The REMCO Lube Pump Base Kit (LP-BK01) is a system designed to facilitate the safe and reliable towing of various automatic transmission vehicles behind a motor home. It ensures proper lubrication of the towed vehicle's transmission while all four wheels remain on the ground. The system is transmission-dependent, and users must ensure their vehicle's transmission is approved by REMCO for use with the Lube Pump. The kit includes the pump system, a tail light system, and all necessary electrical connections. REMCO also offers tow bars and brackets for most vehicles.
Function Description:
The core component of the system is a durable 1/8 horsepower self-priming pump. This pump is responsible for effectively lubricating the towed vehicle's automatic transmission during towing. The pump's operation is controlled by an electrical monitor, which is activated or deactivated via a switch when the motor home's ignition is in the ON position.
The system integrates the motor home and towed vehicle with a single cable. This cable serves multiple purposes: it operates the lube pump, powers the electrical monitor, and controls the towed vehicle's taillights. When the cable is connected, the towed vehicle's taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are automatically controlled by the motor home's electrical system. When the cable is disconnected, the towed vehicle's lights revert to normal operation.
A key safety feature of the REMCO Lube Pump system is its fail-safe electronic alarm, integrated into the monitor. This alarm provides both visual and audible signals if the Lube Pump system fails to deliver adequate lubrication for any reason. A unique aspect of this alarm is its activation upon connecting the towed vehicle to the motor home with the motor home's ignition ON. The red light and alarm will sound until the monitor switch is turned ON and the pump begins operating. This prevents accidental towing with the pump off, which could lead to transmission damage.
The system supports two types of taillight wiring configurations for the towed vehicle: 3-wire and 4-wire systems.
- For 4-wire systems (separate turn signals and brake lights, typically amber turn signals), the kit includes four taillight diverters. The amber turn signals are not used; instead, the brake lights function as both turn signals and brake lights for towing.
- For 3-wire systems (combined turn signals and brake lights, typically red turn signals), the kit uses three of the four supplied diverters.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Pump Type: 1/8 horsepower self-priming pump.
- Electrical System: All motor home electrical power for the monitor, pump, or towed vehicle's taillights must be 12 volts DC. For bus-type chassis with 24-volt DC systems, a converter to 12 volts DC is required.
- Monitor Fuse: The monitor's orange wire includes a 1-amp fuse.
- Pump Fuse: The blue wire connected to the motor home battery includes a 10-amp fuse.
- Pump Flow Rate: The lube pump should pump approximately one quart of fluid in 10 to 12 seconds.
- Pump Amperage: When receiving at least 12 volts, the pump should draw between 2.0-3.5 Amps.
- Wiring Components:
- Motorhome Harness with 6-conductor socket & bracket (Part # 10010005)
- Electrical Monitor (Part # 10010016)
- LP-Generic Hardware Pack (Part # 11010030)
- Towed Vehicle Harness with 6-conductor socket & bracket (Part # 10010009)
- Diverter Pack Assy. (4) (Part # 10010019)
- Coiled Cable Assembly with 2, 6-conductor Plugs (Part # 10040007)
- Various wire lengths (5 ft. red wire, 5 ft. 2-conductor cable, 45 ft. 2-conductor cable)
- Terminals (spade, female, ring), wiretap connectors, butt connectors.
Usage Features:
- Automatic Taillight Control: The towed vehicle's taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are automatically controlled by the motor home when connected.
- Fail-Safe Alarm: An electronic alarm system provides visual (red light) and audible warnings if the lube pump is not delivering adequate lubrication. This alarm also activates when the towed vehicle is first connected and the motor home ignition is ON, reminding the user to turn on the monitor switch.
- Easy Monitor Replacement: The Electrical Monitor features a quick-disconnect plug for simple replacement if needed.
- Coiled Cable Management: The coiled cable is designed to rest on the tow bar to prevent dragging on the ground. It should be disconnected and stored when not in use to maintain its coiled memory.
- Towing Checklist: A comprehensive checklist is provided to ensure all connections (tow bar, cable, safety chains) are secure, the towed vehicle's steering wheel is unlocked (if applicable), the transmission is in neutral, and the parking brake is released.
- Battery Drain Prevention (for specific vehicles): For certain Chrysler, GM, Ford, and Toyota vehicles, a procedure is outlined to disable dashboard lights and prevent battery drain during towing by temporarily removing a "memory" or "hazard" switch/fuse.
Maintenance Features:
- Pump Lubrication: Lube pumps should be run for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 to 6 weeks to keep them lubricated and extend diaphragm life. An optional Off-Season Run kit (Part # 10010040) is available for running the pump using the vehicle's battery when the motor coach is not in use.
- Transmission Maintenance: Users are advised to follow the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance for their vehicle's transmission, as detailed in the owner's manual.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section for common issues such as the red light/alarm coming on when the pump is not running, or when the pump is running but the alarm persists, and when all monitor lights are off. This guide helps users diagnose and resolve problems by checking fuses, connections, fluid levels, pump flow, and amperage.
- Limited Warranty on Automatic Transmission: One year from installation date or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, ceasing at 40,000 vehicle miles. Valid only on REMCO-approved vehicles, with proper LUBE-PUMP installation and operation. Applies only to the original user/purchaser.
- Limited Warranty on Lube-Pump and Component Parts: One year from installation date for original purchaser. Covers defective materials and workmanship; voided by accident, unreasonable use, neglect, improper service, or other non-defect causes.
- Warranty Service and Repair: Contact REMCO for authorization before any repair. Purchaser is responsible for labor. Material evidence of component failure must be delivered to REMCO.
- Limitations: Does not cover damage from acts of nature, accidents, abnormal usage, non-REMCO parts, leaks, improper fluids, third-party installation errors (unless installed by REMCO), unauthorized modifications, towing over legal speed limits, failure to follow operating procedures, or consequential damages (telephone, shipping, substitute transportation, loss of time/earnings/profits). Warranties are non-transferable.
- Installation Requirements: The LUBE-PUMP must be installed according to REMCO instructions. A warranty registration card must be completed, signed, and returned to REMCO within 30 days of installation to validate the warranty.