Quote:
Originally Posted by petef
I drove my rig, similar to yours, from dealer in TX to AL, back to TX and then onward home to NV. White knuckle driving, we got caught in a bad storm a couple times. I have a background in wheels, tires, alignment, I owned a Tire and Front end shop that did everything from cars to 18 wheeler alignments, one of the first on the east coast to have a computer off the truck tire balancing machine for these types of wheel/tire combos.
Alignment a MUST! mine was off 1/4 in toe out. In 2000 miles ate the inner edge of the front tire.. I knew it was bad, shame on dealers for sending out units without this being done. I got Thor to pay for it. It is was not steerable with one hand.. Camber was fine, do not remember caster, as normally if the right side is 1/2 degree or more positive then the left you leave be. It can be adjusted by inserting shims on top the spring assembly to tile the axle. I do not know about the above recommendations, what caster does is keep you from pulling to left or right. In pre-power steering days it was set more positive.
CHF. I did it myself in a parking lot. Yes, it changed the roll, however the side effect was a stiff ride, so every little bump your front tires crossed came to your seat and steering wheel. And dash. Any imperfection in surface was felt. Even the stuff they fill in the cracks with you felt.. I undid my CHF, to much damage to the dash and my back.
Rear Trac bar -- had installed when install price went on sale. I helped. I had them do the rear CHF, and still have that. When hit with heavy crosswinds I drive fine. trucks flying by no problems.
Sumo Springs. I bought a set, and ended up the wrong size somehow, but I was able to make them work, basically a cushion to absorb big change in front end, ie, a big pothole. They are not active when driving normal so will mot help the handing.
Hours behind the wheels.. works very well.
The above combinations have worked very well for me.
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When I did the CHF on our 27K I used the plates in the front and did see an improvement in handling but didn't notice that the ride was any worse or better, was still terrible! The best improvement in overall handling came when I installed the Roadmaster Add-on rear sway bar. Front Sumos', steering stabilizer, rear track bar, CHF, made incremental improvements but the add-on sway bar was the best improvement.
I'll be replacing tires next year and I am looking for tires I can run with a little less pressure. The GoodYear's on it shouldn't be run at less than 80 psi according to their chart and will carry 3640# as a single and 3415 each as doubles . Our mh scaled at 5700 on the front and 10560 on the rear FULLY LOADED, food, fuel, water, propane, cloths and us. I'd love to feel what the ride would be at 70 or 75#.
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