Community Forums

droptop55 · 02-15-2014, 05:15 PM

First thank you to all the information that everyone shares, I was blessed with meeting Newmar owners at the Tampa RV show, you all made my wife and I feel like family.
We have been boaters all our life and now with retirement being 10 months old want to tour our country.
We have never been exposed to the camping life so we rented a 2007 DS for 7 days. The coach had 92K miles and have seen many rentals over the years some things didn't work, some things failed while we used it but it drove wonderfully even though this was pre-comfort drive.
We are seriously considering the DS 4018 we have seen it at dealers as well as the Tampa show, we have followed MaSnart, Jesup, and many others through there build and was excited for them and for our future home.
The reason for our post is two fold first as I said Thank You for all the information, advise and pictures. Before ordering we will go to the factory meet with Michelle and company to make sure we order just the rite equipment. I will share this with the Hoots just for there input.
Secondly when we rented the 2007 it had a tag axil which we where instructed to hold the lift switch down when turning. Half the time I remembered the other half not. Today I noticed that the new coaches have an automatic mode on the tag switch, maybe somebody can tell us all how to use a tag axil, i.e.when do we have to lift, does auto mean it will do it by itself etc. The salesmen that I spoke to where very vague so I had no confidence in there answers.
I know in my delivery at Newmar they will teach us but it gives me something to think about while we are making up our mind.
Sorry for the long post in the future I will be much more to the point ( maybe)

GaryKD · 02-15-2014, 05:26 PM

Hi droptop55,
Just wanted to say welcome to iRV2 and the Newmar Owner's forum.

"007" · 02-15-2014, 05:36 PM

No problem with the post I have been known to ramble on also.
Congratulations on your decision to join the Newmar family and I'm sure the Hoots to follow.
There are many of the Hoots threads in QT's # 3 if you have not already looked plus allot of information in the three links below in my signature.
For reading for your new coach here is a Owners Guide and a Brochure to show your friends.
Enjoy the forums and we all will wait for your pictures.

FLSteve · 02-15-2014, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by droptop55

Today I noticed that the new coaches have an automatic mode on the tag switch, maybe somebody can tell us all how to use a tag axil, i.e.when do we have to lift, does auto mean it will do it by itself etc. The salesmen that I spoke to where very vague so I had no confidence in there answers.

droptop55 ... welcome to the forum. Here is my understanding of the auto tag dump switch.

If you have it in the auto position (rocker forward) ... it will dump the tag air bags when you put the transmission into reverse.

The center rocker position is "disable" and the rear rocker position is "manual" dump. I think there is a maximum speed that you can use the manual dump, but don't know what it is.

I always keep my switch in the auto position. Sometimes when I am going forward and making a very tight turn I will manually dump the tag.

I have also read that some folks say the tag tires will wear out due to age way before the extra wear they get from skidding ... but really don't know. I still use the switch as mentioned above. It will also keep you from leaving as many skid marks on pavement or tearing up grass.

However all this is just my opinion and experience.

Steve

BTW ... we love our 4018 !!!!

DutchStar38 · 02-15-2014, 07:17 PM

droptop55.....Welcome. I too went from boating to a DSDP. We rented various units to experience what was good and bad. Hope the best for you and ENJOY the new ride.

**TonyDi** · 02-15-2014, 08:09 PM

Max speed I can dump the TAG axle is 8 mph. Mine also dumps when I put it in reverse. I do not have the auto feature.

Stealth01 · 02-18-2014, 06:06 AM

Droptop55,
Personally, I manually dump the tag if I'm going to be doing "sharp" turns and maneuvering into a parking spot... the rest of the time it's in "auto".

Ramets · 02-19-2014, 06:08 AM

I noticed at the Tampa RV show that new Dutch Stars were coming with Freightliner chassis. I happened to run into the CEO of Freightliner, and he said the new tag axles on Freightliner chassis's turn in the direction of the coach so your not scuffing rubber off the tires. I'm not sure it's a good thing or not....just something else to go wrong. And I wonder how many places would know how to repair any problem that might arise. In concept it sounds great.

Steve N Sal · 02-19-2014, 06:17 AM

You're making a great decision. Hope you enjoy your Newmar, I know we do.

aschuh53 · 02-19-2014, 06:51 AM

newmar cant go wrong welcome to the forum

wnytaxman · 02-19-2014, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramets

I noticed at the Tampa RV show that new Dutch Stars were coming with Freightliner chassis. I happened to run into the CEO of Freightliner, and he said the new tag axles on Freightliner chassis's turn in the direction of the coach so your not scuffing rubber off the tires. I'm not sure it's a good thing or not....just something else to go wrong. And I wonder how many places would know how to repair any problem that might arise. In concept it sounds great.

Is that available on the Dutch Stars? I was under the impression that it was only available on the higher end models.

redbaron73 · 02-19-2014, 07:05 AM

It is an Essex only option "at this time".

"007" · 02-19-2014, 07:08 AM

You may find your answer in this Newmar FL chassis link found in the FL FORUM.

slabman · 02-19-2014, 07:53 AM

I always manually dumped the tag on my previous k-2 chassis coach, but can't see that it made much difference. Yes, you likely WILL time out your tires before wearing 'em out with scrubbing on the tag. I ended up moving the front tires to the tag, since they were already camber-worn and they lasted several more years.