I was put on the spot most recently to volunteer our bus to pull a semi out of a VERY small sinkhole....I declined by default.. Just out of curiosity as long as you weren't tugging on something would this be even feasible?
You probably made the correct choice. Most buses don't have enough power but to just barely push themselves down the road, let alone try to pull someone else. Then-if you're pulling from behind-you'd be pulling on the engine cradle since most buses do not have a frame like a truck. If you have a transit, some have big tow hooks in the front that are made to tow the bus by a wrecker-then maybe you could try pulling someone out with the tow hooks. But-unless you have an Allison world transmission with a T drive, a V drive (V730) will not have enough power since a V730's reverse is essentially using 2nd gear (I went almost 40mph in reverse in a big parking lot once). Good Luck, TomC
TomC,
I thought I was the only one who did that! I got over 30 mpg in a GM new look in reverse. It shifted into second. And yes, with a transit you can tow another bus in reverese but I have never seen it done on anything other tham flat, level ground. A GM with V drive can hardly getb itself out of a ditch.
-- Seaton
Removed
Dallas- the Ontario (Ca) Union 76 truck stop is now a TA-actually there are two across the street from each other. I can remember the drug dealers, hookers, trucks being stolen, etc. Now it's a advertised family oriented Travel stops of America (TA). Actually the city of Ontario was about to pull TA's business license unless they cleaned up their act-which they did-hence the two truck stops are still there. Good Luck, TomC
I figured somebody had probably burnt the Ontario truck stop down before now!
That brings back a lot of memories...... some of which I wish I could forget!
TOM
Getting back to the OP's question, if somebody needs a tow the best thing to do is lend him your cell phone. That advice applies regardless of what you are driving unless whatever you drive has a Holmes wrecker bolted to it. IMHO.
If you use a snatch strap you wouldn't hurt anything if properly connected. I will carry one so my Ranger can get me unstuck when a 5,000 pound pull force will do the trick. My 10Klb receiver would be a good place to connect it in the rear and the tie down rings in the front should do up there.
Discretion being the better part of valor, I would have no qualms about a response f the offer of a cell phone. You are honor bound to never accept and such assist that you are refusing. But no worries here.
Call me!
John
Thanks Guys! You know that split second "YES" that crosses through your mind? During that i seen the rear end of the bus getting tore off! LOL I"m glad I didn't but it's good to know if I did what i would/should do!