F450 alignment specs? July 19, 2024, 10:48:13 am Hi—new to me 2007 LD 23 1/2’ TwinKing on Ford F450 chassis. Drifts to the left when driving so I assume it needs an alignment. Are the specific alignment specs for the motorhome that differ from the standard F450 specs? Can any tire shop handle this of do I need to go to a truck shop? Thanks for any and all input.
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #1 – July 19, 2024, 05:23:50 pm Strongly suggest an allighnment shop!Bob
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #2 – July 19, 2024, 06:54:23 pm The chassis is an E450, but it should not pull unless there is some damage, OR certain aftermarket suspension installs that must be adjusted properly - such as SteerSafe.https://steersafe.com/Steve
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #3 – July 19, 2024, 07:11:16 pm Hi Chartrue2; The F series is for Ford trucks. Our chassis' are based on the Econoline vans, and so you have the E450 chassis. Without driving your rig, I can't tell if it just needs alignment, or if there could be something wrong with the steering gear or suspension. If it just gently drifts left on what looks like a level road, there may be nothing wrong. Parking lots, streets that appear level usually aren't. Water needs to drain somewhere when it rains, streets are usually crowned. So some drift left or right is normal. The 'TK fresh water tank and the gray, black tanks are all on the driver side. 45 gallons adds up to 400-500 pounds and will affect tracking. Loading of storage, and the refrigerator shift some weight to the passenger side, and balances out the water. Noticeable in my lower weight rated E350 chassis. Your E450 may not notice much change in handling with its higher rated springs. Tire pressures also can cause this. Always have equal tire pressure on tires in the front axle, and the same side to side in back. If it always pulls to the left, a front end shop, or spring shop should be consulted. If it pulls worse when using the brakes, you could have a dragging pad. The sliding pins need to be lubricated on the calipers, both front and back wheels to assure that both pads release pressure on the discs when not applied. One dragging pad can cause this, (and cause overheating). Even at low mileage like you have, (37k miles) the brake fluid needs to be 'bled' out and replaced every few (2-4) years, and replaced with fresh fluid. The slide lube, and brake fluid replacement may not have been done because of the low miles. Some maintenance shops may not know about the pin. Your 2007 has the parking drum brake on the output shaft of the transmission. You need the oil checked in that. (That changed in 2008). Hope this helps your issue! RonB 1 Likes
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #4 – July 20, 2024, 03:41:11 pm Hey Ron B—thank you! Your response was much appreciated and full of important things to think about. As always, I appreciate your insight. I know that my unit is on a E450 not and F, and I guess that was a senior slip up. At 80 years old, I am not always on target. This rig is new to me and I drove it about 125 miles after I picked it up and didn’t notice anything unusual. As it was a new to me vehicle, I didn’t know what to expect. I drove it again the other day for the second time and that is when I noticed the drift to the left. I have done lots in between drives including filling the fresh water tank which is on the driver’s side. I haven’t checked the tire pressure at all. There are lots of maintenance items that I have on a check list which I need to get on. Your knowledgeable response was very welcomed! 1 Likes
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #5 – July 20, 2024, 07:51:31 pm Glad to be able to help out. I wish I had seen that one for sale. I almost upgraded to a 2007 MB, but missed out. In retrospect I did want to upgrade the chassis from a '99 E350, to a newer E450, but I wanted to stay with the 'TK floorplan. I haven't worn out my E350 yet, and I like the improvements I've made so far, so I'll keep it! RonB
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #6 – July 21, 2024, 08:57:14 am Hey—sorry, but you never saw this 23 1/2’ TK for sale as I have been after it for the past 8 years! We winter in Florida and the unit belonged to an older lady in our park. I began helping her with things and fell in love with the TK floor plan. I always knew that LD was a special kind of motorhome, but never thought I would be able to buy one. I expressed an interest in purchasing this one and we agreed on the sale on three separate occasions, but, it never came to fruition until now. Still can’t believe how Blessed we are!
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #7 – July 21, 2024, 09:12:52 am Keep in mind a bad tire can do this. If it sat too long and was out of alignment the tire can cause some drag which can lead to pulling. Long story how I know, but my massive pulling that developed over a long trip was solved with new front tires. I saw where you mentioned Florida. Tampa Spring is good for alignment issues. They have one in Tampa and one in Lakeland. I have used the one in Lakeland. 1 Likes
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #8 – July 21, 2024, 04:59:54 pm Quote from: Bob Wilson - July 19, 2024, 05:23:50 pmStrongly suggest an alignment shop!With any used RV, it should be checked out front to back by a competent mechanic. Many maintenance items get ignored on RVs.Brakes are one of the most important things to have serviced, with low annual mileage, they can go for many years without replacement but the brake slides still need periodic lubing to prevent dragging or freezing up. The brake fluid should be flushed every two to three years.The drifting issue can be caused by many things besides the alignment; we can’t diagnose the cause remotely. A visit to a front-end shop that specializes in truck steering is advised, preferably one with a pit under the alignment rack. They should check out the entire front suspension, wheel bearings and the steering components.Larry 1 Likes
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #9 – July 22, 2024, 02:16:58 am Larry,Is there such a shop in Ventura County that you recommend?
Re: F450 alignment specs? Reply #10 – July 22, 2024, 01:09:33 pm Quote from: Keith S - July 22, 2024, 02:16:58 amIs there such a shop in Ventura County that you recommend?I’m unfamiliar with Ventura’s mechanic shops, maybe someone living in the area will chime in.Larry
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