What Can Running Gear Upgrades Do for Your RV?

When you get a new RV and "fifth wheel" camper or another trailer, it can be tempting to immediately head off into the wilderness. However, you might want to take it to an RV repair shop first for some upgrades because the running gear on stock towed campers and trailers is often pretty poor.

RV Upgrades for a Better Road Trip Experience

The allure of the open road and the freedom to explore is always amplified when traveling in an RV. This mobile home is not just a vehicle; it's a combination of comfort, convenience, and adventure. Yet, like any other living space, there's always room for improvement. As RV owners look for ways to enhance their experience, some upgrades become the main way to do so. Here’s what you should know about upgrades for your RV and how to get the best RV suspension upgrades.

RV Upgrades: The Basics

Upgrades aren’t just about giving your RV a fresh coat of paint or adding a new decorative piece. They are transformative changes that can range from installing solar panels, revamping the interior layout, enhancing storage solutions, or even upgrading kitchen appliances. The scope can become wide, and depending on your preferences, needs, and the age of your RV, the upgrades can significantly improve its functionality, aesthetic, and value.

What Are the Benefits of Upgrading? 

One of the primary reasons RV owners opt for upgrades is to make their travels more comfortable. This could mean installing a better mattress, optimizing the living space for better functionality, or adding modern amenities like a more efficient air conditioning system. Just like renovating a home, upgrading an RV can boost its market value. If you ever decide to sell or trade your RV, the enhancements can offer a better return on investment.

Upgrades can also extend the lifespan of your RV. For example, updating the flooring to a more durable material or improving the insulation can prevent wear and tear, keeping your RV in top shape for years to come. More modern upgrades, such as LED lighting or solar panels, can make your RV more energy-efficient, saving on power consumption and reducing your carbon footprint.

Ultimately, these upgrades allow you to tailor the RV to your tastes. It's a way of turning a generic vehicle into a unique space that resonates with your personality and lifestyle.

Can You Afford an Upgrade?

Budget is often the deciding factor when considering any upgrade. Before jumping into the upgrade process, you should first assess your finances:

●     What is your budget for the upgrades?

●     Will the upgrades offer a return on investment?

●     Are there financing options or incentives available for particular upgrades, like solar installations?

While it's tempting to go all out and transform every corner of your RV, prioritizing the most necessary or impactful upgrades can provide the best value for money.

The Impact on Towing After an RV Upgrade

Upgrades can add extra weight to your RV, which could bring it close to or above its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). It's essential to understand this aspect since towing a vehicle or trailer behind an already heavy RV could strain the vehicle's mechanics. If you upgrade the towing hitch or add a towing package, you could enhance the towing capabilities of your RV. However, remember to always keep within the manufacturer's recommended weight limits unless you plan on upgrading your RVs suspension. Some exterior upgrades might change the aerodynamics of your RV. For instance, adding a rooftop storage box might catch more wind, which could affect stability when towing.

Storage Enhancements Through Upgrades

Modern cabinetry and space-saving furniture can optimize the use of available space, providing you with more storage options without sacrificing your living area. Upgrades like roof-mounted storage or bike racks can significantly increase your storage capacity. However, it's essential to account for these when considering total weight and balance. Some innovative upgrades focus on utilizing hidden spaces within the RV. Under the bed, inside benches, or even in-floor storage can be added to stow away items without clutter.

The Reliability Quotient: Are Upgraded RVs More Dependable?

New Equipment

Installing newer, modern equipment could mean fewer breakdowns compared to older, worn-out components. For instance, a new fridge or air conditioner might be more reliable than an aged model.

Installation Quality

The reliability of upgrades often hinges on the quality of installation. Professional installations ensure the upgrades function correctly and last longer.

Maintenance

Upgrades may require new maintenance routines or specific care. Being aware and following through with these can enhance the reliability of your upgraded components.

People often have numerous complaints about their campers and trailers once they get them on the road, including:

• Poor wind resistance, or a tendency to tip
• Lower than expected cargo weight limits
• Fishtailing too often on the road
• Easily damaged tires

Any of these could put a real damper on your camping weekend. In a worst-case scenario, they can be downright dangerous, such as if wind pushes the camper around too easily. Fortunately, a good RV repair shop can install upgrades that will make your camper or trailer much easier to drive, allowing you to have stress-free outdoor adventures!

In particular, we recommend:

Improved shackle kits

When people think about suspension, they usually only focus on the suspension/springs themselves - but these components are only as strong as the connectors attaching them to the trailer. Unfortunately, those connectors are often quite poor, such as using thin 1/4" brackets and plastic brushings which will wear out quickly.

A better set of shackles, such as from Morryde, will make the fifth wheel suspension far more reliable. With thicker brackets, sturdy copper brushings, and better bolts holding them together, your suspension will be able to handle a lot more trouble.

Better tires

We can virtually guarantee that the stock tires on your trailer aren't going to be ready for heavy-duty action. Often, they're bottom-barrel Chinese imports that are barely able to handle highway driving, much less anything more challenging. Better tires will add stability, reduce slipping or fishtailing, and make for a much more enjoyable drive.

RV Shop Repair & More

Mainline RV & Truck Service is one of the top RV repair shops east of the Appalachians - and we're the preferred installer and distributor of top-quality SuperSteer products across the East Coast. With over 35 years of experience, we know how to make your RV run better. Contact us to learn more!

Mainline RV & Truck Service: Your Destination for RV Suspension Upgrades and More

For those contemplating an upgrade, especially when it comes to suspension, Mainline RV & Truck Service is your go-to expert. With a proven track record, we provide top-notch RV suspension upgrades and offer guidance to keep your RV serving you reliably on all your adventures. Contact us to schedule a service for RV suspension upgrades today.