RV Wheel Alignment Guide: Warning Signs, Cost & When to Get Service

Quick Take

You'll know your RV needs wheel alignment when you notice pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibration, or the steering wheel isn't centered when driving straight. For your Class A with a Freightliner chassis in Glendale, I'd recommend looking beyond Bell Road RV for alignment work. Desert Truck and Trailer on Grand Avenue or Cummins Southwest have the proper Hunter alignment systems rated for Class A motorhomes. Expect to pay $200-400 for a complete front-end alignment on your Freightliner chassis, and most shops will need 3-4 hours to complete the job properly.

Common Causes

Class A motorhomes on Freightliner chassis commonly need alignment due to several factors unique to heavy recreational vehicles. Road hazards like potholes and construction zones cause immediate misalignment, especially problematic since your RV weighs 20,000-40,000 pounds and transfers tremendous force through the suspension components.

Normal wear on tie rod ends, ball joints, and kingpins (where equipped) creates gradual alignment drift over time. Freightliner chassis use heavy-duty components, but the constant weight and road vibration eventually loosens tolerances. Additionally, uneven tire wear patterns often indicate alignment issues before you notice steering problems.

Improper loading can also throw alignment off - if you consistently load one side of your RV heavier than the other, it affects suspension geometry and tire contact patches. Finally, previous accident damage or improper repairs can leave frame components slightly bent, requiring professional alignment correction.

Preparation

Before scheduling alignment service, check your tire pressure and ensure all tires are set to the manufacturer's load-specific recommendations (not the maximum pressure shown on sidewall). Uneven pressure will give false alignment readings and waste your money on unnecessary adjustments.

Document current tire wear patterns with photos, noting inside or outside edge wear, cupping, or scalloping. This information helps the alignment tech identify specific problem areas. Remove any aftermarket accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers that might affect weight distribution during the alignment process.

Call ahead to confirm the shop has equipment rated for your RV's weight and wheelbase. Many car alignment shops can't accommodate vehicles over 10,000 pounds or longer than 25 feet. Ask specifically about their experience with Freightliner chassis and whether they stock common wear parts like tie rod ends.

Plan to leave your RV for most of the day, as shops often work on multiple vehicles simultaneously. Bring any service records showing recent suspension work, as this helps technicians understand what components are new versus original.

Repair Steps

Professional alignment on your Freightliner chassis follows a specific sequence that requires specialized equipment, training, and proper safety procedures including vehicle securing and wheel chocking for heavy vehicle work. First, technicians will inspect all front-end components for excessive wear - loose tie rod ends, worn ball joints, or damaged steering components must be replaced before alignment adjustment.

After verifying proper ride height, allowing suspension to settle, and confirming proper load condition, the RV goes onto alignment racks with sensors attached to each front wheel to measure current angles. Freightliner specifications vary significantly by chassis model and year - consult your specific chassis manual for exact specifications or ensure the alignment shop references the official Freightliner specifications for your exact model and year.

Caster adjustments vary by suspension type - some Freightliner chassis use shims or eccentric bolts, while others with leaf spring or air suspension use different adjustment methods. Camber adjustment methods vary by suspension design - the specific adjustment location depends on your chassis suspension type. Toe adjustment comes last through tie rod length changes - this is the most critical setting for tire wear and steering stability.

After adjustments, technicians road test the vehicle to verify straight-line tracking and centered steering wheel position. A final measurement confirms all angles meet Freightliner specifications. Quality shops provide a printout showing before and after measurements for your records.

When to Get Help

Seek professional alignment service immediately if your Class A pulls strongly to one side while driving, requires constant steering correction to maintain straight travel, or shows rapid tire wear on inside or outside edges. These symptoms indicate significant misalignment that affects safety and tire longevity.

Don't attempt DIY alignment on your Freightliner chassis - the specialized equipment, safety requirements, and precision needed make this strictly a professional job. However, you can perform preliminary checks like measuring tire tread depth across the width to identify wear patterns suggesting alignment problems.

Choose shops with specific heavy-duty and RV experience over general automotive alignment services. Look for facilities with Hunter or similar professional alignment systems rated for commercial vehicles. Shops that service delivery trucks, buses, or other Freightliner chassis vehicles typically have the right equipment and knowledge.

Budget $200-400 for alignment service, with additional costs if worn components need replacement. Quality alignment work includes a warranty period - typically 6 months or 6,000 miles - so ask about coverage before authorizing work. If the shop finds multiple worn components requiring replacement, get a detailed estimate and consider getting a second opinion for expensive repairs.