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RV Suspension Upgrades: Improving Ride Comfort and Handling

RV Suspension Upgrades: Improving Ride Comfort and Handling

A smooth ride and stable handling are crucial for enjoying your RV adventures, not to mention for reducing driver fatigue and wear and tear on your rig and its contents.

While RVs are amazing machines, their stock suspension systems sometimes leave room for improvement, especially when heavily loaded or traveling on less-than-perfect roads.

That’s where suspension upgrades come in.

Today, I want to discuss some popular options for improving your RV’s ride comfort and handling, focusing on well-regarded solutions like SumoSprings and MORryde.

A comfortable ride is key to enjoying your RV. SumoSprings can reduce sway and improve stability, while MORryde’s CRE3000 or SRE4000 equalizers can significantly smooth out the ride on towables. This is a fantastic summary of why these upgrades are so beneficial.

RV Suspension Upgrades

Popular RV Suspension Upgrade Options: SumoSprings and MORryde

Let’s look at two of the leading names in RV suspension enhancement, both of which you can explore at RVupgradestore.com.

1. SumoSprings by SuperSprings International

Product Examples:

What they are: SumoSprings is a patented micro-cellular urethane product designed to enhance load-carrying ability, stabilize sway, and dampen vibration. They are not airbags, so there’s no air pressure to maintain. They work in conjunction with your existing suspension.

How they help: They provide progressive load support, meaning they offer more resistance as more weight is applied. This helps reduce sag, improve stability, and control sway. They are known for being maintenance-free and durable. I’ve heard many RVers rave about the difference SumoSprings make, particularly in reducing side-to-side rocking and improving the overall feeling of control, especially on motorhomes.

2. MORryde Suspension Systems (Primarily for Towables)

Product Examples:

What they are: MORryde is famous for its rubber shear spring suspension components, particularly their equalizers like the CRE3000 and SRE4000. These replace the stock steel equalizers in a travel trailer or fifth wheel’s leaf spring suspension.

How they help: The rubber springs in these equalizers allow for significantly more wheel travel (up to 3" for the CRE3000, up to 4" for the SRE4000) and absorb road shock much more effectively than standard equalizers. This translates to a dramatically smoother ride. You’ll notice less chucking (the fore-and-aft jerking motion), and items inside your trailer are less likely to be tossed around. The SRE4000 is often considered one of the best upgrades for ride quality on towable RVs.

MORryde also offers Independent Suspension (IS) systems, which are a more extensive upgrade but provide the ultimate in ride quality and handling for towables.


Additional Recommended Products for Suspension and Ride Comfort

If you’re looking to further enhance your RV’s ride comfort and handling, here are some trusted products that target specific issues like bounce, sag, and trailer chucking.

Whether you're driving a motorhome or towing a trailer, the right component can make a big difference in how your RV behaves on the road.

Bilstein B6 5100 Series Shock Absorber

1. Bilstein B6 5100 Series Shock Absorber

This high-performance shock is a favourite among RVers with Ford-based rigs, especially F-250/F-350 trucks and Class C motorhomes.

It offers excellent control over rough roads, reducing bounce and improving steering stability without being overly stiff. If your RV tends to pitch and dive or feel unstable on winding roads, this is a great place to start.

Buy Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber


Lippert 702096 4-Leaf Double Eye Axle Leaf Spring

2. Lippert 702096 4-Leaf Double Eye Axle Leaf Spring

Worn or flattened leaf springs can lead to sagging, rough towing, and even premature wear on other suspension components.

This heavy-duty replacement from Lippert offers a simple but effective upgrade, restoring proper ride height and load support for trailers in the 3,000 lb per axle range.

Ideal for older rigs or trailers that carry close to their max capacity.

Buy Lippert 702096 4-Leaf Double Eye Axle Leaf Spring


Rear Koni FSD Replacement Shock – RV Spartan & Powerglide Chassis

3. Rear Koni FSD Replacement Shock – RV Spartan & Powerglide Chassis

Koni’s FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shocks are a top-tier choice for Class A diesel pushers, especially those built on Spartan or Powerglide chassis.

They adjust to road conditions in real time, softening the ride over bumps while staying firm during turns or swaying conditions.

RVers often report a night-and-day improvement in comfort and control after installing these.

Buy Rear Koni FSD Replacement Shock


Curt 40047 2" RockerBall Cushion Hitch Trailer Ball

4. Curt 40047 2" RockerBall Cushion Hitch Trailer Ball

This is a clever upgrade for anyone towing a trailer with a standard ball mount. The RockerBall uses an integrated cushion to absorb shock and vibration between your trailer and tow vehicle.

It reduces the “clunk” feeling when stopping or starting and takes some of the stress off your hitch components. A subtle upgrade – but you’ll notice the difference.

Buy Curt 40047 2" RockerBall Cushion Hitch Trailer Ball


Firestone 2176 Ride-Rite Air Suspension Kit – Ford/Chevy/GMC

5. Firestone 2176 Ride-Rite Air Suspension Kit – Ford/Chevy/GMC

If your RV sags in the rear when fully loaded or towing, an airbag system like this can help level things out. Firestone’s Ride-Rite kits are reliable, durable, and adjustable – you can fine-tune the pressure based on load and road conditions. It’s also a good match for sway reduction and better braking feel, especially for trucks and vans carrying campers.

Buy Firestone 2176 Ride-Rite Air Suspension Kit


Dexter Axle K71-359-00 Heavy Duty Tandem Axle Suspension Kit

6. Dexter Axle K71-359-00 Heavy Duty Tandem Axle Suspension Kit

This kit replaces standard trailer equalizers and shackle links with beefed-up components designed for longevity and smoother travel. Ideal for tandem-axle trailers and fifth wheels, it helps reduce axle misalignment, improves wheel articulation, and absorbs more road shock. A solid all-in-one solution for trailers that see frequent use or rough terrain.

Buy Dexter Axle K71-359-00 Heavy Duty Tandem Axle Suspension Kit


Why Consider RV Suspension Upgrades?

If you’ve experienced excessive swaying in crosswinds, a jarring ride over bumps, or a general feeling of instability, you know how uncomfortable and unsettling it can be.

Stock RV suspensions are designed to handle a certain range of conditions, but adding aftermarket components can provide significant improvements in several areas:

  • Reduced Sway and Body Roll: This is especially noticeable in motorhomes and larger towables. Upgrades can make the RV feel much more planted and less susceptible to wind gusts or the turbulence from passing trucks.
  • Smoother Ride: Better absorption of shocks from bumps, potholes, and uneven road surfaces means a more comfortable experience for everyone inside and less stress on the RV’s structure and contents.
  • Improved Handling and Control: A more stable suspension can lead to more predictable handling and better driver confidence.
  • Better Load Support: Some upgrades help manage the RV’s weight more effectively, reducing sag and improving overall balance.

Suspension Upgrade Considerations

Key Considerations When Choosing Suspension Upgrades

  • RV Type: Some upgrades are specific to motorhomes (like many SumoSprings applications based on chassis type), while others are for towables (like MORryde equalizers).
  • Specific Problem You’re Trying to Solve: Are you primarily concerned with sway, a harsh ride, or load support? Different products excel in different areas.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the product is designed for your specific RV chassis (for motorhomes) or axle configuration and weight (for towables). Product listings usually provide detailed compatibility information.
  • Installation: Some upgrades, like SumoSprings, can often be a DIY project for those mechanically inclined. Others, like full MORryde IS systems or even equalizer replacements, might be better handled by a professional RV service center if you’re not comfortable with suspension work.
  • Budget: Suspension upgrades can range from a few hundred dollars for simpler components to several thousand for more comprehensive systems.

Other Potential Suspension Enhancements

While SumoSprings and MORryde are excellent, other components can also contribute to better ride and handling:

  • Upgraded Shock Absorbers: High-quality shocks (like Koni or Bilstein) can make a big difference in controlling bounce and sway, especially on motorhomes.
  • Sway Bars (Anti-Roll Bars): Thicker, heavy-duty sway bars can significantly reduce body roll on motorhomes.
  • Steering Stabilizers (Motorhomes): These help reduce steering wander and the impact of crosswinds or passing trucks.
  • Airbags (Air Helper Springs): These can provide adjustable load support and help level the RV.

Final Thoughts

Investing in suspension upgrades for your RV can transform your driving and towing experience from a tiring chore into a much more pleasant journey.

Whether it’s the added stability from SumoSprings on your motorhome or the cushioned ride from a MORryde equalizer system on your trailer, these enhancements contribute to safety, comfort, and peace of mind on the road.

Do your research, understand what issues you want to address, and choose quality components that are right for your RV. A smoother, more stable ride means you’ll arrive at your destination more relaxed and ready to enjoy your adventure!


I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.

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