GRUMPS The Towman

Thanks. I had a feeling it was probably a rebrand but wasnt positive on that. I learned something new today. lol

My truck came with a Jerr Dan Light bar on it which has the cruise light option on it. The Jerr Dan part # is 1001199476. ( 60" Bar ) I am not sure if Jerr Dan is actually manufacturing these light bars or just relabeling another brand. But, in any event, It has been a good bar. No issues, real good Patterns and visability. the work lights are nice and bright as well. So bright in fact that I dont turn them on at night when I have the warning lights on because they drown out the warning lights in my opinion. I added a set of work lights down by the winch for that purpose.

Awesome story!!! To top it all off, the 67 Gt500 is my all time dream car. Man what I wouldnt give to be the guy that found that car..

WOW.. That thing was hauling A$$ !!! It looks like in the end of the first video, that the driver clamored out of the back of the truck and jumped out the door if you look closely.. Idk, maybe I am seeing things.. He is lucky no one was killed.

I hear that Moose. I would love to put more good, working job threads on here, I am just not really getting any big work lately. Same as you, the mundane shop tows and fender-benders are just making the bills.

I cant lie.... Ive been there.. lol. I dont put customer keys in my pocket often, but there has been a rare occasion. It usually results in me making that trip of shame.. LOL

It is Deer season out here in central NY !! Had a couple out in the same area coming back to the city to the same body shop. Nothing fancy, saved an extra trip. Just thought I would snap a pic. Lol

Excellent job. Looks like it tried to put up a bit of a fight but theres no match for the right gear and the knowledge to use it. Any new towers out there that happen to see this, Please study these pics closely. This example is proper rigging and planning at its finest.

I understand what your trying to accomplish, I am concerned that the pivot arms are not going to handle the excess stress from the lever action of the forks. I realize the cars are pretty light, But the weight at the lift point is multiplied ( at the pivot arms ) for every 12" that your add-on forks are long. Now, I am not saying your plan wont work, but I am concerned your going to damage your rig.

I too disconnect wreck batteries, particularly the ones where the battery may have been comprimised since I had one burn up in my lot about a year ago.Thank god it didnt cause any damage to any other cars in the lot. just crispered my fence a bit. F.D. got a quick handle on it.

That is one bad a$$ little machine. Nice work on the recovery

The only issue I can see is if you were to attempt just placing the fork extenders over the self loaders pivot arms. They might bend. If you can mock up some attachment off the cross bar itself, I see no problems. I have wreck-picked cars using the cross bar and the boom extended with the winch line run down to the rear to get a scrapper out of a tricky spot. I wouldnt recommend you try it with these vehicles since your aim is to save them. It works, but causes significant damage to the car.

I remember that Richard. I wonder what ever became of that member ? Havent seen him on here since....

I dont mind the snow either. As long as I have the right gear and have prepared to deal with it, then I am not bothered by it. I was an avid snowmobiler myself years back, but I just havent had the time the past couple seasons to get out there and really enjoy myself. Tug Hill was always one of my favorite stops on the sled.

I have had this very situation happen on a couple occasions over the years. The first one cost me a re-key on the vehicle although I know for CERTAIN that the key AND the customers info was dropped in the repair shops after hours box. The next morning, the repair shop claims they only had the paperwork in there. Problem was, I had no proof of that. So I ate it. My speculation is that the ignition and the key were pretty worn, I remember the key looked terrible and the customer had a friend at the shop that backed up what he was accusing me of in an effort to get his ignition replaced on my dime. Since then, I ALWAYS notate specifically on the invoice where or what was done with the vehicles keys after the drop and even if I feel like the key or ignition seems hinkey. I havent had Issue since although I have had another customer try to play that game with me.

Beautiful rig. The 444E's are decent motors. Keep up on your maintenance, and dont beat her up and you will be just fine. If you are regularly hauling big 3/4-1 ton pickups, Then you may want to consider a bigger truck down the road. One here and there as long as you stay under g.v.w. shouldnt give you any issues with the rig you have. Good luck with her !!!

Welcome to the forums. I myself am in the finger lakes region of NY. Are you ready for winter?

It was one of those "do what you gotta do" type of deals. You got it out and didnt hurt it any worse so thats win.. Nice job.

Excellent work !! From what I can see in the pics, After you guys finished clean up aside from the damage to the bridge, It looks like it never happened. That is attention to detail.

I got to chatting with my wife in regards to this subject and she reminded me of these 2 brothers who years back started up their own "towing and road service" business in town. They took out ads in the papers, put out flyers, you name it. Turns out their "Tow Truck" was a crusty old s-10 pickup with a tow dolly and a hand crank boat winch attached to the front of it for those Non-running cars of course. After a few months, it was apparent that their "Towing" business just wasnt cutting the mustard..I cant believe I actually forgot about those clowns. Last I heard, one of them was in the slammer and the other was gainfully employed in the local fast food industry.. I Wonder what ever became of their Tow rig??...

From a Tow boss's Perspective, I can see how using a Corolla for light service call work would be economical. But, from a customers view, I am not sure how I would feel if a company showed up to do my road service in a vehicle like that. Lol As far as it being parked in a Handi-capped space, If he has the proper credentials to do so then so be it. I have never been one to judge whether someone is worthy of a handicap placard or not. I personally carry one on my wife's behalf because of her disability. I cant recall ever using it while in the tow truck, But I suppose if I was rocking a Corolla road service vehicle I would. LOL

Ahhh Yeah. Ok, that makes sense. We here have to wait 45 days with no contact from the owner before we can even start to think about the certified letter thing and getting the ball rolling. Heck, I wish I could start the lien process in 3 days time.

Lol. I have had Plenty of people who thought they would be smart a$$es and pay their impound fee in coins. It doesnt hurt my feelings at all. Money is money but, your going to stand there and count it all out right in front of me. The rates listed seem fair, But the "free" miles crap drives me nuts. If it costs me, it costs you. PERIOD. And whats with the 3rd day admin fee of $150?? What happens on the 3rd day that incurs that cost?

Rest easy Operator. I send my regards to Operator French's Family and everyone at Big Boys Towing.

There once was a guy from Nantuckett Who...... Just kidding. Stay safe everyone !!! Happy Holidays.