts.com. Our team can help you identify your suspension and determine the correct shock application. If you're interested in having MORryde Independent Suspension or upgraded shocks professionally installed, contact Henderson's Line-Up in Grants Pass, Oregon at (541)479-2882 or visit hendersonslineup.com to schedule your next appointment.

Thank you for reading this blog and until next time we wish you safer and happier driving.