Best RV Suspension Upgrades for 2024
Are you planning on upgrading your beloved RV but do not know where to begin?
If your looking for a camper suspension upgrade and want a smooth ride and handling then this is the info for you .
One of the best ways to achieve this is by upgrading your RV suspension system. Many self-converted vans werenāt initially designed by their manufacturers to function as home on wheels.
The heavy weights that we add to our motorhome by equipping it with all kinds of furniture to make it a liveable place can damage the vehicle.
But with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which upgrades are the best fit for your specific needs.
In this article, we’ll break down the best RV suspension upgrades and manufacturers, their pros and cons, and what you need to know before making a purchase.
Now when it comes to actually upgrading your RV or your Motorhome, there are a variety of modifications that you can make to your existing suspension system. In this article, we want to introduce you to some of the main ones so you can decide for yourself which upgrade option is best suited for your RV and your current situation, and budget.
Some of these options are more budget-friendly DIY upgrades while others are a bit more costly and are better off being installed by a specialist.Ā
“If you’re a complete newbie like me I would advise to watch all these short videos below first, just to get a better understanding of Motorhome Suspension Upgrades” .
Full credit to Practical Motorhome
Full credit to Practical Motorhome
Hopefully you understand suspension a little more in depth now .
Affiliate Disclaimer: I make a small commission if you purchase through my links in this blog post , thanks !
Types of RV Suspension Upgrades
Before we dive into the best RV suspension upgrade manufacturers, let’s first discuss the different types of upgrades available:
Shocks:
If you’re tired of feeling every bump in the road or being jostled around in your RV, upgrading your shocks can make a big difference. Shocks are a key part of your RV’s suspension system, and they work by absorbing the impact of bumps and dips in the road.
When you upgrade your RV shocks, you can expect a smoother and more stable ride, which is especially important when driving on rough terrain or uneven roads. With so many different types of shocks available, it’s important to choose the right one for your RV’s weight and suspension system.
By selecting the right shocks, you can improve the overall handling of your RV and make it more comfortable to ride in, whether you’re cruising down the highway or exploring backcountry roads. Don’t underestimate the impact that a simple upgrade to your shocks can have on your RV’s performance and your driving enjoyment!
Rubber Spring Assisters:
Rubber spring assisters are frequent modifications made to vans which are being used as homes, since most standard springs are not designed for the heavy weights of our vanlife-vehicles.
If you have a little bit of DIY background, you can insert your rubber spring assisters quite easily by yourself in the windings of the coil springs. Adding rubber spring assisters will support your vehicleās spring.
Leaf Springs:
Your RV’s springs are an essential part of its suspension system, helping to distribute weight and improve overall handling. If you have a heavy load or tow a trailer, upgrading to heavier-duty springs can significantly enhance your RV’s performance and handling.
When choosing the right springs for your RV, it’s crucial to consider factors such as its weight and suspension system. Opting for springs with the appropriate load capacity and stiffness will ensure optimal performance and stability.
Overall, paying attention to your RV’s springs and ensuring they are in good condition and properly matched to your vehicle’s weight and usage can make a significant difference in your RV’s ride quality and handling.
Air Bags:
Airbags are a great way to level out your RV and provide a smoother ride. They work by adding additional support to your existing suspension system, which helps to distribute weight more evenly and reduce bounce.
Installing airbags can also help to improve your RV’s handling and stability, especially when towing a trailer.
Sway Bars:
Do you find that your RV feels like it’s swaying and bouncing around too much when you’re driving? This can be really frustrating, especially when you’re dealing with wind or towing a trailer. But there’s a simple solution that can help improve your vehicle’s handling and stability.
Sway bars are designed to connect the suspension on each side of your RV, which helps to distribute weight more evenly and reduce sway. They’re especially important when you’re driving in windy conditions or when you’re towing a trailer, as they can help keep your RV stable and reduce the risk of accidents.
By installing a set of anti-sway bars, you can reduce body roll while turning and improve overall handling. It’s important to choose the right sway bar based on your RV’s weight and suspension system to ensure optimal performance.
If you’ve already upgraded your shock absorbers but are still feeling a lot of side-to-side sway, then adding sway bars to your suspension system can make a big difference. With these upgrades, you’ll be able to make your RV handle more like a normal vehicle, with improved stability and tracking on the road.
Coils:
Coil springs are a really important part of an RV’s suspension system. They help to make your ride smoother by absorbing the bumps and shocks that you encounter on the road. They also protect your RV’s frame from damage.
The coil springs are positioned between the frame of the RV and the axles. When you hit a bump or uneven surface, the springs compress and then bounce back, kind of like a trampoline. This helps to reduce the impact that you feel inside the RV, and can prevent jarring and shaking.
The stiffness of the coil springs is really important. It affects how your RV handles and how comfortable your ride is. So, RV manufacturers choose the right springs based on the weight of your RV and how you plan to use it. Upgrading to better-quality or custom-designed coil springs can make a big difference in how your RV handles and how comfortable your ride is.
When it comes to RV suspension upgrades, there are many manufacturers to choose from. Here are our top picks:
MorRyde:
- Pros: MorRyde is a well-respected manufacturer known for their high-quality products. Their suspension upgrades are designed to provide a smooth and stable ride, and they offer a range of products to fit different RV models.
- Cons: Some users have reported difficulty with installation, and MorRyde upgrades can be more expensive than other options on the market.
- Star Rating: 4.5/5
Roadmaster:
- Pros: Roadmaster offers a variety of suspension upgrades, including sway bars, shocks, and steering stabilizers. Their products are affordable and easy to install, and they have a good reputation in the RV community.
- Cons: Some users have reported that Roadmaster upgrades can be too stiff, which can lead to a harsher ride.
- Star Rating: 4/5
SuperSteer:
- Pros: SuperSteer offers a range of suspension upgrades designed specifically for RVs, including sway bars, shocks, and steering stabilizers. Their products are known for their quality and effectiveness in improving handling and stability.
- Cons: SuperSteer upgrades can be more expensive than other options on the market.
- Star Rating: 4.5/5
SumoSprings:
- Pros: SumoSprings are a unique type of suspension upgrade that use micro-cellular urethane foam to absorb shock and reduce bounce. They’re easy to install and don’t require any maintenance.
- Cons: Some users have reported that SumoSprings can be too firm, which can lead to a harsher ride.
- Star Rating: 4.7/5
SuperSprings International we feel is one of the best companies that cater for most vehicles on the market whether it be RV’s . 4X4/Overlanding , and Campervan and Motorhomes with out breaking the bank account.
Take a quick peek at this video
1. Sumo Springs
No lines. No leaks. No maintenance.
That means no maintenance, plus a lifetime warranty too.
Brief Product Description.
SumoSprings are a unique suspension solution that aims to boost the capacity for carrying weight, reduce swaying, and enhance the overall driving experience with greater control and comfort.
These springs are low-maintenance, require no air or compressor systems, and do not suffer from air leaks.
Available in various sizes, shapes, and densities for both front and rear applications, SumoSprings are made of a specially engineered closed-cell urethane that offers a smooth and gradual spring rate.
BLUE: The Blue variant with a density of -40 captures a greater amount of air in numerous micro-cellular bubbles, resulting in an air spring that is well-suited for light and medium-duty applications.
BLACK: The Black variant with a density of -47 achieves a balance between urethane and air bubbles to produce an air spring that is suitable for light, medium, and heavy-duty applications.
YELLOW: The Yellow variant with a density of -54 captures a lesser amount of air in its air spaces, creating a more robust air spring that is ideal for medium and heavy-duty applications.
Details/Specs
Material: micro-cellular urethane,
Dimensions : 14 x 9 x 5 inches
Weight : ā2.36 pounds
Weight Capacity: 2800 (lb.) capacity at 50% compression
Star Rating: 4.5
Product Pros
Product Cons
( 2 ) Coil Sumo Springs
A micro-cellular polyurethane that decreases vibration, stabilizes sway, and tightens up your existing factory coils.
Brief Product Description.
Coil SumoSprings are designed to improve the load leveling ability of front and rear original equipment coil springs. They are made from micro-cellular urethane, a material that offers a progressive spring rate and excellent damping properties, resulting in a cushion effect that enhances capacity and ride comfort. Installing them is a breeze, as they can simply be slid between the turns of the coil spring.
These springs are particularly useful when you need to enhance the front suspension of your vehicle to accommodate added weight, such as a snow plow, winch, or bumper. In fact, Coil SumoSprings have been tested and proven to increase the capacity of coil springs by 15% to 30%, providing a budget-friendly way to improve your suspension.
Whether you need to carry camping gear in a mini van, transport a bike rack on a sedan, or replace the bumper on your truck, Coil SumoSprings are a great solution for adding capacity. Don’t let worn-out coil springs compromise your ride quality ā give your suspension the boost it needs with Coil SumoSprings.
Details/Specs
Material: micro-cellular urethane
Dimensions : ā11 x 8 x 5 inches
Weight : ā2.35 pounds
Weight Capacity : Coil capacity increased by 15% to 30%,
Star Rating: 4.6
Product Pros
Product Cons
( 3 ) Super Springs
Brief Product Description.
SuperSprings is a patented suspension stabilizing system that automatically adjusts to the load of vehicles equipped with rear leaf springs. This unique system is designed to level loads and reduce body roll, providing users with additional load support without compromising ride quality. SuperSprings are available in a variety of sizes to support multiple applications and are all manufactured in the USA using SAE5160H high-grade, shot-peened steel.
The installation of SuperSprings is made easier by adjustable shackles that can be customized to suit various needs, with a typical installation taking only about an hour. The shot-peened steel construction also relieves spring stress, prolonging the product’s life. In addition, SuperSprings work in tandem with the original equipment leaf spring assembly.
SuperSprings are made from SAE5160H high-grade steel, which is shot-peened to relieve spring stress and extend product life. This steel consists of 51% alloy and 60% carbon.
The SuperSprings system features a dual-roller shackle with an inner and outer roller. As the factory springs extend to the rear, the rollers facilitate movement for a smoother ride.
Details/Specs
Material: SAE 5160H high-grade steel
Dimensions : ā40 x 2.5 x 0.4 inches
Weight : ā25 pounds
Weight Capacity :
Star Rating:3.6
Product Pros
Product Cons
Pros and Cons of RV Suspension Upgrades
While RV suspension upgrades can provide many benefits, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase:
Pros
- Improved ride and handling
- Reduced sway and body roll
- Increased stability and safety
- Improved weight distribution
Cons
- Upgrades can be expensive
- Some upgrades can be challenging to install
- Some upgrades can be too stiff, leading to a harsher ride
Frequently Asked Questions:
1 Que: Do I need to upgrade my RV suspension?
Ans: It depends on your specific needs and the condition of your current suspension system.
2 Que: What trailer suspension is best?
Ans: Spring axles are by far the most popular option when it comes to trailer suspension systems. They’re inexpensive and relatively easy to maintain.
3 Que: How do I make my RV less bouncy?
Ans: The best way to stop your travel trailer from rocking is by using a combination of leveling jacks which reduce up and down motion, stabilizers that reduce side to side motion, and wheel chocks to reduce any movement of the tires.
4 Que: What suspension upgrades should I get?
Ans: The best options to upgrade your vehicle’s suspension are: Anti-Roll Bars or Sway Bars. Strut Tower Braces. Coilovers.
5 Que: Do I need to upgrade my RV suspension?
Ans: It depends on your specific needs and the condition of your current suspension system.
6 Que: Does suspension upgrade improve ride quality?
Ans: Put simply, standard suspension is good enough for most scenarios but upgraded suspension leads to all round better performance or significant improvement in the specific area you require.
7 Que: What is the most advanced suspension?
Ans: The double wishbone is one of the most sophisticated suspensions ever made and the most efficient one at flattening the bumps from the road. The double wishbone suspension consists of two A-shaped arms which look like wishbones.
8 Que: Is aftermarket suspension better than stock?
Ans: Aftermarket shocks and struts can offer several benefits, including improved handling, increased stability, and a smoother ride. If any of these things are important to you, then aftermarket shocks and struts may be the way to go
9 Que: Is coil suspension better than leaf springs?
Ans: Coil spring suspensions provide more range of suspension movement and allow the user a wider turning envelop through the suspension range than the leaf springs. Practically all high-performance applications use coil springs where possible if the budget permits.
10 Que: What is the most comfortable suspension type?
Ans: An air suspension is one the most comfortable and load bearing suspensions which is why they are used on most top of the line luxury and sports cars. Due to their load bearing capacity they are also used on many trucks and buses.
Conclusion
Well we hope this has been informative and helped to give you a better understanding of suspension and all the moving parts that make up this topic , if you haven’t already do check the videos on this blog they are short and quite informative, and if your interested in ideas for earning money while on the road check out our blog on this.
excuse the pun but smooth Travels
Written by Kimberley and Rich