Alignment

[gary85]

It is time for a front alignment on our '01 Jeep G/C. I read somewhere that for a towed vehicle the alignment should be set 1-2 degrees differently. Couldn't find this information again. Does anyone know if it is camber, caster, toe, or whatever that is set differently?
Thanks.

Gary

[gary85]

It is time for a front alignment on our '01 Jeep G/C. I read somewhere that for a towed vehicle the alignment should be set 1-2 degrees differently. Couldn't find this information again. Does anyone know if it is camber, caster, toe, or whatever that is set differently?
Thanks.

Gary

[Cruzer]

I would assume that they are talking about caster, which affects the ability of the wheel to roll straight and not nibble and bite and try to dart when going down the road. Adding a few degrees of positive caster will angle the wheel pivot points back just like extended forks on a Harley, which will make it want to roll straight but harder to turn. Creating negative caster will make the wheel wobble like a shopping cart with a bad bearing because the wheel is trying to follow rather than lead.

However, I run a 2002 Grand Cherokee Overland and it's aligned to factory specs and I've had no problems when towing so I don't know it this is really necessary. I could maybe see it on a lighter vehicle that tends to sag in the front when the weight of the towbar is added but neither my Cherokee nor Wrangler have any issues with factory alignment specs.

[jafortune]

I've had my PT Cruiser aligned to the factory specs at least once each year. There have been no problems with about 16,000 miles of towing.

John

[rebelsbeach]

I've pulled my 2005 Chevy Trailblazer all over,with it set just like it came from the factory...never an issue.

[Tom N]

If you deviate from the factory alignment specs for towing, what affect does this change have when driving the toad??? I can't see anything positive by changing the alignment to tow.

I would advice not deviating from the factory specs.