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Old 09-10-2019, 05:11 PM   #1
Last2Die
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Alignment

I have a 2018 3920, and you can see from below. Since I have had the unit I have put about 9000-9500 miles on it, cross county 2 times. Im about 2 months out of warranty now. I think thats the low down and dirty on the needed info.

Since I got home from our trip and a few smaller ones closer to home I have noticed that all 4 tires on the inside edge are pretty much bald, no steel showing but massive tire wear. so I did some digging into the alignment, as I know im not overloaded so I checked the alignment using a piece of straight angle iron. I should make contact with the tires at 4 points. Well on each side I was only able to make 3 points. Called keystone, called Moryde.

To make a long story short East County Alignment, had to redo my bearings since there was so much play in each tire, and do the alignment. I figured the alignment that was needed was my fault. Come to find out the front axle was 1/4 of an inch out of alignment, the rear was 3/4 of an inch out of alignment. They said unless im driving in reverse at 80 and hit a curb it came from the factory like this. They documented everything and I submitted a claim waiting on Keystone.

Side note, check your alignment !! It was a lot of work for them to correct it. Alignment and fix the angles. Hoping to get my 900+ dollars back and some new Sailuns....

If you don't tow much or far you will never know if its out of alignment, your tires would age out before you could tell, since I tow it far I was able to find the issue somewhat quickly. Fingers crossed they cover it !!

Tony
 
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Old 09-10-2019, 06:36 PM   #2
beeje
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It is a well know fact that (to me and some others ) that the factories do not align trailer axles EVER. You tire wear indicates overloaded axles. But not necessarily do to my first statement.

Years ago I had a similar issue and had the axles aligned (bent back into shape). No tire issues since (10k+miles)

Heading to Mor Ryde in June to get the IS installed and be done with all the suspension issues
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Old 09-10-2019, 07:43 PM   #3
jcurtis934
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And the factory probably didn't torque the ubolts on each axle after they built your unit either, unless they finally listened to all of us and now do it.
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Old 09-11-2019, 08:14 AM   #4
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When we bought our two Montana's the first stop was always the alignment shop.
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Old 09-11-2019, 08:31 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RKassl View Post
When we bought our two Montana's the first stop was always the alignment shop.
Wish I would have known !! Live and learn I guess. Next time I’ll be ready !

Tony
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Old 09-11-2019, 09:30 AM   #6
Hblick48
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I put new tires on our rig when we purchased used 3 years ago. Took short trips for first year, and then a cross country trip. About 3/4 through, I noticed that all 4 tires were severely worn on the inside...so much do that we stopped at tire shop and had all 4 tires flipped to make it home without exposing tire cord.

When we got home, I checked suspension and alignment. Keystone built it with two 6,000 pound axles, but cheaped out and used 2,500 pound springs. I replaced with 3,000 pound springs (one extra leaf). Then I checked alignment (straight edge method) and right front was off over 1/2 inch.

Performed "hillbilly alignment" which consists of 32 ton bottle jack and strong chain. Bent axle back into alignment. I've now put over 12,000 miles on new tires, and they still look new.
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Old 09-11-2019, 11:27 AM   #7
Daryles
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Interesting article
Trailer alignment
https://www.centrevilletrailer.com/h...ler-tire-wear/
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Old 09-11-2019, 11:34 AM   #8
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Here's how I did mine at home. Worked great!
https://youtu.be/H3tbsnVKxjU
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Old 09-11-2019, 11:56 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hblick48 View Post
Here's how I did mine at home. Worked great!
https://youtu.be/H3tbsnVKxjU
I can see that working, however I would think that the jack would crush the axle tube without something in between it and the jack. Im thinking a 1/2 round piece of pipe.
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Old 09-11-2019, 01:01 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RKassl View Post
When we bought our two Montana's the first stop was always the alignment shop.
We are almost 2 years into our third Montana and all were bought new. We have never had to have an alignment done BUT all axle U-bolts needed to be torqued right after purchase. The nuts on the 2008 3400RL could be removed without a wrench!
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Old 09-11-2019, 01:02 PM   #11
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That's a disaster waiting to happen
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Old 09-15-2019, 04:17 PM   #12
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I purchased my 2017 Montana RE3000 about two years ago. I had the alignment shop do a computer alignment about 2 weeks after purchase and it wheels were grossly out of line. I had to take it back to the dealership, Sky River RV in Pismo, California. Keystone told me that the alignment performed by the dealer met the manufactures tolerances, which was idiotic. I put about 10,000 miles on the tires and inside tread on at least two were near the steel belts and the other two were wearing on the outside tread. I had to replace all four tires.
Took the trailer back to the alignment shop in Bakersfield, CA, Keith & Jerry's, and another computer alignment was done on the trailer. Still the same problem. Shop had to remove the axles and re-drill holes in the beam and re-install the axles. Of course, Keystone would not honor the commitment they made in writing and I had to pay the whole cost. By this time it was out of warranty.
If I purchase another 5th wheel it will be computer aligned before I sign the papers, or i will not buy it, and the dealer will fund the cost.
In conclusion, The trailer now pulls like a dream. My average mileage went from 9.5 miles per gallon to 10.5 to 11.
All I can say is that Keystone's word is not any good!! They make commitments that they do not intend to keep!
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Old 09-15-2019, 06:09 PM   #13
cmccuan
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We have IS and it was out of alignment! We believe it left the factory like that. Had to take it to a place that aligned IS (not a regular thing on an RV). Took several hours, cost hundreds of dollars plus had to purchase 2 new tires. ��
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Old 09-15-2019, 06:34 PM   #14
BUBBA-NONNIE
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The next time I purchase a 5r will be from the manufacturer. I will pick it up and make sure everything is right.
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Old 09-15-2019, 07:08 PM   #15
speedster100
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With the Correct Trak system isn't it as simple as moving the yellow plates one way or the other to change alignment ??? Thought that was the purpose of the system...
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Old 09-15-2019, 08:39 PM   #16
BUBBA-NONNIE
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I did not have the trac system. The alignment shop had to re-position the axles.
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Old 10-03-2019, 09:17 AM   #17
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**UPDATE**

Well I finally heard back from Keystone. Prior to getting the work done I called Keystone, then MORryde, and then keystone again, since I don't know how all this should go down I maintained contact with keystone all the way. I got the trailer aligned, and they had to redo the bearings. Total 914.20

The alignment and bearings took about 7 hours to complete it was a lot of work. The unit actually travels straight now !

Keystone denied the claim, they stated that I never called in, there are no records showing that I called in, not sure how my calls would magically disappear. Am I happy with the unit? yes am I happy with Keystone lying to me? NO

Now time to find 4 new tires, thanks keystone.

Almost forgot the rear axle:
Camber: L -1", R -5/8"
Toe: -3/4"

Front axle:
Camber: L -1/8", R -1/8" No toe adjustment needs on front axle.
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Old 10-03-2019, 09:22 AM   #18
cmccuan
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There's an app called call recorder. It's free. Started forcing calls about 3 years ago cuz of a bad construction project. It's proved invaluable for many reasons over time
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Old 10-03-2019, 09:23 AM   #19
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Interesting outcome. shows you that documenting is very important.



but, I would find it amazing if keystone would reimburse you $900 for an '18 since it is way out of warranty.
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Old 10-03-2019, 09:32 AM   #20
Last2Die
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Interesting outcome. shows you that documenting is very important.



but, I would find it amazing if keystone would reimburse you $900 for an '18 since it is way out of warranty.
At the time I sent in the request I was almost (according to the rep) 2 months out of warranty, she told me to submit a claim since I was so close, and I did. Yes take names when you call !!
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