Community Forums

Ckerch · 07-03-2010, 07:30 PM

I noticed that it seems the National is one of the few manufactures that use a Tag Axle on the smaller ( under 40') MH. I have not driven any other MH's so I don't have anything to compare. I remember the old GMC's and got praised for there smooth ride which I believe it was due to the tag axle.
So I was curious what are the benefits to having the tag axle over the single axle dually in the rear?

Thanks
Carl

2000 Tropi-Cal

LVJ58 · 07-03-2010, 07:49 PM

Can't speak for benefits of a tag on a DP, but we have one on our 2000 37' gas coach and it seems to enhance directional stability along with providing additional braking capability on the coach.

Ckerch · 07-03-2010, 08:05 PM

That makes sense.
When we took it out last time it was quite windy and I was amazed how well it tracked down the road. Is that stability your talking about?

Thanks
Carl

prowlercrew · 07-04-2010, 03:17 AM

I have a 1999 37' TropiCal with the tag axle. I researched it, before I purchased it in 2001, and found all the afore mentioned benefits as well as the approximately 2000 lb greater GVWR than other F53 chassis without it. I have also added the Davis Tru Trac stabilizer and a Brock's Add-A-Ride custom air ride front suspension system. Originally the stability was good and ride was ok but now it floats like a pusher and winds are no problem at all.

LVJ58 · 07-04-2010, 04:50 PM

"When we took it out last time it was quite windy and I was amazed how well it tracked down the road. Is that stability your talking about?"

Yes, and like prowlercrew we also added the Davis Tru-Trac to the front end. The major improvement we found with the Tru-Trac is the significant reduction of sideway push when being overtaken and passed by 18 wheelers.

So far, we haven't found a need for the added air suspension on our coach.

The Tropical is one fine quality coach, we almost bought one in 1999, but after the wife looked at the Residency it was all over--LOL

Although the Residency is a fairly decent quality coach, I feel the Tropical is a tad better.

Ckerch · 07-05-2010, 08:11 PM

It looks like the Davis Tru Trac system is a bolt on system.
Did you put it on or have it installed?

LVJ58 · 07-05-2010, 09:15 PM

I bought mine several years ago while in Quartzsite AZ and had it installed. Probably could have done it myself, but didn't want to mess with it.--getting lazy in my old age--LOL

prowlercrew · 07-06-2010, 12:10 AM

I installed it in 2001 myself. Easy bolt on. Big differance in ride when windy.

squeak · 07-06-2010, 06:51 AM

when you get a large power sorce they only come with tags due to the extra weight of the moter & trans

prowlercrew · 07-06-2010, 11:30 PM

That may be true when dealing with a pusher but we are talking gas. The weight is to the front making the need for a tag more for GVRW and stability I believe.

Talons · 07-10-2010, 02:56 PM

I have a 1997 Dolphin (similart to the Trop) with a tag axle and I was wondering if that air suspension you put on there (installed yourself, did you?) was on the front (what it looks like) or the rear?

I have the Ford Superduty F-530 chassis with the 460 ci engine.

Right now, she rides great compared to a class C or a Damon Daybreak (34' footer), which we almost bought, but I am SOOOO glad I went with the Dolphin!

However, my right side 'sags' a little and I was wondering if that air suspension would help or does it need to go in the back?

Talons

prowlercrew · 07-11-2010, 01:13 AM

I have a 1999 TropiCal / F53 / V10. I had the Brock's Add-a-Ride installed by Brock and a couple of his old buddies. A great crew, not one was under 70! Together they have more experience than most shops with a crew of 10! His shop is in Morrisonville, IL and he has hook-ups available for the time it takes to get the job done. Mine took a couple of days as they had to remove the front levelers and move them back a few inches to get clearance for the air bag system. The system has an 8 gal. air tank, compressor, air bags and adjustable regulator valves. It's not something I would feel comfortable doing as there is a lot of engineering involved. He does have a system for the rear but not for rigs with a tag axel. I believe he also has some installers qualified in other areas in the U.S. but we were headed east and decided who better than the developer of the system to do the work. I've never regretted having it done.

The system makes more sense than other aftermarket air bags like Firestone. He installs a sliding shackle system at the rear of the leaf spring using the 8000 lb air bag as the primary and the spring secondary. The rise can be adjusted for a more level ride. I had the same problem with a list to the right on my rig and he adjusted it out. Here is a link with the contact info: http://www.industrynet.com/listing/285278/brocks-ad-a-ride
I know the product is still out there but it's been several years since mine was done. I hope the good old boys in his crew are still around. They were a great bunch of hard working guys!

If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Talons · 07-11-2010, 10:10 PM

The listing to starboard is not the #1 priority on my list of things to get done, but it is up there. I was looking at those 'do it yourself' air suspensions, but tbh, they didn't look beefy enough for the job.

Where did Brock put that 8 gallon air tank? That would take up considerable space down in the basement, would it not?

Talons

prowlercrew · 07-12-2010, 03:18 AM

The tank is mounted under the center of the chassis. I was afraid it might be susceptible to high centering but they assured me it wouldn't be a problem and to date they were right. As for using the "do it yourself" airbags like Firestones etc. I felt the same. They aren’t that beefy and they don't function the same way. They just inflate to a set pressure and attempt to cushion the ride a bit. These actually let air in and out as you drive allowing the leaf springs to slide up and down in the shackles keeping the ride soft and level. It's a well developed design that makes for a great ride. I have included some more photos. They installed the air pump under the hood by the hydraulic pump for the jacks but I was changing the filter so often I decided to move it to the electronics bay with the four extra house batteries I installed. .I also decided to ad another pump so the pressure is replaced in the tank faster and they don’t run as much. It also helps when using the quick disconnect I installed on the tank to run air tools and inflate my tires.