2011 357 qs

[ravenmike]

I just picked up my new 357 qs. We traded our 2005 373 for her. Our first trip out, surprise surprise, the front end needs alignment. The ride is very smooth. But I feel like I am pitching and catching from side to side in the lane. The coach will not stay in a straight line. It is more pronounced while towing a flat four vehicle behind. Any suggestions ? Before I take back to the dealer.

[NWJeeper]

Originally Posted by ravenmike

I just picked up my new 357 qs. We traded our 2005 373 for her. Our first trip out, surprise surprise, the front end needs alignment. The ride is very smooth. But I feel like I am pitching and catching from side to side in the lane. The coach will not stay in a straight line. It is more pronounced while towing a flat four vehicle behind. Any suggestions ? Before I take back to the dealer.

This is a very common problem in new coaches, wished someone had warned us as we found out the hard way after having to replace the front tires in the first year to the tune of $878 and then have the front end aligned.

Don't take it to the dealer. Contact FR directly and tell them what you have said here and demand they pay for a FEA. They will only do this in the first 90 days of ownership so get on it now. You will need to find a local shop that is capable of doing a FEA on such a large rig as just any shop can't do it.

Good luck. Oh and welcome to the forum.

[ronhanson]

I'm not saying you don't have an alignment problem since many have, but you would be amazed what the quality of the road surface can do to the handling.

When I picked mine up in Orlando and drove north on I95 I couldn't believe how bad it handled. It was all over the place. As soon as we crossed into Georgia the road surface changed and it handled great. That stretch in Florida had the big worn tracks in the lanes from all the traffic.

[johnnyjoe]

My new 378 was out of alignment too. Took it to a local truck repair shop, the did an alignment.I have not had it out since, but it did feel beter on the short drive home. I will have it out this weekend and see how it does on the highway. Alignment cost me $90.00, dealer I bought from was no help. Imagine that!