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I see some BB's advertised with steerable tags. I also remember seeing
something about them being problematic. Is this an undesirable feature?
Sounds like it might be complicated.

Bruce
1988 FC35

----- Original Message -----

From: "birdshill123@yahoo.com"

To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"

Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 9:25 AM

Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Steerable Tag Axles

I see some BB's advertised with steerable tags. I also remember seeing
something about them being problematic. Is this an undesirable feature?
Sounds like it might be complicated.

Bruce
1988 FC35

Bruce,

I have a "following" or "caster" tag. BB put them on some of the LXi's. They lock into place above 7mph but unlock so they can follow the turn around the corner saving a little stress on the axle and tread on the tires. I have had some problems with mine. The solenoid that locks the pin in place developed a leak. When I went over some RR tracks at 20 mph, the pin came out and the tag oscillated so violently I had to stop. We replace the solenoid and had no trouble for a few months, but it happened again recently. And this time, it threw out one of the wheel-stops bolted in place on the left tag wheel. Ryan at Mr. Olivers is fabricating a new one for me, but for now, we have the tag disabled and bypassed. It's locked in place and going to stay that way. To me, it doesn't disqualify a coach, but if it gives you trouble, bypass it and be done with it. I don't know whether BB had positive power steering on tags or not. I know Newell does.

BradBarton00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...

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To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: birdshill123@...
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:25:30 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Steerable Tag Axles

I see some BB's advertised with steerable tags. I also remember seeing
something about them being problematic. Is this an undesirable feature?
Sounds like it might be complicated.

Bruce
1988 FC35

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Thanks Brad and Mike.

Bruce
1988FC

The steerable tag axle didn't work for some ... and (I believe) they were recalled. However, some others didn't have any problems and may not have had them made "unsteerable." 

It cost me a couple hundred to have the problem diagnosed and replace the solenoid. It cost virtuallynothing to bypass the air valve and lock the tag in permanently. Not a big deal.

BradBarton00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...

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To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: aeonix1@...
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:15:55 -0700
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Steerable Tag Axles

The steerable tag axle didn't work for some ... and (I believe) they were recalled. However, some others didn't have any problems and may not have had them made "unsteerable."

The advantage is a steerable tag will reduce the scrubbing and excess tire ware that occurs with tight maneuvering (even when tag axle suspension is dumped).

I don't know that I'd categorically rule out a 'bird with steerable tag without some more research into the specifics of the problems encountered and the cost to retrofit a unit that wasn't working right. This is one of those issues that really depends on what the cost of the 'bird in question is and how much hassle and expense is involved if you need to do something about the problem.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Mar 29, 2008, at 7:27 AM, Mike Hohnstein wrote:

I see'em on concrete trucks all the time. Seem to do the job.

MH

----- Original Message -----

From: "birdshill123@yahoo.com"

To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"

Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 9:25 AM

Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Steerable Tag Axles

I see some BB's advertised with steerable tags. I also remember seeing
something about them being problematic. Is this an undesirable feature?
Sounds like it might be complicated.

Bruce
1988 FC35

---

Watch “Cause Effect,” a show about real people making a real difference. Learn more.

If the tires have some miles on them and they compare with the drive
set of a same age, the axle probably has no issue. If you ever
wanted to challange the benifit of a caster tag, have someone turn a
tight circle while driving your fixed tag bus and watch the tires
at the two rear axles. On gravel, the scuffing is aggressive. I
think the major reason to have a caster axle is so you can pivot off
the drive and make tighter turns.
Do the steerable/caster tags have a tierod?

GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, brad barton <bbartonwx@...>
wrote:
>
> It cost me a couple hundred to have the problem diagnosed and
replace the solenoid. It cost virtually nothing to bypass the air
valve and lock the tag in permanently. Not a big deal.Brad Barton
00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...
>
>
> To: WanderlodgeForum@...: aeonix1@...: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:15:55 -
0700Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Steerable Tag Axles
>
>
>
>
> The steerable tag axle didn't work for some ... and (I believe)
they were recalled. However, some others didn't have any problems
and may not have had them made "unsteerable."
>
> The advantage is a steerable tag will reduce the scrubbing and
excess tire ware that occurs with tight maneuvering (even when tag
axle suspension is dumped).
>
> I don't know that I'd categorically rule out a 'bird with
steerable tag without some more research into the specifics of the
problems encountered and the cost to retrofit a unit that wasn't
working right. This is one of those issues that really depends on
what the cost of the 'bird in question is and how much hassle and
expense is involved if you need to do something about the problem.
>
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
>
> On Mar 29, 2008, at 7:27 AM, Mike Hohnstein wrote:
>
> I see'em on concrete trucks all the time. Seem to do the job.
> MH
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: birdshill123
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 9:25 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Steerable Tag Axles
>
>
> I see some BB's advertised with steerable tags. I also remember
seeing something about them being problematic. Is this an
undesirable feature? Sounds like it might be complicated.Bruce1988
FC35
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Watch "Cause Effect," a show about real people making a real
difference. Learn more.
> http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/MTV/?sou...watchcause
>

What years and models had the caster tag? Was it an option or just
something that was installed at random?

Bruce
1988 FC

I think it was probably standard equipment on LXi's. But again it's very easy to disable if it gives you any trouble.

BradBarton00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...

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To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: birdshill123@...
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:38:57 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Steerable Tag Axles

What years and models had the caster tag? Was it an option or just
something that was installed at random?

Bruce
1988 FC

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