Date:         Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:56:09 -0400
Reply-To:     Michael Snow <slowmachine82@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Snow <slowmachine82@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Four wheel alignment--Empty, Half Load, or Full Load??
In-Reply-To:  <1244230264.4562.1319005913@webmail.messagingengine.com>
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On Fri, Jun 5, 2009 at 3:31 PM, Allan Streib<streib@cs.indiana.edu> wrote:
> I think you should have a "typical" load in the van when it its aligned.  I.e. a load representative of how you most often drive the van.  If you normally drive it empty, have it aligned empty (maybe with a couple of bags of sand in the driver's seat if you want to get really picky).

A Westy can't be "empty" due to the special equipment that is
permanently installed.  See the asterisk comment near the bottom of
page 44.2.  With the camper equipment alone, I would align it to the
half load specs.  If you load it to the gross vehicle weight rating,
then it is "full."  Also, if you use the correction factor described
in the double-asterisk comment, there is no need to add weight to the
front seats.  The procedure compensates for the incline/decline as
measured in the sliding door opening.

I have been through this with several vans, now.  I always take the
Bentley to the shop.  Emergencies excepted, I only do business with
shops that will follow the Bentley procedure.

-- 
Michael Snow
1982 Westfalia 1.9TD
http://slowmachine82.blogspot.com/