Technical Support

The pictures below represent the most common VIP SmartWheel implementations used over the years. If there is a discrepancy between the wheel photo and the number on the controller – the controller determines which troubleshooting guide to use.

There are other combinations of wheels and controllers that have been used on limited applications so if you don’t see a controller number that matches the one in your vehicle, use our contact page to let us know the make and year of your vehicle and the chassis (i.e. a 1947 Supercoach on a Roadkill chassis) and we will try to help determine which application matches yours.

Please remember that any wiring diagrams provided here are only one way of implementing the system on a given vehicle. What was done by the builder of your vehicle/chassis may vary considerably from what is shown. Always consult your builder’s information first. VIP cannot accept any responsibility for reliance on the following data but it is hoped that at a minimum it can help provide you with an understanding of how the system is supposed to function to aid in troubleshooting.

Working on the steering and/or electrical system of a vehicle can be hazardous to yourself and others and should only be performed by a properly qualified technician.

Frequently asked questions

• Where can I get parts for my SmartWheel system?

Call VIP Customer Service at 847-395-7250 for parts availability.  Parts are also available at many RV service centers or from your coach or chassis manufacturer.

• Where can I get service for my SmartWheel system?

Any RV service center should be able to work on your SmartWheel.  Wiring and diagnostic information is provided on this website.

• My SmartWheel quit working and I was told I need a new “clockspring”.  Can I get this from VIP?

The clockspring is part of the steering column and must be obtained from the coach or chassis builder.

• My coach has a plain urethane V4 SmartWheel, can the wheel be upgraded to leather?

Yes, the trim level of the wheel (urethane, leather, wood-leather) is independent of the electronics. It is relatively easy to upgrade a urethane wheel to a leather or wood-leather wheel in the same wheel series.

• I just installed an SM210 controller and everything works but the cruise control?

When replacing an SM209 or SM210 controller, jumper JP1 located next to the fuse on the new controller must be set to the same position (A, B or C) as it was in the old controller or the cruise functions may not work.

• My SmartWheel system has an SM209 controller and I just found out that it is no longer available?

The SM209 controller has been superceded by the SM210 controller. Any revision SM210 can be used to replace an SM209. They are plug compatible and no changes are required to make the substitution.  See the FAQ above about JP1.

• I’ve seen some SmartWheels with backlit controls, but mine are not lit.  Can mine be updated? 

SmartWheels installed on older steering columns cannot be backlit.  This includes all of the BK series and some of the PC series.  Starting around the year 2000 coach builders began to use a steering column with the capability to provide power to backlighting in the wheel.  Most of the PC series after 2000 or 2001 are backlit though different builders changed over at different times.  All of the V4 series and up are backlit.

• I recently started towing a trailer with my coach and now the marker light function has stopped working.

If the trailer lights were tapped directly into the coach lights, it is possible that the marker lamp circuit in the controller was overloaded.   Trailer lights must be isolated from the coach lights with relays or some other form of isolation to prevent overloading coach circuits and also to prevent any problem with the trailer lights or wiring from affecting the coach lighting.  If the controller is an SM203 thru SM210 it may have been damaged and need to be replaced.  The SM211 and later models incorporate more advanced protection and should resume functioning when the overload is removed.

• I need to replace a damaged portion of the wiring harness that plugs into the SmartWheel system.  Can I obtain harness & connector parts from VIP?

Since the harnesses are unique to each coach/chassis builder, VIP does not carry these parts.  A list of each mating connector & contact for the controller can be found in the relevant troubleshooting guide on the wiring diagram.  These are common connectors and available from many electronic supply chains. Some popular online vendors that carry these connectors are Digikey, Mouser and Newark.

• My 1995 coach has the BK series of SmartWheel, are parts still available?

The wheel and switchpad are no longer available but there is a variation of the PC series wheel that can be used to replace most BK series wheels.  There are a limited number of controllers still available.