Section 18: BODY
PA1562
70
DANGER
Jack is intended for lifting only. Do not get
under the vehicle or load for any reason
unless it is properly supported with safety
stands and securely blocked.
DANGER
Do not overload jack above rated capacity.
Prevent "side loading", make sure load is
centered on ram. Do not push or tilt load off
jack.
18 TOWING THE VEHICLE
The vehicle can be transported on a low bed
semi-trailer of adequate gross axle weight
capacity. When transporting a vehicle, apply
parking brake and shut down the engine. Block
all wheels and secure vehicle with tie-downs.
Check that overall height will clear obstacles on
the route to follow, and obtain required permits.
The vehicle can also be towed by lifting the front
axle or by towing from the front with all wheels
on the ground. These two methods are
described below under their respective
headings. Whatever the method used, the
vehicle should be towed by truck operators
authorized and experienced in towing highway
coaches.
Observe normal precautions including, but not
limited to, the ones listed below when towing the
vehicle:
• Make sure the parking brake is released
before towing.
• Do not allow passengers to ride onboard the
towed vehicle.
• Tow the vehicle at a safe speed as dictated
by road and weather conditions.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly and
cautiously.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, use the two
tow eyes located under the back bumper and/or
fixed to the vehicle's frame between the front
axle and the front bumper. Use only a solid link
tow bar and a safety chain to tow the vehicle. If
required, connect an auxiliary air supply to the
vehicle so brakes can be operated while towing.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the vehicle structure, it
is not recommended to tow the vehicle from
the rear. In case of damage to the drive train
components, use a low bed semi-trailer to
support the rear end.
WARNING
During a towing operation, the driver should
be alone inside the vehicle.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the drive train
components, disconnect axle shafts or
driveshaft before towing. Do not attempt to
push or pull-start a vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission.
CAUTION
Make sure axle shafts or driveshaft are
installed correctly after towing. Tighten axle
shaft and driveshaft nuts to the correct torque
settings. Do not invert shafts
18.1 LIFTING AND TOWING
The towed vehicle must be lifted from under the
front axle only. The tow truck must be equipped
with the proper lifting equipment to reach under
the front axle since no other lifting points are
recommended. Lifting and towing from any other
point are unauthorized as it may cause serious
damage to the structure. Do not unload or raise
the tag axle when lifting and towing to prevent
overloading the drive axle.
1. Remove both drive axle shafts to prevent
damage to the transmission. Plug axle tube
to prevent oil loss. Refer to Arvin Meritor
"Maintenance Manual no.5" annexed at the
end of Section 11, Rear axle, in this manual
for correct procedure.
CAUTION
Transmission lubrication is inadequate when
towing. With automatic, semi-automatic or
manual transmission, the drive axle shafts
must be removed to avoid serious damage to
the transmission.