Ill Handling F53 Chassis
There's been many comments on this and we had a 2013 18000 F53 Fleetwood that was horrible, and that doesn't really describe it. Alignment was way out and before it was corrected, we traded it for a new 2013 22000 F53 Thor that didn't drive real bad, just not good.
I started with big name , Freightliner dealer and 4-wheel laser alignment with promise of a good alignment. I happed to get around to see them do the final toe-in adj. with a tape measure, measuring tread to tread. Drove it home and was still bad. Went back the next morning and after some discussion about what they did, the body shop boss handed my check back and I left.
After some more time looking at different locations, I selected a truck tire dealer that a local RV dealer used. They agreed to have me by the work bay to watch and had 2-wheel laser. We added 2* shims to reduce castor to specs. & does make it steer easier. We also put a port-a-power on the axle and pushed it back the max on the locater pin before the U-bolts were tightened on the driver side end of axle. This was my last step in centering the steering wheel. We then set the toe and was done. Drove it home and was better but???
After two trips to Branson (about 2 1/2 hrs ea way) I still wasn't satisfied. At this point I got my toe alignment bar out and took my own measurements to determine it was 0* to slightly out.
I made adjustments to get to less than 1/16" (1/16" on 22.5" tires Is what you want) on my 19.5"tires. Measured two or three times to be sure it was correct.
We are today on our second day run to Wisconsin and couldn't be happier with it. If you steer it right, it goes right, if you steer it left, it goes left, and if you don't turn the wheel, you can look around some and when you look back down the road, it will still be going down the road. Interstate driving is now a lean back and use one hand operation. No more wondering all over the place.
The big name and laser equipment doesn't always live up to their reputation. I also did the CHF on the rear axle only and won't do the front. Don't want that much twist applied to the coach body. Nothing good will come of that.
I truly believe a proper alignment would solve many of the driving problems the forum members describe.
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