Keep your motorhome’s suspension in top shape for a smoother ride and longer lifespan.
Maintaining your RV’s suspension system is key to ensuring a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable ride. Over time, suspension components like shocks, springs, and bushings can wear out, leading to poor handling, instability, and even safety issues. Fortunately, proper maintenance can extend the life of your suspension system and keep your motorhome handling like new.
Here’s how to maintain your RV’s suspension for long-term performance.
1. Inspect Your Shocks and Struts Regularly
Why It Matters:
Shocks and struts are critical for controlling body roll, stabilizing your vehicle, and reducing sway. Over time, they can wear out due to the constant compression and rebound forces they endure, leading to decreased ride quality and handling.
What to Do:
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Check for leaks: Leaking fluid is a sure sign that the seals inside the shocks have failed.
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Look for physical damage: Check for dents, cracks, or any signs of wear on the shock body.
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Test for performance: Push down on each corner of your RV. If it bounces more than once or twice, it’s time to replace the shocks.
Pro Tip: Replace shocks or struts in pairs to maintain balanced suspension performance.
2. Inspect and Maintain Airbags (if applicable)
Why It Matters:
If you have airbags as part of your suspension system, it’s important to keep them in good condition, as they help provide adjustable support when towing or carrying heavy loads.
What to Do:
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Check for leaks: Use soapy water to check the airbags for leaks around fittings and the airbag itself.
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Inspect the air compressor: Make sure the air compressor is working correctly and that the air bags are maintaining proper pressure.
Pro Tip: If your airbags are losing pressure or the compressor is noisy, it may be time for a replacement.
3. Lubricate Suspension Components
Why It Matters:
Moving parts like bushings, joints, and control arms need proper lubrication to prevent excessive wear. Lack of lubrication can lead to squeaks, creaks, and, in more severe cases, component failure.
What to Do:
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Grease the suspension points: Apply grease to the suspension bushings and joints as recommended by the manufacturer.
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Use the right lubricant: Be sure to use the correct type of grease for your RV’s suspension system—check your owner’s manual for recommendations.
Pro Tip: Check suspension components for wear or cracking during regular grease maintenance.
4. Check the Tire Pressure and Alignment
Why It Matters:
Tire pressure and alignment are closely linked to suspension performance. Under-inflated tires can cause poor handling, while misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced suspension effectiveness.
What to Do:
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Check tire pressure: Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure—both for regular driving and for towing.
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Get an alignment check: Have your RV’s alignment checked periodically, especially if you notice your steering pulling to one side.
Pro Tip: If you’ve recently replaced suspension components or tires, have the alignment checked to ensure everything is properly aligned.
5. Inspect Leaf Springs and Helper Springs
Why It Matters:
Leaf springs provide essential load-bearing support to the suspension system. Over time, they can wear down or break, especially in RVs that are frequently loaded with heavy cargo or towing trailers.
What to Do:
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Inspect for cracks or fractures: Check the leaf springs for any visible cracks, rust, or fatigue marks.
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Test the springs: If your motorhome is sagging in the rear or losing ride height, it may be a sign that the leaf springs need to be replaced or supplemented with helper springs.
Pro Tip: If you notice sagging when towing or when your RV is loaded, consider adding helper springs or upgrading to heavier-duty leaf springs.
6. Replace Worn Bushings
Why It Matters:
Suspension bushings help absorb shock and reduce friction in your suspension components. Worn or damaged bushings can cause noisy suspension, reduced handling performance, and a rougher ride.
What to Do:
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Check for wear: Look for cracks, tears, or signs of wear on the bushings.
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Replace as needed: If any bushings are worn, replace them promptly to prevent further suspension issues.
Pro Tip: Polyurethane bushings last longer and offer better performance than standard rubber bushings, making them a great upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your RV’s suspension system is a straightforward process that can have a huge impact on your vehicle’s performance, comfort, and safety. Regular inspections, proper lubrication, and timely replacements of worn-out components will keep your motorhome’s suspension running smoothly for years to come. By following these maintenance tips, you’ll ensure a better ride and greater peace of mind on your travels.