Washboard

I see references all around to washboard roads, but no definitive answer so I have a simple question that I'm sure will get a complicated answer.... here goes:

My question: will getting the remote resevoir coilover and rears help with the washboard on my day to day drive? 4600s were ok but ok at best. And I don't think 5100s are going to be any better for washboard.

Background on situation: I live on a dirt road through a winding canyon and up a mountain. Not county maintained and other properties with renters that smash in 2wd cars and F the road up use it too. So washboard all summer/spring and mud puddles all winter.
I tow a trailer with dirtbikes periodically, otherwise just a daily driver, but this road everyday.

 

Washboards suck even with LT

 

But will they help? 20% better than *hitty is still a lot better

Or do I just say F it and go full Baja and deal with the wicked body roll? (Not really an option ha ha)

 

Join me in LT this is the way or as you say Baja

 

What are washboards?

 

I dunno I just go faster to get it over quicker lol

 

Get the tallest sidewall tires that you possibly can and try to inflate just enough to carry your loads. Avoiding a high load rating will help too. Basically the best cushioning you can get between the road and the rims will help.

 

I always pop ‘er in 4x when I get on roads like that. Certainly helps, as does lower air pressure and quality shocks.

Speed up…

 

Choosing a shock that is linear/ progressive over digressive valved is what you should focus on before choosing a shock that has reservoirs. Linear/ progessive shocks will soak up all the little bumps in the washboards way better and give you better ride comfort over a digressive shock such as Bilstein 5100s. Good information on this here, honestly I recommend contacting them directly to get you setup the best. https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/digressive-vs-linear-vs-progressive-pistons-shock-valving/

I drive a lot of washboards and very briefly had 5100s in my rear as a band-aid, I'll tell you those shocks are not what you want. You will feel everything even if you're aired down.

I also agree with the other users that airing down, using 4wd, and finding the right amount of throttle is important for washboard driving. 4-HI will help your rear end from kicking out.

 

Thanks for the responses.
I'm aired down as much as I can. Can't go faster, curves limit top speed to 15mph and the 2wd yahoos coming the other way also limit speed. 4wd is on to and from highway daily. So I'm pretty covered with the basics. And 4600s need replacing. Hence shock & upgrade time.
@des2mtn that was a fabulous and informative article.
So linear it is. Was looking at fox 2.5 with resevoir which seem like they should fit the bill. How can you tell which valving they have since linear can be tuned to be digressive and I dont want that. I don't see this specifically listed on any of the sites. I don't want to assume and get digressive tuned ones and basically just have expensive 5100s.
Seeing as you said you drive washboard often what's your setup?
Thanks again for all the info and replies.

 

Out of the box, both Fox and King should be linear. If you order from Accutune, I believe they will custom tune the shocks for your driving style. As you saw, you can get Fox/ King with resi's and adjusters too. I would narrow your search to these two brands -- I would not bother considering Icon.

My current setup is a King 2.5" in the front and a Fox 2.0" in the rear. I'm very pleased with the ride off road compared to other shocks I've had in the past.