Are you missing out on a simple DIY travel trailer suspension upgrade that can make your travel days safer and more comfortable? Upgrading your trailer's suspension is a straightforward way to enhance your adventures, offering improved ride quality, safety, and durability.
RVers are increasingly embracing DIY solutions for cost savings and custom performance enhancements, making it easier than ever to tailor your trailer suspension to meet your specific travel needs. Systems like Timbren’s Trailer Suspension Enhancement Kits deliver exceptional support and stability, ensuring you’re ready for whatever the road has in store. Keep reading to begin your journey towards smoother, worry-free travel days.
Why Upgrade Your Travel Trailer Suspension?
Travel trailer trips offer the freedom to explore, but they can also present some challenges, particularly regarding comfort and vehicle maintenance. Common issues experienced by travel trailer owners often include bumpy rides that not only make the journey uncomfortable but also contribute to excessive wear and tear on trailer parts.
By upgrading your travel trailer's suspension, you transform what used to be a rough ride into smooth towing while also enhancing your trailer's off-road capabilities. This not only makes the trip more enjoyable but also significantly reduces the stress on your vehicle and trailer components, which can lead to fewer repairs and a longer lifespan for your equipment.
Advantages & Benefits of DIY Trailer Suspension Upgrades
A DIY suspension upgrade for your travel trailer can offer numerous advantages that extend beyond just financial savings. Here’s why taking on this project can be highly beneficial:
Cost Savings
One of the most appealing aspects of RV DIY upgrades is the cost-effectiveness compared to professional installations. By handling the installation yourself, you save on labor fees and can allocate your budget toward quality components that will enhance your trailer's performance.
Customization for Specific Travel Needs
DIY travel trailer suspension enhancements allow you to tailor upgrades specifically to meet your travel demands. Whether you frequently navigate rough terrain or carry heavy loads, you can select and configure suspension components that meet your unique requirements, providing optimal performance and safety.
Increased Stability and Durability
An upgraded suspension system provides superior stability, reducing the risks associated with roll and sway. This enhancement not only makes each journey more comfortable but also extends the life of your trailer by preventing excessive strain on its components.
Reduced Wear on Trailer Components
Enhancing suspension significantly decreases wear and tear on crucial trailer parts. Improved support and load management spread stress more evenly, reducing the likelihood of damage and subsequent repair costs.
Better Towing Experience
A finely tuned suspension ensures smoother towing, resulting in greater driver confidence and control. This means less stress on your vehicle and a more enjoyable driving experience, particularly on long trips or rough roads.
What Type Of Suspension Springs Are On Your Trailer?
Understanding your existing suspension system will help you make an upgrade decision that aligns with your needs and the demands of your travels. Upgrading a leaf spring trailer axle, for instance, is far easier than increasing the capacity on a torsion axle, making it important to know what you’re working with.
Leaf Spring Trailer Axles
Also known as leaf spring suspensions, this is one of the most common and cost-effective types of trailer suspension. Its design includes a series of curved springs (or leaves) stacked and secured to the underside of the trailer's axle with hangers and U-bolts. This straightforward mechanism is favored for its durability and ease of maintenance, offering a reliable foundation for most standard travel trailers.
Torsion Trailer Axles
Torsion trailer axles are an alternative to traditional leaf spring axles. Their unique design eliminates the need for metal springs. They utilize a series of long rubber cords housed within a square tube, with the torsion arms attached to an internal core. This innovative setup provides a smoother ride and typically requires less maintenance over time.
Torsion Versus Spring Axles
Which is better, torsion or spring axles, for travel trailer suspension upgrades? Unfortunately, the answer isn't always straightforward. Torsion axles reduce road shock, delivering a more comfortable ride and requiring less maintenance, while leaf springs boast greater durability, affordability, and ease of part replacement. Consider your specific priorities and the nature of your travel adventures.
Does Your Trailer Really Need Suspension Upgrades?
If your trailer exhibits any of the following issues, it might be time to consider a trailer suspension upgrade:
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Leaning When Loaded: An unbalanced trailer can make towing uneasy and potentially hazardous, as the vehicle leans to one side when fully loaded.
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Too Much Sag & Squat: Insufficient support can cause excessive sag or squat when the trailer is hitched, damaging its components.
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Dangerous Roll & Sway: Noticing an unstable sway or rolling can jeopardize your safety, as you might struggle with maintaining control, especially on highways or winding roads.
If these issues are not addressed, towing your trailer behind your truck or SUV can put you in a very dangerous situation. Without careful and cautious driving, you risk the possibility of an accident or rollover, particularly if the trailer's load isn't properly balanced. Consider a trailer suspension upgrade to avoid this risky white-knuckling RV towing experience.
Even if your trailer's suspension appears to function correctly, adding a set of helper springs can offer valuable benefits:
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Level the Load: Helper springs ensure the weight distribution is even, preventing dangerous leanings.
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Reduce Sag and Squat: They provide additional support to counteract sagging.
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Stabilize the Trailer: Enhanced stability translates to safer and more controlled driving.
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Smoother Ride: Enjoy a more comfortable journey with reduced bumps and jolts.
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Reduce the Risk of an Accident: Overall improved handling and performance lower accident risks.
Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems can fit your trailer and significantly enhance ride quality and performance, making every journey safer and more enjoyable.
Types of Trailer Suspension Upgrades
When it comes to upgrading your trailer’s suspension, understanding the available options and their specific advantages for your individual towing situation is beneficial. Here’s a breakdown of some popular suspension upgrade choices, their benefits, and considerations for installation:
Hellwig Steel Helper Springs
Hellwig Springs provide an upgrade over traditional setups. They work with existing suspension systems to maintain vehicle levelness under load. By sitting atop the leaf springs at the rear, they counteract excessive sagging.
However, these springs are not the easiest to install, as they require dismantling the entire suspension system. This option is recommended for those who have experience working with vehicle suspensions and are prepared for a more involved installation process. Necessary tools include jack stands, a ratchet set, and plenty of time, as assistance may be needed.
Pros:
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Enhances load capacity
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Improves ride stability
Cons:
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Complex installation requiring dismantling suspension
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Installation may need professional assistance
Best for: Those carrying heavy loads on relatively smooth terrains.
Airbag Assist
Popular inflatable suspension upgrade options, such as Air Lift and Ride Rite, improve ride quality substantially by being placed between the frame and leaf spring. They are also excellent for adjusting the ride height and load distribution.
However, they do not significantly reduce roll and sway and can be quite expensive. Installation is moderately challenging, and a compressor system may be required.
Pros:
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Adjustable ride height
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Enhanced ride comfort
Cons:
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Expensive, especially with professional installation and necessary air compressor
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Limited effectiveness in reducing roll and sway
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Don’t last as long as other options
Best for: Trailers carrying varying loads that require ride height adjustments and travel across highways and city roads. Plan for a few hours for installation with air spring kits and an air compressor.
SumoSprings
Made from microcellular polyurethane foam, SumoSprings are designed for light loads and are not suitable for very cold conditions. They upgrade traditional suspension by offering lighter weight and easy adjustability, but due to material constraints, they are limited in use.
Pros:
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Softer ride
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Maintenance-free, no air lines
Cons:
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Limited to light loads
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Not suitable for extremely cold conditions
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Not as long-lasting
Best for: Light-duty trailers primarily used in moderate climates. Installation is typically DIY-friendly, using basic tools like a ratchet set.
MORryde Suspension Upgrades
MORryde offers a range of advanced suspension upgrade options that replace or complement existing travel trailer suspension systems. This simple upgrade for a travel trailer or 5th wheel includes an equa-flex steel equalizer that rocks back and forth. These suspension systems are known for their ability to tackle diverse terrains, providing smoother rides and ground isolation, but might involve a more complex installation.
Pros:
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Outstanding vibration damping
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Suitable for rugged terrains
Cons:
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Professional installation is recommended
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Can be expensive compared to simpler solutions
Best for: Trailers taken off-road and over varied terrains.
Timbren Trailer Suspension Products
Timbren offers natural rubber suspension upgrades for RVs. These upgrades reduce sag and squat, level the load, and stabilize the vehicle.
Their ease of installation makes them ideal for anyone, regardless of mechanical skill level. Timbren is a trusted name with over 50 years of development experience, and its products come with a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
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Easy to install with basic tools
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Highly durable for any condition
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Consistently enhances ride quality
Cons:
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Research or contact Timbren to find the best product for your trailer’s use
Best for: Most trailer types and load conditions, performing excellently across diverse off-road travel terrains regardless of weather. Installation takes a short time and can easily be accomplished by DIY RV owners without assistance.
Each camper suspension upgrade option has unique strengths. Your choice should be based on the type of trailer you have, the loads you typically carry, and the roads you travel on. With the right selection, you can ensure a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable journey.
Which Timbren Trailer Suspension Product Is Right For You?
Timbren offers a range of dedicated trailer suspension solutions designed to enhance every towing experience, whether you're hauling heavy loads or navigating rugged terrains. Here are two RV suspension upgrades tailored to suit different travel trailer owner needs:
Silent-Ride Trailer Suspension
If you require a robust solution for heavy towing, the Silent-Ride Trailer Suspension delivers air-like ride quality without the complexity or cost of traditional airbag systems. Its innovative design features a walking beam on a single pivot point, ensuring equal load distribution across all tires.
The Silent-Ride Trailer Suspension is the most equalized trailer suspension available. It provides a smooth and silent ride even while towing the heaviest loads. Ideal for those looking for enhanced performance over traditional torsion axles or leaf springs, the Silent-Ride can be installed as a DIY project, whether you need a single or tandem axle configuration.
Axle-Less Trailer Suspension
Are you seeking maximum ground clearance and control for off-roading? The Axle-Less Trailer Suspension is your best upgrade choice. Ideal for off-grid adventures, ATV trailering, or overland treks, this trailer suspension upgrade eliminates the traditional through axle, thus avoiding ground hang-ups.
Featuring two patented Aeon® rubber springs and a metal control arm, it ensures a smooth, quiet ride on any terrain. Its independent suspension design maintains exceptional control and stability. Installation is a straightforward DIY project requiring just a few basic tools, making it a popular choice for those eager to explore both highways and remote trails.
Enhance Your Travel Trailer’s Ride With The Right Suspension Upgrade
Upgrading your travel trailer’s suspension is more than simply an upgrade. It's a commitment to safer and more enjoyable journeys. Addressing common issues such as improper load balancing, sagging, and swaying, an upgraded suspension system not only enhances trip comfort with a smooth ride but also prolongs the life of your trailer and its components.
For those willing to take a hands-on approach, a DIY suspension kit upgrade like a Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System offers remarkable performance improvements. These systems are straightforward to install, affordable, and designed to deliver unparalleled stability and durability under various travel conditions.
With Timbren's innovative products, you can customize your trailer's suspension to perfectly match your towing needs. This ensures enhanced ride quality and reliability no matter where your adventures take you. Explore Timbren’s full range of trailer suspension products.
