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Old 03-19-2016, 12:19 PM   #15
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"The idea of adjusting tire pressure to accommodate be weight difs at the corners is a new one, to me."

Would also be new to EVERY SINGLE TIRE MANUFACTURER! Every single one of them recommends taking the heavier wheel position on each axle to go to their Inflation Chart. Heavier wheel position on each axle determines correct minimum PSI for all tires on that axle.

Brett
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Old 03-21-2016, 02:09 PM   #16
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Four-corner coach weights?

I had our 2005 38' FDTS with a residential refrigerator on the passenger's side and Hydro Hot on the driver's side weighed as we left Perry. We had the fresh water tank full and the grey and black tanks empty. Both my wife and I were in our seats and Fenway was where he normally rides.

I have not measured the ride height, but I do not have any pull while driving down the road and after seeing the weights I think the ride height must be set close enough.

Drivers side Passengers side Total Delta GAWR (under)/over
Front 5950 6000 11950 50 13000 (1050)
Rear 9950 9800 19750 150 20000 (250)

These weights should NOT be taken as a standard, but rather a sample of 1 coach, for better or worse. If you ever get to a FMCA family reunion (or any other place you can get a weight for each tire) get it done, you will certainly be more knowledgeable and better off overall for it, you get a good feeling knowing you are in good shape, or that you need to do something to resolve an issue. You will also get a written report with suggestions including the ideal tire pressure for each axle.
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Old 04-03-2016, 07:57 PM   #17
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2006 Alpine LTD 34 FDDS. Half tank of fuel. Half tank of water. Since we are not full timers yet lots of empty storage. Probably don't get much lighter than mine. Oregon highway scale... resolution 50lbs

Driver Front 5300
Pass Front 5100
Driver Rear 8900
Pass Rear 8550
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Old 10-06-2016, 12:11 PM   #18
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My rig was weighted last week, with these results:

LF: 6300
RF: 4450
LR: 8550
RR: 9400

My concern is the front axle difference(1850psi) is too large. The gentleman from SmartWeigh, said I might have a air bag problem. I value the opinions on this forum, so please response.
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Old 10-06-2016, 01:38 PM   #19
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Start by verifying RIDE HEIGHT.

Alpines are one of the few with 4 ride height valves.


Front ride height: bottom of frame rail to top of axle 10 5/16”.


Rear ride height: bottom of frame rail to midline weld seam of rear axle 7 ½”.


Only tools I use are a 1' ruler with tape makes at the two dimensions to make identification easier and an old 18" metal bar and vice grips. This extends that dimension out to where it is directly above the axle for easy measurement.

In front, use the vice grips to hold the metal bar to the top mount for the air bag (same level as bottom of frame rail).

Just the ruler in back.

Let us know what you find.
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Old 10-06-2016, 01:54 PM   #20
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X2 what Wolfe10 said, I would look closely at the right front air bag. I would also be concerned with the 850 difference on the rear axle. When you find the problem either air bag or valve, look at the other 3 at the same time.
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Old 10-06-2016, 02:03 PM   #21
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Yes, get back to us with the numbers. If ride height is out and not within the adjustment range of the ride height valves, there are still some pretty inexpensive and easy permanent solutions.
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Old 10-06-2016, 02:15 PM   #22
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How many and location of the ride height control valves? left front or right rear look as either one could be over inflated, or right front/left rear underinflated. All depends on ride height control valve locations. some coaches use four valves some three.

My money is on the front axle air ride is out of adjustment.

And of course, as a reminder use as level as possible area for measuring the ride heights.
Good luck
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Old 10-06-2016, 02:36 PM   #23
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As previously posted--I recently did an extensive "study" to try and relate ride height vs 4-corner weights. Upon returning from Quartzsite two years ago, I did an impromptu 4-corner weighing at the local Pilot scales [scale margins and segments allowed me to isolate all 4 corners]. Result--rear axle was nearly 1800 lbs diff while front was more than a 1000lbs--interesting point was that the differences were cross-corner.
Thru minor adjustments to ride height valves, was able to get front axle within 50lbs and rear within 150. What surprised me is that after the adjustments, neither the measured height of the bags [as spec-ed above] change much nor the stance/appearance of the coach; yet substantial weight was shifted on the axles.
PS--recent weigh-in showed no change in weight distribution on the corners.
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Old 10-06-2016, 02:46 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roosters 67 View Post
How many and location of the ride height control valves? left front or right rear look as either one could be over inflated, or right front/left rear underinflated. All depends on ride height control valve locations. some coaches use four valves some three.

My money is on the front axle air ride is out of adjustment.

And of course, as a reminder use as level as possible area for measuring the ride heights.
Good luck
Alpines (Peak chassis) have 4 ride height valves located just inboard of the wheel positions/air bags. VERY easy to see.
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Old 10-06-2016, 06:00 PM   #25
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Thanks to all you who responded, great ideas to where I should start. We are on the road now, so when I get home(10/14/16) I will measure my Ride Height and look at the air bags.
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Old 10-06-2016, 06:14 PM   #26
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Don,

All it takes is a flat parking lot and 15 minutes. If way out of spec, you could be doing damage to suspension and driveline components.
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Old 10-06-2016, 08:16 PM   #27
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You need to use a circular process to get the 4-corner weights in balance. The lack of granularity on the height adjusting valves doesn't allow for matching height to weight. If you can find a truck stop with a segmented scale and ample margins, you can get a good 4-corner weight. Adjust the valves to height specs above, then weigh. Then fine tune the valve heights to improve balance--minor adjustments can move significant weight from side to side without impacting height. Drive around parking lot and make some sharp turns after each adjustment to exercise the air bags and settle the valve adjustments. Cross-corner balancing is the challenge--eg, a slight raise in valve height on the driver's front corner will increase weight for both the driver's front corner and the rear passenger side tires. Its a maddening process to begin with but it eventually works out....good luck!
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Old 10-08-2016, 09:47 AM   #28
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Old Scout,

Thanks for your help. My task now is to find a segmented truck scales near me. I downloaded the adjustment procedure from the Alpine Coach Association website.
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