I have just had my Starcraft Outback single axle van back following a second alignment of wheels, after nearside tyre found to be scuffing off outer-side tread. This originally occurred during the first 15,000 km of the vans life on a trip to W.A. and return to Brisbane. Maker was contacted and sent photos of the wear. Makers Service Manager claimed tyre was under-inflated and that Driving technique was causing excessive tyre wear and refused to accept responsibility. On getting home from W.A. trip, local agent agreed to fix problem and supplied free, a near-new replacement tyre. They checked wheel alignment and agreed to move nearside wheel so it had minimum toe-in.
During recent 6,000 km trip to Cameron Corner and other places, West, I noticed the new nearside tyre was still scuffing off outer-side tread. On return to Brisbane, I took van to Allbrands Caravan Services who assured me, they could sort out wheel alignment problem.
Today I got my van back today from Allbrands. They had found on receipt of van, the nearside wheel was set to 6 mm toe-in while offside wheel was set at 2 mm toe-in.
They believe the alignment has never been altered or corrected and was the sole cause of the nearside tyre scuffing. They also said correct alignment is 0 to 2 mm toe-in whereas the local caravan agent claims it should be 2 to 5 mm toe-in.
My experience is not unique. I have received several replies on Lemon Caravans website where other owners of this brand of caravan with single-axle, independent suspension have had the same problem and had it fixed by getting an independent wheel alignment specialist correct built-in misalignment.
With a lifetime in the motor trade I would seriously suggest that trailer axles be set with zero toe in. Toe in is only used on steer axles to enable toe out on turns so that the vehicle may travel in a curved path without slip between the wheels and the road.With independent suspension minimal toe in is required when very little camber is used.
Ian, what you're saying makes sense but a lot of people think or believe some toe-in is a necessity. I believe that if tyres are not scruffing, something must be right. Now that Allbrands have adjusted left wheel alignment from 6 mm toe-in to 1 mm toe-in, I'll have to wait and see if I get any scruffing wear on third new tyre on my van's left wheel.
Cheers,
Roy.
