Hendersons Line Up

[Pete Masterson]

Just got back from visiting Henderson's Line Up -- a wheel alignment
service specializing in RVs that also manufactures the SuperSteer
product line that upgrades RV suspension components.

My coach had a pull to the right that didn't seem normal -- and I'd
developed a considerable shake in the front end that felt like badly
balanced tires.

After a test drive and inspection these problems were found:

1. The Blue Ox True Center steering control unit, installed by the
previous owner, was bent and jammed -- accounting for the pull to the
right. Henderson's commented that this unit had been recalled. I now
realize that it wasn't working from before I took delivery of the
coach. Mr. Oliver's (the dealer) wasn't familiar with the system and
had commented that "it didn't seem like it did much."

2. The drag link tie rod end was worn causing significant play in the
steering system.

3. The left front tire was out-of-round -- due to abnormal wear
caused by the damaged/worn components, a serious flat spot had
developed. I had to buy a new tire. (A Les Schawb Tire Store is
nearby their location.)

4. The left, front upper shock mount had cracked and slightly pulled
away from the frame.

Due to scheduling and the need for parts to be shipped in,
Henderson's removed the True Center device and I got a new tire. I
then drove on to Junction City Oregon where I had an appointment for
installation of a desk by Davis Cabinets.

During this approximately 300 mile round trip, I noted significant
improvement in the handling of the coach with the damaged True Center
device removed. However, there was some "wander" in the Wanderlodge
movement down the highway.

Upon return to Hendersons they:

1. Aligned the wheels. I discovered a significant out-of-alignment
situation that would have quickly ruined another tire if it wasn't
corrected.

2. Installed the Safe-T-Plus steering control with remote trim
adjustment system.

3. Welded the shock mount back in it's proper place.

4. Replaced the entire drag link (including tie rod connections at
both ends). Initially, only the lower end of the drag link was to be
replaced... however, it was not possible to remove the old end from
the link without risking damage -- so it was decided to simply
replace the whole thing.

5. As part of their service, they weighed my coach. Interestingly,
there is a 2500 lb difference side to side at the rear axles.
Apparently, this is simply a design issue -- and probably an issue
with the diagonal/side aisle floor plan. While all major (heavy)
components appear to be mounted on/near the coach centerline, it's
obvious that _something_ is not fully counterbalanced. (The personal
items in the coach were randomly distributed and should have, if
anything, reduced the difference.) The technician, using weight and
inflation charts for my tires came up with an alternate set of tire
pressures (and adjusted them) that reflect the actual loading. It was
significantly different than that suggested by Blue Bird. BB
suggested F-115, D-110, T-90 and the new values are F-90, D-115,
T-100 on the light side with T-120 on the heavy side. In retrospect,
this 2500 lb difference is not a highly significant amount
considering the overall 47,250 lbs. weight of the coach at the time
it was weighed. (Fuel 2/3 full, fresh water 3/4 full, black/gray
tanks empty.) I note that the only item that falls completely on the
heavy side is the fresh water tank, but it weighs a maximum of about
1000 lbs. I also note that there is considerable remaining capacity
as the GVWR of my coach is 52,500 lbs.

6. The technician was unable to tighten the end of the steering gear
(at the bottom of the steering wheel shaft) because BB had wrapped an
incredible amount of wiring across the area and it was impossible to
reach the necessary components without risk of disrupting the wiring.
If there is an actual need for this, it's a relatively minor aspect
of the project.

Results: In a test drive and in the 400 mile trip back home, the
handling of the coach felt much better than it had before -- it was
hard to believe that it was the same vehicle. The deterioration of
the ride had been gradual, so it was a surprise to realize how really
bad it had gotten.

We discussed installation of the SuperSteer Motion Control Units -- a
device that attaches to each of the air bags to help with sway or
bounce in the suspension. (I deferred installation for "later.")
However, during the 'after' test drive, the technician admitted that
motion control units would only marginally improve the handling of my
coach. (Keep in mind, this is the 95, 42 foot model -- it might offer
a greater improvement on other models.)

All in all, I was highly satisfied with the products and services
that Henderson's provided. While the process took a bit longer than
anticipated, I can't fault them as it was primarily due to the need
to obtain parts once the specific problems were determined. At no
time did I feel that I was given a 'hard sell' nor did they talk me
into buying unnecessary services. (For example, they might have sold
me shock absorbers, but, instead, they simply cranked an extra 'turn'
into the adjustable Koni shocks on the coach.)

One final observation -- even with the improved steering/suspension,
many of California's freeways are still in sad shape and will shake
the bejebers out of you...

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...





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