Forum Discussion

wndrdg's avatar
wndrdg
Explorer
Apr 11, 2015

Diesel MH with Allison 6 sp Auto

Does anyone know if a 2008 Diesel pusher with a 6 sp Allison can be towed with the drive shaft connected? A friend has one that is broken down and they need to get it moved to a garage.

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Dave
  • In a word NO. And, any wrecker driver SHOULD know that.

    Can disconnect the drive shaft OR pull the axles and install block off plates to retain oil.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    NO! Only exception would be if the engine would idle while it was towed. I would removing the drive shaft as it's not that hard, once you get to it. I've had some axle shafts that were very hard to remove depending on the type of nuts and tapered spacers used to hold it in.
  • Quoting the manual. When calling a towing company for service, it is recommended to use a lowboy/landall type of trailer. If a tow truck is used it needs to have a support arm that goes under the motorhome and secures to the front axel. Inform the tow company of the axle weightst and total weight of the motorhome.

    Do not tow from the rear with the wheels off the ground because it would put too much weight on the front axel.
  • Short answer...NO...also, make sure the tow driver disconnects the drive shaft. As stated here, any professional will know to do this. Hopefully the tow truck is large enough to do the job. Don't ask how I know...All is good now.
  • In so many words ONLY transmissions with a REAR as well as a front pump can be towed without disabling a driveline hookup.
  • I Don't believe this is a one method fits all. Some M/H chassis are nothing but box truck chassis, others are fire truck chassis, and some are manufactured as M/Hs.

    Ours is basically a fire truck chassis, we can be towed by the front, as long as the tow truck has control arms supporting the stopping / braking. but the rear wheel brakes must be disabled or air supplied by the tow truck. or the diesel running.