2251 Chevy alignment/wandering issue...

[Total Loss]

So I just bought a 2016 2251 Chevy chassis and after 3 trips (one in the wind) I decided to attempt to alleviate the wandering and tracking issues I have. This is the first motorhome I have driven for any length of time and I seem to have almost constant input into the steering. Road level changes, surface changes and minor cross winds seem to move it around too much for my liking.
I set up an alignment with a local old school alignment guy I know.

I asked him to put in additional caster to help with the centering. He said that he probably could get a degree or more from the factory settings. I have an appt tomorrow and I will post up the results.

Then I should receive a Roadmaster Reflex steering stabilizer I ordered from Camping World. (spring loaded self centering unit). I will also post up after I install that.

Both these items should help with the tracking...I hope.
I am aware of the Ford issues due to the twin I beam config and settling.
Have not heard of any issues with the double A-arm setup on the Chevy.
My alignment guy agreed that all these class C's should be realigned after settling in and will give me a tailored setup.

[Bama Rambler]

I think that you'll find that you don't need the stabilizer if the alignment guy does a good job, but it'll be extra insurance.

[geeman53]

keep us posted .

[Total Loss]

I received the stabilizer today. No brackets though have to wait at least another week.
Alignment tomorrow.

My history with alignments and my prior vehicles is that the added degree or so of caster helps the most.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Total Loss

I received the stabilizer today. No brackets though have to wait at least another week.
Alignment tomorrow.

My history with alignments and my prior vehicles is that the added degree or so of caster helps the most.

I would wager your alignment man will put some caster split of at least 1/4° more caster in the RF to help also.

[Forester Fred]

Did you try adding some air to the rear airbags? My wandered when I first got it but once I put some weight in it and added air to the bags I haven't noticed any wandering.

[Total Loss]

Originally Posted by Forester Fred

Did you try adding some air to the rear airbags? My wandered when I first got it but once I put some weight in it and added air to the bags I haven't noticed any wandering.

No air bags. I don't need them.
Rear sits about 2 -3 inches higher than the front.
Spring stack is huge. No rear sag issues.
I did put the front tires up to about 78 lbs- I may try running them a little lower also.

[Total Loss]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I would wager your alignment man will put some caster split of at least 1/4° more caster in the RF to help also.

I am aware of that also. Actually- the factories usually put 1/4 more into the right for the road crown.
My does not pull. I will have him put equal "additional" in rt and lt.
Me thinks that will show to be about 1/4 more in the rt.

[poppytoymaker]

I have the sameTruck in a 2015. At 5000 miles I added 4 Koni FSD shocks and Safety Plus steering stabilizer. Not perfect but a great improvement, heavy sidewinds are heavy side winds

[poppytoymaker]

Just to add I run my front tires at 65 and my rears at 80.

[RubberNail]

Had same issue with my then new 2013 Sunseeker 2300 on Chevy G4500 chassis. Having previously owned a 2005 Jayco Excapade on a Chevy G3500 chassis, knew this wasn't a generic Chevy issue. I'm 800 miles from my vendor. Decided to start with new shocks. Purchased Belstein's at recommendation of my local mechanic, who also offered that looking at the undercarriage, I shouldn't need anything. When we pulled the shocks (still new), one was completely failed. Could extend and contract without resistance. Went ahead and mounted both new Bilstein shocks. Drove like my new buick!! Check shocks first. A Chevy G4500 shouldn't have handling issues if everything is working as it should.

[Forester Fred]

Originally Posted by Total Loss

No air bags. I don't need them.
Rear sits about 2 -3 inches higher than the front.
Spring stack is huge. No rear sag issues.
I did put the front tires up to about 78 lbs- I may try running them a little lower also.

Air bags are standard on the Foresters. I'm running 65psi in my front tires and 85psi in the rears. The Chevy's sit nose low without any help so don't let that throw you.

[Total Loss]

Fred- No bags on mine- the rear is stiff and really doesn't seem to need any.

Here is my results from the alignment.
Toe set to 1/32 in
Camber set to 0
Caster- added 1 left and 1/2 rt. (6 and 5 I believe afterwards he said)

Drives much better- even with strong cross winds.
I know the stabilizer will help also and as I was driving home, I decided to get some Bilsteins for the front to help with the jounce.

That should tighten things up.
Tracks better already and lighter steering wheel feel in a straight line.

Oh yeah- I went by the weigh station near the alignment shop...

10130 with 1/2 tank of gas, 1/3 tank of water and normal camping gear.
No people, clothes, personal items or food as we would add for a trip.
Not too bad.

[Total Loss]

Originally Posted by RubberNail

Had same issue with my then new 2013 Sunseeker 2300 on Chevy G4500 chassis. Having previously owned a 2005 Jayco Excapade on a Chevy G3500 chassis, knew this wasn't a generic Chevy issue. I'm 800 miles from my vendor. Decided to start with new shocks. Purchased Belstein's at recommendation of my local mechanic, who also offered that looking at the undercarriage, I shouldn't need anything. When we pulled the shocks (still new), one was completely failed. Could extend and contract without resistance. Went ahead and mounted both new Bilstein shocks. Drove like my new buick!! Check shocks first. A Chevy G4500 shouldn't have handling issues if everything is working as it should.

My next item.- Bilsteins.
I believe all class C motorhomes should be re=aligned. I say re-aligned because they are all set at the factory the same- regardless of weight added or vehicle intended use.
Realigned after broken in that is- once everything settles in.
Geometry changes.

[Forester Fred]

Originally Posted by Total Loss

My next item.- Bilsteins.
I believe all class C motorhomes should be re=aligned. I say re-aligned because they are all set at the factory the same- regardless of weight added or vehicle intended use.
Realigned after broken in that is- once everything settles in.
Geometry changes.

Did Chevy do it under warranty?

[Total Loss]

Originally Posted by Forester Fred

Did Chevy do it under warranty?

Didn't even try.
I wanted an expert to do it- one that understands motorhomes.
I paid my guy $60 cash- He usually charges $85.
He is a work colleague that I give a lot of business to.

[Total Loss]

Update.
Did a 200 mile drive towing the Tacoma toad.
Light winds at times.
With just the alignment done- tracked good on flat surfaces.
When the tarmac got worn with trenches dug out from the big rigs, it would still wander on the trenches - can't take the hand off the wheel for more than a second...but much better than before alignment. Otherwise- drove good.
Next up- Reflex stabilizer and front Bilsteins- should get them on together here soon and test.

Handled the 4100 lb Tacoma and gear very well.
5th/6th most of the time, 4th on the moderate hills, 3rd on one large hill.

[Total Loss]

Finally tested the rig (Chevy) with the new goodies. No wind conditions.
1) Alignment- much better- less wandering
2) Roadmaster Reflex install- Much straighter tracking. Does not wander with road level changes- works great in combination with the alignment and one handed driving is easy.
3) Bilstein front shocks- no more bounce particularly on freeway overpass transitions where the tarmac meets the concrete.

All in all- 2 thumbs up with the mods. About $500 total - without my labor.
Well worth it.
I should say though that steering is "harder" on slow speed turns.