Tag axle question

[lp5151]

we just purchased a 2012 Anthem 43'. lovin' it. but, I have not yet figured out how the tag works. all we have is a swith to dump the air, but nothing to tell me how much air is in it, if any. I know it's suppose to dump air when put into reverse and doesn't air up until a certain speed is reached. I notice nothing happening when I hit the air dump button. Hit it once or do i have to hold it down for a while? Have not yet run the rig over a set of scales to see how much weight is on the tag. have been use to other tags that have pressure gauges that show what's in the tag. haven't yet got the manual, so have no instructions to go by other than "it's all automatic" that the dealer tells me.

[bcbounders]

Assuming your Anthem's Spartan chassis is similar to the one on my Newmar Mountain Aire, you have to hold the dump button down in order to let the air out of the tag... and you have to hold it down as long as you want the air dumped (it takes a few seconds for the air to finish dumping, so keep that in mind). To be sure it's working properly, have someone stand outside by the tag while you hold the dump button down (make sure the chassis is aired up first).

Hope that helps.

[JMonroe]

What John said. You have to hold the button down until the bags fully deflate. I don't think they reinflate, however, until you go over something like 7mph so if manuevering into a camp site, as example, once deflated they should stay that way.

[JSPERRELLA]

Bcbounders said someone is to watch outside. What are they watching for??

[ottffss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSPERRELLA Bcbounders said someone is to watch outside. What are they watching for??

You'll see the rear end of the rig drop a couple inches as the tag deflates... Hold a yardstick up the the body and you'll see the drop clearly.

The drop happens because you are shifting up to 10,000lbs from the tag to the drives.

[JSPERRELLA]

Thanks newbie also with teh TAG Dump Button

Question about using;

If I have to go through mud, should I dump theTag or leave in normal operating position?

[ottffss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSPERRELLA If I have to go through mud, should I dump theTag or leave in normal operating position?

IMHO It all depends. Eager to hear other thoughts...

Mud - depends on how deep, how soft, how long, and what the chances of a fatal spin are. You basically bet on one spin in mud before you are done. You don't want to use your one chance! Probably speed is more important in mud and avoid jerking the power thus inducing a spin. Overriding ATC (if you have) before the mud might also be worthwhile, thus eliminating power jerks if the ATC decides to engage the spinning wheel's brake shifting power to the non-spinner suddenly - then both sides are dug in. Of course, you may actually want the ATC to engage if you think it'll control spin better than you can. Dumping tag will increase drive axle weight and if the mud is deep and soft and long this might not be the best tactic. However, trying to drag the un-driven tag loaded through the mud might be more than the drives can get traction for. Not much of an answer, I know.

Snow/Ice - Is a little easier. Dumping tag increases drive axle weight, this is good every time. Also overriding ATC (if you have) once a spin is sensed and you need the wheel speed is also good. On snow/ice you are not going to dig your way to China as you would with a spin on mud.

[bcbounders]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSPERRELLA Bcbounders said someone is to watch outside. What are they watching for??

I forgot to finish typing what my brain was thinking! Darn lazy (and slow) fingers!

The person outside by the tag should also be able to hear the tag air being released while you are holding the dump button.

[ejm4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottffss IMHO It all depends. Eager to hear other thoughts... Mud - depends on how deep, how soft, how long, and what the chances of a fatal spin are. You basically bet on one spin in mud before you are done. You don't want to use your one chance! Probably speed is more important in mud and avoid jerking the power thus inducing a spin. Overriding ATC (if you have) before the mud might also be worthwhile, thus eliminating power jerks if the ATC decides to engage the spinning wheel's brake shifting power to the non-spinner suddenly - then both sides are dug in. Of course, you may actually want the ATC to engage if you think it'll control spin better than you can. Dumping tag will increase drive axle weight and if the mud is deep and soft and long this might not be the best tactic. However, trying to drag the un-driven tag loaded through the mud might be more than the drives can get traction for. Not much of an answer, I know. Snow/Ice - Is a little easier. Dumping tag increases drive axle weight, this is good every time. Also overriding ATC (if you have) once a spin is sensed and you need the wheel speed is also good. On snow/ice you are not going to dig your way to China as you would with a spin on mud.

Dump the air if you need to drive thru mud or an extremely soft surface.

[aliza46]

I have a 06 42ft travel supreme, when the dump valve is push and hold the tag axle deflate ontil I release it, it will inflate automatic

[drwyatt]

I have a 2006 TS DS14 45 and the dump switch will dump thje tag when pressed. I dump it when making sharp turns. It is also can be used to put more weight on the drivers if on slick roads. They inflate when backing up or when speed is over 7-10 mph. You can tell if they are inflated by comparing the tire height on the wheel fenders to the drivers. They will not stay dumped at normal speeds. Dave W