Clutch Out in Canton, MS

[opus]

We would generally pull the right axle, as that is the drive axle in a single axle setup.  On a tandem we would do both rears and the right front.  We had covers we used to cover the hole.  If not, a rag was used in a pinch.  Talk about a mess!!
As mentioned, lubrication is the reason for pulling an axle.  What you could do, but not in this particular case, would be to leave the engine running and put it in neutral. If it were a Road Ranger or such, you would put it in high range, in neutral.

[LarryN 4106]

I think my situation was affected by the "wheel simulators" that are on my bus. I assume those things had to come off to get to the smaller bolts to pull the axle? I suggested that they put her in neutral, and tow her the 45 miles to the shop with the engine on fast idle. As for me continuing my trip, I guess I did not have the guts to do that. (Actually didn't think of it....).

[Busted Knuckle]

OK here it is.
Larry ~ Brent tried to call Danny while I was sitting across from him @ the Jackson, TN location. But nobody was picking up the phone. But he said he'll keep trying. He said he knows Danny fairly well, but doesn't actually know his actual business practices as far as handling customers and such. (But said he will let him know that you are a good friend of a good customer and to take good care of you)

As far as pulling the axle yes the wrecker should have had 7/8" sockets & wrench. But if you indeed have the wheel simulators that have to come off to access the axle then yes I can see him having to call the "tire guy" out.
I still don't feel that you shoulda been charged 2 tows or storage if they are the main towing company for Clarke. Or any other shop for that matter. A good wrecker service will have prearranged ways (their own gate key, a hidden key, a designated spot just outside the gate, etc.) to get the vehicle on the lot of a regular customer after hrs or will take it to the "yard" and hold it free of charge until business hrs and deliver it then.  (of course they may have not wanted to do this since you (or AAA) were paying the bill and not Clarke.

Scott & Bob ~ As said by others just because it's it a manual trans does not mean it's safe to tow without pulling an axle or drive shaft.
I've personally seen where a wrecker driver didn't pull either and the tow company (or their insurance co) had to buy a transmission.
Once when the lazy wrecker driver didn't pull axles on a high $ S&S because of simulators just pulled the drive shaft lose from the differential and used a bungee strap "to tie it up". And while going down the road the strap broke and the drive shaft fell into the spinning yoke of the diff. and did major damage to the yoke, diff, trans, drive shaft, generator and a fuel tank! (it cost my buddie's ins company $30,000 for all the damage before the customer was back on the road and happy after 3 tries (each  time he returned with this vibration or what ever until they go it all fixed!)

To all ~ yes you can pull just one axle, but for the safest results it's best to pull them both!

I know when I was driving big wrecker if we didn't pull a drive shaft or both axles we were liable for ANY claims of damage if there were any! (a buddy of mine that drove for the same outfit I did got shafted on this once when dispatch was screaming "for one of us to get loose ASAP for a State Police Call!" and he towed a truck in to the Freightliner dealer 2 miles from where he hooked up to it and the owner/operator was standing there watching him pull it in and claimed he heard the transmission clunking. (the service writer even testified in court that the reason it was being towed in the first place was that it had "quit pulling", but the judge ruled against us because Charles "did not take all possible precautions to prevent any farther damages" when he towed it! * So the owner basically screwed our insurance into buying his new transmission!)
FWIW
  BK 

[Chopper Scott]

Learn something new every day!

[JohnEd]

We would generally pull the right axle, as that is the drive axle in a single axle setup.  On a tandem we would do both rears and the right front.  We had covers we used to cover the hole.  If not, a rag was used in a pinch.  Talk about a mess!!
As mentioned, lubrication is the reason for pulling an axle.  What you could do, but not in this particular case, would be to leave the engine running and put it in neutral. If it were a Road Ranger or such, you would put it in high range, in neutral.

WHAT?  Tow a vehicle with the engine running?  OMG that's insanity. LOL  (inside joke OPUS, I pull my toad with the engine running and all 4 down.)

John