Do you own a caravan? Are you concerned about the level of wear and tear on your caravan suspension system? If you are wondering whether it’s time to repair or replace your caravan’s suspension system, look for the following signs:
- Accident Damage
- Too Much Bounce
- Uneven Tyre Wear
- Caravan Stands Unevenly
- Oil Stains On The Struts And Shocks
Your caravan’s suspension plays an essential role in ensuring safe and comfortable driving. In addition to absorbing the shocks caused by uneven road surfaces, the suspension system also keeps the caravan steady when cornering.
Since this important element of the caravan is made up of a variety of moving parts that are continuously subjected to a substantial weight load, it is prone to wear and tear. A damaged or worn out suspension system can expose you to unnecessary safety risks when driving and also affect the quality of the ride which is why caravan suspension maintenance is crucial.
To help you spot any issues as early as possible, here are five signs of a damaged or worn-out caravan suspension.
1). Accident Damage
Accidents normally cause extensive damage to your vehicle and caravan. If your caravan has been involved in an accident, it is recommended that you have the suspension system inspected for damage. It is best to have the axle and suspension system inspected by an expert right after the accident to keep things from getting worse – or prevent the damage from spreading to the wheels and other parts of the caravan.
2). Too Much Bounce
The suspension system is specifically designed to absorb any shocks that occur as the caravan wheels roll over various obstacles in their path. If your caravan keeps bouncing up and down excessively when moving, this is a clear sign that the suspension system is not working properly; and as such, might be in need of repair or replacement.
3). Uneven Tyre Wear
There are two main reasons why your caravan’s tyres may develop uneven wear. This may be due to the wrong tyre pressure or a damaged suspension system. If the tyres on your caravan have uneven treads, and you have double-checked the tyre pressure, you are likely looking at a damaged suspension as the main cause.
Other signs of suspension damage that you can pick up on are that when your caravan is moving, is there a rolling feeling when cornering? Furthermore, if your caravan appears to lunge forward when coming to a stop, this can be taken as an indicator of a faulty suspension.
4). Caravan Stands Unevenly
Your caravan should be able to stand evenly when parked on flat ground. If you suspect that the suspension system is damaged, try parking the caravan over a flat even surface and check whether it stands evenly. If the caravan is slanting towards one side, then it is highly likely that the suspension system is worn out or damaged; and, in need of repairs.
5). Oil Stained Struts And Shocks
A quick visual check assessment of your caravan’s suspension system will reveal any signs of damage. If you spot any oil stains around the shocks or struts, it is likely that there is a fluid leak. This is a clear sign of suspension system damage that should be fixed as soon as possible.
Summary
Your caravan’s suspension system doesn’t just act as a link between the tyres and the chassis. It has an essential role to play in the safe and comfortable operation of the caravan. If you think that your caravan suspension is in need of repair, but are not sure, use the above signs to ascertain whether you need to have it repaired before taking it on your next adventure.
Please call us at Alpha Suspensions today on 03 7009 2660 and get a free quote for any on or off-road caravan suspension requirements you may have or you can leave an inquiry.
