travel trailer air suspension

Custom Solutions To Meet Your Needs

Dexter’s Heavy Duty, Air Suspension Systems are designed and customizable to fit your trailer’s specifications. They are engineered for simplicity, long life, and durability in capacities ranging from 20,000 - 30,000 lbs.

With over 60 years of axle design and manufacturing experience, we provide exceptional customer service and a technical field support team to support you after the purchase. Dexter’s engineering support is like no other. We create custom configurations to match your specifications.

Dexter’s Integrated Trailer Air Suspension System is a fully customizable system with over 25 styles ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 lbs. capacities. The patented fully wrapped axle connection is compatible with all of Dexter’s standard and self-steer axles for long-lasting durability.

• Optimum I-Beam style trailing arm design
• 7/8” eccentric alignment pivot connection standard

SEVERE DUTY OPTIONS:

• 1-1/8” fully welded pivot connection
• Strap, chain or cable-style down travel restraints are available

The SMART-AXL® is designed to be weight-optimized by utilizing a large diameter axle for increased strength ranging in capacities from 23,000 to 30,000 lbs. All models include camshaft enclosures and are tire inflation system ready with multiple wheel end packages.

• Short camshaft standard on top mount
• Primed or black top coat finish
• Track lengths: 71.5”, 77.5”, 83.5”, 85”
• Extreme duty thick wall axle available
• Narrow bushing for 23,000 lbs. top mount

Dexter's Loose Suspension System (LSS) offers maximum flexibility for adjusting suspension setups. The package comes without the axle installed, allowing for installation whenever and wherever needed. It offers flexibility in installation, with systems available in capacities of 23,000, 25,000, and 30,000 lbs. in Top Mount and Underslung models. It can be paired with Dexter's Smart-Steer® axles. The system utilizes industry-standard geometry and components for easy installation and maintenance. The LSS has been tested for durability to Dexter's highest standards and uses components with Dexter's ISS system.

When trailers need that extra lift axle or a custom design, Dexter can offer a selection of specialty suspensions for those requirements. We have what you need for your application, from compact designs to high-lift suspensions.

Suspension non-slider modules save you time and money. Pre-built sub-frames can also be wired and plumbed for ultimate convenience.

• (LIT-428-00) Heavy Duty Air Suspension Systems
• (LIT-428-01) Heavy Duty Air Suspension - French
• (LIT-431-00) Heavy Duty Loose Air Ride Suspension
• Heavy Duty Customization for Hardcore Applications
• How Do Heavy Duty Trailer Air Suspensions Work?

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Air Ride Trailers: A Comprehensive Guide

Alex Hodschayan April 18, 2024 RV and Travel Trailer , Towing Leave a Comment

Air ride trailers have become a popular choice among trailer owners for their enhanced suspension system, providing a smoother and more controlled towing experience. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of air ride trailers, addressing common questions and introducing an innovative alternative—SumoSprings and SumoSprings.

Understanding Air Ride Trailers

What is an air ride trailer.

An air ride trailer refers to a trailer equipped with an air suspension system. Unlike traditional leaf spring or coil spring suspensions, air ride systems use air-filled bags or springs to support the trailer and its load. The bags are inflated or deflated to adjust the ride height and provide a cushioning effect, contributing to improved ride quality and load stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How do Air Ride Trailers Work? A: Air ride trailers utilize air bags or springs that can be filled with compressed air to support the trailer’s weight. The system can be adjusted to control the ride height and absorb shocks and vibrations.
• Q: What are the Advantages of Air Ride Trailers? A: Air ride trailers offer a smoother ride, improved load stability, and the ability to adjust the suspension to different loads and road conditions.
• Q: Are Air Ride Trailers Suitable for All Types of Cargo? A: Yes, air ride trailers are versatile and suitable for various types of cargo. The adjustable suspension allows for customization based on the specific load being transported.
• Q: Do Air Ride Trailers Require Regular Maintenance? A: While air ride systems generally require less maintenance than traditional suspensions, routine checks for air leaks and proper inflation are recommended.
• Q: Can Air Ride Trailers Improve Fuel Efficiency? A: The smoother ride provided by air ride trailers may contribute to slightly improved fuel efficiency, but the impact is generally minimal.
• Q: How Do Air Ride Trailers Compare to Traditional Leaf Spring Suspensions? A: Air ride trailers offer a more adjustable and smoother ride compared to traditional leaf spring suspensions. They are particularly advantageous for those seeking enhanced comfort and load stability.
• Q: Can Air Ride Trailers be Retrofitted onto Existing Trailers? A: Depending on the trailer’s design, it is possible to retrofit an air ride suspension system. However, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility and seek professional installation.
• Q: What Safety Considerations are Associated with Air Ride Trailers? A: Safety considerations include proper installation, routine maintenance, and adherence to weight limits. Regular checks for air leaks and proper inflation are essential.
• Q: Are Air Ride Trailers Legal in All Regions? A: Air ride trailers are generally legal, but specific regulations may vary by region. It’s important to check local laws to ensure compliance.

SumoSprings: The Superior Alternative

Introducing SumoSprings , an innovative alternative to traditional air bags for trailers. Here’s why they stand out:

• Cost Advantage: SumoSprings are often more cost-effective than air ride systems, providing a budget-friendly option for trailer owners.
• Lack of Maintenance: Unlike air ride systems that may require periodic checks for leaks and proper inflation, SumoSprings are low-maintenance, requiring minimal attention.
• Improved Ride Quality: SumoSprings are designed to provide a smooth and controlled ride, enhancing overall towing comfort.

Finding the Right Application for Your Trailer

Air ride trailers offer an advanced suspension solution for those seeking an improved towing experience. However, SumoSprings present a compelling alternative with a cost advantage, minimal maintenance requirements, and enhanced ride quality. Consider your specific towing needs and preferences when choosing the right suspension system for your trailer.

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Lippert Center Point Air-Ride RV Suspension System with Tandem Axle Configuration for Road Shock/Vibration Absorption and Improved Braking Distance on Travel Trailers - 1565391

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Purchase options and add-ons

• SMOOTHER RIDE - Dampens road shock and trailer sway for a smoother, more comfortable ride
• ADDED PROTECTION - Helps eliminate trailer and cargo damage caused by road shock and vibration
• EASY UPGRADE - Dampens road shock more effectively than torsion axles
• BRAKING SAFETY - Dramatically improves braking distance in panic stops
• COMPATIBILITY - This kit is available for RVs with tandem or triple trailer axles

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Whether you’re on the road or on the water, Lippert is committed to supplying premium RV, towing, and marine products designed to enhance all of your outdoor recreation adventures. Our team is dedicated to always thinking about your next journey — pushing the possibilities of our products and services, all to better your time spent outdoors, whenever, wherever, for years to come.

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Founded in 1956 by Larry Lippert, the company began as a galvanized and aluminum roofing business for the manufactured housing industry. Today, Lippert has evolved into an industry leader of premium components to the recreational vehicle, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries.

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Axles & suspension.

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Our wide variety of axle and suspension products and replacement parts help you enjoy a smoother, safer and more comfortable experience on the open road.

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Eliminate road shock and improve your trailer's braking efficiency with the Center Point air-ride suspension system from Lippert™. This suspension system is designed to dampen road shock more effectively than torsion axles — giving you a smoother, more comfortable ride in your RV. By absorbing road shock, the Center Point can also help prevent damage to your RV and your cargo that can be caused by the impact of trailer movement.This kit is available for RVs with tandem or triple trailer axles. It also comes with all necessary mounting and installation hardware for an easy, DIY install that will have you back on the road in no time.Whether you’re on the road or on the water, Lippert supplies a broad array of premium RV, towing, and marine products designed to enhance all of your recreational pursuits. Our team is committed to always thinking about your next journey — pushing the possibilities of our products and services, all to better your time spent outdoors, whenever, wherever, for years to come.

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STi Air Ride Trailer Suspension

Enjoy ultimate handling and ride quality with our completely custom trailer suspension.

Experience superior handling & a soft, stable ride with our completely custom trailer suspension

Enjoy a soft, stable ride on a durable suspension with the STi Air Ride trailer suspension. Featuring a fully independent wheel design, this suspension offers you superior handling and ride control.

STi Air Ride is a completely custom-built application — perfect for unique trailer designs that won’t work with standard solutions, certain fragile cargo like horse trailers, or trailers needing heavier payload capacity.

Need more space for cargo? You’ll love the Cargo-Max system. This patented brake and rim design gives more room between the wheel wells, allowing you extra cargo space.

Wait, did you say air ?

Did “air ride” make you do a double take? We get it. Many of our Timbren product lines for vehicles and trailers serve as air bag alternatives — relying instead on the power of our Aeon® rubber spring technology to create safe, stable rides for towing and hauling.

But some hauls call for an air ride system. Like when you’re towing fragile cargo.

The addition of air components makes for a stronger, more durable system, creating a smoother ride for your weightier applications.

See our suspension in action

SEE THE STi AIR RIDE TRAILER SUSPENSION IN USE

See how the STi Air Ride trailer suspension operates on the road.

What an improvement. Can’t say enough about it. Makes the whole rig run better. Steve C. (Sundry Racing)

A COMPLETELY CUSTOM TRAILER SUSPENSION

As a completely custom design, there’s no need to worry about ill-fitting components that don’t match your existing trailer.

The patented technology of STi’s independent suspension delivers superior ride control, side-to-side load leveling, and axle-to-axle load distribution.

Increase the interior cargo space with Cargo-Max. STi’s patented brake and rim design allows more space between the interior fender wells of the trailer.

Enjoy the same level ride, no matter your changing cargo loads. The combination of height control valves and consistent PSI in the air springs ensures a constant ride height.

Tow heavy loads with the 7,000 – 12,000 lb capacity of STi.

Rigid axle suspensions can cause uneven tire wear. When one wheel bounces, the entire axle tilts, causing the opposite wheel to lean inward or outward, leading to more wear. However, wheels of an independent suspension system, like STi, maintain better contact on uneven surfaces, allowing for more even tire wear and longer tire, wheel, and bearing life.

Need a suspension suited for towing fragile cargo ?

When you’re towing fragile cargo, like horses or electronic equipment, you need the smoothest ride possible.

As the strongest air ride system on the market, the Dakota Air trailer suspension offers ultra smooth ride quality, while its durable design matches the extreme demands of a construction trailer.

Interested in the STi Air Ride trailer suspension ?

Please fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch with next steps within 1 – 2 business days.

As a custom trailer suspension, there is generally a 4 – 6 week turnaround from when the order is placed to when you will receive your order.

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Learning Center > Trailer Options > Axles & Suspension > Trailer Suspension Systems

Axles & Suspension

Trailer suspension systems.

Published April 2, 2024

Pulling a trailer with the right suspension system for your application can make a considerable difference in ride quality and your overall user experience. Diamond C offers multiple premium suspension systems alongside our LIPPERT TRAILER AXLES to give you peace of mind while hauling and ensure your trailer lasts longer with less overall maintenance needed.

Picking which type of suspension system to include with your trailer is a very important decision, and varies based on which type of trailer you require for the job and what you are planning to haul. The correct trailer suspension gives you a smoother ride and protects your trailer and cargo by absorbing shock from bumps and dips on the road.

We offer 4 quality types of trailer suspension:

Leaf Spring Suspension

Torsion suspension, heavy duty adjustable suspension, air ride suspension.

Keep reading to learn more about Diamond C’s trailer suspensions and which one is right for you.

( Prefer to watch instead of read? No problem – check out this informative video below from our very own Jacob Crabb, and watch and follow along as he shows several of our models up close equipped with various suspension options and gives tips about which type to choose for your specific application).

Leaf spring suspension is arguably the most common and cost effective type of trailer suspension.

This suspension design is made up of a series of curved springs (leaves) that are stacked and attached to the underside of the trailer’s axle using hangers and U-bolts. The leaf springs in this suspension system function as shock absorbers – they flex and release when you hit bumps and rougher roads, which provides you with a smoother ride.

Tandem and triple axle trailers feature an equalizer, which sits in-between the axles and links the springs together. These equalizers float to help transfer energy from one axle to another, especially while going over bumps to help soften the impact.

Leaf Spring Suspension Highlights:

• More budget-friendly to purchase than other suspension systems
• Tried and true classic technology
• 6-Year LIPPERT Warranty

We offer a few different varieties depending on which axles the trailer has:

3.5K Axles : 4-Leaf 5.2K & 6K Axles : 5-Leaf Slipper 7K & 8K Axles 6-Leaf Slipper

Torsion suspension provides many benefits in overall design and function than a traditional spring suspension. The unique design of the Torsion axles includes a rubber torsion arm system that is self-contained within the axle tube, which then directly attaches to the trailer frame. The result is a far smoother ride, with less overall wear and tear on your trailer over the years.

The Torsion system uses a heat-treated solid steel inner bar that is surrounded by 4 flexible rubber cords . The wheel hub spindle is attached directly the the Torsion arm, which in turn is connected to the rubber-encased Torsion bar. As your trailer encounters bumps in the road, the up and down movement of the wheels causes the inner Torsion bar to twist back and forth. This rotating movement is simultaneously dampened and cushioned by the surrounding rubber cords, which provides superior shock absorption and gives you an ultra-smooth ride.

Torsion Suspension Highlights:

• The rubber cushioning from the 4 flexible cords eliminates all metal-to-metal contact and provides superior shock absorption
• Durable heat-treated solid steel inner rotating Torsion bar
• Independent wheel suspension allows each wheel to move separately from the others as needed
• Quieter ride than spring suspension
• Less overall maintenance and repairs required due to one-piece design
• 11-Year LIPPERT Warranty

Availability

We offer Torsion suspension axles as an available upgrade on most of our CAR HAULERS , EQUIPMENT trailers, single wheel GOOSENECK trailers, and heavy duty series of DUMP trailers.

This suspension system is a popular upgrade among our heavier duty dual wheel GOOSENECK , PINTLE HITCH , and STEP DECK trailer models.

The Hutch Series 9700 heavy duty adjustable suspension system takes the traditional leaf spring suspension design a step further by adding several key features:

• Easily adjustable torque arm screws
• A maintenance free fastening system
• “Million Mile Rocker Bushing” – eliminates bushing fatigue and failure

All our 16K axle equipped trailers come standard with this heavy duty adjustable suspension, including our flagship gooseneck model FMAX216 , heavy duty pintle hitch model PX216 , step deck model SDX216 , and our dual tandem gooseneck dump model WDT (with 30K GVWR package selected).

For a smoother, quieter ride, extended trailer life, & higher rates per mile, outfit your trailer with our top-of-the-line Air Ride trailer suspension upgrade from Cush.

Air Ride Suspension utilizes airbags on each axle made from a durable polyurethane and rubber material. Dual compressors pump air into each flexible bag, enabling them to absorb bumps and vibrations much more efficiently than on a traditional spring suspension system. While spring suspensions tend to compress and release the energy from bumps into your trailer frame and cargo, Air Ride suspension absorbs the energy under the frame before it even reaches your trailer body.

We are proud to offer this premium suspension system on most of our  GOOSENECK ,  PINTLE , and  STEP DECK  trailers as an available add-on. Air Ride suspension is a very popular option for HOT SHOT trailer owners who regularly haul uneven loads across long distances.

Benefits of Air Ride Suspension:

• Ride Quality & Cargo Protection: Smoother, quieter ride & reduced push-pull lessens fatigue of the driver & protects cargo being hauled.
• Reduces Wear & Tear: Less trailer bouncing extends the life of your trailer.
• Warranty: Offers warranty against any manufacturing defects, giving your customers confidence on the road.
• Front Lift Axle: This unique included feature saves tire wear & fuel consumption on empty hauls.
• More per mile: Air Ride allows you to net higher rates per mile hauling loads not allowed with standard suspension.

The Air Ride Package includes dual compressors, one 10V 5amp charger, and dual Group 27 continental  BATTERIES .

For a more in-depth guide into this custom Cush Air Ride trailer system, READ OUR COMPLETE GUIDE HERE .

Build Your Own Trailer

We offer a robust lineup of premium trailers – ranging from CAR HAULERS and DUMP trailers all the way to heavy duty EQUIPMENT , flatbed GOOSENECK , and STEP DECK models. All of our trailers come standard with one of these quality suspension systems, with many opportunities to upgrade on our trailer configurator.

Contact your NEAREST DIAMOND C TRAILER DEALER to view available inventory, or click below to view and price all of our trailer models.

Lippert Axles

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Lippert provides an ultra-high-quality product, utilizing state-of-the-art robotic welders to ensure the highest precision and quality on every axle.

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Published July 18, 2023

We offer 3 types of brakes: electric drum, hydraulic drum, and hydraulic disc. Check these tips for choosing the correct option for your trailer.

Hot Shot Trailers

Published February 15, 2023

Hot shot trailer users demand durability and versatility from their equipment, and our trailers are definitely up to the task.

Concepts Of Trailer Air Suspension

If you are looking for something a little different in trailer suspension, one good approach is air.  It is a little off the beaten path, but not too far, and there is a lot of support for doing it.  For a smooth riding trailer suspension, air can do it, but there are some things to know.

If “Air Ride” is so good, why don’t we see it more?

While standard air systems exist for over-the-road trucks, the standards are less complete and less available for smaller trailers.  That means some cobbling and job specific adaptation is usually part of it for DIY.

Yes, you have seen labels on the back of U-Haul trucks and you have probably seen the large, airbags under over-the-road trucks.  But, is that really an option for smaller trailers?  The answer, of course, is Yes.  Trailer air suspension is an option, and a good one, but there are definitely things to consider.

Trailer Axle Options

We often characterize trailer axles by their suspension.  The most common types are leaf springs and rubber torsion.  We discuss both in detail in our Trailer Axles 101 article.  But, don’t constrain your thinking with just those paradigms.  There are more axle styles, and more ways to use those same axles.

One example.  A typical leaf spring setup has a beam axle which attaches to leaf springs.  Interestingly, the Timbren Silent Ride system uses the same axles (but without the leaf springs) for a very different suspension.  So, as we consider concepts, don’t completely disregard traditions.  Often it is good to leverage the strengths of the old systems as we create something new – like the Twin Torsion Walking Beam .

The point?  Since easily available, off-the-shelf, or ‘standard’ systems are not generally available for smaller trailers, we must get creative.  Be willing to think outside the norms if you want an air ride trailer suspension.

A Word About Context

When we talk about axles, we must think in context.  For instance, single axles do a fairly simple job.  Tandem or triple axles do something similar, but must work together to safely accomplish the task.  Obviously, what works well for a single axle, might not work so well with multiple axles, or the other way around.

The concepts of independent suspension fit in this discussion of context.  Independent is great for cars, but does not work the same for trailers.  (Read the article about torsion axles in tandem (or triple) explaining why.)

To illustrate context, here is a silly example.  While the single beam axle with leaf springs works fine solo, walking beam systems (like the Silent Ride – image above) don’t really work with a single axle.  If that seems obvious and silly, it means you are getting the point of context.

So, what about air?  Did you know that almost all trailers use a form of air suspension?  Yes, tires are a part of the suspension, which are usually (hopefully) full of air.  Since they are typically high pressure and low displacement, tires make a pretty small contribution.  However, they do a great job of taking up minor road irregularities.  (Before you laugh, try using all steel wheels – like a train – and you will quickly feel a difference.)

Trailer Air Suspension

While it is convenient to classify axles by their suspension, it also constrains our thinking.  The concept of air ride just means we use air, in part, to suspend the trailer.  This can be air bags, or air cylinders, or something else.  Perhaps for a single wheel, a full axle, or multiple axles.  There are so many ways to implement it.

For purposes of this article, I won’t go into detail on mechanisms.  They vary from single axle systems to raise and lower the whole trailer, to multiple axle systems designed with air to equally and consistently share the load.  Search YouTube for Trailer Air Suspension and you will find a lot of good ideas.

What Are The Advantages of Trailer Air Suspension?

• First , Air can provide a very smooth ride – not only for the trailer, but for the tow vehicle as well.  Because air compresses and moves so easily, air suspension for a trailer can give an awesome ride.  With one axle or many, the ride can be superior.
• Second , excellent multi-axle load sharing is very attractive.  With the right setup, the load stays exactly the same for every wheel – even over roadway undulations.
• Third for many, the ability to adjust ride height, and suspension forces for various loads is really cool.
• Fourth , Air can’t really transfer shock loads, it acts as a compressible buffer.  The result is a nicer ride, AND reducing strain on other components.
• Fifth , for multiple axles, the axle spacing is not a restriction.  They can be closer or farther and it does not matter.

That is a nice list of advantages.  However, Air suspension for a trailer is not for everyone.

Unfortunately, There Are Some Barriers

• Implementation .  The mechanisms are not as simple as leaf springs or torsion axles.  They also take up significant space where others do not.  Finally, air systems require extras (depending on the system) like air pumps, hoses, fittings, tanks, shock absorbers, etc..
• Expense .  Without going into detail, we will just say air systems can cost a lot more than traditional.
• Maintenance .  Many of the components of an air system require care.  Air lines can leak, rubber air bags may dry rot, air may have moisture, and the list goes on.  You must also maintain proper pressure and load height based on the weight you carry.  It’s doable, but it does require more attention than other options.
• Balance .  Getting the system right for the load can be a trick.  A trailer low, wide trailer may have less problem, but a tall trailer can have tilting issues.  It’s the physics.  A softer suspension also moves more in tilt, unless some method of tilt restriction is in place.
• Damping is a must.  Air loves to compress, then bounce back, like a basketball, so air systems require damping of some sort.
• Lack of good off-the-shelf, bolt-on systems . 

While these are all important to consider, these lists are not definitive.  So much depends on the system.  Anyway, let’s leave this now and look at operation and control.

How Air Suspension Works

We will illustrate air suspension with a few examples.  Of course, there are more and less sophisticated systems for pneumatics.  Some use linkages or mechanics to achieve a specific goal.  Yet, all of these follow, in general, the basic principles, so we will use the simple illustrations.  Hopefully they are easy to understand.

Single Axle

The simple case for trailer air suspension is the single axle.  We will use this to illustrate the basic principles then apply them for more axles below.

The image shows the side view of a simple trailing arm supported by an air volume.  The axle attaches to the trailing arm.  Please ignore the simplicity of the mechanism, it is for illustration purposes only.

Air in the volume holds the weight of the trailer.  If the wheel encounters a bump, the load will momentarily, and dynamically, increase.  Inertia of the trailer resists motion up, but the wheel has no choice as it goes over the bump.  That means something must give, so with an air suspension, it means the air volume compresses taking up the difference.  The nice thing about air – it responds very quick.  (That is why it can give a soft ride.)

So, air pressure goes up momentarily as the air volume compresses, then after the bump air volume returns (pressure goes down) and everything comes back to equilibrium.  Then, the opposite occurs when the wheel drops suddenly into a hole, or off a lip.  This animation illustrates the concept.

In practice, this kind of system also needs some damping (because it responds so quickly).  Otherwise, it can be like a basketball (also air), so we often see shock absorbers in parallel.

A Quick Look At Some Physics

The images above show a single axle with an air volume “behind” the wheel.  It is further from the pivot point of the trailing arm than the axle.  This is NOT the only way.  If we move the air volume closer to the pivot point, then it changes the dynamics.

Trailers with air suspension like above need more volume and less pressure.  Or, for the same wheel travel, an air suspension with the air bag closer to the pivot needs higher pressure and lower stroke distance.  This is a leverage thing.

Both configurations work, but requirements are different, and parts required are different.  An important point for air suspension.  This is true for both single and multiple axle trailers.

For a single axle, the air volume for each wheel is closed, and independent.  They need to be the same pressure, but should not connect from left side to right side.  Check valves can allow a single air filling source, but when driving it is important to separate the pneumatics.

While flow from left to right is convenient for a transient single bump, it is a disaster in other situations – like cornering.  If flow is free from left side to right side, when the trailer is trying to tilt (like going around a corner), it will cause a much greater tilt angle.  That is true when going around a corner, and when driving, or even parking, on uneven ground.

Speaking of tilt, a softer suspension with more travel, is more prone to tip.  This is ever more important for a taller trailer.  (When the Center of Gravity is higher.)  To avoid tip-over conditions, we might need active controls, or mechanical restrictions (like torsion bars).  Either way, even for a low trailer, isolate air for the 2 sides.

Tandem Axles

So, how does action of the system change with 2 axles?  This is where things get a little more complex.

In a traditional trailer suspension (leaf springs) we use a mechanical equalizer link to balance load as one wheel goes over a bump or into a dip.  The “ Walking Beam ” does a similar thing.  To accomplish the task with air, we connect the air volumes.

Think of a tandem airbag suspension where two air volumes connect with a pipe.   As one wheel goes over a bump, pressure goes up like the single axle above, but since the two volumes connect, the air moves as well.  As one compresses the other expands and pressure is theoretically the same in both.  This distributes the trailer weight equally to both axles, and it works for bumps as well as dips.

One big advantage over the leaf spring equalizer is air compression.  Leaf springs will flex a little for bumps in the road, but the mechanical linkage makes the trailer frame rise.  On the other hand, if the connection is air (rather than mechanical), air compresses making the force not as abrupt.  In many cases, the bumps are over and gone before the trailer frame can really react.  That gives trailer air suspension a softer ride.

These two illustrations show how volume changes.  Even as one is smaller, pressure remains basically the same in both.  (Minus transient dynamics.)

Another nice advantage is axle placement.  In a typical linked system (leaf springs, walking beam, etc.) the distance between axles has limits.  With air suspension, axles can be close or farther apart.  The axles will still share load appropriately.  (For dynamics there are limitations, and you don’t want the axles far apart, but you can easily put them a little wider than normal.)

As above for single axles, it is important to isolate air flow of the right side from the left side.  Connect the right side air volumes together, and connect the left side volumes together, but keep left and right isolated from each other.  This minimizes the tipping motion from side to side.

(Note:  Mechanical linkages like torsion bars or torque tubes as implemented for many over-the-road trucks compensate for left / right isolation.  These mechanical adaptations have other benefits too, but that is beyond this article.)

In an ideal world the pipe between the 2 volumes (see the image above) will be large.  We want flow to be fast so the load balance remains consistent.  A larger pipe (or tube) will make that happen faster and smoother, but we must still deal with the “bouncing”.

Shock absorbers at each axle are a frequent add to stop the bouncing.  It is good to have free easy flow from one air volume to the next so the transitions will load share correct, however, some resistance in the system is a must.  We recommend the resistance (damping) is separate from the air simply because air is compressible and it will bounce, even if it is only a single volume.  (Think about a basketball.)

The type of damping is a good question.  How big of a shock absorber do you need?  Definitely one to allow more motion than you want for the suspension.  Add bump stops (we recommend rubber) for top and bottom so it won’t over-travel and break something.  Then, experiment with damper settings.  More damping for larger trailers.

One of the nifty benefits of trailer air suspension is the ability to expand from one to two to three or more axles easily.  The system for triple axles is about the same as for tandem axles – with the obvious addition.  Connect all the left sides, and connect all the right sides, but keep the left’s isolated from the right’s.

With more air volumes (number of axles), we need to look deeper at pathways between them.  A single air bag needs no connection.  For multiple axles, the connection between air volumes must be large enough for free air movement, but if it gets too large (fire hose), then it introduces instability.  With triple axles+, wheels go over bumps like a wave, and air from volume to volume moves the same way.

As above shock absorbers or some other damping will help keep the system stable.

Please note, using shock absorbers in this situation for damping is very much like using them with a car.  Air is active, much more so that other trailer suspension elements, so it is different that this other discussion about using shock absorbers on your trailer .

Implementing Air Suspension

Mechanisms for trailer air suspension are not as simple as leaf springs or torsion axles.  There are several things involved, and unfortunately, we currently lack good off-the-shelf solutions.  Don’t let that deter you, however, because you can certainly DIY a great solution.  Just recognize that it will take extra space and require some extra supporting elements like hoses, fittings, shock absorbers, etc..

The best source for air bags is the “Helper” air systems for pickup trucks.  There are many, made to bolt on your truck, but you can cobble them to fit a trailer.  Do some research to see what others have done.  YouTube, Forums, and more.  There are some systems you can buy, perhaps especially in Australia.  But, in the end, the implementation is usually unique for each trailer.

Considering Air For Trailer Suspension

The above is a quick overview of trailer air suspension.  It is not a complete “How To” of any sort.  The actual implementation will depend strongly on the size and capacity you desire, as well as parts available.  For instance, air ride for smaller (especially single axle) trailers is becoming quite popular in Australia, so pre-made parts are more available than in Canada or USA.  (Ex. See Cruisemaster in AU.)

Like all axle systems, the suspension must be made for the weight you wish to carry.  A heavier trailer requires different air volumes than a lighter one.  There are air bag systems, and air cylinder systems.  There are designs where the bags set horizontal, and others where the bags are vertical.  It really is up to you as the designer.

At Mechanical Elements we get questions about this often.  We do not currently have a system, though we might at some point.  The biggest design issue for trailer air suspension is the real estate it takes.  Airbags are the most forgiving in practice (they don’t have shafts to keep clean like air cylinders), but they are large is size, so they don’t fit nice and compact like springs or torsions.  We agree, the concepts are definitely inviting.

Air suspension for your trailer may well be the pinacol of smooth ride and super even weight distribution.  We love those aspects, but there are considerations.  The biggest for building is the complication and size of components.  The biggest for regular operation is maintenance.

If you are pursuing something pneumatic for your trailer, feel free to give details in the comments, or submit photos and a story to share with our readers.  We hope some of the important engineering issues we discuss above are helpful as you build.

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RV Air Ride Suspension Levels The Load And Softens The Bumps

Is it any wonder that many RV owners are less than happy with the stiff ride that their tow vehicle gives them?

This is especially true when the trailer is parked and you’re using the truck for local running around.

Air ride suspension has been around in the trucking industry for over 40 years.  In place of stiff springs, their suspension consists of a set of rubber air bladders that can be easily adjusted to handle any load.

This type of suspension can also transform your RV ride into a more comfortable and relaxing experience.

The passenger buses transporting crowds of people back and forth across the country every day are all riding on air suspension. Even some American-made luxury cars are equipped with automatic air ride suspension systems.

Here’s how to add air ride suspension to your RV trailer…

Air Ride Suspension For RV Trailers

There are a number of ways to add air ride to your existing truck or RV suspension.

Here are 4:

1.  Firestone Ride Rite is an aftermarket retrofit kit that can be installed, in addition to your existing leaf spring suspension. It consists of a set of air bladders, with their own mounting brackets, which attach to the frame and axle of your truck.  You inflate them to level out your truck when your trailer is attached. The deluxe kit comes with an on-board electric air compressor, making adjustment a simple press of the switch operation.  The less expensive kit only provides an air fitting at the back bumper.  This allows you to air-up at the local service station — quite a bit less convenient.   2.  Air ride suspension can also be added to your trailer. Adding a Kelderman Air Ride Conversion Kit will soften out those pot holes and keep your belongings secure when you’re on the road. Sometimes, the original equipment leaf springs on your chosen tow vehicle are just too stiff and rough for everyday use.  The phrase “like the truck, hate the ride” is the advertising slogan for Kelderman truck suspension systems.  Their air ride suspension conversion will completely replace your existing leaf spring system, making your rough-riding bronco a smooth-riding luxury vehicle that can be quickly pumped up for heavy loads. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});   3.   Air ride goes beyond how the load is carried on the tires of your rig though.  It can also be applied to the hitch point between truck and trailer. Air ride 5th wheel hitch pins remove more of the jarring from bad pavement out of your ride.  Trailair offers an air bladder cushioned pin box, which can replace your stock unit.  During stops and starts, or pavement irregularities, this can take make quite a difference in your towing experience.   4.  If you’ve got a Ford truck, you don’t have to accept the rigid hitch that comes with it.  The TrailerSaver air-ride hitch  gives you the convenience of the under-bed hitch system along with the comfort of a smoother, more enjoyable ride.

Are You Ready To Ride On Air?

Riding on air is the accepted way of professional truckers.  It’s been that way for over 40 years.  With a good quality air ride suspension system, you too can be cruising in comfort while towing your heavy load.  At the end of the day, your body will feel the difference.

Here are a few other manufacturers of quality air ride components.

• Pac Brake Air Suspension

This video shows a heavy-duty pickup truck with a Kelderman air suspension system installed.  It’s a bit of overkill for towing RVs, but you get the idea:

I’ve been involved in RVing for over 50 years — including camping, building, repairing, and even selling RVs and motorhomes. I’ve owned, used, and repaired almost every class and style of RV ever made. I do all of my own repair work. My other interests include cooking, living with an aging dog, and dealing with diabetic issues. If you can combine a grease monkey with a computer geek, throw in a touch of information nut and organization freak, combined with a little bit of storyteller… you’ve got a good idea of who I am. To date, I’ve shared my RV knowledge in over 300 articles here at The Fun Times Guide! Many of them have over 25K shares.

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Lift Your Saggy Rear End With Airbag Suspension Mods For RV Trailers & Fifth-Wheels

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Does your rear end sag? If so, you might need a lift. An airbag suspension lift that is. Airbag suspension for RV trailers and fifth-wheels will give you a smoother, safer ride and a better looking rear end on your tow truck.

Airbags, also called air “springs.”

Towable RVs are bigger and roomier than ever. You can take just about anything you need on the road and all your toys, but you’ll pay the price. Hitching an extremely heavy load to your tow truck changes the driving experience. The expensive, dangerous results include:

• A misaligned front end
• Excessive, uneven tire wear
• Reduced steering and breaking control

Don’t wait to encounter a hazardous driving condition when you’re towing. If you notice odd wear patterns on your tire and the rear end on your tow truck appears saggy when the RV is hitched up, it’s probably time for a tow truck suspension upgrade . The most popular is an airbag (or “air spring”) suspension mod.

Truckers have known about the benefits of “riding on air” for over 40 years, but the RV industry is just now catching on. In the past, people would add steel springs to the tow truck’s suspension to better distribute load weight. But this resulted in a rough ride when the truck wasn’t towing. Today’s air bag suspension mods are the best way that truckers, RVers, and anyone towing a trailer can enjoy superior leveling capacity and improved ride comfort. Installing air bags is a simple job you can do with few tools and just a few hours of your time.

How to choose and install an air bags kit for your truck and hitch

A kit costs less than $300

Before choosing an airbags kit you’ll need to find out which one works with your tow truck and trailer hitch. For fifth-wheels and gooseneck hitches, you want an under-frame mounted kit. Before buying anything it’s best to talk to your hitch manufacturer and truck dealer to find out which ones work with your particular set-up.

Many airbag kits like the AIR LIFT 57295 LoadLifter 5000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit don’t require tools or special expertise to get the job done. For most kits like this, you’ll only need about $300 and these tools:

• Socket wrenches
• Allen wrench set
• Screwdriver (or nutdriver)
• Drill (optional, depending on location of air fill valve)
• Air compressor

Airbag suspension mods for RV trailers and fifth-wheels require just six simple steps:

• Remove jounce bumpers
• Assemble airbags
• Mount frame brackets
• Attach bags to frame & axle
• Attach heat shield to muffler
• Install air lines & test for leaks

Automatic-leveling systems run about $500.

If your truck doesn’t have high clearance, be sure to put it on jacks. When doing so, be sure to set the jack stands as wide as possible on the axle or use lift points to avoid impeding upon the mounting bracket locations.

Sometimes airbag suspension mods for RV need fine-tuning. For example, if your ride is too rough when your trailer is detached, you might consider adding an automatic self-leveling system to your air brake system.

A kit like the SmartAir Automatic Leveling System by Air Lift uses a magnetic sensor to sense the weight of the trailer on the truck. It automatically inflates and deflates the air bags according to load weight.

Air bag suspension for RV trailers and fifth-wheels are worth the extra investment. You’ll immediately notice a difference in how your truck looks, drives and feels when braking. As a bonus, your passengers will thank you for a smoother ride.

[…] are many ways to address it, like adding a sway bar or weight distributing hitch. You can also install suspension airbags on your truck. If you have a lightweight trailer (under 5,000 pounds) and a heavy tow vehicle, try […]

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Control the air pressure in the suspension of your RV trailer with this Air1 system. With a mobile app or remote in hand, you can easily adjust your towable’s air spring pressure and ride height. A low pressure setpoint lets you quickly kneel the vehicle for easy loading and unloading.

• Suspension air pressure control
• Wireless communication with remote or mobile app
• Quick-read suspension height indicator
• Single axle air suspension system
• Mounting hardware
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Keep the air pressure in the suspension of your RV trailer within the safe zone with this Air1 suspension control. Easily add or remove air with the wireless remote or mobile app. An easy-to-read indicator signals when your trailer is in the recommended towing zone and you’re ready for travel. The Air1 can only be installed in the factory.

Control air suspension height on RV trailer

Easily check air pressure with wireless remote or mobile app

Confirm safe pressure and height zone with easy-to-read indicators

Safely exhaust pressure to kneel trailer for easy loading and unloading

MORryde Single Axle Air1 Suspension

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Best RV Suspension Upgrades For Motorhomes

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Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here .

RV suspension upgrades are more popular than some might believe. As the flexing knee of an RV, a solid suspension system is critical. Factory suspensions, give you a nice ride, but you may need an extra few pounds of towing power or want a smoother ride. The solution is often a third-party upgrade. 

That’s where LiquidSpring comes in—a smart suspension system that’s well before its time. If you’re on the fence about LiquidSpring, you need only look at how many emergency vehicles, like ambulances, make this suspension system a required component.

As some of the most important vehicles on the road, EMS vehicles are switching to LiquidSpring for a reason. 

If it’s good enough for some of the most technically sophisticated vehicles on the road—EMS, fire trucks, and a variety of other rescue vehicles—it’ll perform excellently on your Class A or C, or Super C motorhome. 

Why Upgrade Your RV Suspension?

There’s a sizeable market for suspension repair and third-party suspension system upgrades, covering everything from E-scooters to the biggest industrial trucks. The existence of that market owes its thanks to those seeking suspension upgrades, especially in the RV industry. 

As mentioned above, factory suspension systems are good, but a suspension upgrade offers several pros, including the following:

• Reduced sway
• Improved comfort
• Improved control/handling
• Increased traction and wear on your RV tires
• Moderate to heavy impact absorption
• Heavier hauling capability
• Improved towing capacity

That’s a lot of good reasons to consider RV suspension upgrades. If you like to boondock, go off-road, or tow with your motorhome, an upgraded suspension system is even more crucial. But, there are plenty of advantages for those who stick to the asphalt as well.

Common Types Of RV Suspension

LiquidSpring has had great success with its suspension system and has excellent customer reviews. However, after roughly five years on the market, the company is still growing. Their technology is a game changer in the vehicle suspension industry that’s a bit different than traditional suspension configurations.

1. Air Ride Suspension

Air suspension is the most common suspension system in diesel and gas motorhomes. It’s also the most common RV suspension upgrade for Class A motorhomes.

Think of it as a small tire with highly compressed air pumped in with a motorized pump. The air acts as the shock absorber, and the rubber bladder is strong enough to keep it all contained.

A cylindrical chamber of air doesn’t compress rapidly or easily. It’s that simplicity and efficiency that makes air suspension a natural choice. 

2. Coil Spring Suspension

If you look behind or in front of the wheels and see a large, metal coil, you know you’re dealing with a coil spring suspension system. Springs are designed to absorb shocks and vibrations.

They’re treated with heat and tempered on the manufacturing line. You may find the shock absorber inside the spring or next to it, depending on the design.

3. Leaf Spring Suspension

A leaf spring suspension system is often found on travel trailers, and you spot them centered on the axle. The design looks like several, flat bars stacked on top of one another, each one smaller than the last. 

The curve, the stacked bars, and the various reinforcements absorb impacts and vibrations on the road.

You’ll find leaf springs on Class B and some Class C motorhomes. Older model Class A motorhomes used them until air suspension became popular.

4. Torsion Axle Suspension on Towables

While leaf spring suspension systems are more common on travel trailers, torsion axle suspension systems are a close second. These systems are designed with tubes, typically triangular or square, that contain several rubber bars (Airstream uses a round bar configuration). 

The key to this suspension system is the rubber strips that surround the inner bar (The blue parts above). Each time you run over a rough patch in the road, a steel bar compresses the rubber bars within the tube. The rubber absorbs the impact or vibration, dampening it.  

Which Suspension Gives the Best Ride?

There is more to a suspension system than just the above components. There are sway bars, equalizers, U-bolts, nylon bushings, wet bolts, axle hangers, struts, and shocks. Some components coordinate with the primary suspension system. Others are secondary add-ons.

It’s difficult to say which suspension provides the best ride because there are more components than just the leaf springs, torsion axles, air rides, or coil springs.

Many aftermarket upgrades don’t involve replacing these systems. Instead, they further enhance the various components associated with them for better performance. 

Leaf springs and torsion bars are used mainly on travel trailers, while torsion axles excel on trailers and campers with low centers of gravity. 

For motorhomes, air rides are considered the best, especially when combined with a few aftermarket upgrades. Air ride suspension systems are often popular as upgrade options as well. However, they are pricey and require a higher degree of maintenance on an annual basis. 

What are the Best Aftermarket RV Suspension Upgrades?

The highest quality suspension upgrades available on the market (outside of LiquidSpring) are CRE and SRE upgrades. More specifically, SRE4000 and CRE3000. This brings us back to the fact that there is more to a suspension system than just the name (description) of the system. 

For instance, the CRE3000 and the SRE4000 are upgrades to the equalizers. Both of these suspension upgrades are manufactured by MORyde , and though the system is complicated, the installation process is fairly simplified. Outside of specific brands, several suspension upgrades maximize the system’s capabilities. 

1. Lift Kits

Lift kits provide more ground clearance while improving the deadening effects of small to moderate bumps and impacts on the highway. They’re often popular when converting to something more off-road capable.

2. Sway Bars

Designed to connect the frame to the axles, transferring the sway for the frame to the suspension system. This is an excellent upgrade for taller motorhomes and travel trailers that tend to sway far too much for comfort. 

3. Rear Coil Spring Assisters

Coil spring assisters are designed to improve rear weight capacity and assist the current suspension system, which is replaceable as well. 

4. Semi or Full Air Suspension 

Some motorhome owners opt for additional air bladders, usually in the rear of the motorhome. A complete air suspension makeover involves the replacement of the front struts with air bladders and a complete rear suspension replacement. 

What is the Best RV Suspension Upgrade?

If you want to go from a standard, factory suspension system to the best available on the market, it has to be LiquidSpring. While it’s easy enough to cover some of the best upgrades and only revolves around industry standards, LiquidSpring is new and very efficient. 

The concept, believe it or not, is very similar to air ride suspension systems, with liquid replacing the air and a microprocessor providing smarts to something that was once just a reactive technology. 

Hit a bump, and the suspension system reacts. Simple as that, right? Well, LiquidSpring takes things to the next level, with software that actively evaluates and predicts.

The liquid compression of the LiquidSpring system may or may not be superior to air, but the onboard diagnostics and automated adjustments definitely take things to the next level. 

What are LiquidSprings on an RV?

There are five parts to a LiquidSpring suspension system on an RV. The most important component is the microprocessor, where all the automation happens. The power module holds the microprocessor, and it controls the system pressure. 

The liquid-based strut is the component from which LiquidSpring gets its name. This is where all the action occurs and is the primary, patented component for the entire system. The driver interface keeps the operator informed and also allows for manual input and controls.

Last but not least, is the 5-link suspension. In short, this is wholly a reactive system. But the system combines software and driver controls into the “equation.” The suspension system is, by itself, a fantastic suspension system. With the added software and driver interface, it far exceeds everything else on the market today. 

How Does LiquidSpring Work?

Everything today is trending toward “smart.” There are smart homes, smartphones, smart TVs, smart cars, etc. LiquidSpring suspension systems are no exception. These are customized suspension systems with onboard software that adjust stiffness and damping on the fly.

The system gauges the current driving environment and makes the appropriate adjustments. LiquidSpring does this for every, individual wheel. Have you ever drifted to the side of the road and hit those tiny divots?

Those are put in place because they create a loud sound, waking drivers who have fallen asleep at the wheel. But, a LiquidSpring suspension system will make adjustments only on the wheels that hit those divots, not on the wheels still on the clean hot-top of the highway. 

The smart system makes adjustments and evaluates road conditions up to 1,000 times per second. With that level of evaluation and action, you won’t even feel the tiny little adjustments as they’re made, reducing impacts and sway. 

The entire thing isn’t automated, however, as the installed system includes a driver interface so you can make manual adjustments on the fly. From the standpoint of mechanical operation, the liquid acts as the pressure system, just like air ride suspension systems use compressed air to create pressure. 

How Much Does LiquidSpring Cost?

As a newer technology, LiquidSpring follows the same pattern as most new technologies. It’s considered a little pricey now, but the price should drop as the technology becomes easier to manufacture and more motorhomes are equipped with it. 

Right now, you should expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000. On the bright side, LiquidSpring is expanding rapidly, now installing its systems on ambulances, firetrucks, and school buses. 

Class A, Super C, and some Class C motorhomes are the primary recipients of LiquidSpring right now. A scattering of overlanding RVs and some super/heavy-duty trucks can find LiquidSpring system upgrades in their sizes as well. 

Where Can I Get LiquidSpring Suspensions Installed?

There are two ways to get a LiquidSpring Suspension System on your RV: you can purchase a motorhome with it already installed or find a local, installation dealer. It’s simple enough to find a local dealer. 

• Navigate to the LiquidSpring website, homepage
• Select the three horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner
• Select “how to buy”
• Scroll down to “find an installing dealer”
• On the next page, enter your city/state/zip code
• Select a radius

There’s also a map on the page where you enter your information. It provides a quick view of every installation location in the United States.

The technicians at these locations are exceptionally trained and certified with LiquidSpring. So you have the choice of either taking your RV to their Indiana home location or finding the closest location in your area. 

3 FAQs On LiquidSpring Suspension Systems

1. What Class Level Can I Get LiquidSpring for RVs?

Right now, the most prevalent are the Class A diesel, Class A gasser, Class C, Super C, and overlanding RVs. However, LiquidSpring is expanding quickly and is now installing its systems on emergency vehicles, fire trucks, and school buses. 

2. What RV Brands Offer LiquidSpring On Their RVs?

Multiple brands offer LiquidSpring as a factory option, rather than RV suspension upgrades. These include Tiffin Motorhomes, Fleetwood RV, Holiday Rambler, Nexus RV, and Phoenix Cruiser. You should expect that list to expand shortly. 

3. Is There a LiquidSpring Expansion for My Truck?

That depends on the truck. LiquidSpring for overlanding RVs and off-roading trucks is available. At the bottom of their homepage, you’ll find the term, “Adventure Trucks.” Scroll down, and you’ll find a self-generating list of overland truck manufacturers. There are 17 brands to check out, with a series of models for each one. 

If you have a large truck and use it to haul a fifth wheel, it’s worth contacting a LiquidSpring Representative to see if your truck qualifies for the upgrade. 

All Things Considered On RV Suspension Upgrades

LiquidSpring is a Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension System (CLASS) and a relatively new technology in the RV industry. The mechanics are similar to air ride suspension systems but with the added smart technology and onboard software to make adjustments on the fly. 

Despite its position as a new product, LiquidSpring is positioned as the best of the RV suspension upgrades for motorhomes. As LiquidSpring continues to expand, expect to see more brands and models with a LiquidSpring suspension factory option. 

If you have an older motorhome and looking to upgrade your current suspension system, LiquidSpring is an option well worth a look. 

Thomas Godwin – Author and Part-Time RVer

Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.

Thomas’s love for RVing began at an early age spending time camping in the family vintage Airstream.

His background and education in writing, combined with his passion for the outdoors, can be seen in publications such as Camper Smarts and Vanlifers, as well as multiple animal and outdoor recreational publications.

When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.

1 thought on “Best RV Suspension Upgrades For Motorhomes”

Hello Thomas, Great article on RV suspension systems. I’m currently investigating the Liquid Springs for a Forest River Class A my wife and I recently purchased. I was interested in the cost, which you addressed fully, but there is no date that I could find on your page. I’m wondering when it was composed and posted. Being a former DoD webmaster I know that while some pages can look brand new they can be several years old or older. I’m hoping you’re right and the cost for the Liquid Springs is starting to come down. Even with the cost, based on other reviews I’ve seen online, they look like the way to go. Again, this is just a small dig about the date. The page is clean, well-organized, and easy to read and understand. Keep up the good work.

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4-Season, Off-Road, Off-Grid Camper Trailer: 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review

Overlanding in the dead of winter, surrounded by snow and rarely seeing the thermometer climb into double digits , probably seems counterintuitive to the majority of RVers who tend to seek out much warmer climes. But, if you're one of those adventuresome types who enjoys everything Mother Nature has to offer and embraces four-season off-grid outings, winter camping is both exciting and invigorating - if you have the right RV.

That's where an Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 travel trailer comes into play. This 26-foot RV is one of the best couples' overlanding-type trailers built for off-grid use and extreme weather conditions, winter and summer. 

In short: The 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 has a hefty price tag and requires a big vehicle to tow it. It’s also a premium all-weather camper trailer that offers up impressive comfort. It excels at extended off-road and off-grid travel because of its state-of-the-art suspension and robust solar and battery systems.

2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195

• Length  26'1"
• Weight (Empty)  5,500 lbs.
• GVWR (Loaded)  9,920 lbs.
• Suspension  Independent w/air
• Fresh water  60 gals.
• Gray water  60 gals.
• Sleeps  3
• MSRP  $143,000
• Highest R-values in RVs (R18.75 walls/roof, R15 floor)
• 21" of ground clearance to skid plates
• Air-adjustable independent suspension (±5")
• Heated enclosed underbelly
• Dry flush toilet
• Heavy-duty chassis w/articulating hitch
• Composite side, roof, and floor
• 60-gallon fresh/gray water tanks
• Big price tag puts it in the Premium category
• GVWR requires full-size pickup/SUV for towing

Bruce Smith

2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review

The tandem-axle X195 is the product of Imperial Outdoors, owned by Nelson Industries . This Wisconsin-based company has built up a stellar reputation over decades of building custom ice-fishing houses. That expertise transferred nicely into the design and manufacturing of this rugged camp trailer - and its smaller single-axle, 21-foot twin, the XploreRV X145.

See my review of the XploreRV X145 .

XploreRV X195: Extreme Temps Rated

The X195 trailer’s body utilizes a one-piece composite roof, sides, and a floor that are nearly 3 inches thick, and that encase block foam built to withstand the rigors of extreme weather (120 to -40 degrees F). The walls and roof have an R18.75 value, while the floor is rated at R15. This design is the best insulation and heating system I've ever seen in a camp trailer of this size, a testament to its icehouse DNA. 

"We spent a lot of time designing this camper from what we learned in building high-end fish houses," says Steve Geary, Marketing Manager for Imperial Outdoors/Nelson Industries. "The block-insulated walls of our coach are almost three inches thick, so they really add to the ability to retain heat in the winter and cool in the summer.

My wife and I were amazed at how well this design kept the subfreezing temps at bay during one of our midwinter outings where the outside temps never got above 20 degrees.

The 14,300-BTU Truma Combi Eco Plus , which is both a furnace and tankless water heater, never struggled to keep the interior a cozy 72 degrees. It also made the shower water instantly hot, even when the outdoor temps hovered in the lower teens. It's an amazing piece of equipment, and so quiet you forget it's even turned on.

Windows Matter

"The one-piece composite floor and roof construction with lightweight acrylic thermopane windows (with nitrogen gas charge and built-in shades) also contribute to insulating against extreme weather conditions by reducing the opportunity for both heat and cold transfer," says Geary.

The thick window shades on the living area windows act as another level of insulation from the heat/cold of the outside, and the separate window screens let fresh air flow during warm weather without letting in pesky bugs. 

Another nice touch are the window locks in the living area that can be opened in varying degrees to cut down on the heater and A/C use. Each window has four locking latches that can be set to just crack the window open for a breath of air seeping by the seals to prevent condensation you'd get in the winter. Or, the latches can be rotated to allow the windows to open from one-third to full.

Bigger Is Better, in This Case

The 26-foot X195 is roomy and a much more comfortable setup for a couple or a family with one or two youngsters than its single-axle near-twin. The interior measures just over 19 feet long; it’s 6.5 feet wide with a ceiling height of 6 feet, 3 inches. The interior is built of composite materials and the upper cabinets have high-end latches, hinges, and support struts for the lid.

That extra 5 feet more of interior floor length than the X145 allows the use of a larger dinette/sofa to sleep a third person, and placing the full-size RV bed in front in a north-to-south orientation makes for easier access.

Across from the dinette is the galley. While the smaller X145 had a little fridge and single-burner cooktop, the X195 is much better equipped for multiday stays with a stacked 6.9-cubic-foot freezer/fridge and a dual-burner cooktop. It also has a slightly larger counter for improved prep space. 

Camper Trailer Bathroom Done Right

The bathroom in the XploreRV X195 is identical to that found in the smaller X145. It's bright and roomy for a trailer of this size. The shower easily accommodates 6-footers and has a sliding glass door to separate it from the rest of the bathroom. The sink is deep and the vanity is spacious.

When you check the specs, there's no black-water tank. That's because the XploreRV campers use the Laveo Dry Flush waterless toilet system, which is popular in the marine industry. It's a really sweet setup. We spent nearly 5 days camping off-grid and came to love the Laveo toilet for its simplicity and efficiency.

After a half-dozen or so uses of the toilet, sprinkling a little gelling agent after each deposit, the "flush" button is hit. The inside of the toilet spins around, sucks, and seals the waste that's been deposited in the shiny mylar bag, and then pulls the sealed waste downward leaving another clean, new silver bag from the replaceable cartridge in its place ready for use. Check out the process in this video .

Simple. No muss. No smell. And, no need for a black tank or an RV dump station. It's a really neat and sanitary setup for off-grid camping that negates the need for a black water tank.

Xplore X195 Trailer Offers Abundant Storage

One aspect that makes one expedition/overlanding trailer a step or two better than another is storage space - or lack thereof. The XploreRV X195 has a lot of storage in upper storage cabinets, big drawers beneath the counter, and a pull-out storage area for cookware beneath the induction cooktop. 

More interior storage is located underneath the seats at the dinette. They are large enough to keep extra bedding, backpacks , clothing, or other bulky items out of sight but within easy access. 

Outside there's an abundance of cargo brackets, grid panels, utility boxes, and accessories to bring along everything from a Hi-Lift jack and Jerry cans to mountain bikes and kayaks.

Abundant Off-Grid Electrical Power

One of the many features of the XploreRV X195 that I liked was the camper's healthy 12V GoPower solar and Expion360 LifeP04 lithium-ion battery system.

The demo model reviewed was outfitted with the optional Stage 3 three-battery (1,080aH) package and Stage 3 (1,240W) solar roof panel kit. It also had the 2,000W inverter with a monitoring panel. Upgrading the XploreRV's standard solar panel/lithium batteries to higher levels is recommended for anyone planning extended off-grid camping trips and who doesn’t want to power up a gas-powered generator. 

My wife and I spent 5 days camping off-the-grid relying only on the solar battery system under several days of overcast skies. We used the cooktop multiple times each day, kept the interior and exterior LED lights on late into the night, ran the furnace and water pump, and were still left with more than 40% power when we headed back into civilization.

Independent-Axle With Air Suspension

When it comes to towing, the XploreRV X195 (and little brother X145) sits atop a powder-coated, heavy-duty boxed-steel frame.

The trailer is also fitted with a Cruisemaster ATX Off-Road Independent Air Suspension imported from Australia. The adjustable air suspension allows up to ±5 inches of adjustment per side. At full lift, it provides 21 inches of clearance between the ground and the steel skid plates.

The skids protect the 60-gallon fresh water and gray water tanks mounted in the enclosed and heated underbelly. The plumbing and wiring of the X195 is routed well above the frame, as well. This gives those critical parts excellent protection from damage that can be caused by encounters with rocks and other large obstructions.

Also of interest to those camping way off the grid, the X195 rides on 33-inch mud-terrain tires with heavy-duty disc brakes.

XploreRV X195: A Smooth Tow

In addition to everything else under the X195 body, the frame is fitted with a Cruisemaster DO45 Plus articulating hitch that allows the trailer to swivel, pivot, and rotate separately from the tow vehicle. Most newcomers to off-road/expedition-style camping rarely consider the importance of the hitch. A standard ball-mount receiver hitch transmits a lot of jerking motion into the cab. 

The DO45 Plus hitch design greatly reduces trailer movement into the tow vehicle because it swivels and rotates with the trailer's movement, softening the tow. A DO45 Plus hitch also provides a stronger, more secure hitching system than the traditional ball-mount. 

We towed the 5,500-pound (unloaded weight) X195 behind a 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4×4 over more than 50 miles of rutted, single-track, sometimes rocky snow-covered backroads in Oregon's high desert. Never once did the trailer have an adverse affect on our ride quality or comfort.

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review: Final Thoughts

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 is a stoutly built, top-tier towable. It should hold up well through decades of challenging, overlanding/expedition-style four-season use, delivering a comfortable camping experience regardless of the season or location. 

The downside for the average outdoor enthusiast is the XploreRV X195 is also in the rarified air in cost of top-tier expedition-style towables, with a starting price of $143,000. Its price is surpassed only by the line of Australian-made tandem-axle Bruder expedition trailers. But even those don't compare when it comes to keeping the occupants comfy when temps go to the extremes of summer and winter.

Find your local Imperial Outdoors dealer and dive into the specs of the XploreRV X195 camper trailer even further.

Self-Propelled and Remote-Controlled Luxury Travel Trailer: Meet the 2025 Bowlus Rivet

With an unmistakable design the Rivet camper trailer carries the Bowlus name into new territory. While still full of luxury, this trailer drops the price of entry, enables off-road excursions, and even has a self-propulsion system on offer. Read more…

The 10 Best Camper Trailers of 2023

From solo travelers to couples, families, and groups, here are the most reliable, enjoyable camper trailers for road trips and overland adventures. Read more…

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