S2RV Chassis Steering and Suspension Explained

S2RV Chassis Steering and Suspension Explained

S2RV Chassis Steering and Suspension Explained

Answers to the Most Common Questions and the Upgrades That Make the Biggest Difference.

Person explaining vehicle components next to S2RV tires and chassis.

The Freightliner S2RV chassis is a popular foundation for Super C motorhomes thanks to its commercial grade strength, proven powertrain, and durability. However, like most RV chassis, it is designed to meet baseline requirements rather than to optimize ride quality, handling, or driver confidence.

 

If you own a Super C built on the S2RV chassis or you are comparing it to the Freightliner M2, understanding how the steering and suspension systems are designed will help you make better decisions about comfort, control, and safety.

 

Below is a detailed Q&A-style breakdown of the S2RV chassis, explaining what comes from the factory, how it differs from the M2, and which upgrades deliver the most meaningful improvements.

 

What engine comes on the Freightliner S2RV chassis?

 

The S2RV chassis comes standard with the Cummins 6.7 diesel engine. This engine has a long track record in commercial and RV applications and is known for reliability and durability. While the Freightliner M2 can be ordered with either the 6.7 or the larger 9 liter Cummins, the S2RV platform is limited to the 6.7 liter configuration. From a driving standpoint, engine choice plays a smaller role in overall comfort than suspension control, weight distribution, and steering stability.


What type of front suspension does the S2RV use?

 

The S2RV uses a solid front axle with a leaf spring suspension. All S2RV configurations use a two leaf spring pack. Leaf springs are durable and well suited for heavy vehicles, but they allow a certain amount of lateral axle movement due to bushing compliance and shackle movement. This lateral movement contributes to vague steering feel and delayed response, especially on uneven roads.


How good is the factory steering gear on the S2RV?

 

The factory adjustable steering gear on the S2RV is generally well built. Excessive internal play is not commonly an issue. However, steering feel is affected by more than just the steering box. Axle movement, shock control, sway, and return to center all influence how confident the coach feels at highway speeds.


Are the factory shocks on the S2RV sufficient?

 

From the factory, the S2RV is equipped with Sachs shocks. While these shocks meet minimum ride requirements, they are not designed to control the mass and motion of a fully built Super C motorhome. As miles accumulate, owners often notice increased porpoising, body motion, and harsh reactions over expansion joints.

 

Upgrading to Koni EVO shocks dramatically improves damping control and overall ride quality.

 

Front Koni EVO shock: 9905 1037

Rear Koni EVO shock: 9905 1038

 

You can learn more about these shocks and other S2RV products in our Chassis Solution Center.


Does the S2RV come with a front sway bar?

 

No. The Freightliner S2RV does not include a factory front sway bar. This is a key difference compared to many M2 configurations. Without a front sway bar, the S2RV allows more body roll during cornering, lane changes, and when encountering crosswinds or passing trucks. Adding a Roadmaster front sway bar significantly increases roll stiffness, improves steering stability, and enhances driver confidence.

 

You can learn more about this front sway bar upgrade and other S2RV products in our Chassis Solution Center.


What does a front track bar do on the S2RV chassis?

 

A front track bar controls side to side movement of the front axle. Because the S2RV uses long leaf springs, the axle can shift laterally before the steering system reacts. A front track bar keeps the axle centered under the chassis while still allowing vertical suspension movement. The result is more precise steering, better lane control, and reduced driver fatigue.

 

You can learn more about front track bar options and other S2RV products in our Chassis Solution Center.


Can steering "return to center" and straight line stability be improved?

 

Yes! - A Safe-T-Plus steering control improves steering return to center, reduces the constant need for correction, and adds an important layer of protection during a front tire blowout. You can learn more about the Safe-T-Plus steering control by clicking here. In addition, an adjustable steering trim unit allows drivers to fine-tune the steering center point while driving. This helps compensate for road crown and crosswinds without constantly fighting the steering wheel.

 

You can learn more about the steering trim unit and other S2RV products in our Chassis Solution Center.


Where is the fuel tank located on the S2RV chassis?

 

On the S2RV, the fuel tank is mounted behind the rear axle. This rear-mounted fuel location affects weight distribution. When the tank is full, weight is added behind the rear axle, which can reduce effective load on the front axle. Reduced front axle weight can lead to a lighter steering feel and reduced directional stability. This design characteristic makes front suspension and steering upgrades especially valuable on the S2RV platform.


What type of rear suspension does the S2RV use?

 

The S2RV uses Freightliner AirLiner rear air suspension with dual airbags. From the factory, it includes a 1-3/4-inch rear sway bar. This provides reasonable sway control, but larger Super C coaches often benefit from additional roll stiffness.


Is upgrading the rear sway bar worthwhile on the S2RV?

 

Yes. Upgrading to a Roadmaster two-inch rear sway bar increases roll stiffness by approximately sixty percent. This significantly reduces rear body sway and improves stability in crosswinds and during lane changes.

 

You can learn more about this rear sway bar upgrade and other S2RV products in our Chassis Solution Center.


Why are rear shocks so important on the S2RV?

 

Rear shocks are critical on air suspension systems because they control oscillation created by the airbags. The Rear Koni EVO shock: 9905 1038 was specifically engineered for the S2RV mounting geometry. Unlike earlier solutions that required spacers, this shock integrates the correct offset and delivers far stronger damping than factory shocks.

 

You can learn more about this rear shock upgrade by clicking here.


What are Motion Control Units, and how do they help?

 

Motion Control Units regulate the flow of air in and out of the rear airbags. By slowing air movement, they reduce low speed sway commonly felt when entering driveways at an angle or navigating uneven surfaces. For the S2RV chassis, the correct Motion Control Unit is the SSE5065 designed for 3/8 inch airline.

 

You can learn more about Motion Control Units and other S2RV products in our Chassis Solution Center.


Will Motion Control Units affect leveling systems?

 

On newer S2RV chassis equipped with a factory air dump valve, Motion Control Units may slightly slow the air release process during leveling. This may add a small amount of time, but the improvement in on road stability outweighs the minor adjustment during setup.


Is the Freightliner S2RV a good chassis overall?

 

Yes. The Freightliner S2RV is a strong, durable, and capable chassis. It provides an excellent foundation for a Super C motorhome. However, factory components are designed to meet baseline requirements, not to optimize ride quality or handling.

With properly selected upgrades to shocks, sway control, axle control, and steering stabilization, the S2RV can deliver a noticeably more controlled, confident, and comfortable driving experience.

 

That is the goal of every upgrade discussed here — and the reason these solutions continue to be trusted by Super C owners looking for safer and happier driving.