Remote reservoir shocks cost 3–5× more than standard shocks and have a separate canister connected to the main shock body by a hose. Are they worth it, or is it marketing? Here's a clear explanation of the engineering and when they actually make a difference.
How a Standard Shock Absorber Works
A standard shock contains oil and compressed nitrogen gas. As the suspension compresses, a piston moves through the oil generating damping force. The limitation: oil heats up as it absorbs energy. Hot oil is thinner, so damping force decreases as temperature rises. The shock gets softer — this is called shock fade.
In normal road use, this rarely matters. On long corrugated outback tracks at 80–100 km/h with a loaded van, a standard shock can reach temperatures where significant fade occurs within 100–200 km.
How a Remote Reservoir Shock Works
A remote reservoir shock adds a separate oil/nitrogen canister connected by a braided steel hose. The reservoir provides 30–60% more oil volume. More oil means more heat capacity — the same energy is distributed across a larger volume, so temperature rises more slowly. The result: more consistent damping for longer on sustained rough terrain.
Most remote reservoir shocks are also monotube designs — oil and nitrogen separated by a floating piston, which is more efficient and provides more consistent response than a twin-tube design.
Does It Matter on Corrugated Roads?
Yes — and this is the specific use case where the design difference is measurable in the real world.
On a graded dirt road at 50 km/h: Standard shocks perform adequately. Heat buildup is gradual. The difference is minor.
On heavily corrugated track at 80–90 km/h for 200+ km: Standard shocks fade noticeably after 100–150 km. Remote reservoir shocks maintain consistent damping significantly longer.
With a heavily loaded van (85–100% of ATM): Heavy loads generate more energy per bump, heating oil faster. At high loads, the remote reservoir advantage is more pronounced.
When Are Remote Reservoir Shocks Worth It?
Worth it if you: Run corrugated outback tracks regularly at highway speeds. Travel with a van loaded near ATM. Do extended remote trips where reliable suspension is safety-critical.
Probably not necessary if you: Only access graded dirt roads at moderate speeds. Do occasional weekends on dirt tracks but mostly highway travel. Run a lightly loaded van (under 70% of ATM).
The Radflo Option
Radflo makes remote reservoir shocks specifically tuned for Black Series HQ Series caravans — valving calibrated for the weight range and suspension geometry of the HQ platform. They also offer in-house rebuilds and revalving if your van's loaded weight changes significantly.
Shop Radflo remote reservoir shocks for Black Series HQ Series at RV Parts Giant.