New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Topic: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach. (Read 1828 times) previous topic - next topic

New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

April 29, 2025, 11:36:19 am

Hasn't come up lately and I feel it's important to everyone that drives anything big.
If you have broken your coach for what ever reason and need to tow it you should be prepared to make some decisions prior to the tow truck showing up.
1 Will I have the ability to add air to my coach to raise it up?
2 Will it be towed or trailered?
3 If being towed with a undereach truck will the tow from the front or the rear?
4. If the rear tires will be on the ground
A. The driveline or the axles must be removed. One axle may be removed for short distances slow speed but both must be removed to tow properly.
B. If axles are removed then you will need to be prepared to remove them because the tow company generally only removes the driveline. Driveline removal is fine but care (from to tow driver is required) or you will be replacing U-joints or driveline. I'm recommending that you have tools and knowledge to pull the axles.
C. Drivelines are very short and heavy and difficult to hang clear of the differential compared to everything else and generally end up being removed completely.
D Axles if removed will require axle caps. If you dont have the tow truck will not either. Cardboard caps can be made. Back to removing driveline.
E Removing one axle and towing at freeway speeds is the very worst thing to do. Dont do it. Only to clear freeway to a safe area at slow 5mph speeds. Very short distance. Tow truck driver may say dont worry we do it all the time. Dont do it!. Again very short slow tow to clear road to remove the other axle.
5 If towing from the rear with front tires on the ground (preferred or trailering) nothing is disturbed Not all underreach trucks can accomplish this but many can.
6. Trailering if available is a great option. Nothing has to be done once loaded. If possible lower coach down to stops after being loaded. After loading
Please understand there are many variables and options Your tow driver should be trained in towing coaches, but this may be the first he has ever done. He was trained to safely clear the road and has a job to do. He may never have removed axles also and may not be prepared mentally or with tooling to do so.

By this point you have probably realized that I am pro pulling the axles and carry caps, gaskets, plastic storage bags, tools and an electric impact. Axles nuts are crazy tight. I also know were the air charge points are to charge the air system on my particular coach to raise the air bags. More important than all this is safety. YOURS.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #1 – April 29, 2025, 01:59:30 pm

Excellent primer on coach towing

It's now a sticky topic.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #2 – April 29, 2025, 04:01:00 pm

Thank you Scott. I hope to not ever have to deal with this challenge, but I do drive a 33 year old coach like it was 3 years old

. I never considered having axle caps. That's a great idea for my tool/parts box.

Michael

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #3 – April 29, 2025, 04:57:45 pm

Michael,

I would rather be in your 33 year old coach than this one that is a lot newer BUT has issues we are dealing with. The owner would have benefited with reading this therad.

Mike

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #4 – April 29, 2025, 06:24:28 pm

UGGH!! That's a job for sure.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #5 – April 30, 2025, 11:10:59 am

Don't remove the driveline as it's too easy to lose tiny needle bearings or not marking the position of components relative to each other. Possible vibration or mechanical issue if not assembled and torqued correctly. Only tow a very short distance with only one axle remove as the spider gears will spin rapidly and they only have bronze bushings, not ball/roller bearings. So slow and short tow with only one axle removed. You probably never want a tow truck driver to touch anything under the coach.

Buy the nylon or whatever axle caps. Cheap and east to install if you don't have the big stainless caps as you have to take every other lug nut off to remove them and that can be difficult or impossible if you or the TT drive don't have the correct socket. I have a free pair for anyone who wants them. Count the number of studs and axle diameter before you order them. Smaller, stainless moon caps clip on, look good and allow fast easy access to the axle nuts.

Before the price goes up, check Temu or AliExpress for a good sized battery impact that will remove the axle nuts in just several seconds. A larger battery impact will remove the lug nuts but oversize the impact about 100%. Otherwise, a torque multiplier and a medium sized impact wrench will do the trick. Good to see if what you want is marked "local seller" so you are sure of getting it quickly and without any extra charge. A HF digital torque reader with a big breaker bar and pipe is good to R&R the lug nuts if you ever have to. Don't over torque!

Pierce

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #6 – April 30, 2025, 11:43:06 am

Absolutely do not let a tow truck driver touch your driveshaft. I posted about this before, but the short version is a tow truck driver who did not know what he was doing caused about $2000 in damage and countless hours of extra work on my part because he removed one end of the driveshaft and did not properly secure it. I had to replace the pinion yoke, u joints, and driveshaft. Needless to say I now carry axle caps and I am prepared to remove the axles myself.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #7 – April 30, 2025, 07:57:08 pm

A bad day

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UatcuDZ9a9Y

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #8 – May 01, 2025, 08:45:53 pm

Quote from: dbennett9 – April 30, 2025, 11:43:06 am

Absolutely do not let a tow truck driver touch your driveshaft. I posted about this before, but the short version is a tow truck driver who did not know what he was doing caused about $2000 in damage and countless hours of extra work on my part because he removed one end of the driveshaft and did not properly secure it. I had to replace the pinion yoke, u joints, and driveshaft. Needless to say I now carry axle caps and I am prepared to remove the axles myself.

Thanks for highlighting. What a pain. I agree 100%

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #9 – May 01, 2025, 09:55:01 pm

Bad Day Video

I wonder what both drivers said? Really bad part was motorhome was still stuck.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #10 – May 02, 2025, 10:12:08 am

Good tow truck driver could pop that glass right back in.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #11 – June 14, 2025, 12:11:53 pm

RE "Bad day for this guy" post. I almost had the same thing happen to me when a "helpful" passer by tried to help me get unstuck. He tried once then I told him no, you're going to break something. I called a tow truck and the driver tried to hook his wench to the generator slide out. I said "if you do that I'm going to have two problems (1.) I'll still be stuck and (2.) my generator will no longer attached to the coach". After he saw what I was talking about he hooked his wench to the front axle instead. All worked out OK in the end. I don't really recommend tugging on the front axle but in this case I was marginally stuck and was able to assist with coach power. Moral of the story is this.

1. Never let anyone with a big pickup truck try to "jerk" you out of a stuck position. A tow truck should be equipped with a proper wench and pulley system which will allow for a gradual and smooth assist.
2. Never assume a tow truck driver knows how to "unstuck" a 33000 pound vehicle. The urge to play "Ice Road Truckers" with your rig might be too tempting to the inexperienced driver. You want the 60 year old leathery guy who's missing a finger to do it.
3. Try to minimize the load on your vehicle by having the engine running and at least some power applied to the wheels.
4. Don't get stuck in the first place.
5. And don't be afraid to question the drivers judgment. He is not responsible for damage done to your rig.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #12 – July 13, 2025, 08:50:16 pm

I travel with many tools including a large, electric, impact wrench and a torque multiplier and have used them.

In 2021, we were coming back from a trip when a heater hose broke in our Travel Supreme DP resulting in loss of all of our antifreeze. The TT driver removed the drive shaft. We got towed to the shop of a mobile mechanic with assurances that they could handle the repair. To make a long story shorter, they didn't reinstall the drive shaft properly. Two miles from their shop, the drive shaft came loose destroying the transmission, torque converter, bell housing, rear shocks and nearby wiring. The shop denied any responsibility and Progressive didn't pursue it. The cost, mostly reimbursed by Progressive (and very reluctanly on their part), added up to over $30K.

I was right out of a family medicine residency and then working in the delivery room at Ft. Polk. I had done my required one, routine, vaginal delivery scan intern and somehow the Army felt that I was therefore qualified to do up to 5 deliveries in a day and sometimes using forceps plus doing inductions. This was prior to the availability of ultrasound. Fortunately, I had the backup of hot-out-of-residency OB docs. But one day, one of them said to me that he wanted me to learn how to do C-sections. I asked him why and he said because he liked to teach. This Captain MC told the Major MC, "BS! You just don't want me to call you in the middle of the night when I have problems. I won't be doing any C-sections until I learn how to manage every potential complication of doing them." I never did any C-sections. They don't teach you how to do them in med school, only assist during one.

With all due respect, before I pull the axles out of our 2022 Foretravel FS-450 for emergency towing purposes, I need to learn how to perform it with knowledgeable supervision by someone who has done so many times and also knows how to reinstall them.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #13 – July 14, 2025, 10:03:20 am

Quote from: Jay50 – July 13, 2025, 08:50:16 pm

I travel with many tools including a large, electric, impact wrench and a torque multiplier and have used them.

In 2021, we were coming back from a trip when a heater hose broke in our Travel Supreme DP resulting in loss of all of our antifreeze. The TT driver removed the drive shaft. We got towed to the shop of a mobile mechanic with assurances that they could handle the repair. To make a long story shorter, they didn't reinstall the drive shaft properly. Two miles from their shop, the drive shaft came loose destroying the transmission, torque converter, bell housing, rear shocks and nearby wiring. The shop denied any responsibility and Progressive didn't pursue it. The cost, mostly reimbursed by Progressive (and very reluctanly on their part), added up to over $30K.

I was right out of a family medicine residency and then working in the delivery room at Ft. Polk. I had done my required one, routine, vaginal delivery scan intern and somehow the Army felt that I was therefore qualified to do up to 5 deliveries in a day and sometimes using forceps plus doing inductions. This was prior to the availability of ultrasound. Fortunately, I had the backup of hot-out-of-residency OB docs. But one day, one of them said to me that he wanted me to learn how to do C-sections. I asked him why and he said because he liked to teach. This Captain MC told the Major MC, "BS! You just don't want me to call you in the middle of the night when I have problems. I won't be doing any C-sections until I learn how to manage every potential complication of doing them." I never did any C-sections. They don't teach you how to do them in med school, only assist during one.

With all due respect, before I pull the axles out of our 2022 Foretravel FS-450 for emergency towing purposes, I need to learn how to perform it with knowledgeable supervision by someone who has done so many times and also knows how to reinstall them.

Depending on what is required on your coach to remove the decorative hub covers, the axle removal process is easier than removing a wheel. Remove the axle shaft bolts. There is a slight possibility that the axle is stuck to the hub. Ive never seen this but yet im mentioning it. Striking the end of the axle or on the side of the flange generally will release. Lift to support axle end and slide the axle out of hub and place into a trash bag for storage if available . This is disconnecting the hub/wheel from the differential. If it's unsafe to remove the other axle it is permissible to tow several miles at walking speeds. NOT freeway speeds. Remove the other axle as soon as possible. Axle caps will help retain hub lubrication. It is permissible to tow at any speed or distance with both axles removed and capped. When reinstalling they simply need to have a new gasket installed. Reinstalled without any indexing issues and Torqued to the manufacture recommended torque. It's really tight. Really. Nothing complicated. Drivelines are simple and fast to remove and most TT drivers can remove. Although most have never reinstalled. They have small important parts and must be indexed correctly or will cause havoc till failure. Simply avoid removing if possible and your results will be much better IMO. No Forceps or Vaginal scan required. This eliminates any need to properly install a driveline since it was never removed.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #14 – July 14, 2025, 10:08:21 am

Pulling axels is a lot easier than pulling the drive shaft but you must have axel covers to be
installed after the axels have been removed so it's a good idea to have them with you. To remove
the axels you just need to remove the bolts and then on some axels you just pull the axels out
and in most others they have taper dowels and you need a sledge hammer to hit the center
of the axel to pop the dowels. Then with a screw driver you remove the dowels and then the
axel.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #15 – July 14, 2025, 10:31:49 am

On the subject of axle covers. Do you think taking duck tape and taping up the end where axle was removed would work?

I tried finding some covers on Amazon but guess I am using all of the wrong wording in doing a search since I I get coming up are the trim covers that go over the hubs.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #16 – July 14, 2025, 10:47:56 am

Quote from: turbojack – July 14, 2025, 10:31:49 am

On the subject of axle covers. Do you think taking duck tape and taping up the end where axle was removed would work?

You could DIY some covers Axle Covers for Towing

And Barry and Cindy posted this link to axle caps Axle Caps (split from Going down highway and white smoke coming out)

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #17 – July 14, 2025, 11:02:44 am

Quote from: turbojack – July 14, 2025, 10:31:49 am

On the subject of axle covers. Do you think taking duck tape and taping up the end where axle was removed would work?

I tried finding some covers on Amazon but guess I am using all of the wrong wording in doing a search since I I get coming up are the trim covers that go over the hubs.

Price List

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #18 – July 14, 2025, 06:43:41 pm

I made a set out of remnant hdpe for $5.
I did buy gaskets from FindItParts that were more than the hdpe. Also have the HD cordless impact and correct socket on board. I'm ready.

Oh yeah. CoachNet card also handy.

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #19 – July 16, 2025, 02:39:20 pm

Quote from: turbojack – July 14, 2025, 10:31:49 am

On the subject of axle covers. Do you think taking duck tape and taping up the end where axle was removed would work?

I tried finding some covers on Amazon but guess I am using all of the wrong wording in doing a search since I I get coming up are the trim covers that go over the hubs.

Would be nice if anybody had patterns of axel hub covers to share.. 1989

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #20 – August 05, 2025, 01:22:30 am

Quote from: Doug W. – July 16, 2025, 02:39:20 pm

Would be nice if anybody had patterns of axel hub covers to share.. 1989

I just got some gaskets at Napa TWD 3303036
Line: Traction
Price
$6.49
/ Each and cut. Some plastic using the gasket as a guide. Dont know if this would fit yours but might give you a starting point

Re: New old Topic. I need to tow my coach.

Reply #21 – August 06, 2025, 07:48:16 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – April 30, 2025, 11:10:59 am

Don't remove the driveline as it's too easy to lose tiny needle bearings or not marking the position of components relative to each other. Possible vibration or mechanical issue if not assembled and torqued correctly. Only tow a very short distance with only one axle remove as the spider gears will spin rapidly and they only have bronze bushings, not ball/roller bearings. So slow and short tow with only one axle removed. You probably never want a tow truck driver to touch anything under the coach.

Buy the nylon or whatever axle caps. Cheap and east to install if you don't have the big stainless caps as you have to take every other lug nut off to remove them and that can be difficult or impossible if you or the TT drive don't have the correct socket. I have a free pair for anyone who wants them. Count the number of studs and axle diameter before you order them. Smaller, stainless moon caps clip on, look good and allow fast easy access to the axle nuts.

Before the price goes up, check Temu or AliExpress for a good sized battery impact that will remove the axle nuts in just several seconds. A larger battery impact will remove the lug nuts but oversize the impact about 100%. Otherwise, a torque multiplier and a medium sized impact wrench will do the trick. Good to see if what you want is marked "local seller" so you are sure of getting it quickly and without any extra charge. A HF digital torque reader with a big breaker bar and pipe is good to R&R the lug nuts if you ever have to. Don't over torque!

Pierce

Talking of needle bearings ,
I got towed back in 2011, and the tow truck driver said gotta remove your drive shaft ,I said ok fair enough ,well he removed the shaft and luckily I was watching what he did and I ended up with needles all over the floor but only from one of the cups or yoke whatever they call it so I happened to mention it to him , I had to take the needles out of the other side that hadn't lost any and count them ,if I remember rightly there was 36 in total I think , so when was picking them up from the floor and putting them into a container, I then had to recount them , and I was one short ,took ages to find it but for some reason that one must have bounced or rolled, it was lay on the floor about 3 feet away from the rest of them, anyway I was lucky.in future If I ever need a tow I will get underneath in advance before the recovery bloke arrives and remove the drive shaft myself carefully, knowing what to expect and make sure I put an old sheet down underneath so if for some reason some needles do drop , won't be so difficult to find them as apposed to them landing in the dirt , I would prefer to do it that way rather than remove the axles in each side cause all the oil comes out , even if draining the oil out first into a container ,but IL be honest that is messy and the smell of gearbox and rear axle oil is horrible , I can smell it for days after I've used that oil , the smell of that oil make me feel sick
Kev

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