How the Center Point® Air-Ride Suspension System Transforms RV Travel
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As Brand Ambassadors for Lippert, Mike and Missy Cook, known as The Campoholics, are full-time RVers who sold everything to embrace life on the open road in their 2020 Grand Design Momentum. After a few years of full-time travel, they upgraded their RV with a Lippert Center Point suspension system and are thrilled to share the enhanced travel experience it has provided.
We are Mike and Missy, The Campoholics! We are full-time RVers and are currently in our fourth year of full-time RV life. We own a 2020 Grand Design Momentum 395M toy hauler and haul a SMART car in the garage during our travels. When we get to our destination, we back the SMART car out and use it to get around, saving miles on our tow vehicle, our 2019 Ford F-450.
For the past three years, we have made steps each year to improve a smoother ride for our RV. Highway conditions across the United States are not favorable for RVers. The first step was to add the CURT Air Ride™ pin box to our rig. This eliminated the “chucking” that we experienced during stop and gos. The pin box made some improvements on the interior conditions of the RV, such as items in cabinets not being thrown about, trim work not falling off, and the refrigerator staying closed during travel.
Next, we removed our stock 7K axles with drum brakes and installed Lippert 8K axles and disc brakes. This improved our braking distance and gave us the confidence to travel up and down mountainous grades with confidence. This also improved our payload capacity, along with bigger springs to manage the load.
FINALLY! This past year we installed the Lippert Center Point air-ride suspension system. This system is an affordable upgrade that fits any RVer’s budget. This is old-school tractor-trailer technology that has been engineered for any tandem or triple-axle RV. This is an excellent choice for an upgrade to smooth out the ride along America's highways. Prior to having Center Point installed, the RV did its best to absorb road shock, but damage still occurred in the form of a broken leaf spring hanger, broken spring, flat tires, uneven tire wear, items falling out of the pantry, and things thrown about in the RV.
The Center Point system is amazing. The best way I can describe it to people is when looking in the side mirrors during towing, the RV looks like it is floating down the highway. I mounted GoPro cameras on the axles, in the interior of the RV, and in the garage of our toy hauler while the SMART car was in it.
Everything is staying in its place! For example, our coffee maker does not bounce and move around. That’s right — it sits right on the counter while we are mobile. The SMART car does not “jump” around. The tire wear has improved by keeping the tires on the asphalt. Prior to Center Point, I experienced uneven tire wear due to what could be bounce on the road from leaf spring action.
Lippert installed our system at Plant 82 in Goshen, IN, and the experience was pleasant. For our triple-axle system, it took about seven hours with two Lippert techs. The facility has a “customer experience” waiting room with comfortable furniture, TV, and complimentary coffee and water. The staff at Plant 82 were very hospitable, to say the least.
I left the plant and immediately noticed a difference after I drove over our first set of railroad tracks after install. I did not feel it! I did not feel the impact of the tracks. I did not see the rig bounce up and down violently. I did not feel the energy from the impact of the tracks transfer to the truck. I was immediately happy knowing this will make a significant impact on our towing experience.
Learn More About Lippert’s Center Point Air-Ride Suspension System
FAQs About Air-Ride Suspension Systems
Q: What is an air-ride suspension system?
A: An air-ride suspension system uses air springs (also known as air bags) instead of traditional coil springs or leaf springs. This system provides a smoother and more adjustable ride by using compressed air to absorb shocks and maintain vehicle height.
Q: How does the Lippert Center Point air-ride suspension system work?
A: The Lippert Center Point air-ride suspension system uses air springs that replace traditional suspension components. The air springs are inflated or deflated to adjust the vehicle's ride height and improve ride quality.
Q: What are the benefits of air-ride suspension systems?
A: The main benefits of an air-ride suspension system include:
Improved ride comfort due to better shock absorption
Enhanced vehicle stability and handling
Adjustable ride height for different driving conditions and loads
Reduced wear and tear on the vehicle and its components
Q: Is an air-ride suspension system difficult to maintain?
A: Maintaining an air-ride suspension system can be relatively straightforward with regular checks and proper care. Key maintenance tasks include inspecting air springs for leaks or damage, ensuring the compressor and air lines are functioning properly, and keeping the system clean and free from debris.
Q: Can I install the Lippert Center Point air-ride suspension system on my vehicle myself?
A: While some mechanically inclined individuals may be able to install the system themselves, it is generally recommended to have the Lippert Center Point air-ride suspension system installed by a professional. Proper installation is crucial for ensuring the system functions correctly and safely, and a professional installer will have the expertise and tools to complete the job efficiently.
Q: How does an air-ride suspension system improve towing performance?
A: An air suspension system, like the Lippert Center Point, enhances towing performance by maintaining a consistent ride height and distributing weight more evenly. This reduces strain on the towing vehicle, improves stability, and minimizes trailer sway. The smoother ride also helps protect the cargo from bumps and vibrations, making for a safer and more comfortable towing experience.
