Community Forums

Tskadberg · 01-18-2022, 02:29 PM

We have a 37 foot gasser on a 22,000 chassis. F53 2020. If I need to be towed what kind of equipment should I demand and any other precautions I should look for?

dizcom · 01-18-2022, 02:32 PM

Whatever your manual says. Each coach is different and the same chassis can have different towing requirements in different builds. Your manual should say what the recommended procedure is for yours.

deckape · 01-18-2022, 03:18 PM

First year into this RV life ,we broke a engine belt outside of Cinn, Ohio in Kentucrty. We have a Winnebago 34T Forza. Called road ins, and wait for wrecker. Shows up and it looks like it will tow anything on the road. He put the arm under the front and locked on to the tires , like a repo wrecker, And lifted coach , rear bumper / tow hitch is 3 " from ground. After adjustments the front bumper is REAL close to the arm. Said it's "OK ". After bouncing down the interstate to the Freightliner dealer, the bumper fiberglass got cracked and chipped as it bounced on the bar . Had taken pic"s before tow and after and Figured I was good. Signed for tow .. ( NOTE TIME AND DATE ) My Insurance paid for repair. Guess they went after tow comp. Now , after the accident in Iowa , I requested a Flat Bed Trailer to tow me 130 miles back to Forrest City for front end cap repairs. Tow shows and was concern about height as he was 3' and I at 13' . Since it was open Iowa there were no overhead worries. Dumped me off a Winnebago's parking lot. That's what you need to tow one of these Class A's. Height will be the problem if going under something on a 3' trailer.

GypsyR · 01-18-2022, 09:03 PM

Nasty.
I knew I have a long rear overhang on mine and that it would be an issue for towing. So while I waited for the truck to come I took off my bikes, the bicycle carrier, and then unbolted the receiver hitch from the frame. Plus I unbolted and secured the rear driveshaft. I carry tools enough and a pair of coveralls so it was really no big deal to me. The tow driver was quite pleased to learn that I had gotten ready for him this way and discounted the price of my tow.
Before he selected a truck to come get me he had me send pictures of the coach and up under the front suspension area to be sure of what I had.

Mile Marker 42 · 01-18-2022, 09:17 PM

Demand a low boy.

Tskadberg · 01-19-2022, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizcom

Whatever your manual says. Each coach is different and the same chassis can have different towing requirements in different builds. Your manual should say what the recommended procedure is for yours.

Manual what is that? All I got was a bag full of all the components manuals. Coachmen Mirada 35ES 2021z

mack73 · 01-19-2022, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tskadberg

Manual what is that? All I got was a bag full of all the components manuals. Coachmen Mirada 35ES 2021z

https://www.ford.com/support/vehicle...owner-manuals/

Tskadberg · 01-19-2022, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mack73

https://www.ford.com/support/vehicle...owner-manuals/

“We produce a towing manual for all authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.”

Sweetbriar · 01-21-2022, 07:39 AM

My one tow was a short trip locally from where I had gone to fill up the gas tank to the driveway. The tow operator picked the front end up at the forward leaf spring mounts. No damage or problems but the lowest edge of the house of my 2006 model seems to be a lot higher above the ground than what has come off the assembly line over the years.

And don't forget or let the tow operator forget, once the drive shaft is disconnected you might not have an E-Brake to hold the coach in place anymore depending on the model year of the F53.

Bylandorsea · 01-21-2022, 07:53 AM

You have asked a great question and gotten some good and helpful answers

wolfe10 · 01-21-2022, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bylandorsea

You have asked a great question and gotten some good and helpful answers

Agreed.

But (OK, large BUT) I would back up a step and only consider a tow if all else fails.

Being towed, IMO is a last resort.

Broken belt-- replace it yourself or have a mobile tech do that.

In a quarter million miles in diesel pushers, have I ever been on the side of the road-- YUP. But have never been towed.

Tskadberg · 01-21-2022, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfe10

Agreed.

But (OK, large BUT) I would back up a step and only consider a tow if all else fails.

Being towed, IMO is a last resort.

Broken belt-- replace it yourself or have a mobile tech do that.

In a quarter million miles in diesel pushers, have I ever been on the side of the road-- YUP. But have never been towed.

Agreed. I was already of that thinking.

Tskadberg · 01-21-2022, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

My one tow was a short trip locally from where I had gone to fill up the gas tank to the driveway. The tow operator picked the front end up at the forward leaf spring mounts. No damage or problems but the lowest edge of the house of my 2006 model seems to be a lot higher above the ground than what has come off the assembly line over the years.

And don't forget or let the tow operator forget, once the drive shaft is disconnected you might not have an E-Brake to hold the coach in place anymore depending on the model year of the F53.

Wow he backed into your driveway!