Passive Steer

When a motorhome equipped with the Spartan Passive Steer Tag Axle is shifted into reverse, the alignment mechanism automatically straightens the tires to further reduce tire wear.
“(Newmar features) the Passive Steer Tag Chassis on a couple of our high-end products, particularly the Essex and King Aire. It really improves the maneuverability and shortens up the turning radius of a 45-foot motorhome,” John Sammut, Newmar vice president of sales and marketing, told RV PRO at the RV maker’s dealer event in Dallas.

Thanks Doug, I had been watching a YouTube on a newer DutchStar with Passive Steer on a Freightliner driving forward in a tight circle that showed how the tag-axle tires were turned out at I believe 12 degrees, I became curious if the tag-axle tires also turn out at 12 degrees when going in reverse, would make getting into a tight campground site much easier.

purplekeenah wrote:
Thanks Doug, I had been watching a YouTube on a newer DutchStar with Passive Steer on a Freightliner driving forward in a tight circle that showed how the tag-axle tires were turned out at I believe 12 degrees, I became curious if the tag-axle tires also turn out at 12 degrees when going in reverse, would make getting into a tight campground site much easier.

In addition to the tag steering passively, the tag has a control at the driver which allows for 3 additional function selections -
1) Auto will automatically dump the tag air when the trans is put in reverse (no weight on the tag except for the weight of the tag and wheels/tires reducing tag tire scrub, and pivoting on the drive axle)
2) Manual will allow you to dump the air as desired. Helpful when traction is an issue allowing more weight on the drive tires.
3) Disable prevents the tag for dumping the air when backing. I don't believe I have used this selection in 2 years.

A very high dollar addition that provides very little usefulness. My coach has a 60 degree steering angle, and I don't have to worry about the Passive Steer breaking.

Blaster Man wrote:
A very high dollar addition that provides very little usefulness. My coach has a 60 degree steering angle, and I don't have to worry about the Passive Steer breaking.

I like mine! It's very possible it doesn't turn as sharp as your but I've received a number of comments on how sharp it turns. Possibly less scuffing too.

purplekeenah wrote:
Question for you folks that have Passive Steering in your tag-axle coach. Aside from from the tag-axle wheels steering when going forward, do they also steer when backing up, such as backing into a camp site?

Yes, mine do work while backing up

Thanks for all of the input!!