Community Forums

txcpl · 06-16-2017, 03:32 PM

We are looking at purchasing a Class A. I have noticed some coaches have a single axle and some also have a tag axle. When do manufacturers add the tag axle? Is there a difference in performance? Just learning about coaches.
Thanks in advance for your responses.

**Lt Dan** · 06-16-2017, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txcpl

We are looking at purchasing a Class A. I have noticed some coaches have a single axle and some also have a tag axle. When do manufacturers add the tag axle? Is there a difference in performance? Just learning about coaches.
Thanks in advance for your responses.

Generally, coaches longer than 40' have a tag axle. There are a couple of manufacturers that put a tag axle on shorter coaches, but it's not common. The change in performance is the amount of weight the coach can carry on the rear and some improvement in handling. The down side to a coach less than 40' with a tag would be giving up a storage bay on each side for the extra axle.

THenman · 06-16-2017, 03:41 PM

Based on weight mainly. Most mfgs start adding a tag over 40ft. Newmar starts at 40ft I think.
The tag does add a lot of carrying capacity allowing for heavier components and/or more of your stuff. I have also heard it makes the coach ride and drive better but I have never driven a non-tag so my info there is second hand.

Tom

slowmachine · 06-16-2017, 03:49 PM

I don't see many non-tag coaches with large towing capacities. If you want to tow 10,000 pounds, or more, I think you're looking for a tag axle.

Isaac-1 · 06-16-2017, 03:52 PM

One thing to add here is when slides first started showing up on the market 20 or so years ago they added considerable weight to the then available smaller chassis designs so manufactures started adding tag axles to carry the added weight of what would have been an otherwise overloaded chassis they continued this until more robust chassis designs hit the market that did not require a tag axle.

Crasher · 06-16-2017, 06:51 PM

A tag equipped coach with IFS is the best handling and riding coach you can find. More load capacity, better ride and better handling in cross winds and when a semi passes. We've had tag and non-tag motorhomes and the tag one wins the prize. Don't take mine or anyone else's opinion. Drive them both and you decide.

Hgrace56 · 06-16-2017, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowmachine

I don't see many non-tag coaches with large towing capacities. If you want to tow 10,000 pounds, or more, I think you're looking for a tag axle.

There are a few. REV make a couple

67vette · 06-16-2017, 07:44 PM

Check out the Newmar line, our 40' DSDP has the tag axle and what a smooth ride. yes you give up a little bit of storage but I believe it's worth it. As mentioned wind and semi's and she is straight as an arrow. Good luck

Gary RVRoamer · 06-16-2017, 08:26 PM

Quote:

I don't see many non-tag coaches with large towing capacities. If you want to tow 10,000 pounds, or more, I think you're looking for a tag axle.

Maybe at the lower end, but many 38 ft or longer diesel pushers have a chassis rated for 10k or 15k towing. Many or the Spartan & Freightliner higher end chassis models are rated at 10k or better. My '04 American Tradition 40 footer was rated at 10k, and a a number of similar models from Fleetwood, Newmar, Country Coach, and Monaco were equal or greater.

A tag really has nothing to do with the tow capacity, but a coach large enough to need a tag to carry the weight is probably also hefty enough to have a large tow rating.

sbleiweiss · 06-17-2017, 10:16 AM

I'll add the tag adds lots of expense other than initial cost and what has already been mentioned. Four more tires to replace. Added cost in tolls. Slower speed limits in some states like CA that focus on 3 or more axles.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-17-2017, 10:26 AM

Usually just two tires on the tag axle, but that is still an extra $1000-$1500 at tire time.

flywithcoop · 06-17-2017, 10:28 AM

Also something to consider is CA requires a special license to drive a coach over 40 feet long according to another post on this site. Staying under 40" will probably not need a tag axle. My gasser 24K Ford F53 chassis handles just fine against passing semi's and it has no tag axle and has much less maintenance cost.

Crasher · 06-17-2017, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

I'll add the tag adds lots of expense other than initial cost and what has already been mentioned. Four more tires to replace. Added cost in tolls. Slower speed limits in some states like CA that focus on 3 or more axles.

To the OP. Don't let an uninformed statement like this scare you away from a tag coach. There are only two tires to replace in 7-8 years. Less than $200 per year cost. In four years, I've had no expense with the tag. A tag adds two more wheels with brakes to help stop your coach too. I've traveled in CA between 55-60 mph and no problems. Why does one have to travel faster than that in a motorhome??