Winnebago Brave Front End Alignment

[DAN L]

Originally Posted by ChipN

We are new to the class A and RV and IRV2 world. WOW! Know that's a lot of firsts. We bought our first rv a used 2003 Winnebago Brave 32V of a Ford chassis. The coach did not have any history as far as repair records are concerned. Does anyone have any experience with one of these as far as front end alignment goes? Where did you get it done? What is a reasonable price to pay to get it done? All help greatly appreciated. Thanks Chip.

i suggest you call brazels rv, a sponsor of this forum, and ask them for a shop recommendation in your area.
if you have a class a, do a forum search for ''cheap handling fix''.
you can add info about your rv in the signature block in your profile.
an example is the info at the bottom of this post.

[Yellowboat]

My RV was aligned at Wingfoot, a truck tire dealer. About a month ago they checked my alignment for about $125.00. Our local Ford Truck Service Center does not have the equipment to do alignment.

[TeJay]

An alignment for that rig should be around $125-$150 depending on how many shims they need to adjust the caster. If you have any worn steering parts those need to be replaced before the alignment. Only two things will alter a factory alignment (unless it was set wrong at the factory) hitting something causing a steering part to bend or worn parts. Both of those will change alignment angles.

The secret to getting a good alignment it to find a shop that does 18-wheelers and will also do a MH. They will have the equipment to handle anything.

The total toe in should be no more than 1/16" or 1/32" for both tires. The caster is set by adding shims under the steering knuckle and on-top of the axle. That's not a problem either but each shim might cost $10 so that will add to the cost.

Here's the kicker. The camber has to be done by cold bending the axle. Don't let a shop tell you that they can't bend the axles because they are set at the factory and should not need adjusted. We had our coach aligned 3 weeks ago and it had only 600 miles on it. It was also aligned at the factory. All alignment angles were off. They bent both sides of the front axle (Cold) to get the caster into specs.

So knowing that information if you find a shop talk to the alignment guy and ask how he fixes the alignment if the camber is off. If he says that they don't or can't then that shop is not for your rig. Also ask what they set the total toe-in. If they say anything other than 1/16" or very, very close to that they don't have a clue. Toe-in is more or less fairly universal especially on solid front axles. There should not be much if any variation in those settings. They may give the toe in degrees. Simply have them tell you what that would be in inches.

TeJay

[ChipN]

Tejay that is very helpful information. I just may have to drive for a distance to get it done without being ripped off. Hey if that is what it takes! $746 in one place, $250 in another (a Ford dealer recommended shop). I very much dislike being taken advantage of, thanks again.

[TeJay]

ChipN,
You are welcome. I taught automotive for 35 years and do somewhat miss it so helping others on the forums will have to do since I really don't want a job.
Let us know what you find and how it works out. We are always interested in good outcomes. Also if you find a good shop for the alignment post it and others can use them as well. This is a very large community and many are looking for good service places that are decent and honest.

TeJay