Tag axle pros / cons
Hi, I am thinking of upgrading to a used diesel pusher and would like to hear some opinions on the good and bad of a tag axle. I understand the tag can carry more weight and am not sure yet if I will ...
Forum Discussion
Our previous coach was a 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder DP without a tag. At 34,000 lbs it was right at the axle wt limits. At the time I thought it rode and handled very well and the 425 HP C-12 Cat performed great with good fuel economy.
This coach comes in at 43,000 lbs and has a 505 HP Cat C-12 and a tag axle. Still plenty of power but the addition of a tag axle was night and day in handling and ride.
What I have noticed with the tag is that:
A) Contrary to some thoughts I can not detect a difference in turn radius with it up or down. Down it does scrub as it slides sideway on a tight turn.
B) The purpose of the tag is additional wt carrying capacity and handling is a positive side affect.
C) The tires are so lightly loaded and run significantly lower pressures. For mine each 7900 lb rated tire has a 4,000 lb load. I just swapped my 14 yo tag tires with the 6 yo tires from the front when I bought new ones. I don't think anyone with a tag actually buys new tires they just rotate them from other axles.
D) You can adjust the air pressure on the tag to increase or decrease the load on the steer axle which is a great benefit.
All in all a tag is a great addition on a larger heavier coach.
This coach comes in at 43,000 lbs and has a 505 HP Cat C-12 and a tag axle. Still plenty of power but the addition of a tag axle was night and day in handling and ride.
What I have noticed with the tag is that:
A) Contrary to some thoughts I can not detect a difference in turn radius with it up or down. Down it does scrub as it slides sideway on a tight turn.
B) The purpose of the tag is additional wt carrying capacity and handling is a positive side affect.
C) The tires are so lightly loaded and run significantly lower pressures. For mine each 7900 lb rated tire has a 4,000 lb load. I just swapped my 14 yo tag tires with the 6 yo tires from the front when I bought new ones. I don't think anyone with a tag actually buys new tires they just rotate them from other axles.
D) You can adjust the air pressure on the tag to increase or decrease the load on the steer axle which is a great benefit.
All in all a tag is a great addition on a larger heavier coach.
