by Jack Bradshaw – Foretravel
Unfortunately, I recently had the experience of being in a situation of towing a coach after it had backed into a ditch and had to be towed out. After calling a tow truck, and it arrived, I realized now was not the time to start looking for the owners manual and what is the correct procedures for the tow truck operator. I know all of you have an owner’s manual at your fingertips, but in case you don’t, I thought I would hit the highlights to get you aware of what to look for if this unfortunate situation should occur.
Most big towing companies that have big rig towing capabilities know the correct procedures to follow to get your coach ready to tow. As the owner, you know how your coach operates. The information you give to the tow operator will help him ensure all precautions are met so no damage will result from towing.
To tow a disabled vehicle, certain precautions and procedures must be taken to prevent damage to your coach and or/its components. Failure to use standard towing industry precautionary measures when lifting or towing a disabled coach may cause an unsafe operating condition.
With an automatic transmission, the oil pump is located ahead of the transmission gearing and clutches and cannot be motored by towing the vehicle. Therefore, anytime that the vehicle must be towed, disconnect the driveline or severe damage to the transmission could result from lack of lubrication.
CAUTION: Only in an extreme emergency may the coach be towed up to Yz mile at not more than 5 mph without first disconnecting the propeller shaft from the transmission.
GENERAL PREPARATION FOR TOWING
Block the wheels and engage the parking brake.
Place the transmission in neutral.
Attach the towing lift to the front axle.
Lift the vehicle and secure the safety towing chains.
Connect the clearance lights, taillights, and signal lights. Also, connect any special towing lights required by local towing regulations.
Connect the towing vehicle’s air brake system to the coach. Then release the spring parking brakes, or if the air supply is lost, release the brakes manually. Remove the wheel blocks.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS AND SITUATIONS
If the transmission is inoperative, remove the output driveshaft from the transmission. If the rear axle is inoperative, raise the rear wheels off the ground or remove the axle shafts and seal the ends of the wheel hubs to prevent the entry of dirt. If the front axle is inoperative, raise the front wheels off the ground. Disconnect the rear propeller shaft to avoid severe damage to the transmission.
IMPORTANT: The improper towing of the vehicle may cause transmission damage. Always follow the outlined towing procedures. The only recommended method of towing is with the drive wheels on the ground and the rear driveshaft disconnected and removed. To move the vehicle with an inoperative rear axle, raise the rear wheels. The front wheels must be secured in a “straight-ahead” position when towing from the rear. Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock to secure the wheels in the “straight-ahead” position. For your newer owners with the new HWH active air system, you have some special procedures to follow so get familiar with your manual.
These are only the general highlights from your owners manual. There are many precautions that must be complied with to ensure your coach is kept safe if this should ever happen to you. If you don’t have an owner’s manual I suggest you contact Foretravel to obtain a copy for your files. I hope this generates some thought as to what to do to be prepared before this happens to you. Safe travels and see ya down the road.