Community Forums

knightstorm · 06-27-2017, 03:36 PM

I decided to have the alignment on my new Bay Star checked before heading out for our first long trip. I was told the caster is off on one side and I should get it back tomorrow. It was pulling a little to the left, which could have been the Safe-t-plus a little out of adjustment, or the Safe-t-plus may have been masking the uneven caster, or the alignment shop is wrong.

In theory, Newmar checked the alignment before it left the factory.

Have other owners seen alignment issues on new F53 coaches?

I'll have more to report when I get the coach back.

RickySpanish · 06-27-2017, 06:03 PM

My new Bay Star had major alignment issues. Getting that corrected really made a noticeable difference. I do not believe that Newmar checks the chassis alignment after they install the coach (even if they say they do).

AITG · 06-27-2017, 06:33 PM

I believe that Newmar checks toe in. Caster is a different animal and is set by plates between the axle and the springs. To change caster the u bolts need to be removed and reinstalled. There is a range for the setting and it should be within the range after the house is added.

knightstorm · 06-28-2017, 10:58 AM

These are the before and after numbers. The caster was out of spec at 6.2 and 5.9.

MikeD1 · 06-28-2017, 12:59 PM

Got our 3401 in April while in CA. Drove it home to WI the long way. It was a handful. Took it to Ford dealer for the Crank Pulley Bolt recall. They said the alignment was certainly off, and recommended a local frame and axle shop. Yep, toe and caster were both off. Front axle needed to be cold bent to get it into spec. I've also done the CHF (myself) and had the shop install a Safe-T-Plus. Only driven it a little, but major improvement for sure. Can't wait to get a good drive in now!

RickySpanish · 06-28-2017, 05:58 PM

My toe and caster were both off. Plus my steering wheel was about 15 degrees off center (had to remove it from the steering box and re-align). I also forgot to mention that my front wheel bearings were loose, so much so that you could literally rock the wheel when the RV was lifted - and, as if all that wasn't class-action worthy enough, the bolts on my rear sway bar were hand tight. If you buy a new Newmar on an F53 chassis, please go get it checked.