Your travel trailer or fifth wheel‘s frame, suspension, and brake system should be inspected regularly to ensure safe towing. Overlooking issues like frame cracks, worn suspension components, damaged axles, or brake wear can not only disrupt your trip—but also pose a serious safety risk to you and others on the road.
Routine preventive maintenance is the best way to protect your RV’s chassis components and avoid unexpected failures.
Safety Reminder:
If you’re planning to tow your RV down the highway, take a moment to schedule a frame and suspension inspection, along with brake system and wheel bearing maintenance—as recommended by your axle manufacturer.
Your safety—and the safety of those behind you—depends on it.
How Common Are RV Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 76,000 RV accidents occur each year.
Many of these incidents can be traced back to issues that could have been prevented with proper maintenance, inspections, and safe towing practices.
Towable RV Suspension – The Overlooked Essential
The suspension system on a travel trailer or fifth wheel is one of the most commonly overlooked components—until something goes wrong. Yet, it plays a critical role in your RV’s performance and safety.
Your towable RV’s suspension is designed to absorb road shock, keep the trailer level, provide a smoother ride, and reduce stress on your tires, frame, and interior. When suspension components wear out, the ride quality may not feel drastically different from the driver’s seat—but inside the unit, everything is shaking, bouncing, and shifting, often without your awareness.
Know Your Suspension: 7 Key Components
There are seven main components you should be aware of when it comes to RV suspension. These components can vary depending on the number of axles on your unit—single, dual, or triple axle. The good news is, in most cases, these parts are visible and easy to inspect before hitting the road.
Regularly checking your suspension system is a simple step that can prevent costly damage, ensure safer travel, and extend the life of your RV.
Breakdown sheet examples.
Axle Issues – What You Need to Know
RV and trailer axles can bend for several reasons, most commonly due to overloading. This can result from carrying excessive weight or towing your trailer out of level, which places uneven stress on the axles and suspension system.
Surprisingly, axles can also bend from minor impacts. Something as simple as hitting a curb can cause damage, especially on lighter-weight frames. In other cases, minor collisions or hitting road debris can lead to alignment issues or structural bending.
If you’ve recently been in an accident, hit an object in the road, or even just bumped a curb, it’s important to visually inspect your axles. Always take the time to crawl under your trailer and check for signs of damage, such as misalignment, visible bending, or abnormal tire wear.
Tire Wear – Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Your safety—and the safety of those behind you—is our top priority. If you notice your tires are worn down or showing abnormal wear patterns, don’t wait.
Contact your local dealer or repair shop immediately to have them inspected and replaced if necessary.
Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safe towing and preventing accidents on the road.
Suspension Inspection
The main components of towable suspension are:
- Hangers
- Leaf springs
- Equalizers
- Shackle links
- Shackle bolts and bushings
- U-Bolts/U-bolt tie plates
- Spring pads
- Axles beams
Frame Hanger Problems
The leaf spring hanger plays a crucial role by securely attaching the leaf spring to your RV’s frame. However, these hangers can experience issues such as improper welds, rust, cracks, or even breakage that causes them to detach from the frame.
Many manufacturers do not reinforce the hangers or I-beams adequately, which often leads to hanger failures. Regular inspection of these components is essential to catch any problems early and prevent potential safety hazards or costly damage.
Leaf Springs Problems
Leaf springs provide essential cushioning for your travel trailer, absorbing bumps and vibrations to ensure a smoother ride. However, leaf springs are not one-size-fits-all—different trailers require specific types and sizes to perform correctly.
Over time, leaf springs can become broken, cracked, or weakened. Factors such as rough roads, manufacturing quality, and added weight can all contribute to spring failure. Regular inspection and proper maintenance are key to preventing unexpected breakdowns and maintaining safe, comfortable towing.
New Unit Suspension Mistakes
Sometimes, we come across unexpected issues—like mismatched leaf springs on a brand new 2020 Grand Design Reflection. On this unit, we found a four-leaf spring on the front axle and a five-leaf spring on the rear axle—an unusual setup that can affect ride quality and safety.
It’s a great reminder to always inspect your suspension carefully, even on new RVs!
Equalizers Problems
Equalizer bars are an important component on tandem and triple axle trailer suspensions. They help absorb road shock and distribute the load evenly between axles, creating a smoother and safer ride.
When equalizers become worn, they can cause issues such as excessive noise, axle misalignment, and suspension walk, all of which can affect towing stability and safety. Regular inspection and maintenance of equalizer bars are essential to keep your trailer performing at its best.
Different examples of equalizers.
Equalizers can become broken, cracked, or worn over time. If your unit still uses these older components, you’re essentially driving on 1950s-era technology. Fortunately, there are many modern, enhanced products available today that can significantly improve your ride quality, stability, and overall towing experience.
Upgrading your suspension components can make a world of difference—bringing smoother handling and greater safety to your travels.
Shackle Links, Bolts and Bushings Problems
Shackle links, also known as shackle straps, connect the suspension springs to the axle hangers. Since leaf springs alone can’t handle all the movement, shackles allow the suspension system to flex properly and function smoothly.
Shackle bolts secure your trailer’s leaf springs in place, while bushings—found in both leaf springs and equalizers—act as cushions that absorb shocks and help provide a smoother ride.
Frame Cracks – A Serious Safety Concern
The presence of frame cracks in a towable RV is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. Cracks can weaken the structural integrity of your RV, creating potential safety hazards and increasing the risk of further damage.
If you suspect or notice any frame cracks, it’s essential to have your RV inspected and repaired promptly to ensure safe and reliable travel.
U-Bolts/U-Bolt Tie Plates Problems
Drive axle U-bolts are critical components that attach the axle to the vehicle’s frame through the leaf springs. They play a vital role in holding the suspension system together.
Over time, U-bolts can rust, weaken, or break, often due to other suspension issues or exposure to the elements. A damaged or broken U-bolt compromises the safety and stability of your RV, so regular inspection and timely replacement are essential.
Trailer Axle Spring Pads (Perches)
Trailer axle spring pads, also known as perches, are welded to the axle tube and provide the mounting points for the leaf springs. These components are crucial for ensuring the wheels stay properly aligned and for supporting the weight of the vehicle.
The size, type, and number of axles play a major role in determining the trailer’s load capacity and how much weight it can safely handle.
Axle Flip Examples
Flipping the axles on a travel trailer or fifth wheel can provide better ground clearance, helping to prevent scraping and protect the components located underneath your trailer. This modification is especially useful for rough or uneven terrain.
For specific details and guidance, be sure to consult your axle manufacturer before proceeding.
Wheel Bearings
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