operators_manual

6. Ensure that the tow pin and lock
clip are installed before using the
hitch.
7. Remove the hitches and store all
parts after recovering the vehicle.
How to Prepare the Axles for
Towing
If the vehicle is going to be towed from the
front axle and using the rear axle for
support, then the axle shafts should be
prepared [removed] so that minimal
damage is made to the differential during
the towing process.
Ensure that the recovered vehicle does not
have an open air line. An open air line on
the recovered vehicle will cause a leak in
the air system of the recovery vehicle if
both vehicles’ brake systems are
connected. This could cause a loss of
system air, which can cause the service
brakes not to function, resulting in the
sudden application of the spring brakes
causing wheel lock-up, loss of control, or
overtake by following vehicles.
WARNING
An open air line on the recovered vehi-
cle will cause a leak in the air system
of the recovery vehicle if both vehicles’
brake systems are connected. This
could cause a loss of system air, which
can cause the service brakes not to
function, resulting in the sudden appli-
cation of the spring brakes causing
wheel lock-up, loss of control, or over-
take by following vehicles. You could
be in an accident involving death or
personal injury. Ensure that any air line
that has been removed from a driver-
controlled main differential lock is firm-
ly capped to prevent loss of air pres-
sure from the recovery vehicle if it is
supplying air pressure.
1. Lift driving wheels off the ground or
remove the driveline and axle
shafts before towing the vehicle.
CAUTION
Failure to lift the driving wheels off the
ground or remove the driveline and
axle shafts before towing the vehicle
could seriously damage your vehicle.
All lubricating and clutch application oil
pressure is provided by an engine-
driven pump, which does not work
when the engine is stopped. When ve-
hicles are towed either by wrecker or
piggyback, lubricant in the top front of
the drive axle will drain to the rear.
This will leave the top components dry,
resulting in friction that will seriously
damage these components.
2. If the vehicle has driver controlled
differential lock, then manually lock
the differential.
3. Remove drive axle shafts.
4. Cover the open ends of the hubs to
prevent dirt and debris from
entering the axle.
CAUTION
Water, dirt and other material can en-
ter an open hub or axle. This can con-
taminate the axle fluid and cause pos-
sible damage to components. Ensure
that the hubs are covered with plastic
whenever a drive axle shaft is re-
moved.
EMERGENCY - How to Recover a Vehicle
Y53-6047-2HEN (03/18) 53
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