RV Upgrade

Steve and Joy – Due to many considerations - addition of DEF tanks, use of larger motors, the many standard features that used to be options, many 40 ft MH now have tags to cope with the added weight. Not certain if all mfr’s do this, but Newmar does, and I do not believe they are the only mfr to do so.

John

Ranger Smith,

Length pretty much determines a tag axle or not.

You will not wear out tag tires, replacement will be required way before they wear out.

When driving over speed bumps, you don't bounce going over as the tag takes the down motion softening the bump.

Also, if for some reason you have unusual wear on the front tires, you can take the tags and put them on the front. We did that when we had a bad alignment on our previous coach (42 ft.).

Another thing to think about, all Winnebago's have rear radiators, a side radiator would be at the top of my list.

Safe travels and good luck!
MM.

I've driven all lengths of pushers and really can't tell any difference between a 36 footer and a 45 footer regarding ride quality.

rockhillmanor wrote:
IMHO Do a little bit more research on the tag axle..........after talking to all my friends that had at one time owned one, all advised me not to buy one.

This is totally opposite of my experience. I am wondering if they were talking about something like the 36 foot Bounders that used a tag axle to compensate for a under designed chassis that would not carry the required load???

I have a 2006 Monaco Camelot 42-DSQ with a tag axle. Would not give up the tag for anything. Among other advantages:

• Gives a great, very stable ride.
• Is not affected by trucks passing either in the other lane or coming from the other direction.
• The affect of cross winds are minimized so it is easy to drive in all conditions.
• Substantially increases the GVWR and cargo capacity of the coach.
• Increased braking as the tag also has brakes.
• Looks cool!!!

Only disadvantage I can see right now is that it adds to the cost when you replace tires. However, that is spread over 7 or more years so is not that significant. The hubs are oil filled so it only adds a few $$s and less than an hour of maintenance time (which I do myself)

As for turning, like mine, I think most tag axles can be lifted at low speed. I just hit a switch and the tag lifts, greatly improving my ability to turn in tight spaces.

I have seen many comments on here and other forums where people say they would never have another coach without a tag axle. Not needed of course if you are in the 30 - 36 foot range, but once you get into the 40+ foot range, a necessity in my opinion.

Having owned both, I respectfully and vehemently disagree with the previous posters. The big difference is in crosswinds and passing trucks. The tag equipped coaches are much more stable

rockhillmanor wrote:

Basically, and I am sure someone with more technical expertise could explain it better, is that that extra axle/tires just drags along when making turns, does not enhance handling, etc.

do many/most/all tag axle DPs have the raising the tag mechanism built in or is it only on $$$$ ones?
bumpy

IMHO Do a little bit more research on the tag axle. I.E. ask people who have owned them.

I had my heart set on one and after talking to all my friends that had at one time owned one, all advised me not to buy one.

Basically, and I am sure someone with more technical expertise could explain it better, is that that extra axle/tires just drags along when making turns, does not enhance handling, etc.

My reply is not a direct reply but hope it is on topic. We have a 2016 Winnebago Journey 40R with a single axle. It is 41' and change. Previous unit was a Holiday Rambler Endeavor 40' single axle. The Journey is a joy to drive. It tracks and handles like a big truck not a 41' RV. Couldn't imagine anything that would handle better. Tags will increase carrying capacity.