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Topic: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze (Read 199 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Towing your Lazy Daze
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Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Thanks for the info and pics.  Sorry you had the 'opportunity' to display them.
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #1 –
I see that there are several devices that are made from ss wire rope that are meant to keep people from removing cat convertors.  I wonder how effective they are.
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #2 –
Driving without the converter is not harmful as far as I know. In fact, a mechanic in California removed ours on an E150 as a probable cause for an engine problem we were having. Must have worked we never had the problem again.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Don Malpas  - 
Driving without the converter is not harmful as far as I know. In fact, a mechanic in California removed ours on an E150 as a probable cause for an engine problem we were having. Must have worked we never had the problem again.

On an OBDI emission system, there is one O2 sensor (upstream), per bank of cylinders. It monitors the exhaust directly out of the cylinders. Its purpose is to help keep the fuel mixture within specifications for maximum power and minimal emissions.
In an OBDI system, the catalytic converter's output is not monitored, running without a cat will not harm the engine but will produce excessive emissions, the reason why it's illegal to remove them.

OBDII systems have two O2 sensors per cylinder bank, the upstream flow continues to be  monitor with the addition of another O2 sensor to monitored the cat's downstream flow.
Some engines have one catalytic converter per bank, other engines share one catalytic converter for the entire engine, single cat, OBDII systems will have three O2 sensors, dual cat systems will have four O2 sensors.

On an OBDII system, running with the cat(s) removed or gutted will set a check engine light (CEL).
The downstream O2 sensor monitors the oxygen content of the cat's exhaust gases, the computer uses this information to fine adjust the mixture so the cat works even more efficiently and doesn't burn up.
The cat's downstream O2 sensor's information is also used to determine if the cat is still functioning within Factory limits.
A defective monitored catalytic converter will set a CEL on an OBDII system.

To determine which system your vehicle has, find the Federal emission specification plate, located somewhere under the hood. The system's type is printed on the plate or decal.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
On an OBDI emission system, there is one O2 sensor (upstream), per bank of cylinders. It monitors the exhaust directly out of the cylinders. Its purpose is to help keep the fuel mixture within specifications for maximum power and minimal emissions.
In an OBDI system, the catalytic converter's output is not monitored, running without a cat will not harm the engine but will produce excessive emissions, the reason why it's illegal to remove them.

OBDII systems have two O2 sensors per cylinder bank, the upstream flow continues to be  monitor with the addition of another O2 sensor to monitored the cat's downstream flow.
Some engines have one catalytic converter per bank, other engines share one catalytic converter for the entire engine, single cat, OBDII systems will have three O2 sensors, dual cat systems will have four O2 sensors.

On an OBDII system, running with the cat(s) removed or gutted will set a check engine light (CEL).
The downstream O2 sensor monitors the oxygen content of the cat's exhaust gases, the computer uses this information to fine adjust the mixture so the cat works even more efficiently and doesn't burn up.
The cat's downstream O2 sensor's information is also used to determine if the cat is still functioning within Factory limits.
A defective monitored catalytic converter will set a CEL on an OBDII system.

To determine which system your vehicle has, find the Federal emission specification plate, located somewhere under the hood. The system's type is printed on the plate or decal.

Larry

If I understand this correctly, driving without the cc will not harm the engine but could be considered illegal even if you were driving somewhere to have it replaced. 

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
If I understand this correctly, driving without the cc will not harm the engine but could be considered illegal even if you were driving somewhere to have it replaced.

Sounds like a question that needs a lawyer to answer.
Without reading the fine print in Federal law, technically, yes, practically no. As pointed out, getting caught isn't very likely.

Larry



Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #6 –
Thanks for sharing your experience, Dan. I developed a real respect for tow truck drivers after watching a few seasons of this series:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S82Ed2XJXB8
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #7 –
C'mon, folks.  It is a thread about proper towing of a Lazy Daze, not a debate about the reason I had it towed.  That is the reason I made a separate thread. 
2007 IB-30
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #8 –
Thanks for posting those photos and the accompanying description, Dan! They were very helpful for anybody who ever has to have their rig towed (as I have a few times).
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #9 –
so is it safe to assume a regular tow truck can't tow our RVs?
1995 23.5 Rear Lounge
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #10 –
Quote from: majortom  - 
so is it safe to assume a regular tow truck can't tow our RVs?

Like all vehicles, tow trucks are designed to carry a certain weight load.  The most common tow trucks can handle passenger cars but not RVs.

Most tow companies will have a larger truck for larger jobs.  The 'big' truck is usually oversized for a Class C.  Just be clear with the dispatcher about how big your vehicle is and they will work it out. 

For towing with the rear wheels down, you're supposed to disconnect the driveshaft.  Most drivers will know this.

Using a service like CoachNet increases your chances of getting a driver/truck combo with some experience towing RVs.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #11 –
"Using a service like CoachNet increases your chances of getting a driver/truck combo with some experience towing RVs."

Right. And using AAA decreases your chances.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #12 –
What I pay for Coachnet for is no BS. The only time I have needed a tow (was not for the LD) I was a little over a mile from a towing company near Lone Pine on US395. They had close to 20 tow trucks, all sizes. AAA did not even list a towing company in the area. I called the tow company, paid the bill and thought I was lucky that AAA paid me.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #13 –
Catalytic Converter theft is common. After my 2 cat converters were stolen off my Toyota Sequoia several years ago, I had my mechanic install two “CatStraps” on my new converters. Sequoias have two cats. I’ve still got my converters. They are independently alarmed and are very loud when triggered.

I still haven’t installed one on the LD but plan to very soon. Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft | Catstrap | United States

Other protective devices are easily removed along with the converter. Takes less than a couple of minutes with a battery powered sawz-all. Plenty of room under the LD to steal the converter. 😫

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #14 –
What would keep squirrels, cats, and other small animals crawling under the vehicle from setting off the motion detector?
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
I still haven’t installed one on the LD but plan to very soon. Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft | Catstrap | United States

Watching the video, I cant help but notice that the Catstrap, with its enclosing fixing compound, comes loose from the exhaust pipe under the action of the saw. I don't see what would prevent the blade then being inserted UNDER the strap to cut the pipe. Perhaps this is only for demo purposes, and the actual application is different?

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #16 –
Steve,  Would that make this a "Peel & Stick" gadget you could apply at home?  It looks like a great deterrent but the alarm thing is a bit unappealing.  It would be going off all the time with the animals on my property. 
2006 31' IB Anniversary Edition; Tow 97' Wrangler
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #17 –
My tow truck driver seemed very experienced and convinced me to let him lift it from behind and not deal with disconnecting the driveshaft.  He dropped it off at my service station 17 miles away and he went no faster than 50 mph on the highway.  I don't believe there were any issues related to towing it in this manner.  Is anyone aware of any risk with towing it this way vs. lifting from the front and disconnecting the driveshaft.

Thanks!
Eric
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #18 –
Hey Eric,
I am not an expert of this at all. My concern with towing with the rear lifted is HOW did they lift the rear? When lifting the front, they use the front wheels to lift and attach to;  so I don't think there is any stress on any structure.

So I wonder how he lifted the rear end and what did he attach to? I hope it wasn't the rear hitch...

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #19 –
Quote from: Steve K.  - 
Hey Eric,
I am not an expert of this at all. My concern with towing with the rear lifted is HOW did they lift the rear? When lifting the front, they use the front wheels to lift and attach to;  so I don't think there is any stress on any structure.

So I wonder how he lifted the rear end and what did he attach to? I hope it wasn't the rear hitch...

Steve K

It was attached by two C-shaped devices that came up from the bottom on either side of my hitch receiver, not using the actual 2" receiver hole.  My hitch receiver is welded to the frame of the chassis.  Is this still concerning to you?
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #20 –
Well Eric, it is too late to worry about it now.

I just don't think that area is nearly as strong as the front end frame/suspension. And there was a LOT of weight sitting on that hitch area by lifting the rear end. I hope it works out OK for you. I wonder why the tow guy didn't want to remove the drive shaft and tow from the front? It doesn't look like you were dealing with bad weather conditions. Perhaps where your Lazy Daze was parked they couldn't easily tow from the front?

I have had my rig towed one time. We have Coachnet and I think the people they contract with know how to tow motorhomes. I have been satisfied with their service the two times I used them. Once for the tow and once for a flat tire.

Wishing your repair is completed soon and all works out.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #21 –
Hi Eric;  The back end of my 'TK and the trailer receiver are not firmly attached to the frame.  LD used frame extensions that I would consider too small to support the weight of the motorhome.  Unless the tow truck 'fork' could extend onto the actual frame member of the chassis, I wouldn't allow it to be lifted by this method. In addition on my lighter duty chassis, an E350, the front tires and suspension are closer to their weight limits. (actually I have the same tires and wheels that the 14,050 limit of an E450 has). There also are too many attachments under there to affix a tow bar fork.
    My first tow under Ford warranty, they showed up at my house with a flatbed suitable for a 40' MH and I had to drive it up onto the flatbed. With no visual cues to go by, it was an uncomfortable experience driving the rig up. My photos are actual prints, I'll have to find them someday.
    My next tow at Live Oak campground, I was towed from the front.  The driver disconnected the driveshaft. Tow was to Ventura, 47 miles at 55 mph on the freeway.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Steve K.  - 
Well Eric, it is too late to worry about it now.

I just don't think that area is nearly as strong as the front end frame/suspension. And there was a LOT of weight sitting on that hitch area by lifting the rear end. I hope it works out OK for you. I wonder why the tow guy didn't want to remove the drive shaft and tow from the front? It doesn't look like you were dealing with bad weather conditions. Perhaps where your Lazy Daze was parked they couldn't easily tow from the front?

I have had my rig towed one time. We have Coachnet and I think the people they contract with know how to tow motorhomes. I have been satisfied with their service the two times I used them. Once for the tow and once for a flat tire.

Wishing your repair is completed soon and all works out.

Steve K
Thanks for the good wishes.
Yeh, I don't think the two truck driver liked the location where it was parked to pull it from the front.  It was parked right up against curved curb.  Hard to describe.
 
Re: Re: Towing your Lazy Daze
Reply #23 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Eric;  The back end of my 'TK and the trailer receiver are not firmly attached to the frame.  LD used frame extensions that I would consider too small to support the weight of the motorhome.  Unless the tow truck 'fork' could extend onto the actual frame member of the chassis, I wouldn't allow it to be lifted by this method. In addition on my lighter duty chassis, an E350, the front tires and suspension are closer to their weight limits. (actually I have the same tires and wheels that the 14,050 limit of an E450 has). There also are too many attachments under the back to affix a tow bar fork.
    My first tow under Ford warranty, they showed up at my house with a flatbed suitable for a 40' MH and I had to drive it up onto the flatbed. With no visual cues to go by, it was an uncomfortable experience driving the rig up. My photos are actual prints, I'll have to find them someday.
    My next tow at Live Oak campground, I was towed from the front.  The driver disconnected the driveshaft. Tow was to Ventura, 47 miles at 55 mph on the freeway.  RonB
I guess the first thing I'll be doing when I go to pick-up my LD from Ford Escondido is make it starts every time.  Second thing I'll do is look for any damage to the hitch receiver and rear end.  Fingers crossed.