Planning on hitting the road again for an epic adventure? With your recreational vehicle (RV) in good shape, you can be sure to hit all your desired landmarks without a hitch. Driving a vehicle as large as a typical RV requires aligning your wheel correctly. But the problem sets in when everything isn’t in order. You'll have to choose the perfect RV alignment shop for your RV. This will prevent further misalignment and keep you on the road.
Wondering how to go about selecting a reliable shop to perform your RV alignments? This article will provide some tips for you to consider when making this important decision.
But first, here are some things you should keep in mind about RV alignments.
Why do you need a wheel alignment for your RV?
Proper RV Wheel alignment is critical if you’re keen on cutting down on costly emergency repair costs. It’ll ensure your tires last longer. Proper alignment also ensures that your steering functions properly, which can easily help you avoid accidents when traveling in your motor home.
Without proper RV wheel alignment you may experience some of the following issues:
- Premature or uneven tire wear
- High breakdown repair costs
- Expensive suspension repairs
- Potential damage to other components of your RV
- Increased driver fatigue
What to expect from an RV alignment shop
It’s true that there are many shops that offer RV alignment services across the United States, but not all of these shops are the same. Some have better reputations than others, and you’ll find that they all offer different services.
Despite the differences in RV alignment repair shops, there are some things that you should expect any reputable shop to offer you, such as:
- Qualified and certified mechanics to handle your RV repairs
- Industry-specific tools and equipment
- A clean and well-lit shop with enough room to facilitate RV repair
You now know what to expect from the best RV alignment shop. Let's dive deeper into the things to look for when choosing the shop.
We’ll give you five important factors to consider when choosing the best RV alignment shop.
5 Things to Look for in an RV Alignment Shop
1. Reputation and Certification
Ensure the shop’s mechanics have relevant industry experience and training. They must be certified technicians. We recommend that you look for a shop that employs ASE-certified mechanics.
The experience of technicians is very critical here. You want a technician with experience in handling the make and model of your RV. Ideally, the shop should have at least one technician who has gone through training by the manufacturer of your RV.
If possible, ask them about their experience with your model RV. Inquire if they have ever done an alignment on one before. This will help you make an informed decision on whether to entrust them with your motorhome.
It's also important to find an RV alignment shop with a good reputation for customer service. Make sure they have positive reviews from previous customers. You can take advantage of their website, or online reviews such as Google or Facebook. Use these sites to assess the kind of customer service and experience they deliver.
2. Type of services
The RV alignment shop that you choose should offer the service you want. It should have the expertise to perform a wheel alignment on your RV.
Most RV alignment shops work on a wide variety of makes and models. Most offer services that include but are not limited to:
- Four-wheel alignment
- Toe-in service
- Suspension repairs and maintenance
- Frame alignment
- In-house service
- Onsite service
Make sure the shop can adjust your RV tires to the optimal angle. It should customize the adjustment based on your RV’s model and problem.
3. Price
The prices for RV alignment services may vary depending on you location, the severity of the alignment service required, and your RV model. While it’s important to remember the cheaper is not always better, it’s also important that you don’t break the bank getting RV alignment service. Ask if the shop has any special offers or deals going on at that time, or take advantage of special discounts when they are available. Even if they may not perfectly coincide with your next alignment service date.
Also, find out if there are any hidden fees or costs that your service visit may need. Be sure to get a written and detailed estimate before approving any service.
4. Time
A good RV alignment shop should be able to provide a quick and accurate estimate for your repairs. While some alignment services need more time or days to resolve, others may take minutes or hours. Ensure you're aware of the type of service you're looking for and what time it'll take to fix it.
Find out about the RV alignment shop’s average turnaround time in order to be able to make a better decision.
5. Location
Location is an important factor when choosing an RV alignment services provider.
Of course, no one wants to travel too far to get RV alignment services. Traveling far for these services will only take up too much of your time and money. Some alignment shops offer mobile alignment services. This means that they can come to you and make the adjustments you need for your RV. But other services are strictly done in the shop or dealership.
Take your time to find a shop that offers the RV alignment service you are looking for at a location that is convenient for you.
Final thoughts
If you’re an RV owner or thinking of getting one, make sure your RV alignment checks are in order. You may consider contacting an RV alignment shop. Have your vehicle aligned before driving off to your target destination.
Use the five tips we've shared with you to decide on choosing the best RV alignment shop.Take care of your RV to enjoy life on the road.
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