Tag axles. (1 Viewer)

Dec 28, 2011
2,426
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Stokesley, North Yorks
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JoaCamp75Q by Pilote
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Still learning since 2010
The term "tag axle" as applied to MHs is not strictly true.

Way back when articulated lorries (as they were then known) only had two axles on the tractor unit, and the gross weight limit was increased if you had three axles, a third axle was added behind the drive axle. This could usually be lifted when travelling empty, for economy reasons, and was referred to as a tag axle because it had been "tagged" on at the rear.

Soooooo............

In the case of many of todays three axle MHs, which are usually front wheel drive, the rear two axles are drag axles and not tag axles, as they are not tagged on, but purpose built.

Anorak moment over and waiting to be shot down ::bigsmile:
 

Snowbird

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Apr 24, 2009
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Liverpool.
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All rear axles on front wheel drive vehicles are "drag axles" :Smile:

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jonandshell

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Dec 12, 2010
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Norfolk
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With a chassis stretch, there's plenty of room behind our rear driven axle for extra trailing arms, airbags, dampers and an axle!

Don't forget the Carmichaels Range Rovers and numerous 6 wheel Unimogs and Land Rover conversions about!

Now I feel a project coming on! Wheres my welder? I'll drop a Kontiki body onto a Unimog in time for skiing. No chains required!!

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JeanLuc

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Nov 17, 2008
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Hymer B630 Star-Line
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I wonder how the term 'tag axle' came to be used so commonly with regards to motorhomes, given that there are no true tag axle vans made today?
A tag axle doesn't have to be capable of being lifted from the road, although many on artic tractors can be. A Tag Axle is a 'dead axle' located immediately behind a driven 'live' rear axle. They are used on rigid vehicles as well as articulated tractors. Many coaches have tags, as do some refuse lorries. In the latter case, the tag axle may be steerable to facilitate manoeuvring in tight spaces. If the dead axle is placed ahead of the live rear axle, it is called a 'pusher axle' rather than a 'tag axle'.

So, today's front wheel drive motorhomes with three axles and simply twin rear axled vans, not tag axled vans (bit like a large hobby caravan welded behind the cab!) :reel:

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Feb 27, 2011
14,671
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I suppose tag axle is used as every van I have seen only has two axles. The extra axle is tagged on to increase the payload....
 

scotjimland

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 25, 2007
2,086
9,024
Suffolk Coastal District, UK
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15
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Timberland
So, today's front wheel drive motorhomes with three axles and simply twin rear axled vans, not tag axled vans (bit like a[HI] large hobby caravan welded behind the cab[/HI]!) :reel:

Except PVCs... that's exactly what most motorhomes are .. a chopped Fiat van with a caravan on the back...

personally, I prefer the articulated versions, far more practical :winky:
 
Jul 29, 2011
2,684
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Urmston, Manchester
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Former owner.
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June 2012
Well thats mine changed under my profile. Twin rear axle, must remember that when i advertise it for sale.::bigsmile:

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aba

Free Member
Oct 27, 2009
2,775
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yorkshire
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coachbuilt
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dec 2009
Why don't we have 'proper' RWD tag axle vans?

I'd buy one!:thumb:

then try to reverse it up onto levelling ramps :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

the proper way is to have a double drive pair of axles with diff locks at the rear then you get no loss of traction no matter what terrain your on.


you will just sink instead:thumb::thumb:
 

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