We live in a very hilly city in the mountains and finding a level parking lot while it's still light out is challenging. However, I do have a perfectly level driveway that fits HALF the coach. The front half would be on dirt that's fairly flat, but does have a gradual incline up.
Could I back the rear two wheels on to the driveway, adjust the ride height, and then flip the coach around and adjust the front while it's on the pavement?
Personally I wouldn't. You need a level/flat area to adjust all at once. Walmart? Or someplace similar
No. Nope. You could make four pads level to one another and park on those to adjust your suspension. You could use a transit and stadia, or you could make a fluid level with colored water and plastic tubing. But you must have a level surface for all four corners at the same time.
Yes. It will work . as long as side to side is pretty level. The front sets easy as it has one sensor .
Turn it around and set the rear. Next time that you drive it , look for a nice flat area and use a tape measure over the tires for reference.
Make adjustments as you see fit .
I kinda get why you would set the ride height on a level surface. Safer and easier on a hard level surface.
But having owned a few class 8 trucks. No matter how little or how much weight was placed on the air spring suspension. It remained steady. In other words, The truck not being on level ground and changing the center of gravity had no effect on air springs. Wouldn't this hold true for our coaches as the basic ride height is controlled with the axle air valve and not the HWH system?
This is Elliott we're talking to here. Need I say more?
Yes it can be adjusted and measured/scaled and gotten close but your still going to end up in a fairly level lot fine tuning it. Guess it's how particular you are.
Scott
I was so caddywompus after replacing the rear valves that I couldn't have driven somewhere if I wanted to. I got it close enough here at home and will find a parking lot somewhere to fine tune before we leave for Q.
On a side note, it is crazy how much the rear valves control the side-to-side adjustment of the front. It tells you just how rigid these bodies really are.
Still relevant, Even if you don't think so. If I had just replaced my valves and didn't have a billiard table flat parking area. I might want to know if it's an actual super critical requirement that might ruin my coach if not followed. or just another tire pressure thing where folks argue over fractions of a PSI.
If you are installing a new ride height valve or linkage and you are not at a level location, as already suggested do the best to estimate and as soon as you are to a level site, re-check/fine-tune.
No absolutes here, just hard to do the final adjustment unless on a flat surface.
Thanks guys, I decided to take some time off at work today and went and found a parking lot. I ended up being within 1/2 inch side-to-side from just doing it in the dirt at my house. Now every corner is perfect expect for one up front that's off by less than 1/8"
Please understand, with only ONE ride height valve in front, you look at the AVERAGE of the two sides. One WILL be a little higher, one a little lower.
If more than 1/2" difference recheck/re adjust the rears, as they determine the side to side ride height.
Then the answer to Elliott is: Your suspension rides on three points. One in the front and two in the rear. Get the rear as level as possible side to side and the ride height somewhere near normal. I *think* it's 8". But I have torsion bars.