Alignment

[Ken Sair]

I am in need of a recommendation for a front end alignment on my 2007 Contessa. I just noticed yesterday the insides wearing a little about 3/8 inch in. I am just East of Mobile AL and headed to Calif. W/B on I-10.

I would like to get this done ASAP before I ruin a 2 good tires. If anyone has a recommendation I sure would appreciate it.

Thanks, Ken Sair

[Sean Donohue]

What kind of tires are you running? Goodyears are known for wearing the edges...

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Ken,

Service centers from Monaco web site:

RV SHOP, THE
14340 S CHOCTAW EXT
BATON ROUGE, LA
Phone: 225-272-8000
Fax: 225-272-5968

DEMONTROND AUTO GROUP
14101 NORTH FREEWAY
HOUSTON, TX
Phone: 281-872-7200

I've had good luck on alignments with Freightliner shop here. Some on your route are:

Empire Truck Sales  
Slidell LA (on I10 just south of I12)
Phone: (985)641-4000
Toll Free: (800)259-5260

G.M. VARNADO & SONS, INC.
7659 AIRLINE HWY.
BATON ROUGE, LA 70814
Phone: (225)924-5378
Toll Free: (800)924-5506

If in  the Houston area you might want to check with PPL RV. Big dealer so they probably know of a good shop.  1-800-755-4775

Good luck, Steve

[Tom and Pam Brown]

I have to agree with Steve, my suggestion would be a truck dealer who offers alignment service or one they would recommend. Unfortunately tire cupping is not unusual.  But hopefully can be corrected.

Almost sounds like a bit of over inflation.  

[Robert Mathis]

Are both tires wearing the insides at the same basic rate? My Contessa was wearing the driver's side steer tire more than the passenger side, and I found that problem was a badly aligned tag axle and the drive axle was also out of align. We had a three axle alignment done by JoSam and have never had a problem since.

[John Hennessey]

If you are headed all the way up to Redding I can recommend All Wheel Alignment.  Motorhome and 5th Wheel Alignment is all they do.  You can stay in their lot if needed.

[Ken Sair]

Running Continental HSR2sa. The wearing just started and now is very minimal. Both are wearing the same and only about 1/2 inch into the inside of the tire. Its not visible but you can feel it. This alignment is two years old and I am surprised it lasted this long. I have an appointment on MO 01-28 with Loves in Chandler AZ to install two new Michelin tires on the steer axle. These tires are then going on the LR dually where it will even out. The tires are two years old. I dont want to wait as I might ruin them in that 1600 mile two week run across I-10.

Sadly, I realized this Friday evening after we left Alliance service center in Wildwood. I would have made a beeline for Josams. I did call Empire Trucks (Freightliner) in Mobile AL. Of course they were closed till tomorrow. Thanks Steve, I have had good luck with Freightliner in the past and called them first. I am only 10 miles from Mobile and will be on the phone early. We only have a 110 mile drive tomorrow so we have time for a service call. I'll most likely end up at Freightliner. My guess is the toe is out.

Thanks to all, Ken

[Ken Sair]

Well, alignment problem solved in a very satisfactory way. I received a recommendation from another forum to contact TCI in Mobile AL. Website looked good with modern equipment. I called early today but they do not do alignments on Motorhomes. They did recommend I call Horn Truck Rebuilders (3210 Anton St. Whistler AL 36612 251-452-5400). Its just off I-65, the north loop around Mobile. Wayne Gerhart said no problem, come on in as he had just had a cancellation. These folks rebuild trucks, do all frame alignment etc. Business is not much to look at but I got terrific service.We arrived around 10 and only waited for 30 minutes as another truck was on the rack. Wayne came out and personally inspected the tires in the lot. Then took it into the shop. Turns out the toe was out slightly, like I thought. Glad I caught it now. I was going to have it aligned in two weeks anyway when I get new steer tires.

The good news. Wayne also inspected the front end area and reported all looked very good. He also greased the front axle and steering shaft. Said he liked the grease area to be a little fuller. Wow, was I surprised. Thats service. And the good news, $125.00. I was a little floored as Freightliner down the road was $199.00. If you want a pretty waiting room and nicely paved lot this place may not be for you. If you are interested in good customer service, quality work and a very fair price, this is the place.

Ken Sair