Community Forums

CWinLV · 02-17-2014, 07:42 PM

We're still in the research phase of our journey, but we've pretty much narrowed it down to a Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, or possibly a decent priced Essex. DS and MA both offer tag and non-tags. Ideally, we'd like a tag, but there seems to be about a $20-30k price difference.

What are the biggest benefits to a tag, and are they worth the difference in price?? Aside from the longer coach, we're told tags ride more smoothly and handle better in windy conditions. Other benefits?

Thanks in advance for your input!!

HHIDan · 02-17-2014, 07:47 PM

About 5 tons more carrying capacity. Extra braking power.

On the negative side, you loose 2 compartments (unless you go 43 vas 40 ft)
and it's 2 more tires to buy...

nforus · 02-17-2014, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWinLV

We're still in the research phase of our journey, but we've pretty much narrowed it down to a Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, or possibly a decent priced Essex. DS and MA both offer tag and non-tags. Ideally, we'd like a tag, but there seems to be about a $20-30k price difference.

What are the biggest benefits to a tag, and are they worth the difference in price?? Aside from the longer coach, we're told tags ride more smoothly and handle better in windy conditions. Other benefits?

Thanks in advance for your input!!

Hi Christy,

The tag makes a big difference in terms of stability in side winds and also with porpoising on wavy roads. if you buy a shorter ( 40-42) ft coach you may loose some storage, with a 45', you won't notice much of a difference.

Good luck with your research!! , no matter which coach you choose, you still see the same beautiful America looking out of your windshield, and you still meet the same great people at the Rv parks/campgrounds!!

laj · 02-17-2014, 07:56 PM

I would either choose a 36 or shorter for single or go 42 and get a tag. love my tag. handles great, lots of storage, typically if you can get a 40 in, I can get mine in

chuckinthebus · 02-17-2014, 08:02 PM

We love the ride and the extra weight capacity is a plus.

hes4all · 02-17-2014, 09:08 PM

All the above, tag all the way for me!

Retired and Happy · 02-18-2014, 08:10 AM

I didn't care for the tag on my previous MH. From what I understand the tag tires slide on turns, causing more wear than on the drive axle tires. Plus two more tires to buy. My current MH does not have a tag. Both are/were 37 foot. I don't see a lot of difference in carrying capacity...but I do seem to have a lot more basement storage space. Does a lack of a tag mean I can't use that space due to lack of CCC?

Stealth01 · 02-19-2014, 05:52 AM

CWinLV,
If you can swing it go for the Essex... they are Road Machines... And by all means go with the Tag! As previously stated, the Tag works wonders with the ride and load capacity. As for "sliding tires", that's what the Tag Dump switch is for when doing tight maneuvering!!

cb5300 · 02-19-2014, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retired and Happy

I didn't care for the tag on my previous MH. From what I understand the tag tires slide on turns, causing more wear than on the drive axle tires. Plus two more tires to buy. My current MH does not have a tag. Both are/were 37 foot. I don't see a lot of difference in carrying capacity...but I do seem to have a lot more basement storage space. Does a lack of a tag mean I can't use that space due to lack of CCC?

Just because you can pack more stuff into a bay doesn't mean that you should.
You should know how much you weigh, and don't go over your CC...Bad things can happen when you do...

Cat320 · 02-20-2014, 07:40 AM

If you need the extra cargo capacity, get the tag, if not don't get the tag. One more disadvantage will be a slight reduction in MPG due to the extra weight you'll have.

Twomed · 02-20-2014, 07:49 AM

Drive one and take the checkbook...

**TonyDi** · 02-20-2014, 09:25 AM

The stability of a TAG in crosswinds or when being passed by a large truck is nice. The ride of the coach is better, stopping is shorter. Tight turns where the wheels might "skid"? Dump the TAG air, problem solved.

MRUSA14 · 02-20-2014, 10:51 AM

TonyDi is right, but he is not emphatic enough for me. When I didn't have a tag, I thought they were a waste of storage space and unnecessary. Now that I have a tag, I will never go back. The difference in ride and handling is huge.

Crabby Mike · 02-21-2014, 08:14 AM

OK, I'll be the odd man here ... we just "upgraded" from a tag to a non-tag. Nothing wrong with the tag, except being 6 years old, ready for new tires etc., and we were ready to upgrade to all-electric, residential fridge, all that stuff. In the process, we dropped from near 45 feet to 41, and lost the tag. We never came close to using all the space or weight capacity of the bigger coach, and it was a bit of a challenge to maneuver into our driveway.

The new coach feels just as stable, drives just like the old one, except it has more power on hills and gets better mileage, thanks to the several tons of weight we gave up. I think many folks singing the praises of tags for stability in windy conditions, etc. are comparing a tag axle DP to something much lesser, like a gasser, not to a similar DP without tag. Believe me, I did the same thing when I first got mine.

By all means, test-drive a tag axle DP in your search -- but do yourself a favor, drive a similar non-tag, so you can compare honestly.

One caution though -- if you go non-tag, check the weights, esp. CCC, very carefully. There are coaches out there that are nearly overloaded, at least on one axle, before you even load up. We paid close attention to that before making the change, and got one that could handle our needs easily.