Break-down procedures with a slide-in?
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
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From: Sumneytown, PA
Break-down procedures with a slide-in?
Something that's always in the back of my mind as I drive around with the slide-in mounted is how do you call for a tow when you break down? I belong to AAA but the people taking my call for help could probably care less if I mention that I have the camper mounted. A flatbed tow would be out of the question with the added height. I don't know if a regular tow truck can do it because of the added weight in the back. And I think a tractor-trailer tow truck would be overkill and crazy expensive.
Has anyone had any experience with breaking down while carrying your slide-in? - Jack
Has anyone had any experience with breaking down while carrying your slide-in? - Jack
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
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From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
Regular AAA insurance won't cut it when towing or carrying...
You need "AAA Plus RV"...
Member Benefits Chart
You need "AAA Plus RV"...
Member Benefits Chart
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 29
From: Bismarck, ND
As a former tow truck driver, I have experience showing up to get them. Yes, you should tell AAA when you call about having the slide in on your truck, and tell them what the height of your truck is, and approximate weight, with the camper. No, they will most likely not pass that info on to the tow company (voice of experience), but at least you tried.
Most of the time, I drove medium and heavy wreckers. If I was in my heavy flatbed, as long as your camper height was 10 ft or less (and I could fudge that a little bit, depending on location), I could haul it no problem. My bed height was 4 ft. Lifting the weight was no problem (used to haul some pretty heavy forklifts with that truck), it was keeping under max height that was the issue.
If you were over 10 ft, then you'd have to go on a wheel lift truck, most likely a medium duty wrecker, depending on your weight. Then you'd just get hooked from the front, and either the axle's pulled, or the driveshaft pulled, depending on which was easier based on your set up.
Really not any big deal, happened often enough to be part of a "normal" day.
Most of the time, I drove medium and heavy wreckers. If I was in my heavy flatbed, as long as your camper height was 10 ft or less (and I could fudge that a little bit, depending on location), I could haul it no problem. My bed height was 4 ft. Lifting the weight was no problem (used to haul some pretty heavy forklifts with that truck), it was keeping under max height that was the issue.
If you were over 10 ft, then you'd have to go on a wheel lift truck, most likely a medium duty wrecker, depending on your weight. Then you'd just get hooked from the front, and either the axle's pulled, or the driveshaft pulled, depending on which was easier based on your set up.
Really not any big deal, happened often enough to be part of a "normal" day.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: Tri-Cities, TN
We actually had to have our rig towed when we originally started on our last trip to FL. We had a rear wheel failure which led to the entire left side of the rear axle being destroyed. Called AAA (we have the most expensive membership). We told them we have a slide-in camper. It took a while to explain what that is to the dispatcher. When they finally found someone to tow us (middle of nowhere Wyoming), the driver called and asked about weight and height (9k and 11'). He towed us on a medium duty IH rocking a DT 360. No issues, but there were no height restrictions on the roads we were on. Overpasses could have caused a problem.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
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From: Sumneytown, PA
I like that it can be part of tow truck driver's "normal" day! And I do have AAA RV Plus. I know the truck is about 9000 pounds with the camper mounted and height is 10' 3". I usually camp at campgrounds so I keep all of the camper's tanks empty. I removed the toilet and installed a porta-potti in it's place. It's just me and I don't mind using the campground's showers.
My only "breakdown" so far was a leaky cracked valve stem on a front wheel. I had the old rubber stem replaced with one that's metal.
Thanks. - Jack
My only "breakdown" so far was a leaky cracked valve stem on a front wheel. I had the old rubber stem replaced with one that's metal.
Thanks. - Jack
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 29
From: Bismarck, ND
Jack,
I think the only time it may be an issue, is if you're calling from a rural area where there may only be a small tow company and/or only a single light duty truck available. Most of the medium to large tow companies run several medium duty trucks, and at least one or two heavies. As long as they have at least one wheel lift medium, you'll be golden.
I think the only time it may be an issue, is if you're calling from a rural area where there may only be a small tow company and/or only a single light duty truck available. Most of the medium to large tow companies run several medium duty trucks, and at least one or two heavies. As long as they have at least one wheel lift medium, you'll be golden.
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