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CUME91 · 10-20-2018, 02:08 PM

We came from a Class B Diesel and our expectations for the driveability of a F53 Gasser were low based on everything we read and a couple of test drives. Our new 2018 Bay Star drove okay, but definitely took way more attention and work than our previous MB Sprinter based RV even when towing a car.

After 6 months I finally got around to getting the front end alignment done. Our local Ford dealer that services F53 MH Chassis no longer performs alignments and recommended a nearby Goodyear Commercial Service Center.

It took the technician about an hour and a half to get everything dialed in but what a night and day difference the alignment made. Previously almost constant steering inputs were required and driving through narrow, concrete barrier lined construction zones were less than relaxing. Now the coach tracks true and the work load while driving is greatly reduced.

We have installed multiple suspension upgrades (front and rear anti-sway bars, front and rear Sumosprings, rear trac bar and steering stabilizer), but the biggest impact has definitely come from the alignment and steering stabilizer. The others modifications provided additional improvements, but they were all incremental. Fortunately I was able to install most of them myself so I didn't spend a lot of money on labor.

Harvard · 10-20-2018, 02:30 PM

I suspect they increased your +caster. Can you share the before and after caster setting?

Harvard · 10-20-2018, 02:39 PM

POPULAR MECHANICS MAY 1973:
START QUOTE:
If too little caster exists, the car will wander and weave,
thus necessitating constant corrections in steering.
END QUOTE:

CUME91 · 10-20-2018, 04:19 PM

Alignment results...

Harvard · 10-21-2018, 09:12 AM

It looks to me like a bit of "misinformation" from the marketing dept. JMO.

scbwr · 10-21-2018, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harvard

It looks to me like a bit of "misinformation" from the marketing dept. JMO.

Can you clarify what you mean? I don't understand your point.

But, according to the manual for my Newmar, it is recommended that after loading the motorhome, you get the front end aligned. Although our Newmar had two previous owners, after getting new tires, I had my coach aligned and the technician that did it said that it had not been done since leaving the factory based upon the condition of the sealant used by Ford on the suspension parts. And, there was a need to have an alignment.

Harvard · 10-21-2018, 04:03 PM

The report is not complete. Why are the before numbers from the alignment machine not on the report.

The penciled part of the report suggests the LH caster was reduced from 6.7 to 4.5 degrees and the RH caster was reduced from 5.5 to 5.1 degrees.

This relationship defies the logic of caster effects and someone "in the know" went out of their way to avoid anyone "in the know" to objectively decipher the data. IMO

scbwr · 10-21-2018, 05:35 PM

OK...I understand your point. The report that I received after getting my MH aligned is much more complete.

Harvard · 10-21-2018, 06:38 PM

If the penciled part of the report is the after LH caster at 6.7 degrees and the after RH caster at 5.5 degrees then it could elicit the OPs favourable response. It might drive well on the left hand side of the road crown which happens on a freeway. But that is not what the reported numbers say.