Lazy Sunday - killing time daydreaming about Foretravel coaches we can't afford. Got to wondering about how the "Tag Axle" suspension works. I've been under a single axle U320, but I've never seen the underside of a tag axle unit. I can't visualize how the 2nd axle works - seems like it would be mounted right where the driveshaft goes from transmission to the drive axle. Looked around in Barry's excellent tech library, but didn't see anything helpful.
SO, does anyone know where I could view a diagram of the Foretravel tag axle rear suspension? Thanx, in advance...
Found some info on tag axles. Doesn't mention Foretravel, but a good general discussion. I did read that to make clearance for the drive shaft the tag axle has a U shape built into it.
Justifying A Tag Axle On Your Next Coach! (http://blog.rv.net/2008/11/how-to-justify-a-tag-axle-on-your-next-coach/)
Not All Tag Axles Are Built The Same (http://blog.rv.net/2008/11/not-all-tags-are-built-the-same/)
Ok, here is a question for the real Foretravel experts: Does the Foretravel tag axle utilize off-loading or self-steering to assist turning?
early models (42 footers) bled the air off the air bags below 5 mph (or reverse). Later models went to lifting tag. The only steering tag RVs I know of are the newer Newells - about the last 8-9 years. You can get an Omel lifting tag kit from Xtreme if you have an older model '42.
Peter,
Thanks for the excellent links. I think they probably answered my question when they mentioned the "U" shaped axel that allows room for the drive shaft. I would still like to see a diagram of the Foretravel setup - I'm sure somebody on this forum has one.
As to your question, I have seen numerous references (on this forum) to owners of tag axel coaches "lifting the tag" when making tight turns. How this is actually accomplished, and whether it is done manually or automatically, I will leave to someone more knowledgeable...
You push a button and wait a few seconds as the air releases.
I know Country Coaches have "independent" tags where there is no axle between them. They are also lifting where there is another air spring that raises the wheel off the ground so it doesn't scrub on turns. Real heavy coaches have steerable tags. I suspect this might be because the tag carries so much weight that releasing or lifting the tag would put too much weight on the main rear axle - but I'm just guessing.
I have no idea of the configuration on Foretravels besides being off-loading where the air spring is deflated for sharp turns.
OK ... on our '02 we have what is supposed to be a "releasing" tag, instead of a "lifting" tag. There is something wrong with it, apparently, because when we use the button that supposedly "releases" it, in a campground with gravel, for instance, it seems to lock the wheels and they just drag instead of rolling. What is up with that???
Carol, that is normal on gravel and dirt. Ours does the same thing. We use the releasing tag only on very tight turns, such as when I have to turn the beast around on our property! We are 42ft so we are a little heavier than the 40 footers and the release does make a difference when turning!
Also the new IH-45s have a releasing tag and not a lifting tag.
Carol that is normal just as Bill or Tom said. Use it mostly on hard surface and not on gravel. It will lock up and when you tap the brake it builds a mound of gravel behind you.
I don't think a lifting tag buys you much. The goal is to move the pivot point forward for a tighter turn. Either will do that. Country Coach thought it was one of those features that helped distinguished them from other makes. I suppose is one of those things that mechanical types think is cool.
Good to know!! I thought it was broken!! Whoo hoo!! $$$$ saved.