What's the Tag axle difference

[dkrobath]

I am looking at a diesel coach and was wanting to learn more about the benefits of a Tag axle. a 40 ft coach without a tag and a 44 ft with a tag. Any comments from a fellow RV'er that has owned both would be great.

Thanks Dave

[Gary RVRoamer]

The tag axle is there simply to carry additional weight beyond what a single rear axle is rated for. There are some oft-discussed minor fringe benefits of having an additional axle, and also a few seldom-mentioned drawbacks. Those pros and cons, however, are merely academic debate because the RV builder will choose a tag axle chassis only if the weight of the coach requires it. It's not an optional feature and not done for bragging rights - purely functional.


The single axle max used to be 20,000 lbs but now its 23,000 lbs for motorcoaches. That lets a few designs use a single where previously they would have needed a tag, but by and large anything over 40 ft will weigh enough to require a tag.

[AE Wanderer]

Yes, tag axles are more maintenance and cut into available storage. They also track better, are buffeted by passing semis less, more carrying capacity, and a tag gives you an extra set of brakes.

Is a tag worth it, to me it is, but to others it is not.

[bucks2]

I love people saying that a tag axle reduces storage space. The tag axle takes almost 4 feet of "basement" room. BUT, they're found on 43 and 44 foot coaches. That's your 4 extra feet of basement. It's a wash! The longer coach gives more room, the tag takes it away. But the added carrying capacity is enormous!!! 10,000 pounds of extra CCC.


Many 40' coaches are so close to overloaded as they come out of the factory that for full time* (*over 3 months continuous use each year) it's difficult to carry everything you need. That's why so many folks go with tag axle rigs. (IMHO)

[Crasher]

I had two 40' coaches with single rear axles. One on a freightliner chassis and the other on a Powerglide chassis. They both handled well, but the Powerglide was a bit more stable. The axles were close to their maximum loads. Our current coach measures close to 44' with a tag and IFS. It is by far easier than either of the 40's to drive and ride in. Part of the improvement is due to the IFS, but the improved ride, stability in crosswinds and passing semi's is due to the tag axle and extra weight. The tag suspension adjustment allows me to balance loads and better control the front axle weight which I keep at 1000# below it's rating. I can't overload the coach regardless of what I put in or where I put it. The 150 gallon fuel tank is a nice bonus too. I can't think of a downside to it. Yes, every 5-6 years I have to buy two more tires. A small price to pay for two more brakes and increased capacity to say nothing of the added stability. What's not to like???

[Cousin Ed]

We had 2 gassers 35 & 38 then a 40'8" Journey. The difference was night & day the Journey was GREAT! We then moved on, to our Entegra 43'3" with IFS and a tag. The Journey has more storage, but the ride and handling seems, as much, better as moving from the gassers to the DP.

[Cat320]

A minor correction...the tag costs basement storage only if your coach is 42'/43', on a 45' coach you get the extra basement back.

[CampDaven]

I have a 43. The tag is ALL of the ride I had dreamed of. Tracking, sway stability, and not enough “Os” in SMOOOOOTH to describe it!
Storage? 2 4x8 roll-out trays not quite 1/2 full, and per the GVW, enough to haul another 7,000lbs. (That ain’t gonna happen).
My advice: drive several 40s and 42+ with tags.
On second thought, don’t do that

[saddlesore]

Ok.. On some older mfg's designs you could go either with or without a tag, depending on the weights involved (or with or without a bedroom slide)
For instance Foretravel had tags available on 38' and longer (with or without a bedroom slide. depending on what the purchaser wanted/needed.
Our coach is a 40' with tag axle but does not have a bedroom slide... gives a bit more capacities on the rear.
As for storage .. we have two full width pass thru bays.... on a 40' tag axle DP..
IF you are willing/able to pay the price..what ever you want for a RV can be built/purchased...

Whether it be a popup/TT/5r/gasser/DP, Get what YOU want & need to go experience nature in the Great North America.... and most importantly...have FUN!

[Crasher]

FWIW, My drive axle is rated @22,000# and the tag is 13,300#. The actual loaded weight of the drive is 19,700# and the tag is 5200#. Besides having an extra 1000# available on the steer axle, there is more capacity on the rear than I could possible fit in. Don't you just love a tag??

[WyoFree]

The acronym for a Tag axle is RH&S = Ride, Handling and Stability! A non Tag coach can do those three things well enough but there is really no comparison.

However, there's a price to be paid for the addition of the Tag at about $15,000 dollars. Not just for the Tag of course its the beefed up frame and some inside niceties that go along with the added weight it can handle. And don't forget the airbags, brakes etc!!!

Weight and wheelbase, nothing beats it!

Harry

[Dixidoodle]

The major down fall of having a tag axle and anything over 40' that I have found is you really cut down on the state parks in some states.
Think of where you would like to stay. If you would rather stay at state parks or private parks. check out the parks for Max length and weight ie. Tag axle.

[RMD3819]

" I wish I did not have a tag axle" said no tag axle owner, ever.

[Mr_D]

My MH has a 20,000# rated front axle.
Mt drive axle is actually a 25,000# unit derated to 20,000#'s by CC to satisfy Fed requirements and the tag is a 14,000# rated unit giving me 54,000 GVWR and a GCVWR of 69,000#'s.
Now the Feds allow 23,000 on the drive but that's still 2,000#'s under my drive axle rating.
Only have 18,000 on the front. someday, just for grins I'll get it weighed on all corners.