Tag axle

A tag axle is a feature found on particularly large and heavy motorhomes, typically those that are 40 to 45 feet long. These motorhomes have two rear axles: a drive axle, which is the main axle that propels the vehicle, and a tag axle, which is a passive axle used for bearing weight.

The tag axle plays an important role in managing the weight distribution of the motorhome. It’s especially useful given the luxurious and heavy interiors often found in these large vehicles, like stone floors and solid wood cabinetry. The presence of a tag axle can be a sign of a more luxurious and expensive motorhome.

This axle is designed to lower automatically when the motorhome reaches around six miles per hour, helping to support half the load of the rear end of the vehicle. When the speed drops below six miles per hour, the tag axle raises to allow for better maneuverability. This is important because if the tag axle remained down during sharp turns at low speeds, it would cause the tires to drag sideways across the pavement.

Interestingly, in RV parks, it’s common to see these motorhomes with their tag axles raised, which often leads to well-meaning observers informing the owners that something might be wrong with their vehicle. Additionally, some owners of motorhomes with tag axles have even used this feature to save on tolls by arguing that, despite having three axles, they are only using two of them.