Brand new coach, how do I get WH or dealer to warranty a front alignment?

[RV 4 2]

I have a brand new (1 month old) 36' National Dolphin LX on a W24 chassis. I have driven it probably less than 45 miles since I got it. Once from the dealer home (completly empty) and once to and from a local campground as our first shakedown trip (loaded as we will be traveling with clothes, food, 3/4+ fuel, 3/4 fresh water and empty grey/black tanks).
Bottom line is the steering absolutely stinks. The front end feels like it is totally floating and is requiring constant corrections to keep it on the road when going straight. BTW, it didn't seem to change between empty and loaded and there is no shimmy or shake in the steering. I have more control when I turn like on a freeway transtition road. From what I remember, I never had this kind of problems in any of the test drives I did with similar sized coaches (1 with a W24 chassis and same length). That included freeway speeds on the test drives. Also, it was not windy on either drive beyond wind caused by driving on the freeway at 60 MPH.
From what I have read on this forum, the front end alignment is one of the things to be checked. Besides getting it weighed and adjusting tire pressures. As a note, all tires are at about 105PSI. I will change them after I know how much the coach weighs.

I realize I am now driving a HUGE box down the road but in my opinion, my symptoms are not tire pressures or the fact I am driving a big box.
All the information from the manufacturer states that they recommend you get the coach loaded up and have the front end alignment done. This recommendation is from this forum too.
In my opinion, I should not have to pay for this alignment and it should be covered under warranty somewhere. Especially since it was like this when I picked it up, I have only driven it a short distance and there has been little time since I picked up the coach.

I am taking the coach in for some warranty work next week anyway so I scheduled to get the front end aligned. Any recommendations on where to start? I read about downloading front end settings, getting printouts of the before and after alignment. I want to be capable and knowlegable consumer on this one as the forum has helped a lot but I really don't like the idea of paying $150+ for an alignment when I feel it should be a warranty item at this early stage. I was also told by service that WH stopped giving out coupons 8 months ago where as this forum is saying 2002 vehicles.

So, Help...

[RV 4 2]

I have a brand new (1 month old) 36' National Dolphin LX on a W24 chassis. I have driven it probably less than 45 miles since I got it. Once from the dealer home (completly empty) and once to and from a local campground as our first shakedown trip (loaded as we will be traveling with clothes, food, 3/4+ fuel, 3/4 fresh water and empty grey/black tanks).
Bottom line is the steering absolutely stinks. The front end feels like it is totally floating and is requiring constant corrections to keep it on the road when going straight. BTW, it didn't seem to change between empty and loaded and there is no shimmy or shake in the steering. I have more control when I turn like on a freeway transtition road. From what I remember, I never had this kind of problems in any of the test drives I did with similar sized coaches (1 with a W24 chassis and same length). That included freeway speeds on the test drives. Also, it was not windy on either drive beyond wind caused by driving on the freeway at 60 MPH.
From what I have read on this forum, the front end alignment is one of the things to be checked. Besides getting it weighed and adjusting tire pressures. As a note, all tires are at about 105PSI. I will change them after I know how much the coach weighs.

I realize I am now driving a HUGE box down the road but in my opinion, my symptoms are not tire pressures or the fact I am driving a big box.
All the information from the manufacturer states that they recommend you get the coach loaded up and have the front end alignment done. This recommendation is from this forum too.
In my opinion, I should not have to pay for this alignment and it should be covered under warranty somewhere. Especially since it was like this when I picked it up, I have only driven it a short distance and there has been little time since I picked up the coach.

I am taking the coach in for some warranty work next week anyway so I scheduled to get the front end aligned. Any recommendations on where to start? I read about downloading front end settings, getting printouts of the before and after alignment. I want to be capable and knowlegable consumer on this one as the forum has helped a lot but I really don't like the idea of paying $150+ for an alignment when I feel it should be a warranty item at this early stage. I was also told by service that WH stopped giving out coupons 8 months ago where as this forum is saying 2002 vehicles.

So, Help...

[Paul and Sue]

My last two Fleedwood M/H 1999 and 2004 the Dealer paid to have the wheel aligned within the fist 30 days after purchase. Ford and Workhorse had nothing to do with it.

[DriVer]

When a chassis is built in Union City, one of the the last process is to run the "bare" chassis through the front end alignment machine. Once that's accomplished and documented the chassis is ready to ship.

When the manufacturer receives the chassis the front end is in alignment. When the OEM begin hanging 10,000 pounds or more of box on the rail the dynamics of the suspension change.

Once the "motorhome" is completed the very last thing that is supposed to occur is that the coach receives a front end alignment.

The coach is then delivered via a ferry driver to the dealership ...... I don't think anyone has any control over this part of the process other than the ferry driver.

You then take delivery of your motorhome and you're good to go - maybe. So given that you exhibit directional control problems perhaps a front end alignment is in order which should be provided by your dealership or OEM warranty.

Subsequent to ruling out the FEA, loading and tire pressures then Workhorse would get involved.

Let us know how all of this works out for you.

[RV 4 2]

Thanks for the comments. DriVer, I was hoping you would chime in. Thank you for the information. I guess I will be talking to my dealer and try to get them to pay for it if it is out of alignment. It is the only thing I can think of. I talked to the person I was making the appointment with and they send the chassis out for alignments. I need to ask more questions. Especially if the shop does truck alignments or is WH approved. Would that matter if it is WH approved?

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RV 4 2:
Would that matter if it is WH approved? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I believe that we have all sought out a reputable and ASE certified heavy duty truck alignment shop that has computer alignment. You should be able to get a before and after printout.

If the alignment is within the specs detailed in the WGMHCG then it's WCC approved.

You can obtain all the information you will ever need by downloading the following document



Just click on the graphic and finish up the process. Don't forget to go to the "My Workhorse" resource and fill out the required information so you can see all the stuff that pertains to "your" motorhome.

Let me know if you have any difficulty with any of the procedures above.

[John-D]

Many coach makers tell you that they do not align the rig and that you should load it up and drive to a truck alignment shop and have them do it.

Actually, this is good advice since how you load it will affect alignment and there is no way for them to predict how you will load it.

[FrontRangeRVer]

The alignment is on your dime, not anyone elses, and is not a warrantee item.

[cvrvr]

Mike and Linda

Check with McBride Service in Chino and see what they can do.

George

[RV 4 2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DriVer:

If the alignment is within the specs detailed in the WGMHCG then it's WCC approved.
You can obtain all the information you will ever need by downloading the following document
Just click on the graphic and finish up the process. Don't forget to go to the "My Workhorse" resource and fill out the required information so you can see all the stuff that pertains to "your" motorhome.
Let me know if you have any difficulty with any of the procedures above. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

DriVer, thank you for the link. One of the first things I did was sign up on the Workhorse site. I was thinking about downloading that manual but figured I would do it later. I guess I will be doing it sooner. Probably this weekend. I need to see if there is a download instead of them sending it email to me. that will be easier in the long run.
Thank you again.

[Tom N]

This hangs from the shifter of all new Winnebago products.

-Tom

[Rocky 2]

If the dealer isn't going to pay for it, drive the extra miles down to Keith at Redlands Truck. They do good work and are also sponsors of this forum. As suggested, load the thing up the way you plan to travel. They have scales also.

[Redlands Truck and RV]

Thank You!!!!

[Joe Gilbert]

My Dolphin came with a sheet documenting the alignment which National performed. Mine has always handled well (after I replaced the OEM shocks with Bilstein's). The front tire wear is not perfect but how much can one expect with a "horse & buggy" suspension.