WARNING BB Towing

[Pete Masterson]

If the driveshaft is disconnected, then the transmission doesn't turn. No movement, no heat (retarder on or off).

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 26, 2009, at 10:05 AM, joedana0502 wrote:

I'm not sure if the retarder was on or not. The second tow company pulled the bus for 150 miles with no transmission heat at all. The only thing he did that the other one didn't was to disconnect the drive shaft. Will the transmission heat up with the drive shaft disconnected and the retarder on ?

Joe Blankenship
1990 WB40
Panama City Beach Fl




--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "jburgessx2" wrote:

Steve - That certainly sounds more plausible and would explain the excessive heat for such a short distance.

Jerry

85 PT40

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", Steve Pfiffner wrote:

I was wondering if somehow the retarder got turned on, three miles towed

fighting it would explain a lot of heat!

Steve

Wannabee

On 5/26/09, jburgessx2 wrote:

Two towing stories:

- I had a van stolen from my front yard a few years back. Some kids

decided to do some joyriding and then destroy the evidence by burning it

up. So, I had my van stolen and burned to the ground and the police found

it at 4:30 in the morning. They had it towed. I got a call from the police

in the morning with the report. I went to the towing company to find the

van completely burned to the ground with zero salvageable on it. The towing

company made me pay for the tow in the middle of the night and the storage

cost. My insurance didn't cover the cost (no steal then burn it up

insurance) so I had to foot the $250 bill - an insult to me. I wish I could

have found those kids.... and I had thought about taking retribution with

the towing company as well. One would think they wouldn't be liable when

someone comes to your property, steals your vehicle, burns it up and you

have to foot the entire bill - hardly seems fair...

- I had my Beaver (with Allison) towed twice without unhooking the drive

shaft with zero problems. Both drivers claimed there was no problem towing

an Allison for short distances at low speeds and they had done so on many

occasions. So, it seemed to work okay for me and the Beaver. I'm wondering

if there was some other issue involved with your Allison because I do

believe they get towed daily without disconnecting the drive shaft since

most drivers do it.

Jerry

85 PT40

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "joedana0502"

wrote:

The cost seem very high to me also. As they explained it to me. It took

them 4 days just to get the transmission out. It had been in there for 17

years. They had to totally remove the bedroom. The bed, water tank, water

heater had to come out to get to a plate under the bed. The inside of the

transmission ran around $10,000 and the core was another $5,000 thats the

main ports and then labor.

This towing company has been in business for 15 years. The owner said he

tows this way all the time without any problems. This is why I was having so

much trouble getting him to pay (four weeks). Have you every tried to

collect from a tow company it's not something you want to do.

Joe Blankenship

1990 WB40

Panama City Beach Fl

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "bubblerboy64" wrote:

I'd be interested in knowing if the tow truck operator lost his job

over that one. Now you would think if this is UNIVERSAL to Alison

transmissions the fellow would know that. Mighty expensive mistake. On the

other hand. How in the world do you get $25,000 in a transmission. I know

stuff is expensive but that seems rather much. I would think $10,000 would

be more then enough. Perhaps some one can explain if there is explaining to

do. I too would be looking for personal expenses but know that it's likely

not going to happen.

John Heckman

1987 PT 36

Shippensburg Pa

I feel your pain. A couple of years ago the starter in my 94 went

flaky and

I was on a car ferry. Worried that I might not get the rig started I

called

Allison in Coburg Or and they said a wrecker could tow me very slowly

off

the ferry but no more than a couple of hundred feet. Given the risk I

am

glad I got it running and didn't need the tow. There was no way the

ferry

was going to wait while a wrecker did the disconnect. I hope you go

after

the towing company for all your out of pocket expenses.

2009/5/26 joedana0502

I have a 1990 WB40 that needed to be towed. The towing company

convinced me

that they didn't need to disconnect the drive line if we were going

a short

distance and if we left the engine idling. Well after 3 miles the

transmission was smoking like it was on fire. I then had another

towing

company tow the bus 150 miles to an Allison transmission repair

shop. Not

only were all the part inside burned up the core was also damaged

to the

point it had to be replaced. Total cost for this repair was

$25.000. This

was two months ago and I am still waiting to get it back. After a

lot work

the towing company is paying for the transmission, but I am still

staying in

motels and eating out which I am having to pay for. We are full

timers. A

word to the wise Allison told me they make NO automatic

transmission that

can be towed ANY distance without disconnecting the drive shaft

from Pickups

to buses and 18 wheelers. I hope this will save somebody else a lot

of

problems and expense.

Joe Blankenship

1990 WB40

Panama,Fl

--

Rob, Sue and Joey Robinson

94 WLWB

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[bubblerboy64]

Having never attempted it, hoping never to have to, I think this is another
example of taking advantage of the third party paying. The tow company is no
doubt insured so it's not coming out a second parties pockets. I can't believe
that it would take 4 days to remove the transmission. I understand that the bed
would have to be removed and a ruff idea as to want would be needed to access
the transmission. Seems like a day would be plenty. (Easy for me to say
right?) And a day to do the mechanical stuff. I just have the feeling that
this bill is getting padded big time. But, that's my opinion based on little or
no knowledge but when has knowledge been needed to have and express an opinion.
There are several parties what are captive in this so there are no options other
then sucking it up and taking it. I feel badly for you as an owner and fellow
BB'd er.

John Heckman
1987 PT 36
Shippensburg Pa
>
> The cost seem very high to me also. As they explained it to me. It took them 4
days just to get the transmission out. It had been in there for 17 years. They
had to totally remove the bedroom. The bed, water tank, water heater had to come
out to get to a plate under the bed. The inside of the transmission ran around
$10,000 and the core was another $5,000 thats the main ports and then labor.
> This towing company has been in business for 15 years. The owner said he tows
this way all the time without any problems. This is why I was having so much
trouble getting him to pay (four weeks). Have you every tried to collect from a
tow company it's not something you want to do.
>
> Joe Blankenship
> 1990 WB40
> Panama City Beach Fl
>
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64" wrote:
> >
> > I'd be interested in knowing if the tow truck operator lost his job over
that one. Now you would think if this is UNIVERSAL to Alison transmissions the
fellow would know that. Mighty expensive mistake. On the other hand. How in
the world do you get $25,000 in a transmission. I know stuff is expensive but
that seems rather much. I would think $10,000 would be more then enough.
Perhaps some one can explain if there is explaining to do. I too would be
looking for personal expenses but know that it's likely not going to happen.
> >
> > John Heckman
> > 1987 PT 36
> > Shippensburg Pa
> > >
> > > I feel your pain. A couple of years ago the starter in my 94 went flaky
and
> > > I was on a car ferry. Worried that I might not get the rig started I
called
> > > Allison in Coburg Or and they said a wrecker could tow me very slowly off
> > > the ferry but no more than a couple of hundred feet. Given the risk I am
> > > glad I got it running and didn't need the tow. There was no way the ferry
> > > was going to wait while a wrecker did the disconnect. I hope you go after
> > > the towing company for all your out of pocket expenses.
> > >
> > > 2009/5/26 joedana0502
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I have a 1990 WB40 that needed to be towed. The towing company convinced
me
> > > > that they didn't need to disconnect the drive line if we were going a
short
> > > > distance and if we left the engine idling. Well after 3 miles the
> > > > transmission was smoking like it was on fire. I then had another towing
> > > > company tow the bus 150 miles to an Allison transmission repair shop.
Not
> > > > only were all the part inside burned up the core was also damaged to the
> > > > point it had to be replaced. Total cost for this repair was $25.000.
This
> > > > was two months ago and I am still waiting to get it back. After a lot
work
> > > > the towing company is paying for the transmission, but I am still
staying in
> > > > motels and eating out which I am having to pay for. We are full timers.
A
> > > > word to the wise Allison told me they make NO automatic transmission
that
> > > > can be towed ANY distance without disconnecting the drive shaft from
Pickups
> > > > to buses and 18 wheelers. I hope this will save somebody else a lot of
> > > > problems and expense.
> > > >
> > > > Joe Blankenship
> > > > 1990 WB40
> > > > Panama,Fl
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Rob, Sue and Joey Robinson
> > > 94 WLWB
> > >
> >
>

[patticake592000]

When calling for a wrecker, ask for a landall(a lowboy trailer).
No driveshaft disconnect problems at all, just watch for overpasses.
Remember, when the shaft is put back, it has to be in correct
alignment. One of our members fought a vibration problem for a long
time from that.
The landall towing is great for long distances. I was towed about
90 miles that way(talk about fuel savings!), and collected alot of
bugs on the back of the bus. What a conversation piece!

Steve Gureasko
90 WBWL401/2 Jus Chillin
Ponchatoula, La.

[Juergen]

---Regarding the towing thread. Once, my SP 36 refused to shift into any gear.
Its a ZF Tranny, and absolutely would not shift - period.
This was on the Natchez Parkway, 40 miles north of Jackson, Miss. The tow truck
guy came and the first thing he did was DISCONNECT THE DRIVE SHAFT. He asked me
to make sure we have air on the bus, lifted the front wheels onto his special
dolly and never exceeded 40 miles an hour. he towed for about 50 miles.
I checked my Book on all towing limitations and this guy was right up to snuff.
Thats the guy you need when you need a tow. And what a rig he had, WOW. The
book says, always disconnect the drive shaft unless you go only a maximum of 12
miles at a max speed of 8 mph. Thats it.
Juergen in PA
1991 WLSP 36

[Wayne Kotila]

There is a company called Arizona transmission with 2 locations in Arizona and they one of the larger companies that specializes in rebuilding Allison trannys. They charge around $1500 core charge and I think they would be more reasonable on the price of a rebuildt to. When things go wrong out on the road you sometimes end up at the mercy of the closest place that can help you and and your not in a good position to do alot of comparison shopping. Sorry you ended up going thru such a nightmare, by the way what was the problem that required you to be towed originally?

Wayne

1985 PT40

---

From: joedana0502
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 10:14:16 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: WARNING BB Towing

The cost seem very high to me also. As they explained it to me. It took them 4 days just to get the transmission out. It had been in there for 17 years. They had to totally remove the bedroom. The bed, water tank, water heater had to come out to get to a plate under the bed. The inside of the transmission ran around $10,000 and the core was another $5,000 thats the main ports and then labor.
This towing company has been in business for 15 years. The owner said he tows this way all the time without any problems. This is why I was having so much trouble getting him to pay (four weeks). Have you every tried to collect from a tow company it's not something you want to do.

Joe Blankenship
1990 WB40
Panama City Beach Fl

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "bubblerboy64"
wrote:
>
> I'd be interested in knowing if the tow truck operator lost his job over that one. Now you would think if this is UNIVERSAL to Alison transmissions the fellow would know that. Mighty expensive mistake. On the other hand. How in the world do you get $25,000 in a transmission. I know stuff is expensive but that seems rather much. I would think $10,000 would be more then enough. Perhaps some one can explain if there is explaining to do. I too would be looking for personal expenses but know that it's likely not going to happen.
>
> John Heckman
> 1987 PT 36
> Shippensburg Pa
> >
> > I feel your pain. A couple of years ago the starter in my 94 went flaky and
> > I was on a car ferry. Worried that I might not get the rig started I called
> > Allison in Coburg Or and they said a wrecker could tow me very slowly off
> > the ferry but no more than a couple of hundred
feet. Given the risk I am
> > glad I got it running and didn't need the tow. There was no way the ferry
> > was going to wait while a wrecker did the disconnect. I hope you go after
> > the towing company for all your out of pocket expenses.
> >
> > 2009/5/26 joedana0502
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > I have a 1990 WB40 that needed to be towed. The towing company convinced me
> > > that they didn't need to disconnect the drive line if we were going a short
> > > distance and if we left the engine idling. Well after 3 miles the
> > > transmission was smoking like it was on fire. I then had another towing
> > > company tow the bus 150 miles to an Allison transmission repair shop. Not
> > > only were all the part inside burned up the core was also damaged to the
> > > point it had
to be replaced. Total cost for this repair was $25.000. This
> > > was two months ago and I am still waiting to get it back. After a lot work
> > > the towing company is paying for the transmission, but I am still staying in
> > > motels and eating out which I am having to pay for. We are full timers. A
> > > word to the wise Allison told me they make NO automatic transmission that
> > > can be towed ANY distance without disconnecting the drive shaft from Pickups
> > > to buses and 18 wheelers. I hope this will save somebody else a lot of
> > > problems and expense.
> > >
> > > Joe Blankenship
> > > 1990 WB40
> > > Panama,Fl
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Rob, Sue and Joey Robinson
> > 94 WLWB
>
>
>

[Wayne Kotila]

I think you are rite, they did take advantage of someone stranded from out of state, I had the low pressure return hose for the power steering pump develop a slow leak years ago while out on a road trip and it was getting the toad very oily so Idecided to stop outside of Buffalo NY and let a repair shop fix it. It was a hydraulic hose about 6 foot loang and about 1 inch in diameter and fairly easy to get at, something you could have found at a farm supply store and with there off the shelf hose and the proper fitting adapters got by for under a $100 for the parts. After spending the day at Niagra falls we picked up the coach and they stuck me for $750.00, I shoud have drove home with the slow drip and fixed it myself.

Wayne

1985 PT40

---

From: bubblerboy64
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:52:15 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: WARNING BB Towing

Having never attempted it, hoping never to have to, I think this is another example of taking advantage of the third party paying. The tow company is no doubt insured so it's not coming out a second parties pockets. I can't believe that it would take 4 days to remove the transmission. I understand that the bed would have to be removed and a ruff idea as to want would be needed to access the transmission. Seems like a day would be plenty. (Easy for me to say right?) And a day to do the mechanical stuff. I just have the feeling that this bill is getting padded big time. But, that's my opinion based on little or no knowledge but when has knowledge been needed to have and express an opinion. There are several parties what are captive in this so there are no options other then sucking it up and taking it. I feel badly for you as an owner and fellow BB'd er.

John Heckman
1987 PT 36
Shippensburg Pa
>
> The cost seem very high to me
also. As they explained it to me. It took them 4 days just to get the transmission out. It had been in there for 17 years. They had to totally remove the bedroom. The bed, water tank, water heater had to come out to get to a plate under the bed. The inside of the transmission ran around $10,000 and the core was another $5,000 thats the main ports and then labor.
> This towing company has been in business for 15 years. The owner said he tows this way all the time without any problems. This is why I was having so much trouble getting him to pay (four weeks). Have you every tried to collect from a tow company it's not something you want to do.
>
> Joe Blankenship
> 1990 WB40
> Panama City Beach Fl
>
>
>
>
> --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com",
"bubblerboy64" wrote:
> >
> > I'd be interested in knowing if the tow truck operator lost his job over that one. Now you would think if this is UNIVERSAL to Alison transmissions the fellow would know that. Mighty expensive mistake. On the other hand. How in the world do you get $25,000 in a transmission. I know stuff is expensive but that seems rather much. I would think $10,000 would be more then enough. Perhaps some one can explain if there is explaining to do. I too would be looking for personal expenses but know that it's likely not going to happen.
> >
> > John Heckman
> > 1987 PT 36
> > Shippensburg Pa
> > >
> > > I feel your pain. A couple of years ago the starter in my 94 went flaky and
> > > I was on a car ferry. Worried that I might not get the rig started I called
> > > Allison in Coburg Or and they said a wrecker could tow
me very slowly off
> > > the ferry but no more than a couple of hundred feet. Given the risk I am
> > > glad I got it running and didn't need the tow. There was no way the ferry
> > > was going to wait while a wrecker did the disconnect. I hope you go after
> > > the towing company for all your out of pocket expenses.
> > >
> > > 2009/5/26 joedana0502
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I have a 1990 WB40 that needed to be towed. The towing company convinced me
> > > > that they didn't need to disconnect the drive line if we were going a short
> > > > distance and if we left the engine idling. Well after 3 miles the
> > > > transmission was smoking like it was on fire. I then had another towing
> > > > company tow the bus 150 miles to an Allison
transmission repair shop. Not
> > > > only were all the part inside burned up the core was also damaged to the
> > > > point it had to be replaced. Total cost for this repair was $25.000. This
> > > > was two months ago and I am still waiting to get it back. After a lot work
> > > > the towing company is paying for the transmission, but I am still staying in
> > > > motels and eating out which I am having to pay for. We are full timers. A
> > > > word to the wise Allison told me they make NO automatic transmission that
> > > > can be towed ANY distance without disconnecting the drive shaft from Pickups
> > > > to buses and 18 wheelers. I hope this will save somebody else a lot of
> > > > problems and expense.
> > > >
> > > > Joe Blankenship
> > > > 1990 WB40
> > >
> Panama,Fl
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Rob, Sue and Joey Robinson
> > > 94 WLWB
> > >
> >
>

[davidkerryedwards]

Something doesn't make sense in the account. I had my 82FC with an Allison
transmission towed about 30-50 miles without disconnecting anything and the
engine idling. Had no problems whatsoever. As long as the transmission fluid
is circulating and the cooling system functional, it doesn't seem as though the
transmission would know anything different was happening than coasting down an
incline with the engine idling. Did anyone at Allison give an explanation as to
why the problem occurred? The retarder getting turned on seems like the only
explanation what accounts for the transmission overheating.

Kerry
82 Fc 35
Denver

[Larry Dill]

Sea Ya
Larry
NYC
84 35FCSB
'Pura Vida'

---

From: Wayne Kotila
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:48:30 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: WARNING BB Towing

I think you are rite, they did take advantage of someone stranded from out of state, I had the low pressure return hose for the power steering pump develop a slow leak years ago while out on a road trip and it was getting the toad very oily so Idecided to stop outside of Buffalo NY and let a repair shop fix it. It was a hydraulic hose about 6 foot loang and about 1 inch in diameter and fairly easy to get at, something you could have found at a farm supply store and with there off the shelf hose and the proper fitting adapters got by for under a $100 for the parts. After spending the day at Niagra falls we picked up the coach and they stuck me for $750.00, I shoud have drove home with the slow drip and fixed it myself.

Wayne

1985 PT40

---

From: bubblerboy64
To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:52:15 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: WARNING BB Towing

Having never attempted it, hoping never to have to, I think this is another example of taking advantage of the third party paying. The tow company is no doubt insured so it's not coming out a second parties pockets. I can't believe that it would take 4 days to remove the transmission. I understand that the bed would have to be removed and a ruff idea as to want would be needed to access the transmission. Seems like a day would be plenty. (Easy for me to say right?) And a day to do the mechanical stuff. I just have the feeling that this bill is getting padded big time. But, that's my opinion based on little or no knowledge but when has knowledge been needed to have and express an opinion. There are several parties what are captive in this so there are no options other then sucking it up and taking it. I feel badly for you as an owner and fellow BB'd er.

John Heckman
1987 PT 36
Shippensburg Pa
>
> The cost seem very high to me
also. As they explained it to me. It took them 4 days just to get the transmission out. It had been in there for 17 years. They had to totally remove the bedroom. The bed, water tank, water heater had to come out to get to a plate under the bed. The inside of the transmission ran around $10,000 and the core was another $5,000 thats the main ports and then labor.
> This towing company has been in business for 15 years. The owner said he tows this way all the time without any problems. This is why I was having so much trouble getting him to pay (four weeks). Have you every tried to collect from a tow company it's not something you want to do.
>
> Joe Blankenship
> 1990 WB40
> Panama City Beach Fl
>
>
>
>
> --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com",
"bubblerboy64" wrote:
> >
> > I'd be interested in knowing if the tow truck operator lost his job over that one. Now you would think if this is UNIVERSAL to Alison transmissions the fellow would know that. Mighty expensive mistake. On the other hand. How in the world do you get $25,000 in a transmission. I know stuff is expensive but that seems rather much. I would think $10,000 would be more then enough. Perhaps some one can explain if there is explaining to do. I too would be looking for personal expenses but know that it's likely not going to happen.
> >
> > John Heckman
> > 1987 PT 36
> > Shippensburg Pa
> > >
> > > I feel your pain. A couple of years ago the starter in my 94 went flaky and
> > > I was on a car ferry. Worried that I might not get the rig started I called
> > > Allison in Coburg Or and they said a wrecker could tow
me very slowly off
> > > the ferry but no more than a couple of hundred feet. Given the risk I am
> > > glad I got it running and didn't need the tow. There was no way the ferry
> > > was going to wait while a wrecker did the disconnect. I hope you go after
> > > the towing company for all your out of pocket expenses.
> > >
> > > 2009/5/26 joedana0502
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I have a 1990 WB40 that needed to be towed. The towing company convinced me
> > > > that they didn't need to disconnect the drive line if we were going a short
> > > > distance and if we left the engine idling. Well after 3 miles the
> > > > transmission was smoking like it was on fire. I then had another towing
> > > > company tow the bus 150 miles to an Allison
transmission repair shop. Not
> > > > only were all the part inside burned up the core was also damaged to the
> > > > point it had to be replaced. Total cost for this repair was $25.000. This
> > > > was two months ago and I am still waiting to get it back. After a lot work
> > > > the towing company is paying for the transmission, but I am still staying in
> > > > motels and eating out which I am having to pay for. We are full timers. A
> > > > word to the wise Allison told me they make NO automatic transmission that
> > > > can be towed ANY distance without disconnecting the drive shaft from Pickups
> > > > to buses and 18 wheelers. I hope this will save somebody else a lot of
> > > > problems and expense.
> > > >
> > > > Joe Blankenship
> > > > 1990 WB40
> > >
> Panama,Fl
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Rob, Sue and Joey Robinson
> > > 94 WLWB
> > >
> >
>

[Hugh Turner]

I agree 4 days is a bit much considering the fact that Randy and Woody did a
complete engine Cat to Cummins and ZF to I another Allison (can't remember the
model in a week and that inclued making the bubble butt extension

http://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.com/forums/index.php




> Having never attempted it, hoping never to have to, I think this is another
example of taking advantage of the third party paying. The tow company is no
doubt insured so it's not coming out a second parties pockets. I can't believe
that it would take 4 days to remove the transmission. I understand that the bed
would have to be removed and a ruff idea as to want would be needed to access
the transmission. Seems like a day would be plenty. (Easy for me to say right?)
And a day to do the mechanical stuff. I just have the feeling that this bill is
getting padded big time. But, that's my opinion based on little or no knowledge
but when has knowledge been needed to have and express an opinion. There are
several parties what are captive in this so there are no options other then
sucking it up and taking it. I feel badly for you as an owner and fellow BB'd
er.
>
> John Heckman
> 1987 PT 36
> Shippensburg Pa
> >
> > The cost seem very high to me also. As they explained it to me. It took them
4 days just to get the transmission out. It had been in there for 17 years. They
had to totally remove the bedroom. The bed, water tank, water heater had to come
out to get to a plate under the bed. The inside of the transmission ran around
$10,000 and the core was another $5,000 thats the main ports and then labor.
> > This towing company has been in business for 15 years. The owner said he
tows this way all the time without any problems. This is why I was having so
much trouble getting him to pay (four weeks). Have you every tried to collect
from a tow company it's not something you want to do.
> >
> > Joe Blankenship
> > 1990 WB40
> > Panama City Beach Fl
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "bubblerboy64" wrote:
> > >
> > > I'd be interested in knowing if the tow truck operator lost his job over
that one. Now you would think if this is UNIVERSAL to Alison transmissions the
fellow would know that. Mighty expensive mistake. On the other hand. How in the
world do you get $25,000 in a transmission. I know stuff is expensive but that
seems rather much. I would think $10,000 would be more then enough. Perhaps some
one can explain if there is explaining to do. I too would be looking for
personal expenses but know that it's likely not going to happen.
> > >
> > > John Heckman
> > > 1987 PT 36
> > > Shippensburg Pa
> > > >
> > > > I feel your pain. A couple of years ago the starter in my 94 went flaky
and
> > > > I was on a car ferry. Worried that I might not get the rig started I
called
> > > > Allison in Coburg Or and they said a wrecker could tow me very slowly
off
> > > > the ferry but no more than a couple of hundred feet. Given the risk I am
> > > > glad I got it running and didn't need the tow. There was no way the
ferry
> > > > was going to wait while a wrecker did the disconnect. I hope you go
after
> > > > the towing company for all your out of pocket expenses.
> > > >
> > > > 2009/5/26 joedana0502
> > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > I have a 1990 WB40 that needed to be towed. The towing company
convinced me
> > > > > that they didn't need to disconnect the drive line if we were going a
short
> > > > > distance and if we left the engine idling. Well after 3 miles the
> > > > > transmission was smoking like it was on fire. I then had another
towing
> > > > > company tow the bus 150 miles to an Allison transmission repair shop.
Not
> > > > > only were all the part inside burned up the core was also damaged to
the
> > > > > point it had to be replaced. Total cost for this repair was $25.000.
This
> > > > > was two months ago and I am still waiting to get it back. After a lot
work
> > > > > the towing company is paying for the transmission, but I am still
staying in
> > > > > motels and eating out which I am having to pay for. We are full
timers. A
> > > > > word to the wise Allison told me they make NO automatic transmission
that
> > > > > can be towed ANY distance without disconnecting the drive shaft from
Pickups
> > > > > to buses and 18 wheelers. I hope this will save somebody else a lot of
> > > > > problems and expense.
> > > > >
> > > > > Joe Blankenship
> > > > > 1990 WB40
> > > > > Panama,Fl
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Rob, Sue and Joey Robinson
> > > > 94 WLWB
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Hugh Turner]

Joe
That goes for all transmissions not just Allison. There are two ways to
disconnect one the method the second tow company used or pulling the axles. If
it has to be towed a very long distance call for a drop deck trailer.

Hugh
84 Pt40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "joedana0502" wrote:

> A word to the wise Allison told me they make NO automatic transmission that
can be towed ANY distance without disconnecting the drive shaft from Pickups to
buses and 18 wheelers. I hope this will save somebody else a lot of problems
and expense.
>
> Joe Blankenship
> 1990 WB40
> Panama,Fl
>