Towing a "Bus"

[Jamie Bradford]

Alright Guys ..... Who has had to have a bus towed??

Who do you call ? (Assuming the " road club" says " call your tow of choice")

- Do they know where to hook up the tow ?

Do you call " Billy Bobs Tow Service" ? I am in no immediate need but I would

like to have an idea before the opportunity presents itself.:eek:


Thanks..............

Jamie:cool:

[tdelorme]

Jamie, you go here and find a wrecker service close to where you are broken down. Call them and tell them you have a Prevost Bus and need a tow. Check your Prevost manual and see if they have instructions for towing and be sure the wrecker company follows those instructions. Hope you never need a tow but it's smart to plan ahead.
http://www.truckdown.com/?gclid=CMDK7uiloZkCFRdinAodIFpVpw

[Joe Cannarozzi]

DO NOT let anyone hook and pull it without both pulling the axles and airing up the suspension. If they refuse send them away.

[BrianE]

Jamie, This is a very gnarly subject. Joe and Ted are right on target. There are those who insist on only a flat trailer tow. This is probably the safest way however the trailer must be very low with a low loading angle or the front end will drag. There are VERY few trailers if any that can load with the bus facing forward due to longer overhang in rear. The guy doing the job really needs to know his stuff and unless there are two guys you will probably be recruited to steer the bus as it's towed backwards on to the trailer.

It is perfectly safe to tow the bus using an experienced tow company. One of the half shafts (axles) must be removed or the drive line disconnected in order to prevent the transmission from turning. This is the ONLY way it can be towed. A large truck wrecker has the capability to lift the front wheels for a tow. It can't be towed all wheels down.

The big problem is making your roadside insurance contact understand that towing a Prevost must be done by an expert. You must talk to the tow company possibly in a three-way conversation with the insurance contact and satisfy yourself he can do the job. I have had to send inexperienced towers away twice. Try and do your homework by calling Prevost Action service for a recommended tow co. and follow up by contacting the tow co. before contacting the insurance co. Local tour bus companies and Truckdown.com are also good resources.

Bottom line is know the procedure and if you're uncomfortable with the tow service when they arrive, don't let them touch your bus.

[QueenOfTheRoad]

If a tow counts, check out what happened to us last year: http://www.doreenorion.com/blog/2008/02/etow_me.html

[rfoster]

Jamie: Call the Truckster.

[Joe Cannarozzi]

Rodger is that how it works:D All previous owners provide:eek:

[Jon Wehrenberg]

After our fire we had our bus towed almost 200 miles to Prevost Jacksonville.

I was very specific when the trooper was calling for a wrecker. I told him how far the axle lift had to extend in order to reach the axle and still allow the tow truck to make turns. I sent the first guy away.

The guy that did tow the bus came equipped. He had ample reach and easily got under the front axle. Our suspension system was tight so it held alir. Even if the tow truck airs up the bus system your suspension WILL NOT air up and maintain pressure unless the key is on and the electrical system is fully funtional and the air bags are leak free. If you burst an air bag you better be thinking flat bed truck. If your driveline is locked up, you need to think flat bed truck. The only reason you need air is to hold the parking brake off and if the system will not retain air the parking brakes can be caged and just don't bother with air unless the suspension system is functional and you can keep it activated at ride height. There are reasons why there is emphasis on making sure air bags are in good shape.

If you are towed as Brian says only one axle needs to come out. Some tow trucks have caps to retain differential oil, but a piece of cardboard is adequate.

I would rather eat bees than have my bus put on a flat bed unless it is loaded properly. If the approach angles for loading are too steep your bus will be damaged. Kiss goodbye to the trim beneath the front bumper and possibly anything hanging down beneath the level of the bay door bottoms. Raising the front to its maximum, while lowering the rear helps, but you have to be aware of dragging the rear when you do that. The bus may have to be progressively blocked up to maintain clearances while it is pulled onto the trailer. It is a given that the person loading the bus gets paid the same amount of money if he bends your sheet metal or not.

It is a law of nature that says when your bus needs to be towed or put on a trailer that you be far from home and you will be at the mercy of stangers. The thousands I spend prematurely replacing air bags, brake chambers and doing preventive maintenance is the best and only defense against the potential of watching your bus get damaged further.

[merle&louise]

I am re-doing my insurance and one of the quotes pays $75 towing. I know that this is too low, but how much coverage should I have? $1,000?

Jon, what were the towing charges when your bus was towed after the fire?

[Jon Wehrenberg]

$1000 from the southern SC line on I-95 to Prevost Jacksonville. Insurance paid it.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Tuga, my policy states I can get any tow I choose, and to pay pay the invoice directly to the tow company. Then upon sending a paid receipt to the insurance company I will be reimbursed 100% no questions.

I have Motor Sport Advantage Ins., through explorer agency.

[Jeff Bayley]

Posting this here after a search on "towing" instead of making a fresh thread.

I am getting ready to have my Angola towed to get a replacment engine in it finally but it's been sitting for almost three years in two different locations. About 1 year at the last location. I'm worried about flat spots on the tires which are 3 years old on the front and tag axles but 1997 date on the drive axle (4 tires of course there). I was going to flat bed it but after reading through this thread it appears safer to have it lifted by the rear which would leave the one front axle down. That one has new enough tires but still concerned about flat spots and it going bumbety bump. Distance is about 250 miles from Savanah Georgia to Lake City Florida where I found the shop to do it.

Thoughts ? Should I be worried enough about the flat spots or not ? Besides the apparent extra danger in damaging the coach from the flat bed, it appears the cost is going to be astronimical with the needed permits and escorts for the flat bed from what I'm being told.

[JIM KELLER]

Jeff, Don't let anyone tow your Bus from the rear leaving the front axle only on the ground. That would extremely exceed the GVWR of your front axle ! In fact, I don't think it would be possible. For the distance you are talking about it should be moved on a Transport Trailer.

[tdelorme]

I can't even imagine an experenced tow truck driver lifting the bus at the rear for any reason. If a tow truck shows up and wants to lift the bus from the rear, send him on his way ASAP.
I recently had our old coach towed 150 miles. The tow guy was a pro and we had no damage or problems as a result of the tow. No permits or anything else required. The cost for 150 miles was $1460.00 which included $500.00 for the hookup. I got a check from Explorer four days after I faxed them the bill.
A 250 mile tow is no big deal to a company that knows what they are doing. Finding that company is the hard part. I would start here:
http://truckdown.com

[Jeff Bayley]

Jim- Thank you for confirming that. Since the first post, I talked with a fellow bus owner that said the same thing emphatically on the weight on the front axle and that being an absolute NO. What he said was that the towing company he picked out for me tows buses all the time and was who Prevost Jacksonville used. They say they recommend picking it up from the front just a few inches off the ground, not way up where the rear end would drag. That they stop every 30 miles or so to check that the tires are not overheating. I was of the notion that it should be on a special low boy but John's comments on it getting damaged from high center during loading (I think I paraphrased the thrust of his posting correct)........is what now has me thinking I should let them tow it the required 250 miles from the front. Also, it is going to be close to $4k I'm being told for the permit and the escorts, etc, etc. Sound high. Supposed to be around $1,300 for the regular tow. I wouldn't let the price difference alone make up my mind at the chance of damaging the coach everyone doesn't seem to be in agreement on the flat bed vs. the pick up tow.

[Orren Zook]

Jeff,

I've had a bus towed twice, once from Fancy Gap VA to Roanoke VA (about 95 miles) and from Nunda NY to Rochester NY (about 50 miles). I use Camping World's Road Care and didn't have to pay any tow charge. You may not be able to get a 'free' tow anywhere but the towing company will take your coach to a qualified repair facility instead of the nearest one. Maybe this stipulation will get you a free or reduced rate for the extra miles to the garage that's repairing your coach.

[Jeff Bayley]

Orren- You know I completley forgot about all my towing stuff. I have Good Sams towing and AAA towing for RV and possibly it might also be on Passport America or another club I'm forgetting about. I have never joined FMCA yet. Is there any compelling reason I should go ahead and get that ?

Also, the bus is at towing company right now (the company that towed it there away from Detroit Diesel after I decided not to use them) and has been in impound racking up storage. I don't know if I can have it picked up from there. I know I could have that towing company pull it out and drop it roadside somewhere or maybe in a shopping center for a day and get it picked up from there perhaps. I'm THINK it would be an issue if it's at a towing facility already. Comments ?

[Orren Zook]

Jeff, I don't see why you couldn't have it picked up at the storage yard, all they've ever asked me was if I was off the road in a safe location. When I had my coach towed to Roanoke, Road Care was going to have it towed to a shop in Max Meadows VA maybe 30 miles away. The tow truck driver asked it I was familiar with that facility and told me to drive up and take a look while he pulled the axles and readied the coach for towing. Anyway I drove up to look the place over - and did find that garage was poorly suited for my repair and I called Road Care back and told them so and that I was going to have the bus towed to a more capable shop in Roanoke. They agreed and paid the 90 or so mile tow to West Branch DD there. I would think you could settle with the yard on the storage and get it towed from there if it was accessible to the wrecker. A man of your verbal skills should be able to negotiate something with your AAA or Good Sam wrecker/tow service operator.

[Jeff Bayley]

I about to finally call Good Sams for the towing. I have them and AAA. I don't have insurance on that bus at present so my insurance towing is N/A. I recall and I think it's been stated here that Good Sams will tow it to the "closest qualified repair shop". My bus is in Savana GA. Prevost Jacksonville is closer than Lakeland where the shop is I want to go to. I'm don't want to much up the call to Good Sams so want to get my statement straight from the get go. I had a problem once before so I guess that's why I want to get it right this time. Now, I'm not with the coach, it's just in storage at a tow yard. Any final words of advise on what to say A) about not being with the coach ? Is this an issue and B) passing other facilities to go to the shop of my choosing ?

I probabley just need to "got for it" and call them but one last call for how to lay it out for Good Sams if anyone had the tip.

[travelite]

I was very specific when the trooper was calling for a wrecker. I told him how far the axle lift had to extend in order to reach the axle and still allow the tow truck to make turns. I sent the first guy away.

Hi Jon,

Can you share with us the lift extension measurements that you relayed to the towing company? I'm not a Prevost owner yet. I own a 2002 Blue Bird Wanderlodge LXi. My coach has a greater overhang at the front than your Prevost. An explanation of how you derived the extension requirements would be very helpful.

thanks,
David Brady
'02 Blue Bird Wanderlodge LXi

[MangoMike]

David,

Let me be the first to welcome you to POG.

Only Tuga will beat you up about not owning a Prevost, the rest of us will greet you and your checkbook with open arms.

Mike

[Jon Wehrenberg]

David, welcome to the asylum.

I had no specific dimension in mind, but I did make it clear the extension on the lift that was to reach under the axle had to be sufficient.

There are two problems. Unlike a truck that has minimal front overhang we have a lot because the door and entire dash is in front of the wheels. So the wrecker not only has to reach that far, it has to reach an additional 2 feet to get under the axle, plus it has to have sufficient clearance to be able to make turns with the bus on the two bar. If an insufficient amount of space between the front of the coach and the rear of the wrecker exists you are at risk of having the corners of the bus dented.

That brings up a second problem. The wrecker not only needs to have sufficient reach under the bus, it has to have a loooonnnggg wheelbase so the weight of the bus cantilevered 10 or 12 feet behind the rear of the wrecker doesn't lift the front of the wrecker off the ground. The wreckers have more than adequate lifting ability, but they may end up with the bus remaining on the ground while the front of the wrecker comes off the ground. I just had the trooper ask for a wrecker that was big enough and long enough to lift and tow a commercial bus. Since that was my request and it was made by the trooper on my behalf the tow truck driver went away without complaint when I told him he did not have the reach, clearance for turns or sufficient front end weight for the job.

Jim Keller is our resident tow truck guru. He may be able to express what to ask for in trade lingo so there is not any doubt about what is required.

[travelite]

Thanks Jon, and thanks everyone for the warm welcome.

David Brady
'02 BlueBird Wanderlodge LXi,
NC

[Jeff Bayley]

Does anyone know if you can turn the towing receipt into Good Sam's for reimbursement ? I called today to ask that question and the stock reply I got from them was that "You call us and then we dispatch a truck". My membership had lapsed, I renewed it, but I have to wait 24 hours before using them anyway now. Instead of screwing around anymore, I've got the company (competent / experienced company I feel called GT towing) all set up to get the bus in tommorow (Saturday) morning and I'm just going to get it done and see what I can get back from AAA and / or Good Sams. AAA only pays for the first 100 miles so they'll do the math and pay their portion of the bill if I remit the receipt. I'll have to call Good Sam's again but has anyone ever turned the receipt into them ? Do they roll the same way to reimburse or must you give them a chance first to find a truck ?

Maybe someone knows this answer. I wouldn't be splitting hairs over it but the tow is about $1,300 plus I've accrued $11,000 in storage over the whole deal (I know, idiot) so I'm trying to stop the blood letting and go ahead and get it gone from there and recover what I can on AAA and Good Sam's. Does anyone know if you can turn the towing receipt into Good Sam's for reimbursement ? I called today to ask that question and the stock reply I got from them was that "You call us and then we dispatch a truck". My membership had lapsed, I renewed it, but I have to wait 24 hours before using them anyway now. Instead of screwing around anymore, I've got the company (competent / experienced company I feel called GT towing) all set up to get the bus in tommorow (Saturday) morning and I'm just going to get it done and see what I can get back from AAA and / or Good Sams. AAA only pays for the first 100 miles so they'll do the math and pay their portion of the bill if I remit the receipt. I'll have to call Good Sam's again but has anyone ever turned the receipt into them ? Do they roll the same way to reimburse or must you give them a chance first to find a truck ?

Maybe someone knows this answer. I wouldn't be splitting hairs over it but the tow is about $1,300 plus I've accrued $11,000 in storage over the whole deal (Idoit here) so I'm trying to stop the blood letting and go ahead and get it gone from there and recover what I can on AAA and Good Sam's. I was so busy with work making sales I never made time to address the issue but now, with the economy and lack of sales, I've got plenty of the time to deal with it and the replaacment engine. Just in time to depleat the bank account. When it rains it pours.

[rahangman]

When/if you talk with Good Sams ask for a Supervisor and explain the intricacies of why you want them. Get the Supervisor to authorize the move and ask that they make the notation on call record. We have had this approximate situation twice (once for dead chassis batteries on bus and once on having wifes BMW towed account of blown radiator). They will NOT pay if you do not do this dance. I received letters both times, wrote a reply explaining exactly what happened and they reconsidered and paid. Not a quick experience but they did pay....then a couple months later I got notified that they understand that problems occur ,etc....see where this is going? I was told they would not renew my ERS at the end of the time it was paid for, but luckily I had just extended 2 years membership on ERS, so...soon I will be looking for a new (and better) Emergency Road Service.