Gadgets & Gear
Towing Products Can Save Your RV's Transmission
By Bill Siuru – This article courtesy of CamperWays.
For nearly three decades, Remco Mfg., Omaha, Neb., has been developing, producing and marketing towing accessories. These include its Lube–Pump, Driving Shaft Coupling and Axle–Lock.
For Automatic Transmissions
For vehicles with automatic transmissions, there is the Lube Pump. When the vehicle is driven normally, the built–in transmission's fluid pump, driven by the engine, keeps automatic transmission fluid (ATF) flowing through the transmission to keep it properly lubricated with cool ATF. When the vehicle is towed, the engine–driven pump does not operate. Thus, the need for the Lube Pump.
This pump is installed in the dinghy's engine compartment, draws ATF from the pan and pumps it to the selector valve. The valve directs the fluid through the radiator cooler then into the transmission's lubrication system. The Lube Pump's 1/8–horsepower, self–priming diaphragm pump assures high–volume lubrication. The pump is powered off the tow vehicle's electrical system so you don't drain the dinghy's battery. An electronic monitor alerts the driver via lights and an audible alarm if any problem occurs in the lubrication system. This includes a warning if you forget to connect the electrical plug or turn on the system. A single–coiled electrical cable between the towing and towed vehicles provides all the circuits for the pump, monitoring and the dinghy's taillights. You just hitch up the vehicle, connect the cable and turn on the monitor switch. The Lube Pump Kit includes all components, tubing, connections and wiring for the installation. This includes a taillight diverter that automatically switches the rear brake and directional light system to towing when you hook up. Installation of the kit, which takes about six to seven hours, can be done by a fairly competent do–it–yourselfer using the step–by–step installation instructions provided. It is approved for many front–wheel–drive or rear–wheel–drive vehicles.
Each make/model transmission application is tested for 20,000 miles before approved. Remco has sold more than 80,000 units during the past 14 years.
Rear–Wheel–Drive Vehicles
A quick and easy way to disconnect the driveshaft, and thus the transmission, on many rear–wheel–drive vehicles is provided by Remco's Drive Shaft Coupling. Actually a mechanical clutch, the coupling is installed at the rear of the driveshaft, near the differential. Following installation, you won't have to physically disconnect the driveshaft to prevent transmission damage. Just pull or push on the control knob while sitting in the driver's seat of the towed vehicle to disengage for towing or to engage for driving the car. The Drive Shaft Coupling takes about three hours to install. Since the unit is located between the driveshaft and differential, a shorter driveshaft is needed. Remco can custom–build a new replacement driveshaft with coupling, or rework the existing shaft to fit the unit.
Adapting Front–Wheel Drives
Remco's Axle–Lock can be used on many front–wheel–drive vehicles. When the Axle–Lock is in the disengaged position one front axle is disconnected; for example, the left wheel can turn forward, while the outer portion of the right axle turns freely in the opposite direction. This means the wheels can turn freely as the transmission remains stationary. This principle is also used on several four–wheel–drive vehicles to disconnect the extra axle. To engage or disengage the Axle–Lock, turn the front wheels as far right as possible. Then reach around the passenger side front tire and rotate the Axle–Lock housing one–third turn clockwise to engage, and counterclockwise to disengage.
For information regarding which vehicles can use these products, contact Remco.
This article courtesy of Camperways
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