MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
DATE :
SUBJECT :
Revision: B

MI18-18B

June 2018
SECTION : 18 BODY
GENERAL HOISTING AND TOWING PROCEDURES

Updated 2.1 to show rubber chocks, secure front and rear.

2020-06-29

APPLICATION
All Prevost vehicles models
Model Year : 2014 - Current

DESCRIPTION

This maintenance information is for towing and hoisting Prevost vehicles.
Tower experience, local rules and regulations apply in conjunction with the procedures outlined in this
document.
Images are for representation purpose only, actual vehicles may differ.

Table of contents
1.

HOISTING AND TOWING POINTS ................................................................................................................... 2
JACK STANDS................................................................................................................................................. 3
AXLE HOISTING POINTS................................................................................................................................. 4
USING WHEELS AS LIFTING POINTS ............................................................................................................... 6
OPTIONAL CHASSIS HOISTING POINTS .......................................................................................................... 7

2.

TOWING......................................................................................................................................................... 9
PREPARATION BEFORE TOWING................................................................................................................... 9
Engine compartment emergency air-fill valve........................................................................................ 10
X Series optional front air supply connections........................................................................................ 10
Drive Axle Flange Shaft Removal ............................................................................................................ 11
After Towing ........................................................................................................................................... 13
TOWING FROM THE FRONT ........................................................................................................................ 13
2.2.1 First Lift................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.2 Second Lift- Front Tow Eye Pads as Lifting Point for Towing .................................................................. 15
2.2.3 Second Lift- Using I-Beam Front Axle as Lifting Point for Towing .......................................................... 18
X-SERIES RECOVERY USING OPTIONAL REAR TOW EYES ............................................................................. 22
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4

3.

EMERGENCY TOWING ...................................................................................................................................23
3.1
REAR TOW USING NON-APPROVED LIFTING POINTS - EMERGENCY ONLY ................................................. 23
3.1.1 PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 23
3.1.2 FIRST LIFT................................................................................................................................................ 24
3.1.3 SECOND LIFT ........................................................................................................................................... 25
3.2
VOLVO I-SHIFT TRANSMISSION TOWING MODE ......................................................................................... 29

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1. HOISTING AND TOWING POINTS
As much as possible, use the wheels as the preferred lifting points. If lifting by the wheels is not possible
or appropriate, there are several hoisting and towing points under the vehicle.
Lifting should be performed without passengers and no luggage remaining in the vehicle.
Use these points exclusively for hoisting and towing operations (Figure 1, Figure 2).

FIGURE 1 FRONT HOISTING AND LIFTING POINTS DIAGRAM

FIGURE 2 REAR HOISTING AND LIFTING POINTS DIAGRAM

The vehicle is provided with four standard chassis hoisting points. When axles or wheels are serviced, use
the chassis hoisting points.

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When using the chassis hoisting points to support the vehicle, the tag axle must be unloaded at all times.
To prevent damage to the suspension, always support the drive and front axles using jack stands when
using chassis hoisting points.
CHASSIS HOISTING POINTS
2 hoisting points located aft of the tag axle (Figure3)
2 hoisting points or optional hoisting pads with receptacles located aft of the front axle (Figure4)

FIGURE 3 : CHASSIS HOISTING POINTS
- AFT OF TAG AXLE (BOTH SIDES)

FIGURE 4 : JACK STAND AT CHASSIS HOISTING
POINT - AFT OF FRONT AXLE (BOTH SIDES)

JACK STANDS
As a general recommendation, the minimum safe working load (SWL) for any jack stand should be
10 US tons (20 000 lb; 9072 kg). Figure5, Figure6 and Figure7 show general examples of this type of jack
stand.
The vehicle can be supported at the chassis hoisting points (refer to HOISTING AND LIFTING POINTS
diagram). Use a jack stand of 10 US tons (20 000 lb; 9072 kg) capacity at each of the four standard chassis
hoisting points.

WARNING
Hydraulic jacks are intended for lifting only. Do not get under the vehicle while using hydraulic jacks
unless it is properly supported with safety jack stands.

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FIGURE 5 : 20 000 LB (10 US TON)
CAPACITY JACK STAND

FIGURE 6 : 16500 LBF
CAPACITY

FIGURE 7 : 40 000 LB (20 US TON) CAPACITY
JACK STAND

AXLE HOISTING POINTS
AXLE HOISTING POINTS
2 front axle hoisting points (Figure8, Figure9, Figure10)
2 drive axle sub frame hoisting points (Figure11)
2 hoisting points under the tag axle (tag axle must be unloaded) (Figure12)
To ensure stability, always use the two hoisting points under a specific axle simultaneously.

WARNING
Two hoisting points are located under the tag axle. Using the tag axle as rear hoisting points for the
vehicle should be avoided. When possible, use the drive axle as hoisting point.
The vehicle can be lifted from the front axle and the drive axle sub frame using lifting equipment of
appropriate capacity.
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT PER AXLE
COACHES
Front axle: 12,000 lb. (5 443 kg)
Drive axle: 26,500 lb. (12 020 kg)

MOTORHOMES / SPECIALTY VEHICLES
Contact the owner of the vehicle. The Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle
should not be exceeded.
GAWR values for a particular vehicle appear on
the vehicle’s certification plate installed on the
driver’s left-hand console.

WARNING
The suspension must be in the normal ride position before hoisting.

WARNING
To prevent damage to suspension components, always unload the tag axle before hoisting the vehicle.

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FRONT AXLE HOISTING POINTS

FIGURE 8 : I-BEAM AXLE HOISTING POINT - CURBSIDE

FIGURE 9 : I-BEAM AXLE HOISTING POINT – ROAD SIDE

FIGURE 10 : INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (IFS) HOISTING POINTS.

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DRIVE AXLE SUB FRAME HOISTING POINTS

FIGURE 11 : DRIVE AXLE SUB FRAME HOISTING POINTS.

TAG AXLE HOISTING POINTS

FIGURE 12 : TAG AXLE HOISTING POINTS (USE ONLY TO SUPPORT THE TAG AXLE)

USING WHEELS AS LIFTING POINTS
Use the front and drive axle wheels to lift the vehicle when using mobile column lifts. When doing so, the
tag axle must be unloaded at all time.
Avoid using the tag axle wheels as the only lifting point for the rear of the vehicle. However, if the rear of the
vehicle has to be lifted using the tag axle wheels, the tag axle must be unloaded at all times.

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X-SERIES COMMUTER OPTIONAL CHASSIS HOISTING POINTS
On certain vehicles, lifting pads and rear emergency recovery toe eyes may be added on the chassis. When
axles or wheels are serviced, use the chassis hoisting points.

FIGURE 13 : OPTIONAL FRONT CHASSIS HOISTING POINTS

FIGURE 14 : X-SERIES OPTIONAL REAR CHASSIS HOISTING POINTS

When using the chassis hoisting points to support the vehicle, the tag axle must be unloaded at all times.
To prevent damage to the suspension, always support the drive and front axles using jack stands when
using chassis hoisting points.
X-SERIES OPTIONAL CHASSIS HOISTING POINTS
2 optional hoisting pads with receptacles located aft of the front axle (Figure16)
2 optional hoisting pads with receptacles located aft of the tag axle (Figure15)

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FIGURE 15 : OPTIONAL CHASSIS HOISTING
RECEPTACLES - AFT OF TAG AXLE

FIGURE 16 : OPTIONAL CHASSIS HOISTING
RECEPTACLES - AFT OF FRONT AXLE

FIGURE 17 : JACK STAND AT CHASSIS HOISTING
RECEPTACLE - AFT OF FRONT AXLE, ROAD SIDE

FIGURE 18 : JACK STAND AT CHASSIS HOISTING
RECEPTACLE - AFT OF FRONT AXLE, CURB SIDE

FIGURE 19 : JACK STAND AT CHASSIS HOISTING
RECEPTACLE – AFT OF TAG AXLE, ROAD SIDE

FIGURE 20 : JACK STAND AT CHASSIS HOISTING
RECEPTACLE – AFT OF TAG AXLE, CURB SIDE

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2.

TOWING

Towing from the front is the recommended method. Prevost does not recommend towing from the rear using
unapproved hoisting points as the vehicle may sustain structural damage.
Observe normal precautions including, but not limited to list below:
• Make sure the parking brake or the emergency brake is released at time of towing.
• Do not allow passengers to ride on board.
• Tow the vehicle at a safe speed.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly and cautiously.
• Avoid sharp turns where possible.

WARNING
Do not carry passengers while the vehicle is being towed.

CAUTION
Avoid towing the vehicle from the rear using hoisting points that are not approved as this will cause
structural damage. In case of damage to the drive train components use a low-bed semi-trailer.

WARNING
Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from moving before you begin maintenance or service
procedures that require you to be under the vehicle. Serious personal injury can result.

CAUTION
Lift the vehicle at the minimal height required for the vehicle to trail the tow truck.
PREPARATION BEFORE TOWING

WARNING
Prior to hoisting, park the vehicle on a level
surface and apply parking brake.
Chock the front and rear wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving at time of releasing the
parking brake during the towing preparation.
On the L.H. dashboard panel, turn on the hazard
warning flashers. Preferably, use a towing light
bar.

FIGURE 21 CHOCK THE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS

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Place the front wheels in a straight-ahead position
and keep the steering wheel from turning. To do
so, slide the driver’s seat close to the steering
wheel. Wrap the safety belt around and through
the steering wheel and then fasten safety belts.
This will ensure the vehicle rolls in straight
direction to be stopped by the tow truck in case of
mechanical failure of the lifting equipment.

FIGURE 22

2.1.1

Engine compartment emergency air-fill valve

Use the emergency fill valve to supply air to the
system when the engine cannot be operated. This
valve is located in the engine compartment
(Figure23) and supplies air for all systems (brakes,
suspension and accessories).

FIGURE 23 : ENGINE COMPARTMENT EMERGENCY AIRFILL VALVE

CAUTION
Do not tow the vehicle without external air pressure applied to the emergency fill valve if the engine does
not operate. Without brake system air pressure, the emergency spring brakes may apply automatically.
If failure prevents releasing the parking brakes with air pressure, disengage the parking brakes
mechanically.
2.1.2

X Series Optional Front Air Supply Connections

Operate the engine when towing to maintain brake system air pressure. If the engine cannot be operated,
connect external air pressure lines from the tow truck.
“Brake” quick connect fitting
Flip down the access door located on the front bumper, connect an auxiliary air supply from the tow truck to
the quick connect fitting identified BRAKE in order to supply air for operation of the vehicle service brake
from the tow truck (Figure24, Figure25).
“Air supply” quick connect fitting

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While the vehicle is being towed, connect an auxiliary air supply from the tow truck to the quick connect
fitting identified AIR SUPPLY to supply air for all systems (brakes, suspension, accessories) through the air
dryer (Figure24, Figure25).

FIGURE 25 : FRONT TOWING AIR SUPPLY
ACCESS PANEL QUICK CONNECT FITTINGS

FIGURE 24

2.1.3

Drive Axle Flange Shaft Removal

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the stud nuts and the washers (with
Meritor drive axle) or cap screws (with ZF drive
axle) from the flange shaft.
NOTE: there is oil behind the flange shaft which
comes out during disassembly

FIGURE 26 : ZF A-132 AXLE

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FIGURE 27: MERITOR RC23-165 AXLE

CAUTION
Do not use a chisel or wedge to loosen the axle flange shaft and tapered dowels. Using a chisel or
edge can result in damage to the axle shaft, the gasket and seal, and/or the axle hub.
3. Meritor axle: Loosen the tapered dowels in the
flange of the axle shaft using the following
methods.
a) Do not strike the round driving lugs on the
flange of an axle shaft. Pieces can break off
and cause serious personal injury. A 1.5-inch
(38.1 mm) diameter brass hammer can be
used as a drift.
b) Hold a 1.5-inch (38.1 mm) diameter brass drift
against the center of the axle shaft flange,
inside the round driving lugs.
c) Hit the end of the drift with a large hammer (5
to 6 lbs.’) to loosen the axle shaft and tapered
dowels from the hub.
4. Identify each axle shaft that is removed from the
axle assembly so they can be installed in the same
location after transporting or repair is completed.
(Example: Match mark a mating axle shaft and
hub).

FIGURE 28: MERITOR RC23-165 AXLE

5. Remove the tapered dowels (if used), gasket or O-ring and the axle shaft from the axle assembly.
Use a container to recover the oil.

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6. Remove opposite flange shaft similarly.
7. Install a temporary cover over the open end of each hub where an axle shaft was removed. This will
prevent dirt from entering the bearing cavity and loss of lubricant.
2.1.4

After Towing

1. Remove the covers from the hubs.
2. Install the gasket or O-ring, and axle shaft into the axle housing and carrier in the same location it was
removed from. The gasket and flange of the axle shaft must be flat against the hub. Rotate the axle
shaft and/or the driveline as necessary to align the splines and the holes in the flange with the studs or
holes in the hub.
3. Meritor axle only: Install the dowels over each stud and into the tapered holes of the flange.
4. Install the washers and stud nuts or cap screws.

MERITOR RC23-165 AXLE

ZF A-132 AXLE

Determine the size of the fasteners and tighten the nuts to the
corresponding torque value shown below.

Tightening torque M18x1.5 G10.9 screw

•

9/16-18 plain nuts: 110 - 165 lbf-ft (149-224 Nm)

•

5/8-18 plain nuts: 150 - 230 lbf-ft (203-312 Nm)

325 lbf-ft (440 Nm)

5. Mount opposite flange shaft similarly.
6. Inspect the lubricant level in the axles and hubs where the axle shafts were removed. Add the correct
type and amount of lubricant if necessary.

CAUTION
Make sure axle shafts or driveshaft are installed correctly after towing. Tighten axle shaft and driveshaft
nuts to the correct torque settings. Do not invert shafts.
TOWING FROM THE FRONT
The towed vehicle must be lifted from the front with front wheels off the ground. The tow truck must be
equipped with the proper lifting equipment i.e. tow bar, axle forks and holders to reach under the front axle
or the front tow eye pads. No other lifting points are recommended for towing.
Lifting and towing from any other point is not authorized as it may cause structural damage. To prevent
overloading the drive axle, do not unload or raise the tag axle when towing the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, use the front tow eye pads fixed to the vehicle chassis between the
front axle and the front bumper. Only use a solid link tow bar and safety chains to tow the vehicle.
1. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
2. Perform the PREPARATION BEFORE TOWING. Refer to paragraph 2.1.
3. Disconnect both drive axle shafts to prevent damage to the transmission. Plug axle tubes to prevent oil
loss. Refer to 2.1.3 DRIVE AXLE FLANGE SHAFT REMOVAL.

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CAUTION
The axle shafts must be disconnected to avoid serious damage to the Allison transmission. Lubrication
is inadequate when towing.
To prevent damage to the drive train components, disconnect drive axle shafts before towing. Do not
attempt to push or pull start a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.
Failure to disconnect the propeller shaft, remove the drive axle shafts or lift the drive wheels off
the ground before towing can cause serious transmission damage and void the warranty.
2.2.1

First Lift

To allow lifting equipment fitted with axle forks to reach under the front axle or tow eyes, it is necessary
to perform a first lift of the front of the vehicle using the tow eye pads as lifting points. This first lift will
allow tow cans or blocks to be placed underneath front tires.
1. Retract the tow truck stinger arm.
2. On the first lift, position the tow bar
fork holders under the front tow eye
pads (Figure 30 and Figure 31) to lift
the vehicle in order to place the front
wheels firmly on the tow cans or
blocks.
Center to center measurement between
tow eyes= 37 inches (Figure 29)
Note: No axle forks are needed for this
first lift
FIGURE 29

FIGURE 30

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FIGURE 31: TOW EYE

3. Deploy the tow truck stinger arm,
placing the axle fork holders under the
tow eye pads (Figure 32).

FIGURE 32

4. Lift the front end of the vehicle high
enough to allow installation of tow
cans or blocks. Place the tow cans or
blocks perfectly centered underneath
each front wheel (Figure 33).
5. With precaution, lower the front of the
vehicle

FIGURE 33

2.2.2

Second Lift- Front Tow Eye Pads as Lifting Point for Towing

The tow eye pads are fixed to the vehicle chassis, fore of the front axle will be used as front end lifting
points for towing.

Writer:

FL