Community Forums

wagonmaster2 · 11-05-2014, 09:17 PM

I've read about several advantages for having a tag axle but are there any disadvantages for one? Any one have a tag axle on their coach and wish it wasn't there, or anyone wish they had gotten a bigger coach so they could have a tag axle?
From some of what I've read you do lose some outside storage space plus have 2 extra tires when replacement time arrives.

Finally · 11-06-2014, 12:07 AM

For me, all advantages, no disadvantages.

Disadvantage, less carrying capacity, less towing capacity, usually smaller engine with less power, less stopping power, more susceptible to cross winds and passing trucks, less stability.

sirpurrcival · 11-06-2014, 12:56 AM

It's been covered before in other threads but the short form of having:

Pro's
Greater Stability.
Better stopping power
Better Cargo Carrying capacity

Con's
More tires = more cost
Cut down on Cargo Space

There are probably a couple more in both categories but the tone of other threads overall was way better with them than without them.

Selah · 11-06-2014, 07:02 AM

Cargo space is kind of a wash as tags are typically only available on larger coaches. Larger coach = larger basement. If you chose to go all electric that space originally allocated for propane now becomes storage as well.
My 42 ft tag will not turn a sharply as my friends 40 ft but that has not been an issue for me. It just takes a little more care when backing into tight spaces or doing a 110 degree turn on a narrow camp ground road.
Some pluses; unless I fill the back storage up with gold bars I will never exceed the GVWR. Stability on the highway in cross winds and passing semis is better than a single axle.
For myself, it was the layout of the interior, added HP, and the general "feel" of the coach that made the difference.

Randyman1 · 11-06-2014, 07:10 AM

The only Con I can think of is my cheeks start to hurt from smiling so much while I'm driving it.

Crasher · 11-06-2014, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randyman1

The only Con I can think of is my cheeks start to hurt from smiling so much while I'm driving it.

That's exactly how I feel. At the end of a 500 mile day, I am disappointed that it is time to stop. Have done 6oo+ miles in one day driving 62 mph and wasn't overly tired. The only people that don't like a tag are those who have never driven or owned one.

StevenNSteph · 11-06-2014, 07:52 AM

I've owned a tag and currently full time in a non tag axle coach. Bottom line is its all about floor plan rather than how many tires I have in back because I spend 99% of my time living in it and 1% of my time driving (using the tag axle) it.

MSHappyCampers · 11-06-2014, 07:53 AM

One disadvantage would be having to buy 4 extra tires at about $600 each!

super_rep · 11-06-2014, 08:00 AM

We had a 40' Beaver Marquis without a tag for 19 years and 154,000 - miles loved the coach. Got a Monaco 45' SIG with a tag almost 2 years ago and have driven it 21,000 miles. Would never have another coach without a tag. Stability, handling, ride are all better with the tag. Storage is more roomy with our tag coach.

becks · 11-06-2014, 08:01 AM

4 extra tires ???

super_rep · 11-06-2014, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

One disadvantage would be having to buy 4 extra tires at about $600 each!

Tag only adds 2 tires, not 4.

Smitty77 · 11-06-2014, 08:06 AM

As mentioned, great surfing material on Tags vs Non Tags

!

I'll add a few comments not hit yet in this thread:

Pro - Usually a tighter turning radius as the drive axle is set forward more then on tags. (Our 40' Tag with IFS, turns in a tighter radius then our 28' Bounder with non IFS.

Con - Added weight, especially for mid size block engines. Our ISL is just a tad underpowered for the full weight of this coach. The Tags do add to weight.

And as clarification for Joe, and not a big deal just wanted to be sure he knew, it's only 2 extra tires for the Tags, not 4. But he is correct, that is more money for tires...

And, I would not want to go back to a Non Tag Coach. While I agree that driving is a small overall timeframe of the ownership experience. It is the highest risk part of owning an RV, while on the roads and driving. So any extra safety edge you can get is a bonus. Tags handle better, stop better, you get less fatigue while driving longer distances - all of these IMO, provide a great value in safety. So if you could look at the extra costs of the tags tires, and other minor maintenance, as insurance for safety.

Best to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty

Gary RVRoamer · 11-06-2014, 08:25 AM

I've had both and currently drive a non-tag. I think a well-made non-tag diesel drives pretty much the same as a tag, but it seems like an academic discussion anyway. Would you really buy a coach that is 3 feet longer solely to get a tag axle? There really isn't that much difference. You should buy the coach that fits your needs, i.e.floor plan, carrying capacity, storage, etc. If what you need is large enough to require a tag axle to carry it all, then that's what you get. If not, stick with the non-tag version. Now that the rear axle limit on national highways has been increased from 20k to 23k lbs, we are beginning to see non-tag 41-42 footers that have good weight and storage capacity.

I also don't think you get any extra breaking. The amount of brake area (capability) is designed to match the GVWR of the coach. Sure a bigger/heavier coach gets more braking, but it also needs more braking. The amount of brake capability per 1000 lbs isn't necessarily any different.

The bottom line is that a tag is provided to increase the weight capacity and it includes the braking necessary as part of that. The only way it would be 'extra" is if you could add a tag to an existing non-tag coach that already has brakes adequate for its GVWR. Even then, the tag adds a lot of weight, so some of the "extra" goes in compensation for the tag itself.

Pigman1 · 11-06-2014, 08:58 AM

The newer 40' higher end coaches are heavy. Just more goodies and "high end stuff" and when you run them on a single axle, you're running right at or even above the rated capacity ofd many of drive line and suspension components. Higher air pressures in tires mean a somewhat rougher ride, and top of the capacities on axles , brakes, rears, steering and driveline mean more wear and tear on those things, and more likelihood of failure than units run well below rated capacities. Granted, not many people push their rigs hard, but to me, more padding on the top end means something. (Beside, a tag coach just looks cool) (LOL)