George Posted November 27, 2020 Share Posted November 27, 2020 I recently had to tow a loaded sanitation truck . Question is can you tow Over weight trucks with all wheels on ground . My truck is a 35 ton and wheel lift handled it OK . Problem was I was over weight by my scales . Had good weight steers . Just wondered if there is an acceptable option to flat tow using the wheel lift . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRUMPS The Towman Posted November 28, 2020 Share Posted November 28, 2020 Flat towing with the wheel lift in my opinion is a non-starter. It is not designed for it and its dangerous. Some guys will argue and say they do it all the time, Just go slow and make wide turns, have the driver steer the casualty, blah blah blah.. Bottom line is, your banking on the slim chances that the truck will follow you properly, Not turn the steer axle all over one way or another and that the cresting and waving of the road as you travel doesnt put any excess downward pressures on your rigging, wheel lift, etc... If you cant pick it safely and keep a little weight on your nose then like they said in the movie Jaws,.. "Your gonna need a bigger boat ". I would much rather turn down the job than tear up my truck and gear or worse, Kill somebody.. 1 Quote PROFESSIONAL TOWING & RECOVERY IS NOT JUST A JOB.. IT IS A LIFESTYLE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted December 9, 2020 Author Share Posted December 9, 2020 Can the tow eyes in front of frame be used . It would appear if your in front of the steer tires it should track . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRUMPS The Towman Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 I suppose in theory, that would work in a low speed, short distance situation. Although I have never tried that so I dont really have a viable comment. I personally am not a big fan of most of those tow eyes so I would probably never try it. If thats the only thing really securing me to a fully loaded casualty, I dont think I would be very comfortable doing it. Quote PROFESSIONAL TOWING & RECOVERY IS NOT JUST A JOB.. IT IS A LIFESTYLE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animosus Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 You don't need anyone to steer it, it will track behind you. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Njsss Posted December 12, 2020 Share Posted December 12, 2020 (edited) Animosus is 100% correct. Same principle applies when push trucking & tow bar towing(example: behind a RV). Spreed & distance is not a issue Edited December 12, 2020 by Njsss 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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