Towing eye on your rigs...
Discussion
Hi all,
During the snow, and at other times, I will help a truck out with a tow (anything up to and including full Artic), using a manual Toyota Landcruiser, with Low 'box).
I have been surprised at how few drivers know either the location of or how to access/set up their towing eye.
Sometimes to my assessment also - there's no obvious 'flap' to lift or look under - often these flaps exist in a pair on either side (Renaults), for use in both left-hand and right-hand drive countries.
Under the hood - again - often nothing obvious.
Often I will myself spot a hole clearly designed to take a large threaded device - but where would the towing eye be stowed on a truck, usually?
Sometimes I'm dealing with foreign drivers with very little English, so can't even explain 'equivalent of glovebox' to them - and wouldn't get in the cab to look myself.
I only really do this if the vehicle is causing traffic pile-up or massive tailbacks on the motorway. Every time, the driver is relieved and grateful for the help. Sometimes their depot will have sent a Sprinter to off-load the goods onto - but not to help the driver (fair enough).
Last question - if they've broken down on account of engine not running - I guess I should concern myself with how much air they have left for brakes? Would there be a gauge anywhere? Or is it unlikely that an assumedly full tank of air at the moment of breakdown could deplete all that easily in that situation? How workable are the brakes on a fully-laden artic, without air?
Arif
During the snow, and at other times, I will help a truck out with a tow (anything up to and including full Artic), using a manual Toyota Landcruiser, with Low 'box).
I have been surprised at how few drivers know either the location of or how to access/set up their towing eye.
Sometimes to my assessment also - there's no obvious 'flap' to lift or look under - often these flaps exist in a pair on either side (Renaults), for use in both left-hand and right-hand drive countries.
Under the hood - again - often nothing obvious.
Often I will myself spot a hole clearly designed to take a large threaded device - but where would the towing eye be stowed on a truck, usually?
Sometimes I'm dealing with foreign drivers with very little English, so can't even explain 'equivalent of glovebox' to them - and wouldn't get in the cab to look myself.
I only really do this if the vehicle is causing traffic pile-up or massive tailbacks on the motorway. Every time, the driver is relieved and grateful for the help. Sometimes their depot will have sent a Sprinter to off-load the goods onto - but not to help the driver (fair enough).
Last question - if they've broken down on account of engine not running - I guess I should concern myself with how much air they have left for brakes? Would there be a gauge anywhere? Or is it unlikely that an assumedly full tank of air at the moment of breakdown could deplete all that easily in that situation? How workable are the brakes on a fully-laden artic, without air?
Arif
To be fair, it's not really the drivers responsibility to know about the tow eyes.
I can't help but think that it should be left to the professionals to deal with. Don't get me wrong, if it was me broken down in an awkward position I'd be happy to accept help, but I've done recovery for a living and know what I'm doing!
I can't help but think that it should be left to the professionals to deal with. Don't get me wrong, if it was me broken down in an awkward position I'd be happy to accept help, but I've done recovery for a living and know what I'm doing!
Simon O said:
To be fair, it's not really the drivers responsibility to know about the tow eyes.
I can't help but think that it should be left to the professionals to deal with. Don't get me wrong, if it was me broken down in an awkward position I'd be happy to accept help, but I've done recovery for a living and know what I'm doing!
I can't help but think that it should be left to the professionals to deal with. Don't get me wrong, if it was me broken down in an awkward position I'd be happy to accept help, but I've done recovery for a living and know what I'm doing!
This is why some of the larger companies remove the tow eyes
A well kitted out wrecker will have a good selection of tow eyes if needed
If there is one it will usually be in the n/s cab locker
PJA
towing eyes on a volvo are in the left hand outside locker, it will be clipped down so it doesnt roll about , similar to the renault the holes for them are under plastic covers .
as stated before no air , brakes on and if the engine isnt running the air will be gone after a couple of good pushes on the brake pedal ( well a bit more but depends on how much was there when you stopped ) and if its an automatic the you wont get it into or out of gear
as stated before no air , brakes on and if the engine isnt running the air will be gone after a couple of good pushes on the brake pedal ( well a bit more but depends on how much was there when you stopped ) and if its an automatic the you wont get it into or out of gear
As stated, no air no move and the tow eyes will be in a side locker. However, my lot not only take the tow eyes but also the cab lift bar, so if I break down I cant even give them half a clue what has broken before they turn up. it goes as far as lorry no worky, there is a puddle or I can hear air 
on DAF CF & XFs, the towing eye points are beneath flaps in the lower grille, and it's a separate twist in towing eye usually found in the O/S locker on an XF and the Only locker in a CF
Scanias you will find it under the lower grille that folds down, pin SHOULD be in the N/S towing point
Merc Actros' is a case of folding down the number plate holder iirc
Scanias you will find it under the lower grille that folds down, pin SHOULD be in the N/S towing point
Merc Actros' is a case of folding down the number plate holder iirc
Arif110 said:
Okay - so if the rig can roll, I know the tanks have enough air for it to then stop!
Any pointers on towing eyes?
Theyre frequently hidden. The first that springs to mind is behind a hinged front registration plate mounting. These arent small though, so they cant be hidden like a small towing eye threaded opening, they large enough to attach a 12+ tonne bar to and pull the ...Any pointers on towing eyes?
Edited by GC8 on Monday 28th May 22:10
Arif110 said:
Okay - so if the rig can roll, I know the tanks have enough air for it to then stop!
Any pointers on towing eyes?
Theyre frequently hidden behind something. The first that springs to mind is behind a hinged front registration plate mounting. These arent small though, so they cant be hidden like a small towing eye threaded opening, theyre large enough to attach a 12+ tonne bar to and pull the vehicle...Any pointers on towing eyes?
Edited by GC8 on Monday 28th May 22:13
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