Recommendation for Caravan Wheel Alignment, Parkes, NSW

Hi Ross

Crusader Mk2 caravan fitted with dual Simplicity suspension system. Do you have any comment re this?

Regards

LyntonB

G'day Lynton
I was curious to find out what it was, both for future reference and also I wondered why it would need alignment.

Do you know if something has changed ie bushes worn etc or twist in the swing arm/axle unit?
If anyone know why the fronts require 2mm toe in and the rears zero, it would be interesting to know the theory being applied.

Cheers
Ross M

Hi Ross
The misalignment occurred in only the last 5000km or so. I had travelled some badly corrugated roads [with considerable care] over that distance.
The aligner told me that three of the wheels were "out", one considerably so [which resulted in a severe and very unusual tyre wear pattern]. Only one was close to the proper setting. No worn bushes or twisted components identified.
Again the aligner - a Pedders Suspension specialist - told me the toe in is there when the van is stationary, but wheels straighten up when the van is moving. I won't know if the realignment will result in a lower fuel consumption because of less resistance from the tyres - as the specialist indicated it would - until I have travelled some distance. I am not a mechanic, so I don't know if all this makes sense, but I do know the van appears to trail better, and with less resistance.
Regards
LyntonB

Lynton
If there are no worn bushes and nothing is twisted then I wonder what is allowing the out of alignment to occur.
Something must have moved in the adjustment section or there is a twist or the bushes have become oval in the centre hole and allowed the suspension arm to operate in a different position.

Keep and eye on the wear as the arms may begin to have more sideways travel than before.

The toe in on the front axle which becomes zero when the caravan is moving, can only happen if the bushes are flexing and allowing the arm to move sideways outward from centre.
Were the front tyres wearing with a feather on the outer edges of the tread ribs? That would definitely be bushes allowing the arm to move outwards during motion.

Cheers
Ross M

Hi Wamuranman,
My recommended specialist is a Pedders Suspension specialist who performs regular alignments for caravans whose owners are referred by the local caravan servicing business and caravan parks in Parkes. I agree that it would be wise to carry the alignment specs with me and will approach Simplicity and/or the caravan manufacturer for them.
Regards
LyntonB

I forgot to say Lynton that in the future I plan to be able to do my own wheel alignments. I am just organising the right gear. I will put a post on this site in a week or two of how I get to do them. Its not hard to do.
Cheers