Join me “In The RV Shop” as I reply to a question that was asked in our Grand Design RV Facebook group about RV suspension.
“Hey, Dustin. We own a Grand Design RV and recently we had our shackle link break while traveling with our fifth wheel. We are in the process of getting it repaired, but for future reference, what maintenance is required on a RV fifth wheel suspension system?”
Here was my response: “Hey there! First off, sorry to hear about the shackle link issue—definitely not something you want to deal with while on the road. It’s great that you’re getting it repaired, and thinking ahead about maintenance is key to preventing future problems.
“From what I see in the picture provided, it looks like you have a dry shackle bolt standard system. I don’t see a wet bolt system that requires grease through a zerk bolt, so most likely this failure occurred because the nylon bushing wore out and then started to wear on the shackle bolt and spring hanger. This would have caused play in the shackle bolt to the shackle links themselves causing it to oblong the link, thus over time causing them to break, as in the above picture.”
What can be done going forward?
For maintaining your fifth wheel RV suspension system, here’s what you should keep in mind:
1. Regular inspections
- Shackles and pins: Check these regularly for any signs of wear, cracks, or rust. These parts take a lot of stress, so catching issues early can save you a lot of trouble down the road. You might want to upgrade to a wet bolts heavy duty system like the Dexter E-Z Flex suspension kit.
- Leaf springs: Inspect for any cracks, rust, or sagging. If anything looks off, it’s time to replace them.
- Shock absorbers: Make sure there are no leaks and that they’re functioning properly. If the ride starts feeling too bouncy, that’s a sign your shocks might be worn out.
2. Lubrication
- Moving parts: Lubricate all the moving parts in the suspension system regularly. It helps keep everything moving smoothly and prevents rust.
- Hardware: Applying anti-seize lubricant to bolts and nuts will help keep them from seizing up, especially if you’re traveling in areas with a lot of moisture or salt.
3. Tire maintenance
- Proper inflation: Keeping your tires at the correct pressure is essential. Over- or under-inflated tires can lead to uneven wear on your suspension.
- Tire condition: Check your tires regularly for wear and tear. Worn-out tires can impact the performance of your suspension.
4. Load distribution
- Even weight distribution: Make sure your load is balanced. Uneven weight can put extra strain on one side of the suspension, leading to premature wear.
- Don’t overload: Stick to your RV’s weight limits. Overloading can cause serious damage to your suspension.
5. Hardware tightening
- Periodic checks: With all the vibrations from towing, bolts and nuts can loosen over time. Regularly check and tighten all the suspension hardware to the manufacturer’s torque specs. Here is a recommended torque wrench.
6. Professional inspections
- Annual checkups: It’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at your suspension system once a year. They can spot issues you might miss.
- After an incident: If you’ve had a problem, like with your shackle link, have everything checked out to make sure no other components are damaged.
7. General tips
- Smooth driving: Try to avoid sharp turns or sudden stops. These can put extra stress on the suspension.
- Keep an ear out: If you hear any unusual noises or feel something off while towing, it’s worth investigating right away.
By keeping up with these maintenance tasks, you’ll help ensure that your fifth wheel RV’s suspension stays in good shape and that you avoid any unexpected surprises on the road.
Hope this helps, and safe travels with your Grand Design RV!
Suspension kits
- Dexter K71-652-00 Complete Tandem Kit 33″
- Dexter K71-653-00 Complete Suspension Kit 35″
- Heavy Duty Trailer Shackle Kit CRE3000 or Equaflex 2.25″
More from Dustin
Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.
