3.
Cover the ends of the hubs with metal plates or
plywood cut to fit the axle opening, and drilled to
fit the axle shaft studs. This prevents lubricant
from leaking out, and will keep contaminants
from getting into and damaging the wheel bear-
ings and axle lubricant.
CAUTION
Failure to protect the frame rails from the chains
could cause damage, leading to eventual frame
failure.
4.
On dual drive axles, if the vehicle is to be lifted
and towed, chain the forward rear-axle assembly
to the vehicle frame. Use protection to keep the
chains from damaging the frame.
5.
Remove the bumper extension and chrome
bumper, if so equipped. Remove the bumper fair-
ing, if so equipped.
6.
On vehicles equipped with an air fairing, adjust
the trim tab to the lowest position.
CAUTION
Do not pass a sling (for example, a rope or chain)
from one tow hook to another to fasten for tow-
ing (see
Fig. 13.2
). Known as reeving, this prac-
tice is
not
permissible in most industrial applica-
tions of towing and hoisting. Reeving can
overload the hooks and result in damage to the
vehicle.
7.
Attach the towing device. Due to the many vari-
ables that exist in towing, positioning the lifting
and towing device is the sole responsibility of the
towing-vehicle operator.
8.
On vehicles equipped with an air fairing, mea-
sure the distance from the ground to the bumper,
or from the ground to a frame bracket.
9.
Lift the vehicle, and secure the safety chains. If
extra towing clearance is needed, remove the
front wheels.
WARNING
Failure to lower the vehicle could result in the air
fairing striking an overhead obstruction, such as
a bridge or overpass, and causing vehicle dam-
age or personal injury.
10. On vehicles equipped with an air fairing, repeat
the measurement taken in step 8. The difference
between the two measurements must not exceed
14 inches (36 cm). If necessary, lower the ve-
hicle.
11. Connect the clearance lights, taillights, and sig-
nal lights. Connect any special towing lights re-
quired by local regulations.
WARNING
Failure to chock the tires or connect the tow
truck’s air brake system before releasing the
spring parking brakes could allow the disabled
vehicle to suddenly roll. This could cause prop-
erty damage or personal injury.
12. Chock the disabled vehicle’s tires, and connect
the towing vehicle’s air brake system to the ve-
hicle being towed. Then, release the spring park-
ing brakes and remove the chocks.
Rear Towing Hookup
CAUTION
Using a rear towing hookup on a vehicle
equipped with a cab-mounted aerodynamic de-
vice could cause damage to the cab structure
because of the possibility of excessive wind
force.
1.
Place the front tires straight forward, and secure
the steering wheel in this position.
2.
Disconnect the battery ground cables.
CAUTION
Failure to protect the frame rails from the chains
could cause damage, leading to eventual frame
failure.
3.
On dual drive axles, using protection to keep the
chains from damaging the vehicle frame, chain
the forward-rear drive axle to the frame.
4.
Attach the towing device. Due to the many vari-
ables that exist in towing, positioning the lifting
and towing device is the sole responsibility of the
towing-vehicle operator.
In an Emergency
13.2
