Community Forums

BriaLynne · 12-17-2012, 12:21 AM

Our current MH is a 38' DP on a Spartan MM with single rear axle. Reading ads for larger units with TAG's, some say that they can lift the TAG for tight turns, and some make no mention of it. I was under the impression that all TAG's have this feature. Am I mistaken?

Thanks.

Mr_D · 12-17-2012, 12:26 AM

Yes, not all do that. Some don't do anything, some release pressure but still leave tires on the ground and others lift the tag tires.

Route 66 · 12-17-2012, 06:26 AM

I believe Newmar's tags just dump the air as long as you hold the button down, but do not lift the tag.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-17-2012, 08:34 AM

Some of the older (mid-1990's) gas chassis rigs with tag axles don't even remove downward pressure. The tag wheels just drag sideways if necessary. It causes some increased tire wear if the rig makes a lot of turns on hard pavement, but it's still not a big deal.

hogdriver · 12-17-2012, 08:36 AM

My new Entegra has a tag on a Spartan chassis. The tag has a dump switch that must be held down to allow the dually axle to be the main weight bearing axle. A dealer told me most manufacturers don't make tag axles that "retract" because it really overloads the main axle even for the brief moments you are turning.

wyorancher · 12-17-2012, 09:51 AM

Interesting info. Never had a class A but drove a tandem bus with duals and to the best of my knowledge tires just dragged. Nope, wasn't hauling farm workers.

Actually transported prisoners in Los Angeles a long time ago.

Although I just have a TT I find this area interesting because I am presently searching for a class A DP.

vraines · 12-17-2012, 09:59 AM

Our 43 ft. Dutch Star will dump the air from the tags as LNG as you hold the switch. Took some practice for,tight turns, but I do,it without much thought noe. It takes enough weight off the tires that it leaves no scuff marks on the pavement, and the tag tires show no edge rounding. I like the feature.

Crabby Mike · 12-17-2012, 10:05 AM

The tag axle on my 2008 Mandalay (Freightliner chassis) doesn't raise, it just dumps the air from the tag air bags when backing up or in low-speed maneuvering. The tires don't even leave a mark on the pavement in the tightest of turns, like in my cul-de-sac.

The switch controlling the tag air pressure can be off, on, or auto. I've left it on auto the entire time we've owned the coach, and have never had an issue with the tag.

PDR John · 12-17-2012, 10:27 AM

I just had the opportunity to do tight turns on gravel with tag pressure released, figured I'd be raking tire marks out, didn't hardly move any.

In fact my friends empty car trailer moves more gravel when turning.

Clayobx · 12-17-2012, 12:22 PM

We have a 2012 MM with a tag. Like others the dump switch simply releases pressure while turning. The MM also dumps the tag automatically when reverse gear is activated. Half the time I forget to "dump" while turning and no problems. The tag certainly makes life easy on the interstate with tucks or cross winds.

Barlow46 · 12-19-2012, 11:56 PM

05 Monaco dynasty. Tag lifts when you dump air with tag switch and wheels come up about an inch or so off the ground. This feature can be adjusted on the Dynasty as to how much you want the tires off the ground. You can leave and tag switch "on" and the tag will lift (air dumped) when you get down to about 5 mph in first gear. It will automatically drop when your speed reaches the point the Allison shifts into second gear. Great feature as it make backing my 42' very easy into some tight spots.

BriaLynne · 12-20-2012, 08:28 AM

To all,

Thanks for the great response. It sounds like as long as the dump switch is available, that will be good enough. A lift feature would be a nice bonus.

Happy Holiday's.