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Shredder56 · 09-05-2020, 12:22 PM

Just picked up our 2012 Four Winds Siesta on the Sprinter chassis with 35,000 miles. The front tires were identically worn down to no tread on the outside edges. The tires were replaced and wheels aligned. The alignment report says the left toe was out of spec, but all else was good and there were no indications of worn parts. What would cause the tires to wear like that? Since both had the same wear pattern, could it be a loading issue? OBTW, first RV purchase.

Jyrocharlie · 09-05-2020, 01:06 PM

Improper tow wears both tires. Just watch your newones for wear. If they start to wear, try a different place for your alignment.

Shredder56 · 09-05-2020, 03:44 PM

What you said matches what I've found since I posted. I found a new manual for a trailer axle with brakes. Unit was in Colorado at the end of June, so I'm guessing they pulled a heavy trailer which lifted the front end and nuked the tires over that trip. I'll keep a close eye on the tread wear. Thanks!

AudiDudi · 09-05-2020, 04:07 PM

A lot of alignment shops align the Sprinter to the factory specs. This can cause abnormal wear as there is a lot more weight added by the upfitter when they add the coach.

I wore my original Vancos out in less than 15k miles and I had had the alignment checked twice and it was within spec.

I used the MBS dealer in Gilbert, AZ to do the alignment after I replaced both front tires. The cost was $240 but the alignment tech did not use factory specs. He said from experience, these are the specs that work. I had a slight shimmy at about 42mph, that is now gone and after about 4k miles, the new Michelins are showing no abnormal (or any) wear.

Coffie Drink · 09-06-2020, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiDudi

A lot of alignment shops align the Sprinter to the factory specs. This can cause abnormal wear as there is a lot more weight added by the upfitter when they add the coach.

I wore my original Vancos out in less than 15k miles and I had had the alignment checked twice and it was within spec.

I used the MBS dealer in Gilbert, AZ to do the alignment after I replaced both front tires. The cost was $240 but the alignment tech did not use factory specs. He said from experience, these are the specs that work. I had a slight shimmy at about 42mph, that is now gone and after about 4k miles, the new Michelins are showing no abnormal (or any) wear.

Do you have a copy of the specs?

Hooligan · 09-06-2020, 07:38 PM

I also had outside edge wear on the front tires. Local Mercedes Sprinter shop had proper alignment equipment. Required new camber eccentric bolts to replace original bolts. Bolts not expensive, installation was. In addition to the alignment.. But I Rotated worn tires to rear and no abnormal wear hereafter to the front tires. Replaced original tires at 50,000 miles.
Sprinter shop with proper equipment is best for Alignment and wheel balancing.

AudiDudi · 09-06-2020, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coffie Drink

Do you have a copy of the specs?

Here's the sheet - I had to take a cell pic as their printer wasn't working very well.

AudiDudi · 09-06-2020, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hooligan

I also had outside edge wear on the front tires. Local Mercedes Sprinter shop had proper alignment equipment. Required new camber eccentric bolts to replace original bolts. Bolts not expensive, installation was. In addition to the alignment.. But I Rotated worn tires to rear and no abnormal wear hereafter to the front tires. Replaced original tires at 50,000 miles.
Sprinter shop with proper equipment is best for Alignment and wheel balancing.

I was guessing I would need the bolts and as I recall, they quotes about $60 per bolt (4 needed) and 2-3 hours labor to install. I was happy to get away with "just" $240 for the alignment.