New Motorhome Front End Alignment

[Jopopsy]

Hey Gang,

Just wondering whether or not its ok to get my front end alignment done while a unit is going through its PDI with the dealer.

If the unit had a ton of CCC (like 3k and up) I can see loading all my stuff in it first and than bringing it back to the dealer for the follow-up alignment.

In my case, my rig has 1950 pounds of CCC - and we don't pack crazy heavy and I know they don't put sandbags in the cab seats to mimic adults while underway. Do you think I can get a good alignment out of them as is? Otherwise I have to drive it back home (with the wife following), load it up, bring it back to the dealer (wife following), leave it there and go home. Than repeat the whole thing all over again when its done.

What say you guys? Could I even get close by telling them to fill one or two of the water tanks to simulate some weight?

Thanks !

[wwsmith111]

Why do you thing you need an alignment on a new MH?

[Jopopsy]

Motorhomes are aligned at the chassis manufacturer initially. Obviously the cutaway is unloaded so the alignment is done reflecting that state. Once you put a house on the back of it, it changes things. An alignment out of the gate is always a good idea.

[Jopopsy]

Some others have advised getting the alignment done w/ full gas and one or two tanks of water filled up. I might go that route, unless any of you have a compelling reason not to? Its not the ideal scenario, but might be good enough.

[Greyhawk01]

i added some weight to mine before the alignment i belive the caster was way off on on side or maybe it was the camber i forget now. The rep from jayco told me they only set the toe after adding tge house to the frame hence why the camber caster is off. One other intersting fact i learned by rearching this is that the chevys hold their alignment better after adding weight to the frame and that is why people say the chevys handle better then the fords. But after a proper alignment my ford drives great. the ford dealer that aligned mine advised that all motorhome companys do the same thing not just jayco. So their are alot of brand new motorhomes out there with their wheels pointed in the wrong direction.

[Grumpy]

It's going to have to go to a FORD shop or truck alignment shop and JAYCO will need to authorize it. Your better off taking it home, load it , get the authorization and find somebody close to your house to do the alignment.

[Jopopsy]

My dealer already told me they were good to go w/ the alignment. Left it up to me as to whether or not I want to load it or send it in. Its about 6 hours worth of driving to get it done after sale. I was hoping I could get reasonably close w/ a full tank of gas and one or two water tanks filled.

What do you think Grumpy?

[adaigle]

Had my helper springs adjusted and it still drives fine to me. Drove it to North Conway NH and Bar Harbor ME. Had no issues.

[Grumpy]

That would depend on the tank locations. If everything is over or behind the rear axle that will not give you enough weight on the front axle. I think you are better off driving it first and then if needed take it back since it may not need an alignment. Why won't they cover it at a FORD dealer or truck alignment shop closer to your house? Shouldn't make any difference who gets reimbursed unless your RV dealer has an alignment rack which is very, very very rare.

[Jopopsy]

They don't, but I got lucky. They are letting me bring my old unit in a week before I drive away with the new one. I'll transfer all my gear, get it gassed up to a full tank, and let them align it. Worked out pretty well.

I should still probably get them to put maybe 1/3 a tank of fresh water in it too.

[CarlB]

My dealer was of no to little help in this endeavor. Call Jayco, get it approved, take it to Ford, pay them, and submit the claim. Mine ran a little under $300 and required parts to get the camber/caster right. The following week I did a FL to NC and back trip. It worked like a champ, much less wandering and a more solid feel on the steering wheel.

I haven't had my Helper springs adjusted, although I have the clamp to do it myself. In 5 days I am off to Alaska from FL, so we shall see.