This is one topic I hope I never have to face. I took a look in my manual and found a series of steps to follow. But, how do I go about making sure that the tow truck operator sent by Coach-Net knows what to do?
Anyone have any experiences to share?
hope to never know for sure. I know the drive shaft must be unhooked. I think I would raise the
HWH to max height to help get the front wheels on the lift. This would require the engine to run as to get Air pressure to full. Once hooked up set back at standard height prior to towing.
A good tow truck operator should know to disconnect and remove the driveshaft and hook up the air lines properly, before towing you. They do it all the time. If they don't, I would inform him of the requirements. They will not hook up the driveshaft when they get you to the shop, but will leave that for the mechanic there.
Hi George,
It is usually easier to remove the axle. Most tow operators have the cover plates that install on the hub once the axle is pulled. No chance of drive shaft replacement out of phase. A few of the owners here have these plates with them. I think one of the Barrys has them, and/or knows where to get them. I have been with a 2000 Foretravel that was towed this way. Very easy. The tow driver was very knowledgeable. That is the hard part.
Complete Foretravel instructions for towing:
http://beamalarm.com/Documents/towing_a_foretravel.htm (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/towing_a_foretravel.htm)
I watched them hook up one at the factory.
The tow driver knew exactly what to do.
It is Barry Leavitt that uses them
http://www.axlecap.net/homepage.html (http://www.axlecap.net/homepage.html)
I have seen these used in the trucking industry, but both times I have had a motorhome towed, they pulled drive shaft.
I got a set of axle caps after reading about them. Figured it was like carrying an umbrella to prevent rain. :)) Thus far it's worked perfectly, and I hope it continues to work...
I've also got parts to make up a male-to-male air hose connector to allow a tow driver to plug into the aux air connector on our coaches which comes from the wet tank and should keep the rig at ride height during a tow (if the air suspension is working...)
Dave, your male/male connector reminded me of 'thing" I made a long time ago to measure max PSI of a gas station air hose.
Found the hard way that adding air to a 90 PSI tire, from a 60 PSI air hose will lower the tire, instead of filling.
My 'thing' is two auto wheel rubber tire valves connected together back-to-back, so that I can put one valve in the gas station air hose and an air gauge on the other side.
I don't use it anymore as I now only fill from my 12 volt air compressor.
Emailing from Calgary Alberta. Stampede anyone?