Tag Axel

[JJ Simba05 FLSTCI02]

OK I am going to ask a dumb question so here it goes.

I am looking at upgrading to a Newmar Dutch Star with Spartan Chassis, and am undecided between the 40 and 43 footer, so my question is what does the tag axel do for the coach. I know it is 3 feet longer, is this extra length the only reason for the tag axel or is there more too it? I just want to make sure the extra maintenance required with the tag axel will have some good return on use.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[JJ Simba05 FLSTCI02]

OK I am going to ask a dumb question so here it goes.

I am looking at upgrading to a Newmar Dutch Star with Spartan Chassis, and am undecided between the 40 and 43 footer, so my question is what does the tag axel do for the coach. I know it is 3 feet longer, is this extra length the only reason for the tag axel or is there more too it? I just want to make sure the extra maintenance required with the tag axel will have some good return on use.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Route 66]

The tag axle is only there to support the additional weight of a longer coach.

An added benefit of a tag axle is improved steering when driving a straight line down the road according to many owners.

More importantly, my 40' DSDP is right at 20,000# on the rear axle. I would buy 43' DSDP with the tag for more weight capacity on the rear.

BTW, not a dumb question at all.

[SteveR]

We have a 2008 42 foot Allegro Bus with a tag. We drove a 40 foot without a tag and the 42 foot with the tag and I believe the tag does help some with keeping the coach on the road better expecially in cross winds. It also gave us an extra 9000# of carrying capacity.

[Cruzer]

40 footers can max out the rear axle capacity and CCC if you load them up. It all depends on how much "stuff" you carry, where you carry it, and how your coach is optioned (washer-dryer, ceramic tile, solid surface counters, dishwasher, residenbtial fridge, etc - it all adds weight.

The tag axle gives you an extra 10K of capacity, which helps to support that exta 2-3' of coach as well as your cargo and effectively eliminates any rear axle overloading concerns. It also rides really well and is much more stable in crosswinds than a single axle coach.

The extra maintenance is minimal. Two more tires and a couple more grease zerks but really nothing, considering the return you get. Ours is on a Spartan also and I highly recommend it.

We sure love ours. As a matter of fact I generally hear of RVers wanting to trade up to a tag axle coach but never have heard of one wanting to trade down.

[slabman]

Don't forget the improved ride, due to running with less pressure in the rear tires. With the old 39 footer, we found stuff got thrown around back there while now we put milk, etc. in the refer and it stays put. And yes, the ability to run in a straight line is a real plus! Definitely worth it!

[GaryKD]

There is another intangible benefit. A tag looks cool. It adds a bit of class to an already classy coach. I agree with the clinical items mentioned in the previous posts.

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">There is another intangible benefit. A tag looks cool. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

.........and that's priceless.

Well, not priceless as it's about $26,000 extra on a Dutch Star.

[Ecker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Route 66:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">There is another intangible benefit. A tag looks cool. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

.........and that's priceless.

Well, not priceless as it's about $26,000 extra on a Dutch Star. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Or $13,000/ft

[Lug_Nut]

Yep, a tag sure does look cool. That's one of the two main reasons I've got one. The other? They don't make rear tri-axles yet.

Peter

[Skipper 05MA]

We have a 43 foot Mountainaire (05) with a tag and like it for the looks and ride. My only question is the tag tires show almost no wear after 23K miles. Not sure it's riding where it should of if I have it inflated correctly.

Tom Highland

[Raca-roni]

I have a 06 DSDP 4304 with a tag. It's a Great coach ! I went from a 02 40' MADP to it. It truely handles better and the ride and control is very nice. My CCC is over 9000# as mentioned earlier. One thing to remember with tags is to get accustom to lifting in tight manuvers or you will scrub the tag tires......The coach does weigh about 5600# more than a 40' unit. That's approx.......

[Ecker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JJ Simba05 FLSTCI02:
OK I am going to ask a dumb question so here it goes.

I am looking at upgrading to a Newmar Dutch Star with Spartan Chassis, and am undecided between the 40 and 43 footer, so my question is what does the tag axel do for the coach. I know it is 3 feet longer, is this extra length the only reason for the tag axel or is there more too it? I just want to make sure the extra maintenance required with the tag axel will have some good return on use.

Thanks in advance for your help. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually, it's only 2 feet longer.lots of money for that little of extra footage - but heh whose counting

[JerryKelly]

1 more vote for the tag. The ride and tracking down the road is significantly better than the single axle. You still need to watch your weight on the front axle. I am always close to the max gross weight rating on my front, usually due to a full tank of fuel and fresh water.