By Mainline Truck Team
•
19 Mar, 2024
Most RVs are built well at the factory and feel good to drive... but they aren't perfect. There are areas where manufacturers tend to cut corners, and that applies to the suspension - especially if you're driving a gasoline-powered RV. The suspension tends to be stiff and bouncy, which isn't bad on the highways but can definitely become uncomfortable if you're ever taking your RV off-road. Now, this isn't as big of an issue with diesel RVs. Those have air suspension and typically have a great ride. The problem is, diesel coaches typically cost far more than gasoline models, often almost twice as much. That's a lot of money to pay just to ride with a bit more comfort! So, the other option is to look into RV suspension upgrades . Aftermarket upgrades can make a huge difference in how your coach drives, and is money well spent if you're finding those long trips way too tiring and stressful. These are some of the most important factors to consider. Why You Should Invest in RV Suspension & Performance Upgrades Now For RV owners, investing in suspension and performance upgrades can improve the driving experience and extend the life of your vehicle. As RVs age and accumulate miles, critical components like shocks, springs and brakes wear down, affecting ride quality, handling, and safety. Upgrading these parts proactively with the best RV suspension upgrades will keep your RV running smoothly for years to come. Why Performance Upgrades Matter More Over Time RV suspension and braking systems take a beating from continuous use. Roads and terrain that your RV travels over can be extremely taxing on stock parts. Potholes, bumps, and uneven surfaces accelerate wear. The heavier weight of an RV also puts more strain on components compared to a standard passenger vehicle. So even if your RV seems to be running fine now, it's only a matter of time before sagging springs, bouncing shocks, and warn out brake components start to impact performance. That's why periodic upgrades make a big difference over the life of your RV. What To Look For In RV Suspension Upgrades 1 – Road Performance Assessment It’s important that any RV suspension upgrade start with a good Road Performance Assessment (RPA). Both you and the technician should be in your RV during this assessment. The Road Performance Assessment is a systematic, diagnostic road test consisting of a 15-mile drive designed to reveal steering and suspension problems over a variety of road surfaces which should include driving in the following: • over highways, • curved and narrow roads, • sharp turns, • bumps and ruts At the conclusion your drive, the technician should then perform a detailed inspection of more than 50 points on your vehicle to determine what is causing your issues and how to corect them. 2- Affordability When you consider the amount of money you have spent on your RV, a RV suspension upgrade is worth the investment. A good Road Performance Assessment will usually run less than two hundred dollars and is well worth it. Naturally, the investment required to upgrade your RV Suspension will depend on what is found during your inspection. But, investing in top-quality suspension parts , can drastically improve the way your RV handles. After a long day’s ride in your RV, you’ll be happy you made the choice to upgrade your RV’s suspension. 3 - Positive brand reviews The reality is that the aftermarket parts industry is flooded with cheap imports, and that's a problem. You don't want the cheapest parts you can find! Do your research and look up each individual brand and their reviews. Also, be sure to read the reviews, and don't just look at the star ratings. That'll give you a lot of useful information. 4 – Reliability & Warranty While reading reviews, keep a close eye on reports of the reliability of the suspension parts. You want an upgrade that will last for years, trouble-free. If the manufacturer also offers a strong warranty on the parts, that's even better since it provides insurance on your investment. Benefits of RV Performance or Suspension Upgrades 1. Faster Stopping Times Upgraded brake pads, rotors, and calipers provide more immediate, responsive braking power. This improves stopping distances, which is crucial when navigating a large vehicle. Better brakes greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident. 2. Smoother Suspension New shocks and custom springs allow your RV suspension to absorb bumps and dips much more effectively. This results in a smoother, more comfortable ride for passengers. Properly functioning shocks and springs also help maintain tire contact with the road for better handling. 3. Tires in Better Condition Quality shocks and springs prevent your tires from bouncing and hopping over uneven road services. This allows them to maintain proper contact and tread wear. With reduced bouncing, tires will last longer before needing replacement. 4. Carry More Weight with Ease Installing heavy-duty springs, sway bars , and shocks enables your RV to handle extra passenger or cargo weight without compromising ride quality or suspension health. Contact Mainline RV & Truck Service for the Best RV Suspension Upgrades Mainline RV & Truck Service offers top-quality RV suspension upgrades, as well as numerous other goodies for your coach. To boost the performance, handling, and safety of your RV, contact the experts at Mainline RV & Truck Service . Our technicians can assess your current suspension components and recommend the right upgrades matched to your make and model. Investing in professional RV suspension work now will keep your ride running smoothly for many more miles down the road. Contact us for the best RV suspension upgrades!
