Oil Change, shocks and possible wheel alignment

[Monty1953]

We are currently staying in Apache Junction with our 35' gas Class C. As we were driving down, a gas station attendant notice steel wire on our front tire. We ended up having to replace both front tires. Our coach only has 38000 miles so I was a bit surprised at how soon these had to be replaced. Now I am concerned about the shocks and wheel alignment. I would like to know a reputable service company that could do this work for us. Does anybody have any ideas as to where we should bring our coach. Also, if someone has been through this what did they pay for (1) shocks (2) wheel alignment.
Thanks for your help
Monty

[rgatijnet1]

I would have the alignment checked by a shop that has the equipment to do a FOUR wheel alignment.
Do not fall for the story that your rear axle is not adjustable. That is mechanic BS meaning that the shop does not have the equipment to do a proper four wheel alignment. It is adjustable and if the trust angle is out of adjustment on the rear axle it does not matter if the front axle is perfectly aligned. The rear axle will still tend to push the front sideways, causing outside wear on your tires.
You may have to take it to a truck service center to get the alignment done but it will be worth it to do it right. Here is one link that explains thrust angle alignment. Thrust angle alignment

[Monty1953]

Thanks everyone for the replies, it seems further information is required. I have a 2008 35' Fleetwood Bounder with Triton V10 on a Power Platform. My tires are Michelin 235/80 R22.5 XRV.
We bought the unit with 24000 miles on it. I noticed the tires had good tread with little wear middle and inside treads but noticed the outside edge was angled and flat. I thought that was just how motorhome tires were (new at this). So when the tires were replaced, the outside tread was worn flat and bits of the the steel threads was between the first and second tread. It was worn more on the passengers side. I think the drivers side was worn the same pattern though not to the steel. While I was getting the tires on in a town between Vegas and Mesa, the garage attendant said my passenger side shock was shot. Know ing I paid too high for the tires, I did not want to be taken for unneeded shocks. I decided to wait till I could find a reputable dealer near Apache Junction where we now are.
Hope this helps, I will wait to hear from the experienced drivers before I proceed.
Thanks

[Passin_Thru]

Ya! Don't replace shocks til you can't keep both oars in the water.

[bshpilot]

i wouldn't go replacing any shocks til you knew they needed to be replaced.

I too would like to know more about the condition of the tires/tread....was the wear uneven ? will an alignment cure the problem ?

what's the coach/chassis ? what tires (including size) are on it ?

37k miles by itself is not very many miles - when were the tires last inspected (how many miles did it take for the tires to wear down to the cords) ??

[Koop]

If the tire is worn to point of visible steel belts, the question is - what did it look like. Is the steel belt only visible along the inside ribs of the tire or outside? Or, is the tire cupped to the point where steel is seen as bands across the tread (not likely).

If the wear is on the inside or outside of the tread, new tires and alignment are in order, not necessarily shocks. If the tires are extremely cupped, then you need shocks and/or wheel balance.

[Executive45]

Contact Jay at:

Spectrac Parts and Service
405 E. Baseline Road (Near Baseline and Mesa Dr.)
Gilbert, Arizona 85233
480-545-5533

They've done my alignment and brake jobs over the years. I'm completely satisfied with their work, efficiency and pricing. Give them a try...feel free to use my name if you wish..I'm not affiliated with their company, offering this info as a satisfied customer only......Dennis

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Welcome to the forums.

Which chassis do you have?

[rgatijnet1]

Mileage is not a factor for your tires if they were over 7 years old or had suffered impact damage from a curb or pothole.
If your tires were wearing evenly with no cupping or other unusual wear, chances are you do not need an alignment and you may not even need shocks. If the coach was riding fine without any vibration I would just stick with the new tires, balanced, and see how the coach drives.