Alignment in Central VA

[pmclemore]

Greetings, All -

After my last trip, I noticed that my curbside rear tire was wearing unevenly (outside wearing faster than inside of the tire). Since the tires are about 7 years old (as is the Safari - a 97), I plan to replace them anyway. But I felt an alignment was needed, so I called my local dealer, Safford, who told me that they don't have the necessary equipment.

So, my friends - what do you do when you need an alignment? If anyone has good luck with a tire shop in central VA, that would be most helpful. If I take it to my regular shop, are there any cautions i need to cover with them?

Thanks - Pat.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Pat.

There are other reasons a tire can have unusual wear, besides alignment.

However, you can easily check the alignment yourself, with a simple ruler.

Measure the distance from the axle mounting plate to the widest part of the tire, both front and rear of each tire.

That will give you the "tow in" dimensions.

The tow in should be 1/16" plus or minus 1/16 inch. All the tires should be the same, to assure proper tracking.

Rarely does the "camber" (vertical) alignment change.

It is also wise to measure from the center of the jack post to the forward lower corner of the axle mounting plate, on both sides of the trailer. That dimension should be "exactly" the same. If not, then one of the axle mounting plates was improperly installed. This will cause "dog leg" tracking and crazy tire wear.

Andy

[markdoane]

If the wear is on the outside 'edge', it is too much positive toe-in. On the other hand, if the tire is more worn on the 'outside half' of the tire, it is a camber problem.