Driving without 1 tag wheel?

[freedombro]

AARRGGHH!! I blew 2 tires on my '86 345 known worldwide as the "Unleaded Zeppelin" (unleadedzeppelin.com) I am 40ish miles West of Phoenix, and am contemplating removing a tag axle wheel and using it with the spare on the drive axle to limp back to a tire shop 60 miles away who has the replacements ready to go. I plan to ratchet strap up the empty tag axle side to prevent dragging. Should I remove both tag axle wheels to prevent lean? I know it's not a good idea, but it's the best option I have under the circumstances. Any thoughts?
Thx!
-Keith


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[idroba]

My advice would be to find someone to take you and the wheels which need tires back to the tire shop and not drive the Airstream there. Pay them. Easier and probably cheaper in the long run. Or have the tire shop come to you with the tires and guy to mount them in the field.

And check the rest of your tires. If you lost two, the others could be equally as bad.

[gunner]

I would believe what you have proposed would work for that short of a distance. I would leave the other tag axle wheel on. I would empty the fresh water tank and if possible the other two also, this will take considerable weight off the back end of the motorhome.

[freedombro]

Thanks for the input.

Update: When I went to load the blown tires into the coach, I noticed that one was still holding air, even though huge chunks of the sidewall were missing. I decided to mount that tire up on the tag axle.

It made the trip with no problems. 45mph on I-10 was interesting, but , otherwise, no problems.

Thx again for your time.




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[choctawmel]

I-10 must is bad on these 34.5's this year. You blow two tires, I blow one motor.
Still hanging out in Las Cruces.

[streamquest]

…..On the subject of tags.

In the event that a tow is necessary, and a flatbed trailer is not available, can the two tag tires/wheels be removed in order not to damage the axle by overloading it during the tow? The drive shaft would be disconnected of course, and all the weight would be on the drive axle.

[choctawmel]

Originally Posted by streamquest

…..On the subject of tags.

In the event that a tow is necessary, and a flatbed trailer is not available, can the two tag tires/wheels be removed in order not to damage the axle by overloading it during the tow? The drive shaft would be disconnected of course, and all the weight would be on the drive axle.

I had the tag rebuilt some years back. The 'Silver Bullet' has ended up hooked to the back of a tow way too many times after that: electric short, fuel pump failed, transmission failed, replacement transmission failed, fuel pump failed, power steering/brake pump failed, engine failed. Last time I had the tag bushing checked they are still tight as new. Don't believe a short tow on a tow truck will do any notable damage to the tag. Best way to damage the tag is to back into curb/blocks and the like.