Alignment at Josam in Orlando

[src]

Has anyone had any experience having their coach aligned at Josam? We are visiting from New England made an apmt for our 06 Endeavor for Thursday and would like to know what your experiences have been. Also, what should we expect for cost...maybe front only, maybe full if necessary.

[Rex]

That is the best place in the U.S.A. to have that done. You should also ask them to check both axles for alignment. They are fast, efficient, and prices are very fair.

[walt2137]

I agree with Rex, I have never heard anything but good about them.

[Barlow46]

Barry Hamton manages the place and does an excellent job. He will not oversell you on what needs to be done. I had my dynasty aligned, chassis greased, front wheel bearings packed. I was there by 9:00 AM and out by 1:00PM. I will look up the cost but it was reasonable (not cheap) but I got what I paid for and I was able to watch the work being done periodically. All my questions were answered and no one was in a panic to get everything done. Very methodical and thorough. If you need tires, Barry can also help you out with those. I did not know that at the time and I had just bought 8 new michelins. He could have saved me a few dollars. I would not hesitate to go there for all repairs that could be done by them.

[Twomed]

BAD STUFF ABOUT JOSAM Orlando...you will have possibly/probably the best maint experience of your life. After your trip there it's all down hill. Be prepared. About $160 two years ago with the tag. Wish I could go back but it still tracks like it's on rails.

[Stevepkam]

I just bought a 2011 Monaco Monarch. Do you recommend getting the wheels/axels alligned right in the beginning?

[Rex]

Steve, YES. Monaco (Roadmaster chassis) does not do an alignment during construction. Get it done at Josam so you can really enjoy your coach.

[chiefdave]

SRC. Excellent facility and highly experienced personnel. They also do four corner weighing of your rig.

[LaserMark4]

This was a comment I posted some time back:

If you are ever in the Orlando area, the people who wrote the book on multi-axle alignment and then designed the state-of-the-art equipment to perform the same are called Josams. Absolutely world-class! Orlando is their world training center for heavy equipment alignment centers who purchase their unique system....and they come from all over the world.

Part of their all-axle alignment and weight analysis is to weigh each wheel and axle and evaluate each point of weight bearing to the manufacturer specs. They submit you a very comprehensive report/specs which will quickly show you the issues of your chassis.

My tag was "light" as well and they increased the pressure a bit-- my fairly basic gauge now reads 36 psi but again, it will depends on what you have on board and your own unique situation. You will want to load the coach with full tanks all around to insure you have proper weighting under adverse conditions. Once you know your pressure spec, its very simple to dial up or down to maintain the proper "down thrust" pressure that the tag applies to carry its share of the weight.

Our coach had what looked like typical front wheel tire wear (albeit slight), but the final laser analysis showed my rear tag axle was skewed outboard, which was putting wear on the front tires. They actually used induction (electronic) heating on frame/axles and under extreme pressure producing rams (200 Ton!), they tweaked the axles and frame to within 1/8" tolerances front to back. They tell me they pioneered that approach and technology. In addition, they centered the steering wheel, did some tweaks on the air suspension system, and a few more adjustments they've learned over the years. They really know their makes and models as well-- the techs are the trainers. They do all of Lazy Days work and many others.

What was the result? I have been one-finger steering the rig ever since-- drives straight as an arrow. This really is not a commercial-- these guys are just THAT good. I call them the savants of all-axle alignment. A total bill of around $800 I thought was an incredible bargain for the opportunity to get the frame/chassis/axles/wheels in perfect alignment for the life of the rig and save the tires 'da boot (knowing an occasional front end alignment in the future will also be needed).

Check them out here: Josam - Truck Frame and Alignment Specialist Worldwide They have some amazing training videos on the site as well that will show you exactly what and how they do their thing.

[JohnCamelot]

When I picked up my '09 Camlot in Eugene I noticed a strong pull to the left, and had the front re-aligned by Kaiser. I thought that fixed everything, but no....

At 15,000 miles we noticed the duals on the driver side were worn down twice as much as any other tire. Took it took Precision Frame in Minneapolis, who did a full frame alignment. Turns out the driver side duals had a significant amount of toe out.

Precision told me the problem comes when they are in a hurry in the manufacturing process and use too much heat when welding the axles to the frame. This causes warpage. Precision did a great job of working me in and fixing the issues. Now, 5,000 miles later, there is no additional wear on those duals.

I'm sure Josams will do a great job, but if you are in the upper midwest this one is easier to get to.

John

[src]

Had the work done yesterday and am extremelyy pleased. Under $400 for a front end alignment, air bag adjustment, check of rear alignment, etc. Had outside wear on the front tires...new front tires upon their recommendation. Went from Goodyear to Michelin and the difference in the ride is incredible!

Had the tires done at Boulevard Tire Center in Deland, FL. The folks at Josam called ahead for us and they had our 16 ply MZA3 Michelins ready for us. Boulevard was an equally excellent experience. Would recommend both Josam and Boulevard Tire Center to anyone.

[Nonno]

Quote:

Had outside wear on the front tires...new front tires upon their recommendation. Went from Goodyear to Michelin and the difference in the ride is incredible!

Does running different brands cause other problems or is that only if they are on the same axle?

Going there Monday for front and rear alignment. Barry recommended doing the rear because I had the trailing arms replaced but never had an alignment.

[Dick L]

It is OK to have one brand tire on the front and another brand on the rear. Do not mix brands, models or sizes on the same axle. Often find slightly larger front tires due to weight or a need for a more stable steering experience.