Moterhome/tag axle - RV-Dreams Community Forum

johncrenshaw · RV-Dreams Community Member

Moterhome/tag axle

Howard · Host

Hi John & Tammy,

Ah, the old motorhome vs. fifth wheel decision. biggrin

I don't know much about tag axles on motorhomes, but a quick search told me that they are certainly worthwhile on motorhomes over 40 feet. Hopefully, by adding my comments on your other questions, it will bring this topic back to the top and you can get "real world" answers on the tag axle question. smile

As for the difference in getting into campgrounds, there really wouldn't be much difference in the two scenarios you proposed. However, there could be quite a difference in actually getting into sites once you are in the campground, especially in public campgrounds versus private RV parks.

Now, with that said, if you really want to get a 43-footer into a public campground, you can certainly do it with a little research and a few phone calls. But you may have fewer options.

There are more and more public campgrounds putting in new, longer sites or expanding the size of their current sites. We've been in several nice public campgrounds where you could have had a 70 or a 100-foot rig. smile

I have heard what you have found - lots of great deals on used motorhomes and, yes, motorhomes take a tremendous hit on value in the first few years. Right now, the differences in price between used diesel pushers and used fifth wheel/truck combinations have shrunk a bunch, with diesel pushers even being cheaper in some cases.

In the end, it still comes down to your personal preferences and the type of RV lifestyle you want to live considering all the pros and cons of each choice. But the availablity and price of used diesel pushers certainly muddies the waters. smile

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

A MH tends to rock and roll more than a Truck and 5th wheel combo. With the 5th wheel combo the rock and roll is primarily limited to just the 5th wheel, very little will get transmitted to the truck.

Once you get used to the rock and roll in a MH, the ride is very comfortable. On really rough roads, off camber turns, and big dips it will feel like the MH might lay over on it's side. It won't unless you're going too fast for the conditions.

Keep in mind this rock and roll happens only on very big bumps like going in or out of a driveway with a steep entrance, a dirt road with dips and holes, or an off camber tight turn.
These same obstacles will cause a 5th wheel to rock and roll.

Unless you plan on doing marathon trips, most RVs are driven a few hundred miles at a time on good roads. So the ride is a very small part of the decision.

The most important decison point is comfort once you get setup and have to live in the RV. Is it too narrow, no comfortable seating, the toilet area is too tight, kitchen too small, these are factors that will make or break an RV.

I always use the Noahs Ark factor when considering an RV. If it rains for 40 days and 40 nights and I'm stuck in the RV with a bunch of wild animals (nieces and nephews) will I go crazy or will I have room to get away. A Tent Trailer or Camper Van would rank very low using this test. A 5 slide MH or 5th wheel would rank very high.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

John and Tammy,

We also looked at Tiffin motorhomes when we were researching our Dream RV. Specifically, a Phaeton 40 footer and a Phaeton 42 footer. We test drove both of them at the local Oklahoma City dealer, and we got to drive them quite a few miles. The trip with the 40 footer was about 80-100 miles and the 42 footer for over 200 miles. With the tag axle on the 42 footer, my wife said that she felt that it was more stable than the 40 foot model without the tag axle. Incidently, those test drives were the first times for both of us to drive motorhomes.

It would also seem to be that the tag axle did make the ride smoother. That would make sense since there would be extra suspension because of the tag axle.

As for us, Jo and I went for a combination of Ford F450 and a 38'4" Mobile Suites fifth wheel by DRV Suites out of Indiana. In our case, the F450 (used) and the Mobile Suites (new) were over $100,000 less than the 42' Phaeton.

Also, I should say that I was GREATLY impressed with the Phaeton's turning radius. With their excellent turning capacity, I would think they would be fairly easy to back into campsites. Of course, not ever having done that much backing with one, my opinion may not hold much water.

Good luck in your search and research.

Terry

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Greetings, John and Tammy!

The Fiver/Motorhome scenario is extremely akin in boating to versus Power/Sail. Having many years owning boats, I truly enjoyed both Power and Sail.

When we switched to "land yachts" the decision was no less daunting. There seems to be the "Towable Camp" and the "Driveable Camp". I believe the tenacity twixt the two is far more ameniable on terra firma than the one on the water.

You have received good information above. Your decision may well entail two major factors- a) how often you travel and b) how the interior layout suits your preference. There are advantages to both, but your preference will be the determing factor.

Beyond the frequency of moving and the layout you prefer, most of what is to be considered will still be a preference.

Storage, galley space, straight floor vs bi-level; availability of virtually everything without going out in the weather when you make a reststop; Numerous basement comparments vs fewer but larger ones; do you mind driving a truck places when in fresidence for an extended time; pets do not need to be transferred for travel, but the most important, is which do you prefer??????

Go to a show or a dealer and spend hours on hours in one of each. Which of the two feels more like how you would want to spend time. Neither is wrong, but one will win you over.

I really like both! We do have a 40' Pusher, but it suits what we need for how we travel. If we significantly changed travel patterns, I could be equally happy in a Fiver.

As to tag axle or no - a tag does add to the ride. However, without a tag our coach rides wonderfully. Having spent as more time on the road in a year than not, we have not wished for more length. BUT, again it is our preference.

Take your time to discover your preference. Enjoy!