2011 F53 alignment specs

[Z714X4]

Does anyone have the Factory alignment specs for the 2011 F53?

Thanks!

[CLIFFTALL]

I was under the impression that the alignment changes with how we load and distribute the weight of our "stuff ". I recently had mine realigned. Don't know if he used factory specs but it's perfect. Ford may be able to assist further. 800-444-3311

[CLIFFTALL]

As I recall on the two MH's I've purchased, the mfg advised to have the MH realigned after loading personal belongings. Therefore the Ford factory specs on a stripped chassis would be useless. IMO

[Z714X4]

Awesome. So how do I know if the alignment I just had done is correct?

Some people say they added more caster... from what number?
Some people say they increased the toe in... from what number?

If I'm reading this report correctly, it says:
LF
Camber 0.83" (" or deg...I'm not sure)
Caster 5.76"
Toe 0.01"

RF
Camber 0.33"
Caster 5.19"
Toe 0.00"

Without some guidelines or a baseline, how would I know if that is correct?

[CLIFFTALL]

I don't know the answer ,but I do know that I can tell that mine is perfect now. It wasn't before and I ruined two front tires in 26,000 miles. Here's my alignment report if it helps. I still think each MH is aligned specifically for that chassis as it sits. I could be wrong but I slept in a Holiday Inn last night .

[Z714X4]

Thanks Clifftall,

I don't know if that will help or not but I will print it out and question my alignment guy.

Anyone else know what the factory alignment specs are?

[CLIFFTALL]

You're welcome. Please update us when you find someone ( unlike me ) that knows what they're talking about.

[Hikerdogs]

Originally Posted by Clifftall

As I recall on the two MH's I've purchased, the mfg advised to have the MH realigned after loading personal belongings. Therefore the Ford factory specs on a stripped chassis would be useless. IMO

The alignment specs furnished by Ford are accurate for both the stripped chasssis and the finished product. The stripped chassis is aligned before leaving the manufacturing plant so it can be driven without handling problems and damage to the tires.

The stripped chassis only weighs in at about 7,000 lbs. The finished product usually weighs 17,,000 lbs - 20,000 lbs depending on wheelbase. Adding an additional 10,000 lbs - 13,000 lbs will change the steering geometry, so the completed unit is again aligned to the factory specs before it leaves the coach builders shop.

When the motorhome reaches the customer they again can add another 4,000lbs - 6,000 lbs. of cargo. This too will affect the steering geometry. That's why Ford recommends outfitting the motorhome to your average traveling weight, including fuel and water and having the finished unit realigned to factory specs.

[CLIFFTALL]

Originally Posted by Hikerdogs

The alignment specs furnished by Ford are accurate for both the stripped chasssis and the finished product. The stripped chassis is aligned before leaving the manufacturing plant so it can be driven without handling problems and damage to the tires.

The stripped chassis only weighs in at about 7,000 lbs. The finished product usually weighs 17,,000 lbs - 20,000 lbs depending on wheelbase. Adding an additional 10,000 lbs - 13,000 lbs will change the steering geometry, so the completed unit is again aligned to the factory specs before it leaves the coach builders shop.

When the motorhome reaches the customer they again can add another 4,000lbs - 6,000 lbs. of cargo. This too will affect the steering geometry. That's why Ford recommends outfitting the motorhome to your average traveling weight, including fuel and water and having the finished unit realigned to factory specs.

Thanks for the proper explanation.

Cliff

[Z714X4]

Yes, thank you Hikerdogs! Good explanation.

Does anyone have or know where to get the "specs"?

[Fiesta48]

Adding caster (3 to 5? degrees )will fix most of the wandering problems most people are experiencing at 10% of the cost. KISS.

[C-Leigh Racing]

With a straight axle under the front & king pins on the ends at the spindles, supported by leaf springs, how does the steering change empty or loaded ??? other than one side spring load being more or less that the other.
Neil

[Z714X4]

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

Adding caster (3 to 5? degrees )will fix most of the wandering problems most people are experiencing at 10% of the cost. KISS.

Adding 3 to 5 degrees caster from what number?
What is the baseline number that Ford recommends for 2011 F-53?

[CLIFFTALL]

Originally Posted by Z714X4

Adding 3 to 5 degrees caster from what number?
What is the baseline number that Ford recommends for 2011 F-53?

Did you ever call Ford?