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Topic: Towing a diesel pusher? (Read 992 times) previous topic - next topic

Towing a diesel pusher?

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?
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Towing a diesel pusher?

Reply #1 –
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.

Re: Towing a diesel pusher?

Reply #2 –
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.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Towing a diesel pusher?

Reply #3 –
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.
Raymond & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

Re: Towing a diesel pusher?

Reply #4 –
Quote
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.

Complete Foretravel instructions for towing:
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.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Towing a diesel pusher?

Reply #5 –
Quote
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.

It is Barry Leavitt that uses them

http://www.axlecap.net/homepage.html
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Towing a diesel pusher?

Reply #7 –
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 and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM

Re: Towing a diesel pusher?

Reply #8 –
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?