getting a bus towed tips please

Tedsoldbus · March 20, 2021, 05:25:54 PM

I have a 35 foot shorty Prevost. 6V92 engine is mounted straight (not sideways) if that matters, Hooked to an HT 740 four speed Allison. Everything is tuned up, full of fuel and in about a week we take our first big trip with it. Georgia to New Jersey for a week, and then back. If the unhappy breakdown on the interstate should happen, I have heard "disconnect drive shaft" and other things to be aware of. I know to call only a big truck that knows how to tow a bus, but worry about the guy who says something like " Yep...I can tow anything".
So: Based on engine and trani I described above: Any tips, checklist, just make sure they don't, just make sure they do, etc from those who know would be appreciated. Any bad experiences may also hold value.

bobofthenorth · March 20, 2021, 06:05:03 PM

You don't need to disconnect the driveshaft. You just have to pull the axles but if your tow truck driver doesn't know that then you've got the wrong guy. Once the axles are out a good driver will have cover plates to put over the hubs to keep them from slobbering oil. Not all of them will have the plates and what they have may not fit your bus. A heavy paper plate makes an adequate cover in an emergency, which, by definition, is where you'll be by that time. Getting the axles out can be an adventure but once again this is a time where, if your driver doesn't know how to take them out then you've got the wrong guy.

Your biggest problem will be that you won't know who to call. My advice is to figure out where you're going before you figure out how you're going to get there. Once you know where you're going the shop can tell you who to call. If they can't then you may want to re-assess whether they are in fact the right place to be going to.

lvmci · March 20, 2021, 06:17:58 PM

Call a tow company that has a Landoll trailer, then you'll only move it 35 ft...

Tedsoldbus · March 21, 2021, 04:32:16 AM

Thanks guys. I try not to be a worry ahead of time person, but I fear the badge heavy Trooper who says it has to get towed NOW. Friend with a 4106 had his bus pretty well torn up getting towed "as is" with no prep due to Nazi State Trooper. We are going I-75 to 81 up the Shenandoah to I 80 east to family in Jersey. I'm retired now. Perhaps time to look at off interstate routes???

chessie4905 · March 21, 2021, 04:35:40 AM

Maybe purchasing Coachnet would be a good idea.

luvrbus · March 21, 2021, 04:50:17 AM

Quote from: chessie4905 on March 21, 2021, 04:35:40 AM
Maybe purchasing Coachnet would be a good idea.

Yep towing is exspensive it is on the average of $10.00 + per mile now

chessie4905 · March 21, 2021, 05:16:14 AM

Wow, some people are up early. Usually don't see any new posts till about noon here.

luvrbus · March 21, 2021, 05:32:59 AM

LOL 60 year old habits are hard to break John

buswarrior · March 21, 2021, 05:33:26 AM

on pulling axleS...

Don't let anyone tell you pulling one is enough. Proper tow, both sides get removed.

You are being towed because it is broken. What's broken? You don't know.

Both axles pulled, and nothing upstream moves, with only one, there can still be motion, depending what's broken.

Don't let some lazy goof cost you money over 10 nuts and a swing of the sledge.

Coffee cups also will fit in the hole, if there's no cover plates.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

luvrbus · March 21, 2021, 05:41:33 AM

Always ask for a trailer,wheel lift or a axle lift don't let a towing co hook it with chains ,a wheel lift is most damage free way of towing a bus

lostagain · March 21, 2021, 07:12:15 AM

Get Coachnet. They will know who to call. Tell them you want nothing but a landall trailer. And you will not need it anyway right!

luvrbus · March 21, 2021, 07:21:17 AM

Quote from: lostagain on March 21, 2021, 07:12:15 AM
Get Coachnet. They will know who to call. Tell them you want nothing but a landall trailer. And you will not need it anyway right!

I get buses here that have more damage from a Landoill than the tire lift,I had a MCI come in on a Ladoill took us over 2 hours to get it off without damage and still lost a air bag on the tag

chessie4905 · March 21, 2021, 07:31:40 AM

he'll be ok with a 35 footer.

robertglines1 · March 21, 2021, 10:20:13 AM

I like wheel lift.. make sure they know it is a bus (prob in 40,000lb range) has air suspension and you need axles pulled. You been at this awhile with sticks & staples so you have a plan and prob insurance. A little different but basic same. You have it and you had it checked out.. Enjoy the ride!!

freds · March 21, 2021, 12:50:38 PM

I agree with the coach.net solution which I am currently subscribed to, if the web site won't accept your rig, call customer service direct (our 1980 Prevost's do not have a VIN it will accept).

My first year I went with AAA RV coverage only to find out they have no arrangements with people who can handle our buses, where after the fact you have to beg them to get reimbursed or wait a day or two as they hunt someone down who can actually tow your rig.