Dear Gary,
My new motorhome leans to the passenger side. The weight record shows that the passenger side rear is about 1,000 pounds different than the driver’s rear side. Winnebago installed a two-inch block on the rear passenger side to lift the springs and it doesn’t lean now but it drives differently. The rear end is all over the road. Was the block the proper repair or would you suggest adding leaf springs? —Peter
Dear Peter,
It is apparent you’ve had your coach weighed, which is good. It is very important to make sure you know the individual weights of your vehicle at each tire position. This includes axle weights as well as individual tire position weights. The 1,000-pound discrepancy is significant and should be addressed after a thorough evaluation.
In my opinion, the only acceptable way to correct this situation is to redistribute the weight, if possible, and add leaf springs instead of a solid block. In some cases, air bags can help. The block that was added is not resolving the underlying problem, as it did nothing to redistribute the weight. The result can indeed be poor handling issues, as you have indicated.
In addition, frame damage and/or abnormal tire wear, among other ailments, may still be in your future. My concern here is that, although your vehicle no longer tilts to one side, the fundamental problem was not addressed, which can, and likely will, lead to other problems.
I highly suggest you take your coach to an experienced frame shop and have the suspension evaluated fully. Recommended repairs may include additional leaves in the springs, a sway control bar and/or other aftermarket improvements. But the evaluation must be performed first.
Read more from Gary Bunzer at the RVdoctor.com. See Gary’s videos about RV repair and maintenance.
##RVT793
We have the same exact problem with our motorhome – it is a 2000. They put all the heavy appliances on one side which causes it. We took it to a ‘spring’ place who blocked it to level it but in return our MH drives down the road ‘crooked’. Thought it was alignment problem but alignment was fine. If you pay attention you will see 18 wheelers pulling trailers that do it. I even have seen school buses plus other motorhomes.
When we were in Yuma in 2010 we took it to a tire place that diagnosed the problem being the blocks the used to level it and said he could fix it so it tracked straight. Said he had done it on many MH. Due to timing we didn’t have it done but have regretted it ever since. Wish I could remember what he called the ‘condition’.