operators_manual

What are the Best Practices for
Recovery Rigging?
Use these guidelines when recovering a
vehicle with rigging and hitches.
CAUTION
Recovery pull maximums assume the tow
rigging evenly distributes the load between
both recovery hitches. See examples in Re-
covery Rigging for details. Serious damage
to the vehicle may occur if rigging is not
connected properly.
CAUTION
When recovering ditched or bogged vehi-
cles, stay well below Maximum Capacities.
Even at loads below maximum, the physical
strain of recovering a vehicle could damage
axles, suspensions, fifth wheels, etc.
Use a double chain or cable setup that
distributes the load equally to both hitches.
See 1 or 2 in Recovery Rigging illustration.
Never loop a single chain or cable through
both hitches (3).
Use a spreader or equalizer bar to
distribute the load on both hitches (1).
If no spreader bar is available, connect the
main tow chain or cable no closer than 6 ft.
from the vehicle (2).
Returning to Service After
Recovering
Once the vehicle is recovered, the axles
need to have oil added to prevent gear
damage during operation.
1. Into the pinion cage, add 1 pint (.47
liter) of lubricant or into the interaxle
differential, add 2 pints (.94 liter) of
approved lubricant.
2. After adding the specified type and
amount of lubricant, drive the
vehicle. It should be unloaded. Drive
1 to 2 miles (1.5 to 3 km) at a speed
lower than 25 mph (40 km/h). This
will thoroughly circulate the lubricant
through the assembly.
3. If the parking brakes were manually
released, they will need to be
modified back to their normal
operating condition.
4. If the differential lock was manually
locked, then the caging bolt needs
to be put back in its storage location
and the differential lock air line
needs to be re-installed in its normal
position.
Add lubricant back to the axles after
recovering the vehicle and before putting it
back in to service.
EMERGENCY - How to Recover a Vehicle
Y53-6096-1A1 (01/17) 45
2