BCM Community
Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: busfan on March 09, 2018, 07:45:40 PM
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Couple question on the best way to tow..
Considering towing from the back or front, drive line is easy to take off but the front tires look really good, rear tires look like recaps. I could easily source a spare for the tow up front. Leaning that way..
I have seen video of these coaches being towed bolted on to the front bumper section. Rarely from the rear, where would be the best attachment spot on the rear cradle? What should I expect $ wise wrecker vs trailered?
Bus is a 51 steel sprung 4509 old look transit with a 6-71 35ft.
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I would find someone with a lowboy trailer.
https://www.google.com/search?q=bus+towing+trailer&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CZqTPVaXe-yoIjix1wRMGpRuuoS-SjXFYdBSsA0fD9p2KmrzQLjctboAoywqWj19NDy8UDcB1-pxRBQlWzQk7ku_1dCoSCbHXBEwalG66EfiQ21LHWjZUKhIJhL5KNcVh0FIRQHbIQ6qmpQcqEgmwDR8P2nYqahEv2l4hM23AESoSCfNAuNy1ugCjEZDYfl4ZGCMMKhIJLCpaPX00PLwRcGfp3fECTs8qEglQNwHX6nFEFBH-r6yq5x4F9yoSCSVbNCTuS790ETnlNaa5HBYP&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj3jKuYneLZAhUB8mMKHaB7ADkQ9C8IHA&biw=1404&bih=922&dpr=1#imgrc=YP95Tj8JD7IoCM: (https://www.google.com/search?q=bus+towing+trailer&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CZqTPVaXe-yoIjix1wRMGpRuuoS-SjXFYdBSsA0fD9p2KmrzQLjctboAoywqWj19NDy8UDcB1-pxRBQlWzQk7ku_1dCoSCbHXBEwalG66EfiQ21LHWjZUKhIJhL5KNcVh0FIRQHbIQ6qmpQcqEgmwDR8P2nYqahEv2l4hM23AESoSCfNAuNy1ugCjEZDYfl4ZGCMMKhIJLCpaPX00PLwRcGfp3fECTs8qEglQNwHX6nFEFBH-r6yq5x4F9yoSCSVbNCTuS790ETnlNaa5HBYP&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj3jKuYneLZAhUB8mMKHaB7ADkQ9C8IHA&biw=1404&bih=922&dpr=1#imgrc=YP95Tj8JD7IoCM:)
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Thanks Lee, that looks like the safest route and possible the least expensive(assuming a blow out) I plan to go the low boy route..
Out of curiosity and planning for the worst in the future, I found a couple front attachment options below.
Looks like if the wrecker has one of a multitude of tow adapters the MCI and GMC share the eylet pin.
Here is the attachment from a tow equipment commercial: See bottom video and fast forward video 8 min mark to see Just the MCI GMC attachment.
https://zips.com/parts-detail/miller-bus-lift-eye-attachment-set-124002634
Looks like the early GMC tow eyelets might be smaller than the later ones? The pin in the video looks huge.
While the tow eyelet may be doable it looks like I would prefer the front axle tow (depending on if I had a choice in the situation) as it looks like the least wear and tear on the old aluminum/plywood/steel girder structure.
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Just on topic of cost, I paid about $3000 CND for a tow from Arkon, Ohio to St Thomas, Ontario Canada 300 miles one-way. Tow companies charge for hook-up and milage from the time thy leave and return to their yard. MCI-12 towed from front with axle lift forks, rear axle spindles removed. Float was mentioned but not favored as the max height was within inches.
Scott
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I've had several Scenicruisers PD4501 towed on a Landoll trailer.
Cost started at $2 per mile the truck & trailer traveled. But, that was over 5 years ago.
Your '51 will be less than 10 feet tall, so that should work to stay within height limits. . . .
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I've had several Scenicruisers PD4501 towed on a Landoll trailer.
Cost started at $2 per mile the truck & trailer traveled. But, that was over 5 years ago.
Your '51 will be less than 10 feet tall, so that should work to stay within height limits. . . .
When I need a Landoll in Phoenix I use Interstate Towing they charge me $115.00 a hour with a 2 hour minimum,no mileage, hookup fees just $115.00 per hour
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Thx Rover, Kyle and LVRbus all good info! Does the Landoll usually have a large wench on it, or do they use the one on the truck?
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Usually a large winch on the trailer
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Go on you tube and look up MCI Heavy haul that is my bus going into Quartzsite a couple of years ago.
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Checked it out, what happened on the drop? Brake lock up? Why did it take so long to get it off trailer? Looked like the guy got it caught on the end, maybe clearance to the wall in back?