This document outlines common tire and suspension issues encountered with Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and provides guidance on maintenance and troubleshooting. Proper care of these critical components ensures a safe and comfortable travel experience.
Tire Problems
Tires are fundamental to RV safety and performance. Various issues can arise if not properly maintained.
Common Tire Issues- Underinflation: This is one of the most frequent problems, leading to increased fuel consumption, premature wear, and a higher risk of blowouts.
- Overinflation: While less common than underinflation, overinflation can also cause uneven wear, reduced traction, and a harsher ride.
- Uneven Wear:
- Center Wear: Often indicates overinflation.
- Shoulder Wear: Usually a sign of underinflation.
- Feathering or Scalloping: Can point to alignment issues, worn suspension components, or improper tire rotation.
- Tire Age: Even with good tread, tires degrade over time due to UV exposure and chemical changes. RV tires, in particular, should be replaced every 5-7 years, regardless of mileage.
- Sidewall Cracks: A clear indicator of aging or dry rot, significantly increasing the risk of a blowout.
- Bubbles or Bulges: These suggest internal damage to the tire's structure and are an immediate safety concern, requiring urgent replacement.
- Regular Pressure Checks: Check tire pressure before every trip and at least once a month, using a reliable tire pressure gauge. Always inflate to the manufacturer's recommended cold pressure.
- Visual Inspections: Regularly inspect tires for any signs of damage, cracks, bulges, or embedded objects.
- Tire Rotation: Follow the RV manufacturer's recommendations for tire rotation to ensure even wear.
- Weight Distribution: Ensure your RV's weight is evenly distributed and does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or individual tire load ratings.
- Storage: When storing your RV for extended periods, try to keep tires off direct sunlight and consider using tire covers.
Suspension Issues
The suspension system plays a crucial role in ride comfort, handling, and load bearing. Problems with suspension can lead to an uncomfortable ride and compromise safety.
Common Suspension Issues- Worn Shocks or Struts: Reduced dampening can lead to excessive bouncing, swaying, and poor handling, especially over bumps.
- Leaf Spring Sag: Over time, leaf springs can lose their arch, resulting in a lower ride height, reduced load capacity, and a harsher ride.
- Air Bag Leaks: RVs with air suspension systems can develop leaks in air bags or lines, causing the RV to sag on one side or lose ride height.
- Bushings and Bearings: Worn or damaged bushings in control arms and sway bars can cause clunking noises, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Alignment Problems: Misaligned wheels can lead to premature tire wear, poor handling, and a steering wheel that isn't centered.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect suspension components for signs of wear, damage, or leaks.
- Lubrication: Keep moving suspension parts adequately lubricated as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
- Professional Alignment: Have your RV's alignment checked by a professional, especially after hitting large potholes or making suspension repairs.
- Load Management: Avoid consistently overloading your RV beyond its Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) to prevent premature suspension wear.
- Air Suspension Checks: If your RV has an air suspension system, regularly check for air leaks and ensure the compressor is functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Guide
Issue | Potential Causes | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
RV pulls to one side | Uneven tire pressure, alignment issues, worn suspension components | Check tire pressure; get alignment checked; inspect suspension |
Excessive bouncing/swaying | Worn shocks/struts, overloaded RV, damaged sway bar | Inspect and replace shocks/struts; redistribute weight; inspect sway bar |
Vibrations while driving | Unbalanced tires, bent wheel, worn wheel bearings, drivetrain issues | Have tires balanced; inspect wheels for damage; check wheel bearings |
Loud noises over bumps (clunking, squeaking) | Worn bushings, loose suspension components, damaged springs | Inspect all bushings and suspension mounting points |
Tire blowout | Underinflation, overloading, tire age, road hazard | Maintain proper tire pressure; adhere to weight limits; replace old tires; avoid road hazards |
Recommended Service Schedule
Service Item | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Tire Pressure Check | Before every trip / Monthly | Use cold tire pressure recommendations |
Visual Tire Inspection | Before every trip | Look for cracks, bulges, embedded objects |
Tire Rotation | Every 6,000 - 8,000 miles | Or as recommended by RV manufacturer |
Wheel Alignment | Annually / Every 15,000 miles | Or after suspension repairs |
Suspension Component Inspection | Annually | Check shocks, springs, bushings, and air bags |
Tire Replacement | Every 5-7 years | Regardless of tread depth |