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bigfootford's avatar
bigfootford
Nomad III
Jun 14, 2020

A camper you may never see in your lifetime

Back in 07 we were traveling and seeing all the sights in the Dakotas and saw this camper.
There was a big family and the grandparents. It was the grandparents rig. It was still in perfect condition inside and out.. Incredible. Note that it was built in 1972!

Here is a link to my album. I did not take pictures of the inside.

Take a look at the spring near the rear axle. When making a turn that axle actually will shift to keep the tires from scuffing.. Pretty clever.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TXBs2r48wibFYaiF9

Jim

29 Replies

  • JMO but i think it looks ridiculous.
    Why not just buy a TT?
  • Supercharged111 wrote:
    Jesus can you imagine if they rolled out a triple slide one of those today?


    Yeah. The Prevost bus converters would be put out of business.
  • The flying tag on concrete truck has like 6 feet of travel, siting on air bag that will release over-pressure.
    This tag has potential to have drive axle in the air.
    Something has to give. ...
  • If you look at a concrete mixer or dump truck with a “flying tag axle” you will see a similar layout so the tag is self steering.

    This layout would be highly practical today with 4WD a reasonable cost and common option in a lighter class pickup vs using 450/4500 - 550/5500’s for enormous campers.

    Your unit doesn’t bend in the middle, and your coachwork is riding on pickup/tag suspension vs gently rattling apart bouncing along on trailer running gear.
  • Weren't those tag axle campers manufactured in serious numbers 40 years ago?
    As much as I admire the size, there is good reason why that might be the last one who is still used.
    TT are too cheap and too convenient to go into such hassle.
  • I’ve seen other pictures of TCs with tag axles. I haven’t run across one in person yet.