having alignment done tomorrow

[DaveE]

Have 2019 Greyhawk 29mv....having alignment done tomorrow, filling up with gas, filling freshwater half way, anything else I need to do to simulate driving? Also anyone have a link or what settings are OEM (E450) ? CamperBob stated I should ask for 5+ camber which I will do....anything else?
Thanks everyone!
Be Safe
dave

[jasum]

Originally Posted by DaveE

Have 2019 Greyhawk 29mv....having alignment done tomorrow, filling up with gas, filling freshwater half way, anything else I need to do to simulate driving? Also anyone have a link or what settings are OEM (E450) ? CamperBob stated I should ask for 5+ camber which I will do....anything else?
Thanks everyone!
Be Safe
dave

Tell them you want a before and after printout

[Harvard]

First it is CASTER, not Camber.


Shoot for CASTER of 5+ OR MORE, if available. DO not restrict your CASTER setting to just 5+, take all you can get. IMO

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by DaveE

Have 2019 Greyhawk 29mv....having alignment done tomorrow, filling up with gas, filling freshwater half way, anything else I need to do to simulate driving? Also anyone have a link or what settings are OEM (E450) ? CamperBob stated I should ask for 5+ camber which I will do....anything else?
Thanks everyone!
Be Safe
dave

Originally Posted by Harvard

First it is CASTER, not Camber.


Shoot for CASTER of 5+ OR MORE, if available. DO not restrict your CASTER setting to just 5+, take all you can get. IMO

Yes, it's CASTER I was talking about. I went back and looked at the PM I sent you, and I did in fact say "Caster" (I'm not above making that mistake, especially if I haven't slept). Don't get the two confused, they are distinctly different measurements.

Also, when you're done, please post up the before and after measurements along with a description of the "seat of the pants" difference you notice.

This is an issue that's not widely known among Class C buyers, so the more information we can get out there, the better.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

This is an issue that's not widely known among Class C buyers, so the more information we can get out there, the better.

Unfortunately not many of the alignment shops know it either. You would think that a reputable shop would research it.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Unfortunately not many of the alignment shops know it either. You would think that a reputable shop would research it.

Yes, I have found this to be true in my own experience.

In another thread, I outlined how an alignment shop could make a significant amount of money just doing Class C alignments.

It says in black and white in the Jayco Class C manual that an alignment needs to be completed after the customer has loaded the rig how they'll travel, and even states that this initial alignment is covered under the standard 2-year warranty. An enterprising dealer could partner with a local alignment shop, educate them on the issue, then put their card in EVERY unit they sell. Something like "Take your rig over to Bob's Suspension and Alignment to have your first alignment done, complements of Jayco"

Then you'd have properly aligned rigs, AND happy customers!

[Harvard]

Many years ago when I was still excited about having learned about the E series caster advantage I was walking through the parking lot of the Riverside Casino in Laughlin, NV. I happened upon an elderly couple sitting outside their E450 RV.

I struck up a conversation and got around to my favorite caster topic. I did so by asking if their RV wandered any on the highway. The Mrs quickly went inside their RV and came out with a picture of their RV sitting on its side in the middle of a highway somewhere.

That is a true story.

[eeek]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Yes, I have found this to be true in my own experience.

In another thread, I outlined how an alignment shop could make a significant amount of money just doing Class C alignments.

It says in black and white in the Jayco Class C manual that an alignment needs to be completed after the customer has loaded the rig how they'll travel, and even states that this initial alignment is covered under the standard 2-year warranty. An enterprising dealer could partner with a local alignment shop, educate them on the issue, then put their card in EVERY unit they sell. Something like "Take your rig over to Bob's Suspension and Alignment to have your first alignment done, complements of Jayco"

Then you'd have properly aligned rigs, AND happy customers!

I can tell you from experience that this isn't true, they state the alignment isn't covered by warranty, and will not pay unless you specifically opened a case with them prior to getting an alignment. I mean this super respectfully, but you are not sharing correct information.

[eeek]

Also, I don't want to make a statement without providing documented data.

[eeek]

Finally, this is from the manual. I also want to point out that the warranty states "Wheel alignment or adjustments to axles caused by improper maintenance, loading;"

Again, I want to state that I am posting this with respect- I don't want someone to read your post and think 'oh, I can go get an alignment and Jayco will pay.' Please understand that what you are sharing is not correct. No disrespect intended.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by eeek

I can tell you from experience that this isn't true, they state the alignment isn't covered by warranty, and will not pay unless you specifically opened a case with them prior to getting an alignment. I mean this super respectfully, but you are not sharing correct information.

But part of the PDI is supposed to be a Road Test.

NOTE: A road test by the dealer should be included as part of the
pre-delivery inspection. The dealer can check for and correct any
steering problems before you take delivery

So if the dealer didn't do this, then getting it covered under warranty should not be an issue.

[eeek]

O.K., sure. Then it becomes the dealer versus you.

I want people to understand that there is no "free" alignment from Jayco. That seems to be a recurring theme in these threads and it's simply not true. I am not trying to convince you of anything. You have your beliefs and that's great. I completely respect your opinion.

[Harvard]

Typically, the customer who is not forewarned, a brief road test is not going to reveal the problem, unless it is a real disaster. It is not until the customer takes the RV on an extended all day trip that he or she will notice something is not right about how this unit handles at highway speeds. JMO.

[eeek]

Originally Posted by Harvard

Typically, the customer who is not forewarned, a brief road test is not going to reveal the problem, unless it is a real disaster. It is not until the customer takes the RV on an extended all day trip that he or she will notice something is not right about how this unit handles at highway speeds. JMO.

Thank you for that- and I appreciate your opinion. That might sway Jayco into paying for it. And I hate to sound like a broken record here because hopefully someone reading this thread can see what I posted, they don't simply do it for free. There isn't a first-time alignment that Jayco pays for. It continues to be spread on this forum as gospel. Everything is situational- and if there is a specific reason, I am sure Jayco would honor it. However, you must work with them.

[DaveE]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Yes, it's CASTER I was talking about. I went back and looked at the PM I sent you, and I did in fact say "Caster" (I'm not above making that mistake, especially if I haven't slept). Don't get the two confused, they are distinctly different measurements.

Also, when you're done, please post up the before and after measurements along with a description of the "seat of the pants" difference you notice.

This is an issue that's not widely known among Class C buyers, so the more information we can get out there, the better.

Yep...my bad...wrote this as I was getting ready for work, making coffee, and letting the dogs out...just a slip of the fingers...I meant "caster", sorry for the booboo....but will be sure to post results.
Thanks everyone!!!

[foglght]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

But part of the PDI is supposed to be a Road Test.

NOTE: A road test by the dealer should be included as part of the
pre-delivery inspection. The dealer can check for and correct any
steering problems before you take delivery

So if the dealer didn't do this, then getting it covered under warranty should not be an issue.

A dealer tech who can't do alignments would have no way to diagnose something like this. Even if he did feel it was off, they would take it to an alignment shop, pay the money and have it come back with nothing done as it would be "in spec."

[drmike961]

I also was told by Jayco over the phone before I purchased that they do not pay for a one time alignment. This stinks because I agree that the dealer is never going to find a problem in the short time that they own the rig before the sale. Sure you can fight for the alignment and they may grant it, but I would certainly be expecting that hassle.

[Camper_bob]

Okay, I submit you may be correct.

Perhaps my error is in the assumption that because they state they recommend an alignment be done after you load the rig, and that any subsequent alignments are "maintenance" that the initial one would be covered because it's not specifically excluded?

But people have posted on this very forum that Jayco did in fact cover their first alignment. Was it "good will"? Perhaps...

And I agree, there's no way your test drive will uncover this problem. It certainly didn't on my test drive. My rig handles COMPLETELY differently loaded versus unloaded.

My point still stands, this is something that's not getting enough air time. Whether Jayco would cover a "post-sale" alignment or not, it still needs to be done. And moreover, it needs to include caster. Too many of us have had a toe adjustment and called it good because caster is "within spec". Even though that spec is 5 degrees wide (+2.0 to +7.0 IIRC?)

Has anyone looked at the Chassis owner's manual (Ford)? Perhaps there is some language for alignment coverage in there? I would doubt it, but it would be nice to know...

[drmike961]

I am still considering having this done but every shop I call either doesn't work on rvs or the big shops don't really seem to be on the same page that I am about the importance of increasing the caster (which is the whole point of the alignment). If anyone knows of a good shop in or close to MS, I am all ears. Otherwise I'm gonna drop $400-$600 for little to nothing.

[eeek]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Okay, I submit you may be correct.

Perhaps my error is in the assumption that because they state they recommend an alignment be done after you load the rig, and that any subsequent alignments are "maintenance" that the initial one would be covered because it's not specifically excluded?

But people have posted on this very forum that Jayco did in fact cover their first alignment. Was it "good will"? Perhaps...

And I agree, there's no way your test drive will uncover this problem. It certainly didn't on my test drive. My rig handles COMPLETELY differently loaded versus unloaded.

My point still stands, this is something that's not getting enough air time. Whether Jayco would cover a "post-sale" alignment or not, it still needs to be done. And moreover, it needs to include caster. Too many of us have had a toe adjustment and called it good because caster is "within spec". Even though that spec is 5 degrees wide (+2.0 to +7.0 IIRC?)

Has anyone looked at the Chassis owner's manual (Ford)? Perhaps there is some language for alignment coverage in there? I would doubt it, but it would be nice to know...

They make it clear that after it's released from the dealer after PDI, they won't do them. However, there have been times where they will- which I would assume would be a bit more fighting with them, which is why some people have probably gotten Jayco to pay.

I agree with your point. It needs to be done. Here's why I got an alignment. I work for a large cable company. We get a few new aerial lift trucks every year. Much like our RVs, these are built on f450s and f550 cutaways. The first thing our vehicle maintenance group does is perform an alignment. Why? Because one isn't done after the boom is put on. Same reason with a Jayco. They don't do another one after it's built. drmike961- this may be an avenue to check- see if you can find where the cable company takes their trucks. However... Consider this:

I looked at the warranty for my 2019 and you can see the attached. It says "Wheel alignments and tire balancing will be provided during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles in service, whichever occurs first."

So I called the Ford Motorhome Chassis Owner hotline at 1-800-444-3311 to ask. They didn't have an answer if that was you get it done and submit or if they do it themselves. They've escalated, will get back with me within 1 to 3 business days, and it and I will provide a follow up here. My guess is they wouldn't provide any adjustable bushings, just an alignment, but hey, let's find out.

On a side note, also attached is a picture that includes the benefits of having a Ford cutaway. You guys knew you got Roadside Assistance for 5 years, right? Here is what that covers:
•Flat Tire Changes (No Charge with Ford)
• Jump Start For A Dead Battery (No Charge with Ford)
• If Out of Fuel (No Charge with Ford)
• Vehicle Lock-Out Service (No Charge with Ford)
• Towing To The Closest Dealer (No Charge with Ford)

Here is the brochure explaining that:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources...2018_ARLSD.pdf