Wrecker towing & driveshaft disconnect

Thanks everyone. I contacted GS and they took my info. When the GS guy called me back, the first thing he asked was if I saw the guy go under my RV and disconnect the drive shaft. I said no. The GS guy said that he should have. Once my mechanic finishes replacing the fuel pump, the towing company is going to move it to their garage. They said they'd take a look a look at it, and "implied" that they'd take care of it. My biggest concern is that they may do a half-hearted rebuild to get me out of their hair, then the tranny fails a year or two down the road.

GS and tow operator owe you a tranny. GS was supposed to send someone qualified to tow it and truck operator was not. Both at fault in my opinion.

The few times I've seen a coach towed out of a campground, the operator lifted the front, got it secured safely as for travel, THEN went to the differential and disconnected the driveshaft.

Just had ours towed. Driveshaft was disconnected.

I did HD towing for 27 yrs. Would have pulled drive shaft, or towed it backwards, if I could have. P.S.They smoked your Tranny!!!!

I looked in my 2002 Ford E-Series Owner Manual. I expected to see

Recreational (four down) towing 35mph for up to 50 miles

Disabled Towing (transmission functional)

Disabled Transmission (failed transmission)

ONLY the first one was mentioned. No discussion of Wrecker Towing except how to lift it. That surprised me.

Manual says Ford publishes a guide for tow truck operators. I searched for that, it was not easy to find, but when I found it, all it said was the same 35mph/50miles

So I agree with...

the 35/50 stated by others

AND

It was Towed in PARK

To which I add: Too much at stake here. If there's the slightest hint of resistance to replacing that transmission with a Ford Reman, flushing the coolers, etc etc. GET an Attorney. I have this nightmare vision of finger pointing, He Said/She Said.

sounds like they left it in park to tow it. I dont know too many wrecker drivers that wouldnt have removed the driveshaft or perhaps the axels...

"Usually" the drive shaft needs to be disconnected as the pump is driven from the front input. I'm not an expert on your particular transmission but I'm thinking the tow company may be footing the bill for your replacement.

My F53 manual says that if you have to be towed, you do not need to remove the drive shaft IF you stay under 35 mph and for less than 50 miles. Otherwise the drive shaft must be removed to prevent transmission damage. I would not trust either the tow company to stay under 35, not would I trust the Ford statement.

Did they put it in neutral, or leave it in park?