DP lengths and Tag Axles

Ivylog wrote:

CA Traveler wrote:
Axles are weight limited which is the main factor.

Until around 2002 most DPs could carry the necessary weight on a single rear axle. That’s when multiple slides, tile floors, bigger engines and trannies push the weight over 20,000 lbs and a 10K tag axle was added.
Up until 2012 the weight limit was 20,000 lbs on a single axle but a highway bill changed it to 23K for buses and RVs making it possible to have 42’ DPs on a single rear axle.

Once you’ve on the tag axle, you’ll never go back to a non-tag because of the vastly improved handling and almost unlimited CCC.

There are some exceptions to that 23,000 lb limit. As an example, The Pennsylvania turnpike has a one axle limit of 22,400lb. And they will turn you back for very minor infractions.

Richard

chuckftboy wrote:
There are plenty of 41 foot motorhomes aroumd that don't have a tag, larger are generally tags. Buses don't generally have a lot of weight other than people and if they are locally used there isn't much need to have a tag so I could imagine there are some pretty long single axle buses out ther.e

No weight other than people? LOL. 10 tons is a big load for a single axle truck. Most would be overloaded on the back axle with 6-8 tons. And I bet for the same length bus will be heavier than the truck. In today's America, pick 10 adults at random, you are over a ton. And I would be surprised if you sample came out of average adult bus riders 8 didn't break the ton. Then add their luggage. And unlike freight, people can't be stacked high in the nose to reduce weight on the rear.

There are plenty of 41 foot motorhomes aroumd that don't have a tag, larger are generally tags. Buses don't generally have a lot of weight other than people and if they are locally used there isn't much need to have a tag so I could imagine there are some pretty long single axle buses out ther.e

CA Traveler wrote:
Axles are weight limited which is the main factor.

Until around 2002 most DPs could carry the necessary weight on a single rear axle. That’s when multiple slides, tile floors, bigger engines and trannies push the weight over 20,000 lbs and a 10K tag axle was added.
Up until 2012 the weight limit was 20,000 lbs on a single axle but a highway bill changed it to 23K for buses and RVs making it possible to have 42’ DPs on a single rear axle.

Once you’ve on the tag axle, you’ll never go back to a non-tag because of the vastly improved handling and almost unlimited CCC.

No real rule on what length needs a tag. My 40 is non tag and my friends 38 is tag

Need is based upon weight and not length.

Axles are weight limited which is the main factor.

In California a tag axle (total three) limits your maximum legal speed to 55.

Generally over 40 foot you’ll find a tag axle.