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Old 08-10-2017, 08:01 PM   #1
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Leveling a tag axle with Ramps

We are moving from a single rear axle to a tag axle. When parked at our house to keep it moderately leveled we back it up onto a ramp made by 2x10's. I have attached a picture. My question is what additional blocking or supports will I need? Do I need to extend it to be under the tag axle or is supporting the drive wheels good enough?
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Old 08-11-2017, 07:53 AM   #2
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Best practice is to block up all the wheels / axles relatively close to each other. You might also consider going to 2X12s to get a better footprint. When you're backing a tag if you're not 'dead-straight' onto the boards one of the axle tire sets may be off to the left or right of the board a bit.
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Old 08-11-2017, 08:23 AM   #3
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Most drive and tag axle suspensions are controlled by proportioning valves. What that means is that they will attempt to carry the same percentage of weight on level and uneven ground. If the difference in height of the ramp to the ground does not exceed the distance that the proportioning valves can adjust to, then you would be fine with what you have now. Keep in mind too, that when backing up many tag suspensions dump or reduce the air in the suspension. They will generally re-inflate 15 minutes after shutdown. If you dump the air for storage, then the proportioning valves are out of play and the weight will be mostly on the drive axle anyway.

As another option, why not bring in some road mat gravel and create a level area for the coach to sit on? Then no worries with the boards moving when the tag rolls over them.

Edit: After a second look at your picture, the height is more than the prop valves could adjust to. I would recommend either longer ramps or fill it in and make a solid RV pad.
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Old 08-11-2017, 09:07 AM   #4
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First, I don't know I just think; all six wheels should be supported. It's not good for the suspension to have wheels hang in the air. Also not supporting the inside duals puts a big strain on the axle and outside tires.
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Old 08-11-2017, 09:15 AM   #5
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My concern would be for the tires as well. They are designed to distribute the coach's weight over 6 tires in the rear. If only 4 are carrying the load then you just over-rated the tires which could cause a failure.

Comments on strain on the suspension system are also of concern.

I agree with the suggestion of leveling the coach pad, either with stone or a concrete pad, even if just for the rear 6 tires.
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Old 08-11-2017, 10:42 AM   #6
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thanks everyone, thats what I suspected but I didn't want to over think it. I will build a ramp to support both sets of tires.
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Old 08-11-2017, 10:51 AM   #7
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Be sure the ramp is wide enough to support the full width of the tire tread. My front and tag tires are 365/70 and are just over 14" wide at the tread.
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Old 08-11-2017, 11:45 AM   #8
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The ramps I have now are 2x10 staggered with 45 deg cut into the face of each. There is one under each wheel and at the top they are connected with a piece of 3/4" plus wood. I may just put a 18" 4x4 retaining wall in and level off with gravel. I can back up easy enough but trying to stop dead center on the pad is tricky.
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Old 08-11-2017, 11:52 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark D View Post
The ramps I have now are 2x10 staggered with 45 deg cut into the face of each. There is one under each wheel and at the top they are connected with a piece of 3/4" plus wood. I may just put a 18" 4x4 retaining wall in and level off with gravel. I can back up easy enough but trying to stop dead center on the pad is tricky.
Good idea. You will be much happier with that plan. Good Luck
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