18 models

[MRUSA14]

Originally Posted by HarleyOutlaw

Is the turning radius the same in a steerable tag vs dumping the tag?

I don't know, but if the steerable tag has a better turning radius then there's the answer.

If it is, the difference is negligible and not worth the extra complexity, initial cost, and maintenance cost.

[rbr]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

If it is, the difference is negligible and not worth the extra complexity, initial cost, and maintenance cost.

The pivot point will always be the drive axle, so I don't see how the type of tag can affect turning radius. Only way there could be an effect is if the non-steerable type causes the drive axle to push forward rather than pivot which should be seen in tire slide by the drives - and I don't see that. It's always the relatively low loaded tag that slides.

[Nowabeachbum]

Originally Posted by HarleyOutlaw

Is the turning radius the same in a steerable tag vs dumping the tag?

I don't know, but if the steerable tag has a better turning radius then there's the answer.

Spartan claims that the steerable tag reduces the turning radius by 7%. How, I have no idea. My personal experience is that it does improve the turning radius. Our storage building has a really tight turn and our Cornerstone is easier to drive it in than our older Anthem was. So I like the steerable tag.

[Anthem46]

I like the new tag. I could never remember to dump the tag,, when turning into our driveway, so I would leave BLACK marks on my driveway.

[Saltydog44]

Originally Posted by Anthem46

I like the new tag. I could never remember to dump the tag,, when turning into our driveway, so I would leave BLACK marks on my driveway.

Sure they weren't from scratching off? Maybe you'll get more with the 605.....

[Magic-carpet]

We like the new tag also. It does make turning the CS into our driveway easier and sharper than the Anthem would even with the tag dumped. Still don't like the looks of the rims though.

[az99]

Why can't they put rear wheels on it? The use of front wheels on the steerable tag look ugly and stupid on the rear. Spartan had a chassis at the Tampa show with rear wheels on the steer tag.
This is just another follow the leader by adding something that most people don't want or need. Make it an option.
Read on the Newmar forum about the people tearing up tires when the tag can't be aligned properly.

[Misty123]

Originally Posted by az99

Why can't they put rear wheels on it? The use of front wheels on the steerable tag look ugly and stupid on the rear. Spartan had a chassis at the Tampa show with rear wheels on the steer tag.
This is just another follow the leader by adding something that most people don't want or need. Make it an option.
Read on the Newmar forum about the people tearing up tires when the tag can't be aligned properly.

You must have looked a different Spartan chassis than I did. The one I saw was red, white, and blue and had the same wheels on the tag as the 2017's.

[hogdriver]

Okay, here's a question for all those smart people.

If you buy a Cornerstone with a steerable tag, do you have to get the tag aligned periodically like the front end? Who can perform that job. Is this service expensive or is it routine nowadays?

[Cruzer]

Technically, the steerable tag is movable so those joints can give and flex just like a tie-rod with ball joints does over time as things wear. However, after 100,000 miles on our previous Spartan MMGT with IFS I've never had to align the coach because everything stays nice and tight. So, while things can wear, the odds of ever having to worry about it are pretty slim.

FWIW, those horror stories about tire wear on steerable tags were pretty much due to the Freightliner version. Spartan has a more robust system and they "claim" they don't have those problems. And I don't seem to be hearing complaints about them so it looks like that claim might be valid.

When I reviewed the 50th anniversary 2017 Foretravel IH45 I asked Tyle Fore why the coach didn't have a steerable tag. He explained that they did tests on the system and found that there was only a one foot difference in turning radius. After hearing about the issues Freightliner was having with tire wear they decided to not go that way. Of course in 2018 Foretravel is having Spartan build their chassis so I can't say for sure what the 2018s will have.

The mechanicals behind the steerable tag don't allow for the reversed "Big Rig" style rims so they have to use the outboard mounted "Bus style" rims like the front axle has. I'm pretty sure that hasn't changed on Spartan's 2018 production chassis unless the found some secret way to make everything fit where there is no room.

[Anthem46]

I have 18,500 miles on my 17 Cornerstone and haven't had no issues at all. And personally I don't see the problem with the rims on the tag look great to me.

[hogdriver]

Tommy

How about a photo of your back axle area. I have never seen the rims and appearance of steerable tag on an Entegra before. I've seen some Newmar's but never EC.

Cruzer, et all

How much do you suppose that steerable tag adds to the price from the older tag version?

[Anthem46]

[hogdriver]

Thanks Tommy

I'm sort of wondering if that reverse rim tag might be easier to keep clean than a dish rim tag. I wonder how many more grease points that adds. I counted mine on my MM frame and so far I was at 25.