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Topic: Pros and Cons of Tandem (Tag) Axles (Read 1174 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Pros and Cons of Tandem (Tag) Axles

Reply #20 –
I've read these comments with great interest.  Each has contained some pertinent information, enough for me to narrow down my choice to what is probably the least available coach around.  I would like a '96 or later U320 36' single slide.  Here's why:

Even if we full time we will always own a house.  Because of this carrying capacity is not an issue, so the tag is not really needed. 

My present coach has sufficient, even surplus storage area so a longer than 36 coach is not needed.  The slide is appealing, would give some extra elbow room for entertaining.  No desire for a bedroom slide, I wish the bedroom area could be shrunk with an east west bed and  move the extra 2' into the living room area. 

The 320, wouldn't,  mind the aquahot and with the extra weight of the slide, plus a cargo trailer for ever larger motorized toys the horsepower would be a plus.  I must say, though, our present coach with 300 hp has proven to be simple, reliable and totally capable of dragging 5K tow through the Rockies.  Wouldn't want to put any more behind it, though. 

So, I'll keep an eye out and in the meantime move ahead with some enhancements of old faithful.  I appreciate everyone's advice in these forum responses plus thanks to those who  sent PM's. 



Re: Pros and Cons of Tandem (Tag) Axles

Reply #21 –
Slides first pearled in 1999 'special edition" U-320 - not sure how many made Common year 2000 and beyond

Re: Pros and Cons of Tandem (Tag) Axles

Reply #22 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
My no-tag 38 already has the turning radius of a 38, comparable outside storage to a 40', and you would be hard pressed to see the difference in the interior. Plus I have accessible batteries.  Plenty of ccc too. A tag might get you somewhat better driving stability, but I see little or no room for improvement with my 38.
Plus I have just one slide. I don't much care for having a bedroom slide and toilet room.

Ok, so Tom is so right about a 38 295 - a rare breed.

My 2013 weight record from RVSEF at the Grandvention - this is a 2 slide - both on DS, 2005 non-tag coach:

Coach ratings:
Front: 14,320
Rear: 21,000

Actual measurements with full fuel, full water, empty holding tanks, 75% propane and gear for a 2 month road trip:
PS front:  6100
DS front:  6450
PS rear:    9800
DS Rear: 10,450

So doing the math here are the safety margins of a fully loaded 2005 295 38 ft 2 slide coach:
PS front:  395
DS front:  45
PS rear:    700
DS Rear: 50

We've seen this wonderful country racking up 50K miles over 6 years with no issues on this amazing Foretravel chassis.  Full documentation including the above weight info will be at MOT June 5th.  Sadly, we have to give it up.

Re: Pros and Cons of Tandem (Tag) Axles

Reply #23 –
Quote from: Mark... –

So doing the math here are the safety margins of a fully loaded 2005 295 38 ft 2 slide coach:
PS front:  395
DS front:  45
PS rear:    9800
DS Rear: 10,450


I think that should be

PS rear:  700
DS rear: 50
 

Re: Pros and Cons of Tandem (Tag) Axles

Reply #24 –
Quote from: Michelle –
I think that should be

PS rear:  700
DS rear: 50

Thanks Michelle - I just corrected my post.  A 500 mile day in the rain and the construction nightmare on I-30 probably tested my posting skills  :D