I've read the above a number of times. What does this mean?
Mark
The rear axle has a shaft on each side that connects each wheel to the differential. The axle shafts need to be pulled (by removing the bolts at the center hub of the wheels) so that the transmission isn't damaged by towing. It is best to remove both shafts so that the differential doesn't spin while being towed.
Is this something the tow drivers can do when asked? A common task? Or something we as coach owners need to to before we let them tow us?
Dave, please elaborate. Do I recall you have to have a plate or something to screw over the axle opening to keep oil in?
Tow drivers will try to get away with only pulling one axle. But if you tell them that there might be differential damage that way they should pull both. They might only carry one cover though.
Gotcha, thus the covers that were posted. What about those of us with tags? Leave it down or raise it?
I can speak from experience, towed twice. The best tow is a low-boy flatbed, no worries about tyranny damage or frame damage, but more expensive. Good Sam won't cover a flatbed, we paid $700 additional. Most tow drivers have never heard of Foretravel, and assume all big motorhomes have a full beam frame. If a Foretravel is strap bumper lifted you will risk damaging your bulkheads. If they can axle lift you are OK. Our second tow was a front axle lift, and they pulled the differential drive shaft.
Shouldn't be a problem either way. But as Peter posted a flat bed would be best. I am not sure about 42' flat trailers though
I've been told you can make temporary covers using cardboard.
A good tow driver should know how but it would be best for the owner to know how to do it--just in case.
A cover should be used. Thankfully our previous owner included a pair with the motorhome
So are you actually pulling out the entire shaft on each side of the drive axle and then covering the shaft location with a plate cover? Where can we get covers? Can they be bought or made up?
John M.
John, google "axel cover"
Howdy John, Here's a link to the part numbers, includes some pics. Axle Caps (split from Going down highway and white smoke coming out) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=20620.msg150978#msg150978)
Good Luck, Dave A
Thanks Dave ! I appreciate the response and help. I learn something new everyday from this forum. Thank you everyone!
John M
So...........Do I need 2 sets (4 covers) with a tag axle?
Tag axle isn't a drive axle, nothing to pull or worry about.
FWIW, While waiting for tow truck a couple of years ago (just outside Flagstaff), I read owners manual for our 03 and removing drive shaft was recommended. Without input from me the tow truck driver removed the driveshaft and lifted by front axle.
Did you raise it and put the safety blocks in? If not he was taking a big risk. That is why the axles are easier to remove and accomplish the same result. Without air suspension not a problem removing driveshaft safely.
Bill,
Removing the drive shaft is great if you have someone you trust and the complete R&R were to be done in a shop. Even in good weather, clean ground, easy access and assuming you still have the ability to raise the coach and secure it, it's too easy for the tow truck driver to misplace the fasteners or not mark the driveshaft so it can be reinstalled in exactly the same position. The driveshaft also has to be torqued to specs as you can imagine the damage it could do if it came loose. If one part were to be lost, it would also have to be replaced with the same grade bolt to use the recommended torque specs. In short, there are several chances for mistakes to be made.
To pull the axles, you just have to pull the chrome hub covers to get to the axle fasteners. A battery impact and a few seconds time are all it takes to get the axles pulled. The poly covers only take a minute to put in place and secure.
Both axles should be pulled to prevent damage to the spider gears while towing. That's why the covers are sold in pairs.
Pierce
Not sure if already mentioned before, air will need to be supplied to the coach during the tow unless towed on a flatbed. On the road the air suspension is constantly adjusting and using air. Either the tow truck can connect a hose, or in my case I turned on my 12v HD air compressor as the tow distance was only 6 miles.
If the key is off and the air leveling turned off won't the bags stay where they were set?
Peter, on the towing of coach using a Flat bed Good Sam paid our tow 2 yrs ago and it was $1100.00. I also did not call them for the tow and filed the claim 3 months after the fact!! So Good Sam really looked after us.
I have made 2 covers for axle removal out of the plastic bread board items that only cost a few dollars to buy. I drew the diameter and hole spacing then used a jig saw to cut it out after drilling the holes to match bolt pattern. Once done I then glued to one side a piece of gasket paper. Now hopefully I never have to use them!!
JohnH
Sitting still in driveway with everything off, when I stepped off the rear bumper from the ladder sometimes I would hear a hiss of air from the suspension (I weigh 200 lbs). It seems to me going over road bumps would also trigger airbag adjustments, I could be wrong...
I sometimes hear the same same thing when I accidentally step on the cat's tail.
Are the Hub Caps on a GV held on by all the lug nuts or just a few?
Normally just a few, look at the holes in the cap, the large ones don't need to be removed.
There is a 7.5 amp fuse in the HWH control box that can be pulled to remove power from the travel mode. That would keep air in the bags after inflating the bags to travel height. I have driven for days like this after having a ride height control valve go bad. Same as having the ignition Off with no power to the HWH control box I would think.
I am still on crutches and can't get to the box with our axle covers. I will call the site and post the correct part number for our GV. All Foretravels will not necessarily use the same cover. Will be back in a day or so.
Pierce
Been towed 3 times over the years. Two coaches with 22.5, and one with 24.5 inch wheels. All three tow trucks had plywood covers for the axle. Do not know if I was lucky or it might be a requirement for tow companies with a contract with coach-net.
Pierce,
I bought a set a couple of years ago when this subject came up for discussion. They were $49 including freight for the pair. I just hope I never have to use them but at least I can show the tow truck driver I want both axles pulled and not the drive shaft!
Jerry
This is about Prevost, but applies to our coaches also. Appears that either driveshaft or half shafts can be removed for towing.
Tow truck drivers have told me that because drive shaft is so short on diesel pushers, the half shafts are normally removed, but on regular engine fwd trucks, the driveshaft at the differential is usually disconnected.
Few things are worse than experi (http://prevost-stuff.com/John_Hawkins_Tow_Article.html)
Jerry,
Thanks! I can't get to mine yet. Hopefully will be on all cylinders soon. Looks like MR8D-1 is the part number for our U300s. Best to check with the seller with your hub dimensions before ordering as all Foretravel rear axle hubs may not be the same.
Pierce