On vehicles equipped with an air fairing, remove
both the forward and rearmost drive axle shafts if
there is insufficient towing clearance.
3.
Cover the ends of the hubs with metal plates or
plywood cut to fit the axle opening, and drilled to
fit the axle shaft studs. This prevents lubricant
from leaking out and will keep contaminants from
getting into and damaging the wheel bearings
and axle lubricant.
NOTICE
Failure to protect the frame rails from the chains
could cause damage, leading to eventual frame
failure.
4.
On dual drive axles, if the vehicle is to be lifted
and towed, chain the forward rear-axle assembly
to the vehicle frame. Use protection to keep the
chains from damaging the frame.
5.
Remove the bumper end caps and chrome bum-
per (if equipped).
6.
Attach the towing device. Do not pass a sling (for
example, a rope or chain) from one tow hook to
another to fasten for towing. Known as reeving,
this practice is not permissible in most industrial
applications of towing and hoisting. Reeving can
overload the hooks and result in damage to the
vehicle. See
Fig. 23.3.
7.
Lift the vehicle and secure the safety chains. If
extra towing clearance is needed, remove the
front wheels.
NOTE: Due to the many variables that exist in
towing, positioning the lifting and towing device
is the sole responsibility of the towing-vehicle
operator.
8.
Connect the clearance lights, taillights, and sig-
nal lights. Connect any special towing lights re-
quired by local regulations.
WARNING
Failure to chock the tires or connect the tow
truck’s air brake system before releasing the
spring parking brakes could allow the disabled
vehicle to suddenly roll. This could cause prop-
erty damage or personal injury.
9.
Chock the tires on the disabled vehicle and con-
nect the towing vehicle’s air brake system to the
vehicle being towed. Then, release the spring
parking brakes and remove the chocks.
Rear Towing Hookup
NOTICE
Using a rear towing hookup on a vehicle
equipped with a roof fairing could cause damage
to the cab structure.
If reverse towing at speeds above 45 mph (70
kph) is necessary, hold down the cab with ten-
sion straps looped over the cab shocks and
under the frame rails. Failure to do so could
allow the wind load to lift the cab unexpectedly,
resulting in damage to the air springs and other
components.
1.
If the vehicle is equipped with cab air suspen-
sion, and reverse towing at speeds above 45
mph (70 kph) is necessary, hold down the cab as
follows:
1.1
Drain the air from the cab air springs.
1.2
Loop a 2-inch (5-cm) ratchet-style tension
strap (rated 2000 lb [900 kg] minimum
work load) over the top of the cab shock
and under the frame rail. See
Fig. 23.4.
Tighten the strap for a snug fit. If the cab
is equipped with two or more shocks, re-
strain the aftmost shock on each side of
the vehicle.
2.
Place the front tires straight forward and secure
the steering wheel in this position.
3.
Disconnect the battery ground cables.
NOTICE
Failure to protect the frame rails from the chains
could cause damage, leading to eventual frame
failure.
4.
On dual drive axles, using protection to keep the
chains from damaging the vehicle frame, chain
the forward-rear drive axle to the frame.
5.
Attach the towing device.
In an Emergency
23.3
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