Pros and Cons of Tag Axle

[LK23]

I presently have a 40 foot motor home without tag axle. I am evaluating the Dutchstar 40 with tag axle. Please let my know your thoughts on tag axle. An obvious downside is two more tires to maintain and replace someday.

Thanks

[justimagination]

I know there will be pros/cons as well as different opinion's, but until you own one with a Tag Axle, you really cannot appreciate the ride and stability you get. I've had both, and there is no comparison. JMHO
David G.

[soricobob]

Maybe your dealer is in a location where you can experience the tag and non-tag driving experience.

[Twomed]

Ditto Dave's comments. BUT...if you do as Bob suggests be prepared to get out the checkbook.

[Chickadee]

LK23:

We like the tag. Original rig was 40' Mtn. Aire w. no tag. Handled just fine even on our first Alaska trip, but,....after trading to and 08 Ex, w. a tag, the biggest upside was the carrying capacity improvement. Now this may not be a big deal for some, but we live full time (no house, no storage, nuttin !) in our rig, and while we also noticed a definite improvement in the handling, it's the carrying capacity we liked best.

Steve & Lynette

[LK23]

Taking a test drive is a problem. We live in Colorado and there are no Newmar dealers in Colorado. We are presently in California and I found there are no 2011 Dutchstars in CA. The only new Dutchstars I could locate are in Oregon.

["007"]

Here is a list of dealers you can have it layed out by dealer for order they will forward to Newmar, they will build and you can pick it up at Newmar and also have your PDI done at the plant and any corrections made.
Lee's and others will do this for you.

[cj5 jeeper]

I would think another axle with brakes would be a big plus on hills, and in a emergency.

[LK23]

I have never seen a Dutchstar up close or gone inside. I would never order a motor home without seeing and driving one first.

[denochs]

The only con (other than the ones you noted-tires/brakes) I saw posted was "get out the check book".

We have the tax axle and wouldn't have a mh without it. However, another draw back is when your tag is not retractable and you get in a situation where the drive axle tires start spinning. You're stuck and have to be pulled out. Or, you use blocks under the rear jacks to raise the tires to put something solid under them.

Ask me how I know that.

Dave

["007"]

Lee's is in OK. City just below you.
I would take for ride also to see how Comfort Drive affects you.
If you get it built to your spec's coach wouldn't matter.

[Lug_Nut]

There are benefits other than the obvious one would think. Check out this article of mine on that subject. Justifying A Tag Axle On Your Next Coach!

Love my tag!

Peter

[Lug_Nut]

OH! "007" brought up a great point, Comfort Drive. Further to his great comment, check out what Comfort Drive can do for you. Oh yeh, another link. Comfort Drive, A Steering Innovation

["007"]

You sure look relaxed in those pictures Peter, must have thoughts of MIXOLOGY.