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Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

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?
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Elliott –
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

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Elliott –
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?

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.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #3 –
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 . 

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #4 –
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?
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #5 –
Quote from: bigdog –
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. . . .

This is Elliott we're talking to here.  Need I say more?
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #6 –
Quote from: bigdog –
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?
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

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #7 –
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.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
This is Elliott we're talking to here.  Need I say more?

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.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #9 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #10 –
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"
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Elliott –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Adjusting ride height on partial pavement

Reply #12 –
Quote from: bigdog –
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.
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.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.