What Next
Northern IL
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Joined: 10/11/2005
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Recently purchased a 2008 Southwind on Workhorse chassis just over 20,000 miles. It has the 22.5 wheels aluminum. I think everything is fine the wife thinks it needs balance or alignment. The tires are wearing fine I have 90lbs in them. it tracks fine but the wife notices a little bit of of shimmy. I say it is fine these are just some big tires wheels it is not going to ride as smooth as the car. I know it is a judgement call but is a little bit of movement normal.
2008 Southwind 32v
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Daveinet
il
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Joined: 10/29/2003
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Shimmy can be bad shocks or wheel balance.
If you need and alignment, go to http://www.jolietsuspension.com/ they work on heavy trucks, and have the equipment to easily work on an RV. They are also fairly inexpensive.
Dave
The Flying Fortress
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'83 Revcon Prince 31' FWD
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Super Guy 78
Augusta, GA
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Have your tires balance and SHAVED, had my done and it make for a smooth ride.
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Two Hands
California's Central Coast
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I bought my Southwind new. The owner's manual stated that the alignment should be checked after it was loaded with our gear. That was done at my local Chevy dealer, who is also an authorized Workhorse repair facility. I think the steering did feel a little better after this was done.
2011 Fleetwood Southwind 32VS
2009 Ford Edge
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othertonka
Stockton, CA
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Front wheel out of balance will usually be felt in the steering wheel as a vibration and will change in intensity with a change in speed, up or down. If out of balance they can be smooth at, say 55 MPH, and vibrate at 60 MPH or at a different speed. My tires/wheels were spin balanced when new tires were installed last Feb. I do not feel any vibration at any speed. Wandering can be caused by improper toe in setting. As far as alighnment on the workhorse chassis with a straight axle, the only thing adjustable is the toe in. The caster and camber are not adjustable. I just had my 2004 southwind checked and the toe in was actually toed out a little. They corrected that to the proper toe in and made a big difference in steering. I suggest that you have the toe in checked, but if you don't feel any vibration in the steering wheel while driving at your cruising speed, the balance is probably OK.
Othertonka
2004 Southwind 32VS 8.1 Workhorse chassis
2002 CRV Toad
U. S. Gear Unified brake system
Retired Fire Captain, SFD
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wolfe10
Texas
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There should be no vibration-- tire size is NOT a cause for shimmy or vibration.
Check tires for run-out and balance-- on the vehicle if possible.
Brett Wolfe
1997 Safari Sahara 3540
EX: 1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
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wolfe10
Texas
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Super Guy 78 wrote:Have your tires balance and SHAVED, had my done and it make for a smooth ride.
Perhaps a restate and in a different order:
1. Check tires for RUN-OUT. If more than .035" true them/shave them.
2. THEN balance them on the rig.
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nelson
Clio,Mi USA
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It's worth the few dollars for peace of mind if nothing else. It might of never had an alignment from the time it was built. Could be a good investment.
2002 Damon Challenger 348 Ford V10
Blue Ox Auto Stop and Aventa II Tow Bar
2001 Ford Sport Trac with Remco Driveshaft Disconnect
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supermod38
Central NY
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I can't believe you are questioning your wife's judgment !!!!!!!
95 Southwind
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toolttime
Morinville Ab Canada
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I used to have to balance wheels every year. this year tire shop put a packet of glass balancing beads in my front tires and my coach has never been so smooth since new with the beads.
07 Mandalay 40F
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