Community Forums

sdblossom · 08-05-2017, 04:47 PM

I am doing my research before purchasing a diesel pusher. I am looking for 40-45'. My question is "is a tag axle the way to go?" in talking with other owners I hear both and asking you folks for some guidance.

BillJinOR · 08-05-2017, 05:11 PM

If your looking at more than 40' a tag is almost an automatic feature ! Heck even 40' footers are getting tags now because of the increased weight the def systems bring.
Tag adds more complexity and expense .. extra tires etc and possibly less bay storage
Having had both .. I love my tag axle, more stable and going over speed bumps used to rock the old coach like crazy .. not so much with the tag it just steps over them. If the pluses outweigh the negatives in cost etc .. you'll get all kinds of answers. I didn't get into this "sport" to save money if I did I'd be in my original 60's tent still

FormerBoater · 08-05-2017, 05:34 PM

I am sure that tag axles are a dream to drive down the road.

Extra expense for tires and length restrictions at national and state parks would be my only real concern.

And my length concerns are heavily influenced by Florida State Parks.

QMThomas · 08-05-2017, 05:49 PM

I love my Monaco Signature with tag axle. It drives great and I like have the extra brakes and a smooth strait drive.

becks · 08-05-2017, 07:02 PM

I agree with poster above, and also like the fact that I never have to worry about being over weight.

bamaspiveys · 08-05-2017, 07:20 PM

If you can afford a tag-axle RV you can probably afford the additional tires, brakes and maintenance. If a park does not have a spot large enough for our Entegra, we just go to another park. We do not do national or state parks so, length restrictions did not make our list of concerns.

The stability of the TAG really has to be felt to be fully understood. If you do not want a tag then don't drive one has been my advice to everyone that has asked this question.

We had "tag envy" for a while, then on a windy day in our Phaeton, we got passed by a tag going down hill, I was going 45 worried about making it to the bottom of the hill, he cruised right on by us and hooked the curve at the bottom of the hill. The DW asked if the "tag axle" was why he was able to drive around us like that.....I knew a tag was in our future right then! LoL

THenman · 08-05-2017, 07:29 PM

Tag lets you have more carrying capacity and means less compromises by the mfg. may be needed in saving weight since the coach can be heavier. Sure there is a little added expense over time but it's not a reason to avoid as far as I am concerned.

Figure out what you need and what you want. In floor plan, overall size, features, towing capacity, and quality that fits your budget. Things will kind of shake out for you and you may find the manufactures decided for you on tag/no tag.

Tom

Gary RVRoamer · 08-06-2017, 10:05 AM

It's not a feature/option you choose from a menu. You get a tag axle if the weight of the coach is more than a single rear axle can handle (24,000 lbs max on one axle). If you don't need one to carry the weight, there is almost no reason to want one. Sure, the ride maybe a bit smoother over potholes & RR tracks, but you also lose two storage bays to the wheel wells.

Generally, coaches up to about 40 ft don't need a tag for their weight, but those much over that will almost surely need and have one. So pick the size coach you want and let the coach builder worry about how many axles it needs.

sbleiweiss · 08-06-2017, 10:11 AM

One other point to consider. Tolls are higher; sometimes much higher with third axle.

super_rep · 08-06-2017, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdblossom

I am doing my research before purchasing a diesel pusher. I am looking for 40-45'. My question is "is a tag axle the way to go?" in talking with other owners I hear both and asking you folks for some guidance.

We had a 40' Beaver (no tag) for 20 years driven 154,000 miles and then moved up to our present 45' Monaco Signature with tag 5 years ago. The tag is DEFINITELY a better ride and has much better handling, especialy when in a cross wind and when being passed by a big truck.

Cat320 · 08-06-2017, 10:42 AM

If you get a 45' MH with a tag, you do not lose a storage bin. However, if you get anything less that 45' you will lose a storage bin for the extra wheels/axle.

Cousin Ed · 08-06-2017, 11:43 AM

I doubt that you will hear anyone with a tag, say don't get one. This Entegra is our first tag and the ride and stability is unbelievably better. Our last MH was a Journey which was great just no comparison to the Entegra.

Crasher · 08-06-2017, 01:23 PM

The only people that will tell you you do not need a tag or that the handling is not much better, are the people that do not have a tag and most have never driven a tag. The ones that will encourage you to get one are the people like me who used to be like the first group, until we got our first coach with a tag. The only time I will get rid of the tag coach is when I stop motorhoming. Nuf said.

Kro1957 · 08-06-2017, 09:24 PM

Having driven professionally for many years, and I still do, In my opinion a tag axle is nice for the stability but a deal/no deal It is not a deal breaker.
I drove large Thomas built buses thousands of miles hauling band, ROTC, other school groups in a 5 state region. Also same length Motorcoaches for Arrow Stage Lines, VanHool, Setra, MCI, J's, all with Tags. You get no argument from me that the Tag makes a difference. But those trips were long and hundreds of miles a day, next day same thing all over again. However, with my Motorhome which is only 38' and given the fact I don't push it 75mph down the road in a race to get from point A to B. We try to limit our trips to about 250 miles a day, stay a day or two and enjoy it. I can tell you, that the single axle is on the airbag suspension is very enjoyable. Many two lane roads meeting semi's there is not a whole lot of difference between my coach and the ones I drove for Arrow, or the College. Again, I want to make it clear, I agree the tag gives you a little more of a solid feel on the road but not that pronounced that it is a deal breaker for me. Get into that longer length coach 42+, then I would look long and hard at the tag for weight, balance and stability. If/when we go into another coach, I doubt it will be over 40' and the tag will not be of a concern for me.