Community Forums

DriVer · 10-02-2009, 02:57 PM

Redlands Truck & RV Performance is announcing that a WRV Alpine Steering Bracket Upgrade Kit is now available for 2004 to 2009 Alpine Coaches.

For more information ....

EngineerMike · 10-02-2009, 07:05 PM

We stopped at Redlands' shop on the way to the Chula Vista pre-rally. Keith Shomaker sent 3 of the technicians over to check out my steering and discuss the bracket upgrade. All three showed impressive knowledge and interest in Alpines, quoting from info here on iRV2 about our coaches. There are several businesses where the head person checks on things customer's post here, but I was surprised to find the guys who do the actual repairs so familiar with this forum and the Alpine.

Completely unrelated- Redlands swapped out a pair of driver/passenger chairs and couch in ultraleather, in the yellow-brown color, and then "inherited" the chairs and couch when the factory closed. If anyone is thinking of getting matching chairs & couch (IIRC the chairs have the "Alpine" embroidery), Keith told me he could make you a good deal on the set including installation.

DriVer · 10-03-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike

There are several businesses where the head person checks on things customer's post here, but I was surprised to find the guys who do the actual repairs so familiar with this forum and the Alpine..

iRV2.com has been continuously sponsored by RTS for the past 3 years I believe and I don't expect that relationship will change.

The many iRV2 members that have passed by Redlands, CA, to the last person, have raved about the personal service that they have received from RTS. If you are considering RTS as a service destination I fully expect that your service experience will be the same, not better, because that would imply that the previous persons experience might be lacking. RTS treats all their customers similarly with the utmost professionalism.

gjstacy · 10-07-2009, 05:50 PM

We agree...Redlands Truck & RV really went out of their way to take care of us when we needed a new Alternator! First, they called all over the LA area to find the right part for us, and then one of their guys drove all the way to Long Beach to get it. With all of that, they had us out of there the same day! We highly recommend them!

EngineerMike · 10-07-2009, 07:12 PM

Here is a photo of the first Redlands Steering Bracket Upgrade installation:

DriVer · 10-07-2009, 08:21 PM

Now that's a good looking steering bracket!

Renipladlo · 10-07-2009, 11:09 PM

But you left out the part about how much it costs to install? As I have the bracket coming for the company who makes them. How level does the coach have to be, at my house the rear end is up in the driveway, and the front end is in the street right at the approach break. I can put the front end up on 4" thick boards to raise it so I have working room but still the coach is not level at that point, still down by 3-5 inches. I am going to assume it would be better if I had a fully level area, since I don't. I need the labor price please.

EngineerMike · 10-07-2009, 11:31 PM

You can call Redlands Truck and RV @ 888.249.0124 for more information on installation cost.

IMO it is unsafe to do this type of work under a coach parked on a slope for two reasons:
1) gravity working on the coach (there is a very low probability of a problem, but the relative cost of a problem is too dog gone high to invite the question)
2) kneeling on the slope to work on drilling holes in thick steel is uncomfortable, which may lead to unsafe operator behavior

I recommend if working under your coach, to have it on level ground so that if the parking brake failed the coach would start a verrry slow roll, if that. And then- block the rear axle tire so it won't roll no matter what. Again, price of a mistake is not worth it. If there is any question of safety, have this type of work done by a professional installer.

Renipladlo · 10-08-2009, 12:40 AM

I can tell you if my 1/2" Milwaukie Drill gets a little bit out of the streight and narrow, it can break my arm if I am not fast enough on the trigger switch.

On one set of pictures which Redland did, all the bolt heads are out. One the one where you assisted an owner, some are out, and some seem to be in. I am going to assume it make little difference?

EngineerMike · 10-08-2009, 07:45 PM

As long as the threaded end inside the steering bracket clears the swing of the Pitman arm, no sweat which way the bolts face.

Langord · 10-09-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renipladlo

But you left out the part about how much it costs to install? .

We had the bracket installed at Redlands Truck Service two days ago. Had excellent service. Several other problems were discovered and resolved including a "broken" rear shock. Ride has definitely improved!!

Install for bracket was billed at $532.00. It is not something that I felt comfortable trying to do myself.

Basil Shannon · 10-09-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Langord

We had the bracket installed at Redlands Truck.
Install for bracket was billed at $532.00.

Did that price include the parts?

Langord · 10-09-2009, 03:02 PM

Unfortunately not. Kit was $363.

Jim & Ingrid McIntosh · 10-09-2009, 07:33 PM

We have approximately 58k miles on our coach currently. We are in the East and don't feel comfortable driving the coach another 2k miles or more to Redlands for the purchase and install. Has anyone purchased the kit and had someone in the east install it and been satisfied?