Front Towing Hookup
When it is necessary to tow the vehicle, make sure the instructions below are closely followed to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Warning: Do not tow an unbraked vehicle if the combined weight of both vehicles is more than the sum of the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) of the towing vehicle. Otherwise brake capacity will be inadequate, which could result in personal injury or death.
Notice: If the vehicle is equipped with the AirLiner front suspension or the Hendrickson STEERTEK axle, it is required that tow straps be used when towing the vehicle. A tow strap should be connected to the tow hooks, if equipped, or wrapped around the front axle. Using a tow chain around the front axle will damage the axle.
- Disconnect the battery ground cables.
- Remove the driveline and the interaxle driveline (if equipped), or the axle shafts for each axle that may touch the ground during the towing process.
- For any axle shaft that has been removed, 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.If the driveline(s) were removed, ensure the U-joint caps are secure so they will not come off.
- 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.
- Remove the bumper extension and chrome bumper, if so equipped. Remove the bumper fairing, if so equipped.
- On vehicles equipped with an air fairing, adjust the trim tab to the lowest position.
- Attach the towing device. Due to the many variables that
exist in towing, positioning the lifting and towing device is the
sole responsibility of the towing-vehicle operator.
Important: Do not reeve when towing.
Fig. 1, Reeving
- On vehicles equipped with an air fairing, measure the distance from the ground to the bumper, or from the ground to a frame bracket.
- Lift the vehicle, and secure the safety chains. If extra towing clearance is needed, remove the front wheels.
- On vehicles equipped with an air fairing, repeat the measurement taken in step 8. The difference between the two measurements must not exceed 14 inches (36 cm). If necessary, lower the vehicle.
- Connect the clearance lights, taillights, and signal lights. Connect any special towing lights required by local regulations.
- Chock the disabled vehicle's tires, and connect the towing vehicle's air brake system to the vehicle being towed. Then, release the spring parking brakes and remove the chocks.
Notice: Failure to remove the driveline(s) or the drive axle shafts when towing the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground could result in damage to the transmission and other parts.
Notice: Failure to protect the frame rails from the chains could cause damage, leading to eventual frame failure.
Notice: Do not pass a sling (for example, a rope or chain) from one tow hook to another to fasten for towing (see Fig. )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.
Warning: Failure to lower the vehicle could result in the air fairing striking an overhead obstruction, such as a bridge or overpass, and causing vehicle damage or personal injury.
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 property damage or personal injury.