Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Axles and Suspension Systems, Brakes, Brake Controllers, Wheels, Tires
RISK
Posts: 346
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 10:50 am
Location: Sunset Valley, TX

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by RISK »

ericlarson wrote: Sat Mar 21, 2020 5:13 pm Razorback,
It often isn't what you know it's who you know. I try to get names/references when dealing with companies I am not familiar with. It sure is paying off with Lippert. I'll post update when this is finally resolved.
Be well y'all and wash your hands.
Eric Larson
Hey Eric,

Is there any update to this saga?

Ian
1978 26M
1964 SilverStreak Sabre
1977 Airstream Sovereign (in a million pieces)
ericlarson
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2017 6:59 pm

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by ericlarson »

As Requested here is update as of 31 April 2020.
Lippert agreed to send out three new axles to the alignment shop near my home. The axles arrived but the alignment shop had no fork lift so that delayed unloading by a week. (This took place in March 2020.)
Lippert also agreed to pay three hours labor to have the out of alignment axles removed and new ones put on. It took close to 10 hours for this whole process at $100 per hour labor.
Sad to report that the 3 new axles are like the last 3 and all "tweaked" slightly to the right. My alignment guy said the tires are all about 1/8" aimed slightly right from true center. He also said that he had never experienced anything like this from a manufacturer. The last 6 new axles I received from Lippert are all slightly off true center in the same way.
Because of the current Covid-19 California restrictions on travel I am unable to road test the trailer to see if there is any unusual tire wear or strange handling characteristics.
I have planned a road trip to travel to the Sierra Nevada Mountains next month if the travel ban is lifted. I am going to take many readings on each tire during this trip and keep good records.
As of today Lippert has not sent me any reimbursement for the labor cost. I did send all documentation such as proof of payment as well as all the alignment test results/readings. If I notice any unusual wear or handling I am going to contact Lippert to rectify the issue. I am not opposed to towing the trailer to a shop of their selection to have the current issue resolved.
Now it's time to get my Avion cleaned and packed up and ready for travel. Thanks RISK for the inquiry.
Salty
Posts: 805
Joined: Sat May 12, 2018 1:35 am
Location: Houston

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by Salty »

strictly speculating, it sounds as though the fabrication jig is out of alignment.
1987 34V
2000 Ford F250
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
ericlarson
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2017 6:59 pm

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by ericlarson »

That is exactly what the alignment specialist told me too.
RISK
Posts: 346
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 10:50 am
Location: Sunset Valley, TX

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by RISK »

Wow, super frustrating and disappointing.
I wonder how Lippart could have this issue and not be aware of it?

Hopefully they do right by you again,

I was born in the sierras, say hi for me!

Ian
1978 26M
1964 SilverStreak Sabre
1977 Airstream Sovereign (in a million pieces)
silverloaf
Posts: 763
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2017 9:01 pm

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by silverloaf »

ericlarson wrote: Tue Jun 02, 2020 12:18 pm That is exactly what the alignment specialist told me too.
Eric-
Maybe I'm missing something here. But here's my take on what I've read in the posts.

The factory static toe setting for our '88 30P Mor-ryde axles is -1/8". This occurs when the spacers at the axle pivot points are indexed correctly. The theory is the frictional force on the tires moving down the road will force the toe to 0. It sounds like Lippert incorporated the -1/8" toe into the assembly. I don't think its unusual for any RV or trailer with a torsion or solid axle to have this pre-set toe.

Is this my understanding of what you have?
" Faith can move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel.”


Silverloaf (Bob)
Dawsonville, GA
1988 30P
ericlarson
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2017 6:59 pm

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by ericlarson »

According to the Alignment readings taken these are the readings for each axle.
Front Axle
REAR TOE Left +0.42 Degrees REAR CAMBER Left -0.55 Degrees
REAR TOE Right -0.30 Degrees REAR CAMBER Right -0.46 Degrees
TOTAL +0.12 degrees Side-to-Side -0.09 Degrees

Middle Axle
REAR TOE Left +0.49 Degrees REAR CAMBER Left -0.65 Degrees
REAR TOE Right -0.49 Degrees REAR CAMBER Right -0.65 Degrees
Total 0.00 Degrees Side-to-Side 0.00 Degrees

Rear Axle
REAR TOE Left +0.37 Degrees REAR CAMBER Left -0.56 Degrees
REAR TOE Right -0.24 Degrees REAR CAMBER Right -0.38 Degrees
Total +0.13 Degrees Side-to-Side -0.18 Degrees

Does this information clarify?
silverloaf
Posts: 763
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2017 9:01 pm

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by silverloaf »

That's really a mixed bag. Is there any center-line in the assembly that should up to the center-line of the frame?
" Faith can move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel.”


Silverloaf (Bob)
Dawsonville, GA
1988 30P
Salty
Posts: 805
Joined: Sat May 12, 2018 1:35 am
Location: Houston

Re: Alignment 1989 34XB info needed

Post by Salty »

silverloaf wrote: Wed Jun 03, 2020 4:54 pm That's really a mixed bag. Is there any center-line in the assembly that should up to the center-line of the frame?
This isn't my thread, but could I ask you to clarify? Please?
Something popped into my head while reading this. Could the frame be racked? Just spit balling.
1987 34V
2000 Ford F250
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
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