To tag axle or not
Discussion
We have recently sold our 2004 single axle motorhome as I wanted a newer one with air-con / better engine etc.
It was a perfect layout, and a newer version of what we had would be perfect (albeit appear quite rare). However, we are also tempted by a tag-axle. Obvious advantages are more space, and generally better spec, but I'm slightly concerned about the additional length and particularly traction (FWD) and manoeuvrability.
Also hear reports about French campsites not allowing tag axles but that doesn't concern me that much (most camping will be in the UK).
Length of vans are as follows:
Our old motorhome: 7.33m
Equivalent newer single axle: 7.7m
Tag-axle: 8.7m
A metre doesn't sound that much but it is 1.4M bigger than our old one.
Any advice / experiences (both positive and negative)?
It was a perfect layout, and a newer version of what we had would be perfect (albeit appear quite rare). However, we are also tempted by a tag-axle. Obvious advantages are more space, and generally better spec, but I'm slightly concerned about the additional length and particularly traction (FWD) and manoeuvrability.
Also hear reports about French campsites not allowing tag axles but that doesn't concern me that much (most camping will be in the UK).
Length of vans are as follows:
Our old motorhome: 7.33m
Equivalent newer single axle: 7.7m
Tag-axle: 8.7m
A metre doesn't sound that much but it is 1.4M bigger than our old one.
Any advice / experiences (both positive and negative)?
Hi,
We had a burstner i821 Tag axle and we towed a Toyota Aygo On an A frame with it,
loved It no issues at all with anything in Uk or Europe(only event was a dispute over the correct tolls for Austrian autoroutes)
We had the fiat ducatto version, and the extra space was well worth having, also had the wet system heating so proper heating as opposed to blown air.
Shame would still have it now if I hadn’t of been made redundant unexpectedly and at my age new I was gonna struggle to get another decent job
Good luck
We had a burstner i821 Tag axle and we towed a Toyota Aygo On an A frame with it,
loved It no issues at all with anything in Uk or Europe(only event was a dispute over the correct tolls for Austrian autoroutes)
We had the fiat ducatto version, and the extra space was well worth having, also had the wet system heating so proper heating as opposed to blown air.
Shame would still have it now if I hadn’t of been made redundant unexpectedly and at my age new I was gonna struggle to get another decent job
Good luck
We are on our second Tag axle (Autotrail Comanche) and wouldn't change it for the world tbh. It is also 8.7m long
Loads of living space; loads of payload; loads of 'man lockers'; very steady drive; corners as if on rails.
Downsides...
- I always check every campsite to make sure that they can accept us due to the length (not that it has twin axles). 9/10 can take us in my experience. I have never been refused in France and we regularly go there and travel through there en route to other countries. I never mention twin axles and it has never been an issue.
- Twin axle/over 3500kg MH's attract higher road tax usage rates in countries where they are in use, such as Austria for example. This could be down to the weight as they are over 3500kg rather than the twin axles.
- 8.7m makes it that much more difficult to park in towns etc but tbh that's difficult enough with most MH's anyway!
Edited to add:
I suppose I will have to cough up for 6 tyres and not 4 when they need replacing. You do get some scrubbing on the rear tyres when tightly manoeuvring but I've not noticed any downside to that tbh.
As a side note base service and habitation checks cost the same as for a single rear axle MH.
Loads of living space; loads of payload; loads of 'man lockers'; very steady drive; corners as if on rails.
Downsides...
- I always check every campsite to make sure that they can accept us due to the length (not that it has twin axles). 9/10 can take us in my experience. I have never been refused in France and we regularly go there and travel through there en route to other countries. I never mention twin axles and it has never been an issue.
- Twin axle/over 3500kg MH's attract higher road tax usage rates in countries where they are in use, such as Austria for example. This could be down to the weight as they are over 3500kg rather than the twin axles.
- 8.7m makes it that much more difficult to park in towns etc but tbh that's difficult enough with most MH's anyway!
Edited to add:
I suppose I will have to cough up for 6 tyres and not 4 when they need replacing. You do get some scrubbing on the rear tyres when tightly manoeuvring but I've not noticed any downside to that tbh.
As a side note base service and habitation checks cost the same as for a single rear axle MH.
Edited by oblio on Friday 12th June 08:46
TryingHard said:
Thanks for all the responses.
Still looking around at the moment but less worried about tag axles than perhaps I was.
I just re-read your OP and you mentioned traction on the front wheels. Yes this is not great on wet grass but it's not great with any decent sized Mh tbh.Still looking around at the moment but less worried about tag axles than perhaps I was.
I make sure I have kit on board just in case I get stuck (which I carried in my single axle as well): towing eye, tow rope, grip king (or similar). I have only had to use the grip king stuff once in the Netherlands!
So thought I would update this with a conclusion.
We went for it and have bought an Auto trail Arapaho. Journey home was uneventful and having the 3L (with comformatic) the drive was much better and smoother than my last one.
Have to say it is quite thirsty (cruising at 65 we averaged 19mpg mostly motorway) over about 300 miles. Not going to worry about it though.
First trip away this weekend.
We went for it and have bought an Auto trail Arapaho. Journey home was uneventful and having the 3L (with comformatic) the drive was much better and smoother than my last one.
Have to say it is quite thirsty (cruising at 65 we averaged 19mpg mostly motorway) over about 300 miles. Not going to worry about it though.
First trip away this weekend.
oblio said:
Nice one! Is that the one with the huge rear lounge?
Just a tip: try dropping the speed to a steady 60mph. Our last Comanche was a 2012 with the 3l engine and on long runs at 60 I could get 27+.
You’re right about the speed but it was a long day anyway (had driven up there as well). but also I do need to change my driving style in it as I do have a bit of a heavy foot.
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