rreschran

I don't know if you got an answer to your question about the Holmes Cradle, but call Tim at T&M Towing/Crocket's Interstate Towing, in Eugene, Oregon, 541-485-3106. He has one similar and fully restored mounted on a vintage Chevy wrecker that's an American Towman winner in the Vintage Category. R.

Hey Chico ... I happened upon this a little late and by now you've probably got the answer you're looking for. If there's a plate that identifies, "Reading", I'd be inclined to think the truck bed was build by Reading Truck Bodies from Reading PA. They had a dozen or so locations (distributors) across the US. Like Fruehauf, Reading built a ton of utility beds to custom order or spec, but I don't remember them building wreckers. My guess is, by looking closely at the wrecker's boom and tow bar, the bed may have been commercially built and the winch/boom assembly may have been home or shop built and added. It looks like good bones for a Rat Rod Wrecker, or a first truck. There's still a bunch of Reading bodies on the west coast. Have fun with it. R.

A previous post showed a pic of a carrier loaded with a rare Porsche. If you're that transport business specializing in exotics, how many of you use the factory eyelet to winch-on and winch-off a expensive vehicle using the eyelet?My question isn't intended to start negative banter back and forth, more so to see what tower's use to load vehicles like this Carrera 980 GT with value around $450,000. I personally don't trust a man-made, threaded loops, that can't be seen and one that's mounted behind a bumper's cover. Because I'm old school, I prefer to carry and use any number of loops, straps, axle staps and ratchets. And, when it comes to delivering these kinds of exotics, I take my time to ensure safety and securement. I've witnessed the results of what a stripped or damaged loading eyelet can create. If you use loading loops, do you employ a catch-strap? What tricks can you share? R.

Mr. Tirko ... your's was a reasonable question and it deserves a simple response. Note: While many of the respondents here are experienced or have some kind of training, I encourage you, and those who are new to the industry, to keep those questions coming. The pic you provided does not depict a flatbed car carrier and has no winch. The methods of loading and the equipment used to secure the load can be similar; keeping in-mind that a smaller load that's secured over the axle is helpful to safe braking. But, also note that the bumpiest ride is over the axle. If you're securing a truck on flatbed, I prefer an eight-point ratchet strap combination. After 50-plus years in the towing and recovery industry, I'm still learning or see different ways of working to get the job done with safety and professionalism. I tend to remember that I was a newbie once (although a long-time ago) and made my fair share of mistakes. Grumps give good advice about formal industry training if you're specifically working in the towing and transport industry. Remember, there's a learning curve that takes time to get it right ... not sloppy ... not careless ... and not some half-assed technique that just get's by. R.

That's no small hit. Thank God the driver wasn't hurt. R.

Freeway Service Driver Struck and Killed in Racine, Wisconsin I'm incredibly shocked at this morning’s fatality of a freeway service patrol (tow truck driver) operator who was killed in a hit and run crash, possibly by a semi, attempting to remove debris from highway lanes in, Racine, Wisconsin. It was reported that the tower allegedly went into lanes to remove an item of debris when he was struck. The news reported the tower had over-head lights on, but law enforcement was not on scene and no traffic break was mentioned. A solid lesson learned if it's meant to be had. Christine and I pray for the tow operator’s family, the highway authority and the tow company he worked for. Just another example that SDMO laws don’t work ... God I ache. R. https://fox6now.com/2020/05/29/traffic-alert-2-lanes-closed-for-crash-investigation-on-nb-i-94-at-7-mile-road/

Update: The driver was taken out of the induced coma and with guarded effort, he is said to have feeling and movement in his toes after a difficult surgery. While the news report suggests this was a DUI related accident, a source has provided me further details that alleges this was no accident but more of an intentional act against the tow operator as the result of a lawful PPI. I'll post more if I can learn verifiable details. R.

Hey Clarissa ... I can't be outdone by Mr. Duke, but, I ditto his sentiments in saying how a great a person you are. I appreciate how you have made me and my Christine feel welcomed during our visits to Chattanooga. You truly are a Southern Belle with a beautiful smile and one of the best hugs in the south. From the bottom of our hearts, Christine and I personally say thank you for your friendship as well as the contributions to the towing and recovery industry. And, I certainly hope our paths will cross in the future. Best Regards. R&C

Hey Mr. Dude ... what about you putting on a, "behind the wheel", skills course at one of the tow shows? Did you know that, in San Diego, California, to gain a landscaper certificate at the ROP college level, a landscaper's applicant has to pass a driving course using a pick-up truck pulling a trailer, backing through cones, three point turns, straightaway pulling, loading a heavy mower, parking, detaching, chocks, etc? You could do something along those lines ... food for thought eh? So ... can I ask ... when will the country open back to normal? R

Does anybody know where Randy is headed? Retirement? Bad golf? Where'ever your headed, best of luck to you Sir in your future ventures. R.

I'm agree with Dat. These are difficult times where the industry's reputation is going to take a HUGE beating over stories )just like these) where towers just had to get that impound or toss a quick boot. I too am really old school, yet I believe that picking one's battles that are up-front lives up to that, "Do unto others", karma. People are going to lie and be sure their going to try and manipulate. If you're the tower and the car yotu've towed was dropping off groceries to a housebound grandma, sometimes having a bit of heart lends to a much better feeling within the community INSTEAD of getting punch in the face by some cocky reporter who seems to be taking you on in-front of the entire community. R.

I so greatly fear the statement ... "for an unknown reason, it unexpectedly detached from his tow truck and fell on him." Let this be yet ANOTHER reminder that working under raised vehicles is a deadly risk where seven towers have lost their lives in the same, 'underneath", process. I'm really sorry the young man lost his life in such a simple tow related activity. Going under a lifted vehicle for any reason is always a huge risk. I personally have policy and procedure that my drivers don't go under vehicles lifted by a tow truck during process of tow and recovery. When it comes to making ready for towing processes, vehicle's are to be loaded accordingly on dollies and no attempt to drop light-duty linkages or driveshafts from underneath are allowed. Christine and I send our prayers to the Szymazak family and the company he worked for. So sad. R.

As Moose said, most companies fail to provide training and there's little industry awareness of the dangers of working railroad rightaways. If there are trains and light-rail peoplemovers in your community, this is important training for tow operators to have. Since 1991, I've recorded as many as 12x tow operators involved fatals. But, even when law enforcement is on-scene and the emergency message is passed to rail-police dispatchers, that doesn't mean word got to the engineer ... watch this video. I'm including the link below to the national Operation LifeSaver, OLI.org, page for a basic truck driver training. Note: This 12-page training is NOT specific to tow trucks and recoveries, but provides simple information and instruction for truck drivers experiencing a situation at the tracks. If your computer supports Adobe Flash, take the commercial truck drivers mini-test, pass it, and print out the certificate for your driver's file. Surprising enough, California leads in train v. tow truck fatalities. And, just like working off and away from the white-line of traffic, tow operators have to inititate loading and recovery that's away from a moving train or trolley. R. https://oli.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/OLI-DriverGuide-stayalive.pdf

Hi All ... I hope you’re healthy and safe under the circumstances. I wish to share a quick lifes' lesson with you regarding the present tense of this virus situation and how a simple act of kindness has potential of deadly results. Christine and I reside in a rough and rural part of Southern California known for a high-level of violent crimes. And, where we live, there are a few houses occupied by elderly neighbors. With governmental restrictions coming from everywhere, like you, we’re hunkered down and surviving on a day to day basis. Thankfully we’re doing fine. We’re really close to our kids, grandkids and many awesome friends who live a few miles away and they’re part of our support system. Yesterday morning, on one of those crappy, rainy days, our granddaughter came by unannounced to deliver a bag of paper towels and groceries. We weren’t expecting anybody. She parked to the right of our entry and knocked on the door. And, because we’re a bit older and slower, it takes a minute or so to get up and see who was there. Christine reached the door first and looked through the peep-hole seeing no-one there. I ordered her to the center of the house where I asked in a commanding voice, “Who’s there?” No answer. I looked through the peep-hole and initially saw nothing. Having years of law enforcement experience behind me, I’m not one to panic, but I did however, grabbed a handgun and headed to the side of the house. From the corner of my eye I saw my granddaughter’s car leaving the top of our road seconds later; my heart was beating from my chest. She simply came to deliver a bag of groceries. The point I make is this … we didn’t know she was coming and our granddaughter didn’t call. I share this as a reminder, NOT to be over-reactive, but to remind you to stay connected by phone if you’re that person delivering groceries, coming to someone’s house, or helping support your neighbors. On the other-hand, if you’re the one at home, remember, when someone isn’t expected and you haven’t spoken to anyone, there’s a dangerous possibility of accidental confrontation when fear of a home-invasion robbery takes-over. You’ve seen the stupidity of what’s going happen when panic and paranoia takes over. Don’t think for a second that it can’t happen to you? Please instruct your people to CALL before coming over. If there’s no answer at the door, leave a message … don’t just show up. If you knock on the door or ring the bell, stay in-view and be sure to announce yourself. While the purpose of someone’s visit is neighborly, necessary and welcome, not knowing and feeling threatened are two deadly factors that create accidental consequences. This message isn’t about shopping for bad-guys, but, being intuitive to know there’s a difference between a friendly grocery delivery and that of being robbed, especially when you live at the end of a rural, dead-end road. Be sure to communicate with your people and always know what to expect OK? It’s been years since I’ve armed myself and going into that defensive mode … yesterday’s morning situation put me on high-alert. But, on the lighter side, I thanked my granddaughter for thinking of us and that I’ll never forget my reaction. So, now, whenever I wash my hands or wipe my backside, I’ll think of her. We both had a good laugh. R.

Hey Spanky ... any history on the truck? A former company? City & state, plus how did you acquire it? Let us know please. Thanks. R.