RV Running Gear Maintenance & Troubleshooting

This section covers the suspension, wheel bearings, and related components of travel trailer and fifth wheel running gear.

Motor homes are not covered in this area — motor home chassis are basically "trucks" and beyond the scope of an owner maintenance manual.

Axles & Suspension

• Lowering the Axles – Adjusting trailer axle heights to improve ground clearance or leveling.
• RV Suspension and Alignment – Understanding leaf springs, equalizers, and keeping trailer axles properly aligned.
• RV Trailer Suspension Bushings – Inspecting and replacing worn nylon and bronze spring bushings.

Bearings & Brakes

• Servicing Trailer Bearings – Step-by-step instructions for repacking, inspecting, and greasing wheel bearings.
• Trailer Bearings – Overview of bearing components, seals, and routine inspection intervals.
• Trailer Brakes – Troubleshooting, adjusting, and maintaining 12V electric trailer brake shoes and drums.

Hitches & Towing

• RV Hitch Rating – Understanding hitch classes, tongue weight limits, and gross towing capacities.
• RV Hitch Safety – Essential safety checks, coupler pins, and safety chain setups before towing.
• RV Hitch - Weight Distributing – How weight distribution hitches and sway control bars level your tow vehicle setup.
• RV Towing – Driving tips, turning radiuses, and tow vehicle setup for safer highway travel.
• RV Towing Regulations – State and provincial guidelines for brake controllers, safety equipment, and towing limits.

Tires & Wheels

• RV Tires – Understanding trailer tire construction, speed ratings, and pressure maintenance.
• RV Tire Dryrot – Identifying sidewall cracking, UV damage, and knowing when to replace old tires.
• RV Tire Load Range – Reading tire ply ratings and matching load ranges to your trailer's weight.
• RV Tire Protection – Best practices using tire covers and parking pads to prevent weather deterioration.
• RV Wheel Chocks – Choosing and setting effective wheel chocks to stabilize your rig at campsites.
• RV Wheel Nut Torque – Correct torque specs and tightening patterns to keep lug nuts from loosening.