Are Tag Axle Shocks and air bags the same as the drive axle?

[jbragg]

We have an '87 Winnebago Elandan, with tag axle,  that we are working getting road ready. Getting ready to order suspension parts; shocks, airbags, and compressor. Need to know if tag axle uses same shocks as rear drive axle?  Planning on installing Bilstein shocks, Air Lift "Load Lifter 5000" air bag kit, air lift dual path compressor system (model 25852).

[HamRad Mobile]

Good morning, Jim Bragg; 

I am surprised that no one has stepped forward to reply to your question by now. 

While I do not have direct specific knowledge of what is appropriate for the WCP37RQ tag axle (my own 1987 Winnebago Elandan WCP31RT has only a single dual wheel rear axle, and being a little under 35 feet long, I can fit into most of the older parks spaces), I can say that others have spoken of a Monroe shock absorber number that was different from the ones used on the dual wheel driving axle. 

May I suggest a forum topic search using something like "tag axle shock absorber" in the search box? 

I will also see what I can find from here. 

Enjoy; 

Ralph 
Latte Land, Washington 

[HamRad Mobile]

Good morning, Jim Bragg; 

I did not realize how efficient that topic search function really can be. 

In a message thread started by ClydesdaleKevin, there is a reference to the Monroe shock absorber for the tag axle; Monroe number 34792.  Also the front axle is shown as Monroe 66858, and the driving axle is Monroe 555028. 

I do not know about air bags for the tag axle.  I do have two AirLift 500 pound rated air bags on the driving axle, and I use them mainly to set the drive axle ride height to where I want it to be.  They also bring up the suspension system weight capacity by 1000 pounds to meet what I normally carry in my Elandan.  That was something found to be necessary, because with the full 54 gallon water tank and two people on board, it calculated out to my being 7 pounds over the GVWL right there.  With the air bags, I can also carry the food, dishes, tools, clothing, tooth brushes, soap, radios, solar panels, kites, cameras, and other toys.   

I also use slightly different air pressures in the left and right side dual rear wheels to match the measured weight found on each side.  It works out to be about a 2 or 3 PSI difference on my tires.  This is mainly due to the side-to-side weight bias toward the left side with the water tanks and the auxiliary gas tank being on the left side. 

Enjoy; 

Ralph 
Latte Land, Washington 

[jbragg]

Good morning Ralph,


Thank you for all the information. I will definintely be looking for those part numbers and that forum message thread. Suspension parts are the last big purchase we have for the RV. I've spoken with Air Lift and the air bag kit I'm looking at will be sufficient, but I'm going to have to go with different compressor system with an add on kit. I've been trying to find information on the factory air spring assist system that came on the 37RQ, but haven't had much luck. The person I spoke with at Winnebago didn't seem to understand what I was talking about. Thanks again for all the info.