Community Forums

Gotago2 · 01-07-2012, 09:12 AM

Should a new MH get a front end aligment? When the chassis is delivered to the MH factory it was probably aligned when built. But after the MH is installed does the MH manufacturer realign it or does it even need it.

I just purchased a new 2011 Coachmen Mirada and it is running fine. But!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

navychaps · 01-07-2012, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gotago2

Should a new MH get a front end aligment? When the chassis is delivered to the MH factory it was probably aligned when built. But after the MH is installed does the MH manufacturer realign it or does it even need it.

I just purchased a new 2011 Coachmen Mirada and it is running fine. But!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I doubt the manufacturer did anything other than put the box on and deliver the rig. So I would say, yes have it aligned, loaded the way it would be when you go on a trip.

I recently had mine done and my before total toe was at .97 (the specified range should be .06-.16).

If you hate paying what "these tires" cost, it is worth the investment.

Mike Canter · 01-07-2012, 10:08 AM

Monaco aligns them all before they roll out the door and I am sure all others are also. Mine has never been aligned and it is perfect with no unusual tire wear. If you take it out on a flat highway with no crown then it should not pull one side to another. If you are in the left lane it will pull a little to the left and if in the right lane a little to the right. There is no real camber adjustment without having to bend the whole axle so it is not normally done. Caster is done normally by shims and is done initially at the factory. The only real one that goes bad on a occasions is the Toe In and that is set at the factor and if no tire wear shows then it is OK. If the tires shake at 45-55 mph then that is wheel balancing and NOT alignment.

Pusherman · 01-07-2012, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Canter

Monaco aligns them all before they roll out the door and I am sure all others are also. Mine has never been aligned and it is perfect with no unusual tire wear. If you take it out on a flat highway with no crown then it should not pull one side to another. If you are in the left lane it will pull a little to the left and if in the right lane a little to the right. There is no real camber adjustment without having to bend the whole axle so it is not normally done. Caster is done normally by shims and is done initially at the factory. The only real one that goes bad on a occasions is the Toe In and that is set at the factor and if no tire wear shows then it is OK. If the tires shake at 45-55 mph then that is wheel balancing and NOT alignment.

What Mike said.

If it handles differently than what Mike's description is above, have it aligned. Cheap insurance for both handling characteristics, and tire and driver wear.

jfran304 · 01-07-2012, 06:35 PM

When we purchased our first Tiffin Allegro Open Road (Workhorse chassis) we were told to load it up the way we planned on driving it and take it in for an alignment and Tiffin paid for it. Since then I take it in annually to have the alignment checked and realigned if necessary. It might not need it but it makes me feel better and it doesn't cost as much as a tire.

Jon

Korryp · 01-07-2012, 06:36 PM

Absolutely. Best advise I ever got was to have my motorhome aligned. Front tires were towed in badly enough to wear one out early and cause some minor wear on the other.

Gotago2 · 01-07-2012, 07:14 PM

Thank you all for the replies. I'll be taking a 200 mile round trip next week and will pay careful attention to the handling. If I have any feelings of uncertainty I'll get it aligned.

As Don said.
Cheap insurance for both handling characteristics, and tire and driver wear.

Bob Reed · 01-08-2012, 05:08 PM

Just a word-for thought-F.L. sells chassis to many body builders and the unit is NOT in alignment --you are best advised to find a dealer w/hunter alignment equipment [and a mechanic that can use it] --load it up they you will drive it and have it done

- or pay for lots of tires + live w/poor handling

Arch Hoagland · 01-08-2012, 05:20 PM

My Monaco came with a coupon, or something like that, indicating that I had a free alignment coming in the first year. Since the coach handled quite well I decided I didn't need an alignment. Bad decision. I had to replace my two front tires at about 50,000 due to alignment.
I suggest you get the coach loaded up to what you will be usually carrying and have it aligned.