[rheavn]

Takes about ten years for new stuff to dribble down to the mainstream coaches...............................the ZF steerable tag

http://rvdailyreport.com/products/freigh...l-chassis/

[Dmatz]

Will this give us more options for service of ZF now?

[Junior Guru]

I noticed the article says they are using a passive tag axle steering as opposed to active. I believe Newell uses an active ZF steering tag axle.

[Fulltiming]

You are correct Jason. Newell has always used the active ZF steering tag.

[Junior Guru]

Does anyone know the practical difference between active ZF steering tag as opposed to the passive version?

It's my understanding that the active version has slightly better turning ratio. Any other differences?

Thanks!

[afrench]

If you look at this pic of a 2015 Essex, the tag turns but not as sharp as the Newell. I wonder what the difference it steering ratio is?

[Fulltiming]

Newell uses ZF Active Steer Tag which uses a hydraulic piston to steer the tag axle. By contrast, the ZF Passive Steer Tag just steers as it follows the drive axle to prevent scuffing the tires. Just turning the steering wheel without actually turning, as likely shown in the photo, will not cause the Passive Steer Tag to move at all while the ZF Active Steer Tag would result in the tag axle changing steering angle under the same circumstance.

I have not been able to find any information on the maximum degree of cut for either the Active or the Passive.

[Junior Guru]

On this link Karl Blade is saying the passive ZF has a 40' turning radius while the active ZF has a 37' radius. This is 5 yrs old. Not sure if the specs or designs have changed since then.

Incidentally, this entire thread is a great read for anyone interested in the differences of a Newell vs Prevost or other coaches.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseac...page/7.cfm

[Fulltiming]

Thanks Jason, I had forgotten that post mentioned the passive vs active ZF steering tag axles.

[Richard]

I think this is somewhat on topic, but I stumbled into the Foretravel site to see their new coach, the Realm. Hmmmmm, a departure for Foretravel in that it is built on a Spartan chassis with a passive tag. I thought this was very interesting for Foretravel to put a raised rail chassis into the mix.