Community Forums

Jandcinok · 05-12-2021, 08:17 AM

I was reading the thread about jack pads. And of course, a question came to mind.

If Im using some kind of drive on block to raise the coach with a tag axle for work, would the tag also need to be supported by the same sized blocks?

Diesel-Lover · 05-12-2021, 08:26 AM

Dangling axles!

Remember the days of old when the deployed would generally put their vehicles on blocks so that the tires and all that would stay healthier! Oh yea we removed the whole wheel and tire as well and stowed it under the vehicle as well to make sure the vehicle did not crash to the ground with some jack or block failure. I would even put a cushioned board on top of the wheels to keep them from getting damaged.

Yes been there done that, dunno if the suspension enjoyed any benefits but the tires sure lasted longer than the ones of cars that were not put on blocks for sure.

If the suspension design engineer and the builders were logical it should not matter if the axle is dangling, specially if only going it for a short period. If for a longer period you could reduce the stress on the axle by removing the wheel that would take that much weight off the dangling axle!

Seen many coaches raised so high on levelers that the axles were off the ground! or barely touching the ground.

Sweetbriar · 05-12-2021, 02:34 PM

I would also support the tag since you might be over loading the drive axle and tires if you don't.

Diesel-Lover · 05-12-2021, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

I would also support the tag since you might be over loading the drive axle and tires if you don't.

Great point Sweetbriar on the load issues of just the dually vs dually and tag load limit changes.

Since this would be an assumed short time and static load as well.... but as you say there will be more weight on the dually part of the rear axles, I would think that type RV will also have hydraulic levelers and stabilizer legs to help share in the load as well.

Sonic · 05-12-2021, 10:12 PM

Freightliner’s position is that by leaving wheels dangling, the air bags can pull away from the mount, necessitating replacement of the air bag.
They’re adamant about not leaving any wheel unsupported during the Camp Freightliner training courses.
That said, many people accept the risk and leave their wheels unsupported without issue.

Argosy · 05-13-2021, 05:18 AM

Agree about leaving the tag hanging from the airbags, that's a really bad idea. There's nothing about them that's designed to support that kind of weight.

Chain the tag or use 2 sets of blocks.

Diesel-Lover · 05-13-2021, 07:24 AM

"Sonic Freightliner’s position is that by leaving wheels dangling, the air bags can pull away from the mount, necessitating replacement of the air bag.
They’re adamant about not leaving any wheel unsupported during the Camp Freightliner training courses."
That said, many people accept the risk and leave their wheels unsupported without issue.

Interesting and Important information that Freightliner not wanting the tag ever to be unsupported. Learned something new today, Thankyou Sonic.

As I recall some tags are liftable and do so when turning or during road conditions, others have a shock absorber as well in concert with the airbag. But as stated its better to be safe than sorry and support, though taking weight off it by removing the tire/wheel before lifting, would help greatly if for some reason it needs to be unsupported.