Forum Discussion

noxinnhoj's avatar
noxinnhoj
Explorer
Jan 27, 2017

front end allignment question

I have a 1995 Silverado dually with a lance t.c. that is rarely taken off the truck.I am getting new tires installed and I was wondering if an alignment should be done with the camper on the truck or taken off?
  • I talked with the alignment shop that was going to do the work and they requested it come with the camper on the truck. After new tires and alignment we left for a 3 month trip to Alaska, had tires rotated when we got back and all tires looked the same, Suggest you talk with shop first. JMHO
  • For every 1 degree of change for and aft there is a corresponding 1 degree change in caster. Raise the rear by 1 degree reduces the caster by 1 degree.
  • At work we always had the alignment done with the normal load on the truck. have the truck lined up, install a utility body, load it with tools then have it lined up again. The alignment will change. If the camper is on more then off try to have them do it with it on.
  • I think the load changes alignment since it lowers the back end. But have no way to prove it. My dealer could not get my truck into door where alignment rack was even with my Wolf Creek loaded. the arctic fox is even hither I think.

    Were old tires worn from out of alignment?
    Usually alignment problems and tire wear are caused by loose parts.
    and most worn tires I see are caused by lack of rotation.
  • They take all the weight off the truck suspension with the lifts when they work on your alignment, so I don't think it matters. Be sure you can fit into the shop door, and also be sure there is room inside for your lifted vehicle too.

    Also, be aware that they will take it for a drive after it is done. Would you want your camper on or off when an inexperienced RV driver might be driving it?