Correcting an RV's handling, steering and suspension problems can be frustrating for technicians and RV owners alike.

The reason is a motorhome's suspension system can be affected by a number of variables, such as: wheel base length, overhang, wide or narrow body, appliance positioning, and different manufacturers for the chassis and the coach.

Now, a leading RV alignment shop is offering instruction in the diagnosis and repair of RV suspension systems.

Henderson's Line-Up's first Road Test Training Class was conducted this spring, and another class is scheduled for November 17 in Grants Pass, Oregon.

"Motorhome steering, chassis and suspension is such a niche that there really wasn't anyone offering training on this kind of thing," explained Robert Henderson, company owner and one of the class instructors.

"We've gone to great lengths to get to the bottom of these problems, but we also know that knowledge is terribly lacking in this field," he added. "That's why people drive all the way from Mississippi and Florida to get their work done here."

The class focuses on two of Henderson's keys to success:

• treating the suspension as a SYSTEM,
• conducting road tests before and after repair.

The two principals go hand in hand. All motorhomes brought in for alignment at Henderson's are put through a 15-mile road test over highways and country roads. The technician drives the motorhome, looking for problems with steering play, returnability, pull, ride, wander, sway, porpoising, bounce, vibration, noise, brakes, and acceleration. After the ride, the technician inspects the ride height, steering coupler, drag link, bell crank, tie rods, steering control and damper, sway bar, springs and air bags, bearing play, ball joints, shaft and bushing, shocks, driveline and exhaust.

The test drive procedure impressed the technicians at the April class. "The choice of roads was excellent," Jason Kellam of Bay Area Auto Supply in Coos Bay, Oregon, wrote in his evaluation. "Very detailed."

And Bay Area Auto Service manager John Mencarelli was impressed with what his two technicians learned. "Since returning from the class, our technicians have gone the other step in diagnosing and repairing the motorhome chassis," Mencarelli wrote. "Also, your help on the phone in getting parts in a timely fashion and suggestions has made our service department grow to help the customer and their motorhome needs. Looking forward to the follow-up class."

The seven hour class also covers:

• How the coach's axle weights (front to back and side to side) can amplify handling characteristics.
• Tips on earning customer confidence and satisfaction.
• Review of replacement parts, including steering gear, couplers, bell cranks, springs, sway bars, trac bars, shocks, tow brakes and tires.

A number of those replacement parts were designed by Henderson's Line-Up and are marketed my Henderson's under the Super Steer^® and Super Stop^® labels. They were conceived when Henderson's, which began specializing in RVs in the 1980s, realized new components were needed to correct the unique steering problems of motorhomes.

Now, after 40 years in the alignment business and 20 years in the RV niche, Henderson's is offering the knowledge its staff has accumulated through the Road Test Training Class.

"Being in business since 1961, we have made many trial and errors," said shop foreman and co-instructor John Henderson. "We want to take this opportunity to share with others what we have found to work the best for our business and customers. We want to share our experience and show how to enhance the ideal ticket and customer value for your business."

The Road Test Training Class on class A motorhomes, which also is taught by service manager Mike Bronzini, will be offered again November 17th from 8 am to 4 pm, and the cost is $110 per person. Lunch is included. Class size is limited, so early registration is recommended. Call Henderson's Line-Up at 541-479-2882 to register.