40ft or 42ft

[Crabby Mike]

Haven't seen the Newmar 40' tags (or any other recent coaches under 42' with tags), but I'd worry that you'd be trading weight for space.

Every time the subject of tag vs. non-tag comes up, someone (probably a non-tag owner!) is quick to point out the basement space you "lose" with a tag. I've always contended that's a non-issue, since most tags are 42' and up, vs. non-tags 40' and lower. So essentially, a 42' tag has about the same basement space, but way more CCC, than a 40' non-tag. For us (43' tag Mandalay) that's meant more than enough space AND weight capacity. But if we lost 3 feet of length (and basement storage) by dropping to a 40-footer, I'd actually have to learn how to pack! Think of it this way -- you'd have a 40' coach with loads of CCC, but the basement of a 37-38-footer. Yes, lots of folks travel happily, and even full-time, with that much space, but your experience may vary.

[Clayobx]

Having owned a 39'6" coach single rear axle FL chassis and now 43' coach tag axle Spartan chassis has provided insight into both rigs. A few state parks will not accommodate either rig but you would hard pressed to get a 30' TT or 5er in to these areas. Just plan ahead! IMHO tag is the only way to go!

[jeryan59]

I had a 40' non tag for 10 years, 42' tag for 6 months. Both Spartan Chassis, the tag drives much nicer (10 year newer steering components), rides much nicer (again, 10 year newer unit) but the stability towing Full Size SUV or 24' trailer is so much better. The tag has aquahot so lost a full compartment for this, but you must make a choice that suits your needs. I have never had an issue with either unit for staying in a park or my route, again, it depends on how you will use the unit and your preferences. Good luck with the decision!

[lmcgill]

39.6 for 5 years, 43 for 8 months. Not really fair to compare, but could never go back! Two different rigs and two different price ranges. The places that won't allow a 43 ft would be the same places I wouldn't want to park my 40!!
As mentioned, get the coach that works for you but you will likely never hear the words, "I wish I never bought a tag".

[Mr_D]

We bought a 40' Newmar DSDP (4090), then we found that it actually measures 41'-3". Have never had a problem that that "extra" 1'-3" caused other than the CA restrictions. But even that wasn't a real problem.

[Cat320]

All tag owners love tags; all single axle owner's love singles...get the floor plan the D/W wants and all will be well.

[tbwhit]

Like many said it depends on your primary use. We haven't had any real issues,the 2 campgrounds that could not fit us in next to our camping party(kids and grandkids) we just rented 2 spaces back to back and had plenty of room. The tag is wonderful tho.We're not fulltimers so we pretty much know where we will be staying at.jmo

[Davdeb1]

I think the tag vs non-tag is like the gasser vs DP. once you get it you would not want to go back. I would LOVE a tag, but we bought a 40 ft DP for what we could afford to pay. I would have to make payments to get the tag.

I don't have a tag, but I lust for one. If you can afford it, get it. The places you can't get in will be very tight in a 40 ft also. I shoe horned myself into some spots this year, probably shouldn't have been in those spots either.

[becks]

Get a tag axle and all the plus points that go with it. Better ride, better braking, better carrying capacity, and never having to worry about being overweight.

[336muffin]

There's a little more to it than just two more tires and feet. You also get two more brakes, extra fresh water capacity, more grey and black, usualy another AC, bigger generator. We gained two pass through's and a king size bed that you can actually walk around. Two bathroom sinks and a few more things over a 40ft. I liked our 40fters very much but our 42ft tag is better for us. To me, I think a tag coach just looks better. Get what works for you.

[bluepill]

Most WalMart parking spaces are twenty feet long, making the doubles perfect for a forty footer. A forty two might force you to stay in a campground.

[Barlow46]

Originally Posted by bluepill

Most WalMart parking spaces are twenty feet long, making the doubles perfect for a forty footer. A forty two might force you to stay in a campground.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by bluepill

Most WalMart parking spaces are twenty feet long, making the doubles perfect for a forty footer. A forty two might force you to stay in a campground.

Must be a campground owner that thinks he's losing revenue.

[CountryFit]

Originally Posted by bluepill

Most WalMart parking spaces are twenty feet long, making the doubles perfect for a forty footer. A forty two might force you to stay in a campground.

lol... 42 footer owners' pockets are deep they don't go walmart