On this page:

•  Replacement Parts Specifications
•  Front Shocks
•  Rear Shocks
•  Rear Air Springs

Replacement Parts Specifications

Shock Absorbers

All model years of the Rialta use the same shock for the front and the same shock for the rear axle.  The OEM brand used for both the front and rear shock absorbers is Bilstein. You can find Bilstein shocks available from a large number of retail automotive sources and a multitude of online companies.

Fortunately, Monroe has recently decided to add a product to their line that fits the Rialta motorhome.  In 2004 they introduced their Gas Magnum RV shock absorber line and the pricing structure undercuts Bilstein by about half.  You need to check prices from several sources as there seems to be quite a variance.

Special Note: All of the REAR shocks shown are considered obsolete by the manufacturers.  If you find a suitable substitute, please let me know.  The original Bilteins can be rebuilt, but there's a 10 week or so lead time.

 Bilstein's RV Shock Application Guide (PDF)

Monroe Shocks

Monroe Shock Application Guide (On-Line Look-Up Only)

Monroe Shock Absorber Mounting Styles (PDF)

Monroe Shock Absorber Dimension Charts (PDF)

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Front Shock Absorbers

Surprisingly, the front shock absorber on the Rialta is the same as comes from the factory for the EuroVan camper. In other words, the front shocks on the Rialta are not any bigger or heavier duty than those on the EVC. Replacing the shocks are straightforward and anybody with the simplest of knowledge and tools can effect replacement.

The original shock for the front axle of a Rialta is a Bilstein "B46-1911" (new p/n 24-019118) which is a mono tube gas charged design. You probably won't find this part number in stock at any dealer because of its limited use. There is at least one other brand name available and that is Monroe. Bilstein warrants their after-market shocks for life but this warranty does not apply to the original shock.

Some prevalent online sources for Bilstein and Monroe shocks include EuroParts-SD.com, eshocks.com (which also provides free shipping from their location in Michigan if your order is more than $200), and others. Or you can try any other automotive parts store or tire/shock dealer but even if they show the part in their inventory system, it most likely will have to be special ordered.

You probably could order this shock through the VW dealership or a Winnebago dealership but be prepared to pay more. One recent price quote from a VW dealer was nearly $200 for each shock. And these prices are not installed.

Bilstein does offer a service to rebuild your old worn out Bilstein shocks for a flat fee, but you would have to pay shipping to their Poway, California facility and new mounting hardware such as hex nuts and washers is not included. Bilstein shocks are normally warranted for life except the OEM shocks that came with the vehicle are only warranted by the vehicle manufacturer, in this case, Winnebago.

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Rear Shock Absorbers

All years and all models of Rialta use the same identical rear shock absorber. The rear shock is NOT the same as found on standard EuroVans or EuroVan Campers. It appears that this shock is a single application part which seems to fit only the Winnebago Rialta.

The correct shock for the rear axle of a Rialta is a Bilstein "F4-B46-1830M1" (new p/n 24-018302) which is a mono tube gas charged design. You probably won't find this part number in stock at any dealer and to my knowledge there is no direct interchange with any other brand so you are forced to stay with the Bilstein brand, though Monroe is rumored to have a replacement, p/n 555041. The good news is that Bilstein warrants their after-market shocks for life.

One prevalent source of supply for these shocks is EuroParts-SD.com which is located in southern California. Another on-line source is eshocks.com which also provides free shipping from their location in Michigan if your order is more than $200. Or you can try any other automotive parts store or tire/shock dealer but even if they show the part in their inventory system, it most likely will have to be special ordered.

You probably could order this shock through the a Winnebago dealership but be prepared to pay more.

Bilstein does offer a service to rebuild your old worn out Bilstein shocks for a flat fee, but you would have to pay shipping to their Poway, California facility and new mounting hardware such as hex nuts and washers is not included. Bilstein shocks are normally warranted for life except the OEM shocks that came with the vehicle are only warranted by the vehicle manufacturer, in this case, Winnebago.

Seen in this photo is the new Monroe shock that I installed to replace the original Bilstein. The Monroe was less than half the price of the Bilstein and performance has proven to be the same or better than the Bilstein. When I bench-tested both of them, the rebound rate on the Monroe was much slower than the Bilstein. Compression force seemed to be equal so one is not any "stiffer" riding than the other. All other things being equal, I would easily recommend the Monroe over the Bilstein.

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Rear Air Springs

These are often mistakenly called "air shocks" but technically they should be called "air springs" as they mount between the rear leaf springs and the body.  They assist in leveling the body when the rear axle is heavily loaded.  An additional side benefit is that each air bladder can be independently inflated to allow for a variance in loading from side to side, thus correcting any body lean.

Specifications:

The set of two air springs is supplied by "3-T's RV Products Inc." located at 1055 Empire Drive in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  The model used on the Rialta is the Model T-9V made specifically for what they call the "Rialta H-Body".  They have a repair kit available that includes both bags and all lines and fittings for about $270 as of November 2017.  Give them a call at 800-223-1779 or 928-453-3040. http://www.3tsrv.com/

With a new Rialta you should find the warranty and product information in the black info-case that came from Winnebago.  Inside of the package about these rear air springs, you'll probably find two silver stickers that Winnebago does not affix to the body near the air valve for inflation.  The stickers give the name, address and phone number of the manufacturer along with the inflation figures which call for a minimum of 20 PSI and a maximum of 100 PSI.  Be careful when inflating as it only take a small puff of air to change the pressure in these relatively small air bladders.

Maintenance:

There is not much you can do in terms of maintenance.  The air bladder inside either holds air or it doesn't. But you can check a few things.  First, make sure you never drive around with the bladder totally deflated as shown in this picture shown on the left.  A minimum pressure of 20 PSI is required at all times.

Second, because the mounting hardware is a regular grade steel and neither it nor the bolts and nuts have any sort of anti-corrosion protection, you may wish to consider removing the entire assembly for thorough cleaning.  This will allow you to bench clean all the steel parts and checks for any tears or punctures in the protective outer boot.  You can then sand down any minor rust on the mounting hardware and give a good coat of paint.  When you re-install the device make sure you mount back into the same exact position.  Usually it will leave a "shadow" of either dirt or corrosion to mark the exact spot but you should probably use a yellow pencil to mark the spots ahead of time.  Also make sure the the top and bottom pieces are mounted directly in line with each other.  The original installation from Winnebago may have been done haphazardly so your original mounting marks may need to move in order to obtain proper installation.

The direct replacements for the bags are the Firestone Airide Replacement Air Spring - w02-358-7046 found here.  You can also use the 1S4-123 Goodyear Air Spring found here, but the mounting bolt is a bit shorter.

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