Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Where to go for alignment (Read 992 times) previous topic - next topic

Where to go for alignment

I'm in Southern California and believe my 2003 coach would benefit from a wheel alignment. Is there anyone in my corner of the country who can do a proper alignment, or should I put Nac on the early part of my upcoming cross country trip?
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #1 –
If solid front axle, most any truck shop, as all that is adjustable is CASTER (adjusted with solid wedge-shaped shims so unlikely to get out of adjustment) and TOE which can be checked with a string, tape measure or stick.
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: Where to go for alignment

Reply #2 –
Hi Tom,

Perhaps the best place is in FL at Josam:
http://www.josamusa.com
Jim

2002 U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #3 –
I would call ahead any place you use first, and make sure they can do it manually. Took my 99 to a new place that had a fancy computerized alignment machine. He said it had a database of over 10000 trucks and could do any vehicle.
Trouble was, Foretravel made [in 99] their own chassis, so was not in database. Specs were under dash, so they had to go to the back of the shop to find an older guy that could align it by hand.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #4 –
Hi Tom,
If I needed an alignment in San Diego, I would go to Clarence Brown.  The SDFD used them for our fire engines and trucks for years and I've only heard good things about them.
San Diego Wheel Alignment | Clarence Brown Alignment Services
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #5 –
Josam can align any motor home....did my 2002 several years ago. And yes, do call for the appointment first.
Jim

2002 U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jim Frerichs –
Josam can align any motor home....did my 2002 several years ago. And yes, do call for the appointment first.
Jim

2002 U320


Who/where is Josam?
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #8 –
If everything is tight underneath do have the shop readjust the front wheel bearings
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #9 –
Timken recommends .001 to .005 thousands with dial indicator.


The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #10 –
Hi Bill,

Josam is in Orlando, FL
www.josamusa.com/
Jim 2002 U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #11 –
Tom, this place is near you give them a call.
One-Stop Truck Repair & Auto Services in Azusa | S.E. Smith & Sons, INC.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #12 –
Do you know anything about one-stop?  I was thinking of using Bear in Glendora.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #13 –
Not lately, they were servicing and repairing trucks when I was in the Operating Engineers and working in Irwindale in 1971 . Some of the trucks that were used to train for commercial licenses were repaired there. Just figured that if they were still in business they must be doing something right.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean
 

Re: Where to go for alignment

Reply #14 –
Bill my own coach is now set at .001 on one side and .003 on the other and has a noticeable small  increase in the movement needed in the steering wheel to effect a directional change.

With a non measurable amount of non DOT preload on the bearings the exact coach drove on rails. 

Just saying in my case being legal but loose, then preloaded,  then legally loose as a 30k test the differences were easily noticeable to me. 

Interested in the OP'S results versus mine.

Replaced every bad part in the front end first
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4