Weighing The Options
I learned a lot from Mark Quasius’ article about proper chassis alignment (“Chassis Alignment Checkup,” June 2016, page 50) and have one question. All manufacturers recommend weighing coaches loaded, but the only place to get this done seems to be at a rally. Why don’t the dealers offer this as a customer service?
I have asked at several dealerships, but all I get are blank stares and a promise that they will suggest it to management.
Maria T. De Caussin, F438722
Antioch, Illinois
The best option is wheel-by-wheel weighing, which is offered by the RV Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF) and some RV suspension shops. RVSEF hosts weighing events at varying locations, including FMCA conventions, and year-round weighing is offered at its central Florida office. See the foundation website for the locations: www.rvsafety.com/weighing-schedule-locations. Besides weighing the vehicle, RVSEF also provides a weight analysis report and suggestions for solving any weight issues.
Truck stops have certified scales and offer axle-by-axle weights and total weights but not individual wheel weights.
Some local counties or agencies have portable scales they use to enforce truck weight limitations. Depending on their resources and policies, they might be willing to assist a local motorhome owner in obtaining individual wheel weights. One could certainly contact them and ask.
In order to offer this service, RV dealers would have to invest in portable scales; train someone to use them; and have someone available to do the weighing. Keep suggesting it, however; you never know.
Tire Replacement
I want to replace the tires on my Itasca Latitude motorhome. The tire size is 255/80R22.5. The only manufacturer of this size tire is Michelin. When I started to look for them, I was informed that they are on a national backorder. I called Michelin directly and was told they aren’t available. Michelin suggested calling my vehicle’s manufacturer and getting an alternate tire size. What are all of the motorhome owners who have that size tire supposed to do if we have a tire problem?
James Macart, F456285
Swanton, Vermont
We contacted Michelin’s commercial public relations director, who told us that the tire in question, the Michelin XRV 255/80R22.5, catalog number 59634, is still being made but has indeed been on back order. As of early July, the tire was available on the West Coast and could be ordered from dealers there; dealers elsewhere were expected to have the tire by mid-August. For more information, call Michelin consumer relations at (888) 622-2306.
If Michelin tires are unavailable, you could opt for Goodyear G670 RV tires. The online guide Michelin RV Tires (https://goo.gl/wqR3tn) includes information on page 14 about XRV size 255/80R22.5 motorhome tires, including overall tire diameter, tread width, and psi requirements. With that information in hand, you can go to Goodyear’s RV tire website (www.goodyearrvtires.com) and find a 22.5-inch tire that fits your needs.
When considering a change in tire size, a critical “minimum dual spacing” dimension must be accounted for, in addition to a tire’s overall diameter and tread width. Work closely with your truck tire dealer to check the wheel specifications.
Front-End Alignment
I have a 2002 Monaco Windsor motorhome and have had the front alignment adjusted to specs about six times. I have changed front tires three times due to outside wear. When I first got the motorhome, its front tires had to be replaced after driving just from Indiana to California. I am desperate to fix it. I just put on a new set of six tires, drove 2,300 miles, and now I see outer edge wear. Can you recommend someone?
Tim Scowden, F201619
El Cajon, California
You might want to check first with your chassis manufacturer for a facility that they recommend. Or, one company that comes to mind is longtime FMCA commercial member Henderson’s Line-Up, Brake, & RV (www.hendersonslineup.com). The company specializes in RV handling, suspension, steering, and braking. However, it is located in Grants Pass, Oregon, so that may not work for you. Also check FMCA’s RV Marketplace (http://familymotorcoachrvmarketplace.com) where you can search for shops that might do this type of work. The most recent print version of the FMCA commercial member directory appears in the June 2016 issue of FMC.