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TyroneandGladys's avatar
TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Dec 31, 2015

Alignment Saga

Had some work done our RV by our regular shop and had asked them to check the front end components because we had some uneven tire wear. All components were in good shape just needed an alignment that they could not do.
Called around for alignment shops that could do a Class C and two places kept getting recommended. Ended up going to both of them and each one stated that they could not do an alignment without repairing the front end. In fact one stated that the entire front end needed to be replaced and I was lucky to have even made it to there shop.
Today I took it to Community Tire Pros in downtown Phoenix and they could not find any front end components that needed to be replaced and did the front end alignment.
Class C
  • Harvard's avatar
    Harvard
    Explorer
    Jan 03, 2016
    wolfe10 wrote:
    ...
    Some shops may check things, but really only adjust toe.
    ....


    and, in the beginning, I paid $165 for one of those. That was 5 years ago, I can imagine what they are charging now.
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer II
    Jan 01, 2016
    Just to let the general public here know that even with the right alignment and load distribution, you can still get poor/uneven front tire wear. How you might wonder? Drive your rig across the Great Plains for two days with a very strong cross wind that has you holding the steering wheel consistently at an angle to compensate for the duration. That will mess up your two front tires....speaking from experience with motor homes owned since 1983.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jan 01, 2016
    wolfe10 wrote:
    Also, be aware that "we can align it" can mean VERY different things in different shops.

    Some shops may check things, but really only adjust toe.

    Others know that OE caster was inadequate for RV applications and know that you will require parts to "rebuild" to be able to do an "optimal" alignment.


    Many shops setting only the Toe and not addressing CASTER (Camber as an aside but directly tied to CASTER) <<<>>> This Bears Repeating.

    So does "we set Caster to mid-spec, it's at 3* left 3.5* right." No good for a Class C on Ford. Tell them what you expect and you need Before/After reports to confirm it. Some will refuse to use adjustable sleeves. Even though all they need to do is be sure the parts are clean and the pinch bolt is properly torqued to specification. If they can FIND fixed sleeves that'll get CASTER to At Least 5*L and 5.5*R, fine. Otherwise find a a shop that'll install Ingalls or Specialty adjustable sleeves. By "Sleeves" I mean UPPER BALLJOINT OFFSET BUSHINGS.
  • mgirardo's avatar
    mgirardo
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    TyroneandGladys wrote:
    In fact one stated that the entire front end needed to be replaced and I was lucky to have even made it to there shop.


    It amazes me that there are still shops that use these type of scare tactics. If your front end was in that bad of shape, you'd know it.

    Like others have said - they see your motorhome and all they are seeing is dollar signs. I'm glad you were able to find an honest shop.

    -Michael
  • jjrbus's avatar
    jjrbus
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    I had some front end work done by a neighborhood wrench, so as long as it was apart I replaced everything! 94 Toyota RV, by the way. They told me take it to West Coast alignment in Ft Myers FL.

    I get there it is an ancient shop in an old part of town, staffed by old guys! Ever get that feeling, you know you are in the right place and in good hands? Toy would not fit in bay, so they did the alignment in the driveway, $59! Jim
  • cgmartine's avatar
    cgmartine
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    I agree with wlfe10. Rarely does/will an auto tire shop or tire alignment shop do an adequate shop, and/or have the capability of dealing with rv alignments, even if they say they do, and should be taken to a truck shop with experience in heavier equipment.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2015
    Also, be aware that "we can align it" can mean VERY different things in different shops.

    Some shops may check things, but really only adjust toe.

    Others know that OE caster was inadequate for RV applications and know that you will require parts to "rebuild" to be able to do an "optimal" alignment.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2015
    Probably the 'recommended' shops thought that because you have a RV you have money to burn.
    Good to hear you didn't get suckered in and, found an honest shop.

    You should post this on RVServicereviews.com. (I can't make a link on my Kindle)
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Dec 31, 2015
    There must be a User Profile: Senior -or- RV = Mount Offensive. Senior -Plus- RV = Full On Assault.

    For you lurkers: It's cheaper to buy a whole take-off front end from an outfit that converts Ford Chassis to 4x4 and install/have installed than it is to do a complete front end overhaul (ball joints, axle and radius bushings) or a complete brake overhaul (Rotors, Calipers, Pads) than to have those done part-by-part. And, if your chassis is 2007 or earlier, you get the newer 2008 and later brakes which are far better.

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