Tow411

Topic Originally Created on Tow411 in 2008:

Owned @ the time By: Mr. Charlie and Son: Steve Gilchrist If anyone knows who they where ..
You have nothing but good to talk about .Fine bunch of people ..

bigwolf said:

wow back in the day i hadnt seen any of those trucks in 18 yrs in about 2000 i was at your place picking up a car just after yall bought out charlies and you had the kw twin screw with the kemp conversion parked on the south side of the lot

Unknown Member said:

here is another truck of CHARLIE'S .. Steve had a few
and all in fine shape .. Mikey drove this one ... Mikey drove this truck more then his own .. it seemed he was on call in it 24 hours aday .. He loved this truck and he said he paid for a car and a house with it .. ( he said he could tow the smallest to the bigest ) with it !!

Unknown Member said:

that was a hoss of a truck i loved it there was only one other truck i wanted to drive if not 37 and that was truck 25 and there was nothing you could not do with ole 25

Larry Lange said:

Is that a home made conversion or a kemp, or grant etc?

Unknown Member said:

it was a Holmes 500 but steve turn it to this it had no tool boxes ,no dollys or a wheel lift he put a lot of money and we put lot of hours on making this truck it's one of a kind the only wrecker i ever seen made for a left handed man there was nothing that i could not do with it

rotator60 said:

That top picture is Billys Towing from Gainesville, Fl...Daves Towing of Ocala Fl now owns the truck...I beleive they put the unit on a freightliner now..If you look on the boom it says Gainesville's Finest..

Michael212 said:

That truck reminds me of a S/A LN900 we had w/Holmes 600 on it. It was painted just like it. Ahhh the Good old Days...

Topic by unknown member in 2008:

Originally Posted on Tow411 by Mark Redman in September of 2005:

Here is a 1961 Oshkosh/Silent Hoist Q40 (ex-Sevell's, Westfield, NJ) now owned by Central Garage in Hartford, CT. Does anyone know if this is the truck that was once owned by River Motors, in Toms River? I am thinking that it is, as there is still some blue paint visible on the underside of this truck. Wondering if anyone out there can give me an idea of the location of other trucks of this type still used by towers or used in the past? I am familiar with several here in Connecticut as well a a few others in NJ but would like to followup in order to possibly get some photos of additional trucks of this type. Thanks for your help and stay safe.

Mark Redman

WM99480 said:

high point has a very nice one ask for Steve

i think they still use it on big recoveries

In Memory of Da Wash Boss who said:

nice pic mark, if you want to know where all of them are try contacting bruce he can tell you a lot about these trucks. if you need his number let me know. hope all is well with you and i will keep you posted about the beautiful mack / oshkosh silent hoist unit.

Danny Cassello

Fredstowingnj said:

I think Mandy's Service Center in Edison Nj is still running one.Fred Koch,Jr.
Wreckmaster#99805
Traa Ct#8216
Fred's Towing
South River,NJ

Steve Avela hpgtowing said:

I believe Schiliars of PA is running one also... SteveNew Jersey's Finest Since 1922

In Memory of Da Wash Boss who said:

thats right steve, it is a wonderful workhorse the truck is very under rated. i have hundreds of pics of 2 people i worked for spillanes and tolland automotive anyways i have hundreds of pics of their q 50s in action.

Danny Cassello

Steve Avela hpgtowing said:

Yep they do work alright... under rated and under estimated.. Stay well and safe... SteveNew Jersey's Finest Since 1922

Rick Redman said:

Steve:
Excellent shot of your Oshkosh/Silent Hoist! Looks very familiar. LOL! Danny how about showing me some of those hundreds of shots you've been baiting me with for quite awhiile now! Give me a call sometime. About half an hour away from each other as you know and it's time we hooked up. Got some good shots for you to look at as well. Also, there's one particular shot that hasn't made it into my album yet. Give you only one guess to figure out which one!

Stay safe everyone,

In Memory of Da Wash Boss who said:

one shot not in album,,, hmmmm must be a big giant red mack that is going to make steve at hpg cry,,,,,, lol lol. am i right???? yes have oh my god hundreds of pictures of wrecks and with the silent hoist cranes in action. i have pictures of the first recovery job with a silent hoist crane in connecticut and to look back at that job now and look at the rigging oh my god osha would have a field day. alright we must hook up soon.

Danny Cassello

Steve Avela hpgtowing said:

Familiar indeed....It's a Mark Redman picture... I sent Schielars an e-mail.. wanted to know if he was interested in selling his Oshkosh.... I wouldn't mind owning 2 of them..... Wow.... Stay well... SteveNew Jersey's Finest Since 1922

Rick Redman said:

To add a little to Steve's strictly recovery comment on the Oshkosh/Silent Hoists. These trucks, with various size lifting capacities were sort of a 'second generation' if you will, of the US Navy crash cranes. Most of the earlier ones were built on Sterling chain-drive chassis. They were used at US Navy and USMC air stations for recovering downed aircraft on the runways. Most of the refurbished Oshkosh/Silent Hoists you see out there were done by a Connecticut based company. I'm looking into following thru with the person who did them to see what other info I can gather. Not sure if the replacements for these would fit into this forum, but the US Navy later used big, and I mean big, Caterpillar or LeTourneau based crash cranes. Technically I guess you could classify these as tow vehicles. If someone wants to see one I'm sure I can get one on the site from my vast collection of airport crash vehicle photos.

Stay safe, Everyone!

drewmel said:

Saw this truck a while back sitting next to their other silent-hoist. Looks like a great truck to make some money with. I must say the look of the Spillane's ex-truck is a whole lot meaner though. Just my opinion.
-Andy

In Memory of Da Wash Boss who said:

yes spillanes crane does look meaner as he had an enclosed cab and spreader bars on the side and rear of that truck. tolland automotives crane a q 50 like spillanes however their crane is 4 feet longer then spillanes. i have many many pictures of silent hoists doing recovery and i need to make time and learn how to post them.

Danny Cassello

Boscotow said:

great pictures ! truck looks awesome. i use to operate tolland automotive q50,now i run bosco's automotive's q50. steve you're right they are a true workhorse! i'm glad to see more guy's rebuilding them and using them. good luck with it .... dennis

Steve Avela hpgtowing said:

Thank you Dennis... These trucks are so grossly under rated... The truck never fails to amaze me.. It'll take a loaded trailer with 50,000 Lbs in it and lift it right up... Wish I had another one of these trucks... I had inquired about Schliars, I know he had one. wasn't sure if he had it for sale... Stay well all... Steve

thedricks said:

I remember this truck very well.  It was purchased by Carney's Towing of Scotch Plains NJ in around 1973.  It came from Ohio as a tri axle.  This truck was sold to Sevell's around 1985.  As I remember it had alway's been garage kept.  As a kid I hung around the garage and went out on many recoveries with this unit

DragNTow aka Mike Penn said:

I believe Jr. Ellis still has a Silent Hoist for sale in Elizabethtown Ky.

Happy Haulin............DragNTow

Topic originally created by littleredg in January of 2009:

Here's some pics from a show in Lexington N.C. about 1982 or 83.

getuone2x said:

I like the old power wagon . my dad had one from a RxR. Also remember two power wagons getting a car hit by train half mile down RxR track from their shop one going forward one backward with the car hanging in between

Jim said:

i towed many trucks with the blue mack with the atlas that was one of the first trucks with an undereach in this aera ralph but an add on nrc on the back on a side note can anyone name the beacons.

Roach901 said:

Those were made by Mars. There beacons all had the high plastic chrome look bases, some had split lens so you could change colors. I think the ones on the Mack are their Aurora Borialis style.

srvmgrnow said:

Yeah, that Mack belonging to Ralph Gates was the envy of a lot of people in this area at the time, super clean truck.

wreckerman05 said:

thanks for posting this-- i remember all of these trucks and companies--man i would like to have those trucks now in the condition they were in then--- brings back old memories--------i was at all of those lexington shows--

vulcanuk said:

all great trucks, really like that 5ton 6x6 with the 850 on , and ray harris rotator has neat winch set up and spade, how things have changed but all of these units could still get the job done in the right hands.

RedPete said:

Very cool pictures I love the way every truck was unique in its own way. I could look at those pictures over and over and never get board of them. Thanks for posting them.

towbc said:

i remember seeing the sneath truck 20 + years ago i thank it was in greensburo nc thanks for posting pics

Underdog said:

Great pics, thanks for sharing.
Stay Safe, Rich.

Topic Originally Created by Phillip Towing 102 in October of 2006:

Phillip (102), Phil (108), and Robert (107), responed with our 60 ton and new 75ton rotators. The mixer was loaded with appox 10yds. From the time they arrived to the time the mixer was hooked up behind the wrecker was 30 mins. Police and NCSHP were very happy.

Rotator 60 said:

Very impressive indeed.

Nice work start to finish

Thanks for sharing.
Scott Hedgcoth

Ed said:

Nice job & good luck with the new iron.

WM010544 said:

Very impressive indeed! How about some clean shots of the new units!!Ant
 

John Fenshaw said:

very impressive you guys have very nice equipment i cant wait to see steve webbs 75 toner on a all wheel drive pete one thing about steve webb he is very truck smart and can spech out a awsome wrecker i hate to see that 60 ton awd go
 

Cardinal Towing said:

looks good to me. nice looking equip also.

Craig said:

Nice work guys.. Sure makes it easy when you can place all the power in all the right places..

Get a load of the safety first sign on the rear bumper of the mixer ! lol.

Thanks for sharing,
 

xcessiveforce52 said:

Looks good,but in my own opinion I think you should of set the 75ton @ more of an angle on the curb, would allow you to get closer to the high side so you would not have to boom out all the way...( plz dont take this as " down talking your recovery" ) job looked good & made very good recovery time. I dont know how much mixer recoveries you all get? we do alot down here & I sure love them. "GOOD JOB"

Phillips Towing 102 said:

Jorge, you are very correct, we should have had our 75ton a little closer to the mixer. We were in a construction zone and traffic was a very bad problem. The officers on scene were very worried about closing all the lanes so we tried to keep the 75 and 60 ton in one lane. Phillip informed me that in the afternoon meeting placement of both trucks were first to mention by the guys. As far as "down talking us" we at Phillip's Towing Inc, have nothing but the up most respect for the whole Kauff's Team and ANY comments on our posts are welcome.

Waffco Joe said:

Nice Job Jason,Where did this happen?I hope to get down that way for the holidays.Thanks for posting........Joe http://www.waffco.net/

Phillips Towing 102 said:

This accident was at the intersection of Bragg Blvd. and Santa Fe Dr in Fayetteville

xcessiveforce52 said:

Jason on behalf of the Kauffs team & myself we appreciate your comment. "work them trucks & stay safe" Jorge

Darryl Burrell said:

Nice recovery............thanks for sharing.

wstowing11 said:

At least you know what it does over the corner !

Jerrys Road Service said:

Nice Truck looking great.

Jerry's Towing
Santa Clarita ,Ca

towing4u said:

nice test for that new truck....thanks for sharing.

zores27 said:

bragg blvd and santa fe dr.... i haven't heard of that intersection sense about 1997 when i got out of the army at bragg. did your company used to have a different name? i don't remember the name "phillip's", but i sure do remember the green and white trucks always spotless, and the drivers wearing white shirts that i never saw dirty. after 10 years in the recovery business, i still can't figure out how your shirts  always looked like they came right off the hanger. i used to drive for prime equipment, when they were on muchison rd just down from simmons army airfield, and your company used to tow our trucks. your trucks and 301 truck stop were the first "fancy" hydraulic wreckers i can remember encountering. maybe your equipment helped to rekindle my childhood dream of towing "big trucks". anyways, good looking recovery, mixer doesn't look hurt too bad. keep up the top notch quality of work and stay safe.

Topic Originally Created by 1Caleb in September of 2006:

Drunk and high this guy drives off the highway and rolls into a local vineyard. With pleanty of room and no traffic to deal with Mike tried his single lane roll-over.

As you can see a catch line was added to the other side once the car was on its side. However, when the car was rolled onto its wheels it wanted to roll forward. It bumped into the back of the truck. Opps

Good job to Mike (pictured) on the recovery. If anybody has any thoughts as to why the car would roll forward please add. Parking brake was set. Forgot to add some lumber under the rear wheels. That I know would have stopped it. Anyone familiar with this techique....are our lines placed properly?

srxrick said:

Blocks would of stopped it but the catch line moved forward would control the forward roll. Rick

bones5k said:

Just for the record the only reason I tried to do a controlled roll over is because the vineyard manager on scene explicitly request that no “fluids" leak from the car since this is “EPA monitored acreage.” Also, I had plenty of time and a safe location to practice something new, a controlled roll over with a dual line truck. Now looking back, yes blocks of wood should have been placed under the tires. After looking at the pictures I should have tied the control line to the front of the car. All in all it was successful roll over and only a couple small plastic bumper scrapes were added to the paint on the truck. I will be trying to buff those out later and most likely never hear the end of it. I will be practicing a controlled roll over on another vehicle at our yard until I get it right. On a side note, seeing the various techniques posted on 411.net, if nothing else, has given me new ideas and courage to try new methods and to become a better tow operator.

Westlake Towing said:

I think you answered one of your own questions, move the catch point farther foward(closer to the tow vehicle), and placement of cribbing or wheel chocks. You could also get the weight off of the catch line quicker. In the picture when the vehicle is rolled over, you can see that much off the weight is still on the catch line, the wheels on the left side of the vehicle appear to still be in the air, brakes no good on a wheel that is not making contact with the ground. The wire rope naturally wants to pivot directly under the end of the boom to its hanging position. Just a theory. Nothing wrong with practice thats the only way to get proficient.

Ed Barker said:

You took the perfect non pressured area and applied your technique,,,good job this time,,,maybe GREAT JOB next time,,,we all have to apply what we know from time to time to improve upon it,,,,quite admirable of your willingness to improve upon yourself and your ability,,,this is the steps to being a great operator and a great employee,,,

John Fenshaw said:

practice makes perfect there are alot of us that wish we would have done something diffrent i give you a lot of credit for trying to learn and for admitting that it diddnt go perfect so hands down to you and with you practicing and learning with a open mind will make you a awesome wrecker operator.

Topic Originally Create by Wildwood Mike in April of 2006:

Recieved a call from one of our customers stating they had a International boom truck on its side in their yard. I responded with our 98 pete 9055 and my uncle responded in his medium duty gmc. I arrived and found the truck tipped over with the boom resting on the reel they were moving. It wasn't all the way on its side because the boom landed on the reel and there she sat. I hooked up to it to upright it with the lines going through snatch blocks off the stiff legs to give it a low pull. My uncle ran a strap around the base of the boom turrit to catch it with the medium duty, with the boom extended we knew it would come over slow anyway but better safe then sorry. I started to upright it just enough to unhook the reel from the boom and then brought it all the way over. Everything went real smooth.

There are definitely people put on this earth to make us look good, some just do it better than others.

auto rescue said:

Thank you for the pictures and story line.

Ed Barker said:

Great job,Thanks for sharing.

Rotator60 said:

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.
Scott Hedgcoth

Underdog said:

Great looking trucks. Looks like it went real smooth, good job.
Stay safe, Rich.
Underdog Truck Service

wmjohn991095 said:

Nice job. Looks like the onle thing that happened to the truck was some fluid loss. Thanks for the pics.http://www.underdogtruckservice.com/logos/web-banner-hoag2.jpg
www.UnderdogTruckService.com
Always Bet on the Underdog!

Wildwood Mike said:

Yes, the only thing wrong with the truck was a little hyd. fluid loss and a flat spot on the boom extension where it landed on the reel.There are definately people put on this earth to make us look good, some just do it better than others.

Bighook18 said:

That is as close to going over as I have ever seen!!

Thanks for the pics, nice job and story.

Todd Pell

pttowguy said:

Great job & pics!

WM010544 said:

Very good job and a very nice Pete, as well!Ant

Waffco Joe said:

Thanks for posting,Great job,Joe http://www.waffco.net/

This topic Originally Created on Tow411 by Nulls Towing in December of 2006:

Just wondering what other people are using for stack covers.

We have been using the 2.5 gallon chain pails from the local hardware store but they stopped getting chain in the little pails.

Ed Said:

We don't use them, it has been determined that they are not necessary but the engine manufactures.
Maybe try GOJO containers? They are around 6"

Towaholic said:

i had a local sewing lady make up some out of vinyl about 10in. around with a bungee sewed in ive used them once they work fine i just use long pole to set on top and then bungee it down. but we almost never use them.

danielswt said:

i don't use them,but i know that our CAT dealer has them in stock premade. they are a vinyl material.

Chuck said:

Empty washer bottles, if you forget them no big deal. Noltes Service,Oshkosh,WI
Johns Towing, Neenah and Appleton, WI

towing4u said:

we dont use them...but we used to and they were old window fluid jugs...

hookin29 said:

The only time I cover a stack is when I wash my truck. Just so water don't get down in the pipe!!! I have towedalot of trucks by the rear and never covered a stack. Nothing will happen to the turbo or anything else inside there. !!!!

 

Craig said:

We use old washer jugs with a tarp strap on them, but don't use them unless the tow is over 10 miles. We've been towing big trucks since 1967, and we never covered stacks until about 6 yrs ago.

Now for the reason we continue to cover them. Towed a log truck a few yrs back into the Mack dealer for a rear end problem. We were back in about a week later with a different truck in tow. The log truck and owner were in the dealership also. In talking with the owner we asked what he was back in for... He said the turbo, but that he had noticed on the invoice it stated that we covered the stack. Saved us $ 1,200 plus dollars just by taking 30 seconds to cover the stack before towing.. I know all the truck makers say it's an urban legend so to speak, and that the wind blows across the stacks setting on the lot also. But, why take the chance these days with everyone looking to sue or make someone else pay for their mistakes? Personally I think all the turbo failures are coming from impatient drivers not letting their engines idle for atleast 3 minutes before shutdown. Then they come looking at us when something goes wrong.

 

Ed said:

I understand your reasoning there Craig but whether right or wrong did you ever say what the ----! You could probably spend a couple hours prepairing a vehicle for every single what if????
You very well may of saved yourself a disgruntled customer there...but it would of been hard to prove to me I wasted there turbo.

 

Craig said:

I know Ed, but it's a good argument for towing by the hour. Get paid for protecting your assets..

 

Hookin29 said:

Regardless of blowing a turbo If a turbo is going to blow it is not because of us towing the vehicle by the rear. Most trucks have mufflers that can only be mounted 1 way. They are directional.

 

ProTower said:

We have them in all our trucks. They are made by local tent and tarp shop, and they use a vinyl type material. Here we have to use them all the time or the shops will start complaining. For the few seconds it takes to put them on I don't mind.

Thanks Rick

 

joefromjd said:

I use the gallon jug with top cut out leave handle & crimp s hook from tarp strap to handle, made a long rod with hook on end,hold onto tarp strap put hook of rod in handle push up to top of stack pull down over stack & anchor tarp strapto anything like the stack guard, takes 2 seconds & piece of mind.

 

QueenswayTire said:

I use old tire tubes, just cut off a chunk of tube, fold the end over and duct tape it, then make a hole and attach a bungy so that they don't fly off, works great and takes up very little room.

 

MTA415 said:

Towtimes had an article on this a couple of years ago where they queried all of the engine manufactuers and all of them responded that there is no damage done to the engine from towing the unit backwards. Lemme look thru my old mags and see if I can find it.I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.

 

BigBerthasTowing said:

Folger plastic pound coffee containers with an old broom stick sheetrock screwed to the container. Easy to reach up and pop on and take off. Only for long distance tows from rear though. There are mixed reviews from manufacturers on reverse venture but try go safe first. No trouble and if it comforts the owner, we'll attach for short runs too. Please, only use the decaffeinated green containers as the caffeinated containers may give the turbin hypertension.Be safe and always watch for oncoming traffic!

 

SlimSanta said:

I think where this idea originally came from was farm tractors. With the tractors short pipes you can have a problem.

Al Dakota Service & Repair, Brookings, SD

 

ibflat2 said:

older copy of email I have from Donnie Cruse concerning this subject ..

Covering those stacks!

Many operators take the time to cover stacks prior to towing. On the other hand thousands of trucks are towed everyday without this procedure. Last year a student asked me a question. I felt his point was a valid one. He asked “what is the difference of a truck being towed backwards at 60MPH and the wind blowing at 60MPH in a dealership yards”? Put in those terms it is a good question, deserving an responsible answer. Who better to answer such a question than the manufacturers.
In an attempt to confirm or deny this procedure I contacted Volvo, Mack, Cummins, CAT, International and Detroit engine manufacturers and invited their response. Volvo was the first to reply their answers follow:

**************************************************************

VOLVO - Your recent e-mail concerning the effects of high speed towing on engine turbochargers has been forwarded to me for review and response.
We can only speak to Volvo engines but we believe the analysis would be the same for engines manufactured by others and which have a similar exhaust system.
In order for the turbocharger impeller to rotate, there has to be a significant flow of exhaust gases (in this scenario, air) through it. Under normal operating conditions, when the exhaust gases leave the engine there is no back pressure, relatively speaking. It is the
flow of gases through the impeller that causes it to rotate. There has to be a source of exhaust gas (the cylinders) as well as a way or the gases to exhaust (out the stack).

 

In your hypothetical, the flow of air is reversed. The source of the air is from the outside atmosphere but it will not flow down through the stack because there is no place for it to exhaust. In essence, the air flow would "dead end" at the cylinders. There is no flow of
air through the system because it has no place to exhaust. In reality, since the stack is already filled with air, the outside air cannot get even get into the stack.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Heino Scharf
Director, Product Assurance
Volvo Trucks North America

***********************************************************8

The next to respond was Mack Truck their answer follows:
Donnie-
I have received an official Mack response to your question from both Phillipe Santini, director, service and warranty operations, and Al Hertzog, supervisor, service training. They are both in agreement that:
1. If the stack includes a muffler, in most cases you do not have to cover the exhaust outlet. On a vertical stack, the venturi effect produced prevents any air from entering into the stack. On a curved stack, the muffler baffles should prevent air forced back to have any effect. But this has never been verified; a precaution would be to rotate the elbow 90 degrees, creating a venturi effect.
2. If the stack has no muffler, you do need to block the exhaust outlet. The shaft of the turbo could rotate, and without lubrication, the small bearings in the turbocharger will have their life span decreased due to "scarring", with a possible result of premature failure.
Both men indicated that the easiest method to prevent any engine component damage through open, vertical exhaust stacks is to simply cover them.

 

gain, I apologize for the delay, and hope this has been helpful. If, I
can do anything else for you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Jim Higgins

*******************************************************

The next to respond was Cummins Engine their answer follows:
Donnie,
Thanks for your E-mail message. We apologize for our delay in responding.

We can see that with certain type bends on exhaust stacks, that it might be
possible to get some air flow down the stacks while towing but cannot think
of any damage this would cause. If there was no muffler, the air might get
to the turbocharger but the wheels and shaft of the turbo are 'free
wheeling' and will rotate in either direction. Doubt that it would cause
any problems.

Thank you for your interest in Cummins power or products.
Regards,
Powermaster
Customer Assistance Center
Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
Columbus, Indiana, USA
Email: powermaster@cummins.com
Ref: CAC ID

*********************************************************
 

The next to respond was Caterpillar their answer follows:
Donnie,
We apologize for our delay in the response to your e-mail. As to your
question, only in a few cases will pulling a truck backwards cause the turbo
to spin, which would require free flow of air through an engine. This can be
caused by a hole in a piston or possibly a dropped valve. Typically the air
will not flow through the engine causing the turbo to spin. If you have an
engine where air will flow freely through the crankcase there is enough damage
to the engine the owner will probably not be worried to much about the turbo,
or the turbo will already be damaged. The backwards motion of the turbo
should not really be a concern, it would be the fact that the turbo is turning
without lubrication. It still might not be a bad practice to cover the
stacks. If you have any questions you can call us at 800-447-4986.

Brad @ CAT Truck Engine Call Center

******************************************

The next to respond was Detroit Engine their answer follows:
From Detroit Engines.
It is not necessary to cap the stacks when towing backwards to prevent
airflow through the engine.
Lisa A. Williams x2-7061
BWESTC01.DETROITDIESEL.COM

Subject: RE: Towing/exhaust

 

The next to respond was International Engines their answer follows:
The reason a turbocharger works is gas flow. The reason air flows is because of pressure differentials. The gas will move from a high pressure to a low pressure. If the gas (air or exhaust) flows across the turbine or compressor wheels the turbine shaft will rotate, forward or backward depending on the direction of flow.
When the engine stops it will usually stop near top dead center because of compression resistance. Therefore it is not unlikely that the engine would stop with the intake and exhaust valves open on one of the cylinders. It is common to hear air whistling in the intake with the engine not running, if the truck is in a shop with an evacuation hose on the exhaust.
The first question is; could there be enough air flow through the engines exhaust and intake system to cause the turbo to spin? If the conditions were correct, high pressure at one end and low pressure at the other, it may be possible. However with the restriction of the air cleaner, muffler and associated plumbing in the intake and exhaust systems, it is unlikely that there would be sufficient flow to cause any significant turbine speed.
The more important question is; could this cause turbine shaft and bearing damage? The turbochargers used on International engines are designed in such a way as to have oil contained in the bearing housing after the engine is shut off. This oil protects the turbine shaft and bearings in the case of a hot shut down.
My conclusion is that it is possible to have turbine shaft rotation when towing a truck if the conditions introduced relatively high pressure differentials. But I believe that it would be rare. And if it did, the speed would be low because of inlet and exhaust restrictions. Also the reserve oil in the turbo housing would protect the shaft and bearings from permanent damage.
Finally it would be impossible to test every application and combination in every towing situation to determine if the potential for risk exists. So if the vehicle were being towed a great distance at high speed and since it would only take a moment to plug either the intake or exhaust...better to be safe than sorry.
James Pirie
Application engineer
Engine Technical Center
Navistar International Transportation Corp.
10400 West North Avenue
Melrose Park IL. 60160
708-865-3331
jim.pirie@navistar.com

Conclusion; Only if a system is `open’ could lubrication damage occur to the turbo. I believe the possibility is very remote that air could get through a normal system. I would suggest the following; If you are aware of damage to an engine component such as pistons, valves or exhaust. It would be prudent to cover the stack. This procedure requires additional time and attention thereby a charge for this service is in order based on your interruption of the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A good reputation is more valuable than money.
Publilius Syrus (~100 BC)

 

joefromjd said:

Why worry about it just cap it & forget it.

 

Nulls Towing said:

joefromjd That is our opinioin also... I did not start this as a question wether to cover or not, even though the information is interesting we will still cap them. The reason that I started this post was to find out others ideas for stack covers.

Jared Null

 

SuperTrucker926 said:

I use old antifreeze bottles, cut the top off, cut a hole or two for straps and away I go. I cover all I tow from the rear.
Lucky Largo WM 4/5

 

WTBYTOW said:

it was said earlier its not worth it, it takes a few seconds and with my luck they would say it was fine when the owner knew it was on its way out. me if it is a long haul i will take the extra minute and charge them for it.

 

SuperTrucker926 said:

It has not been proven to me that nothing will happen to the turbo on a truck being towed from the rear. I have read alot of posts and tons of documents concerning this matter, and so far all I have found is that no one person can give me an absolute 100%. It's not the best example, but I look at it like secondary attachments. The truck I'm towing is not likley to break through the tie down's and jump out of the forks, but I still need to secure it in the event. Better safe than sorry, and it only takes a minute or two. Just my opinionhttp://www.tow411.net/images/emoticondriving.gif

Stay safe out there, watch your back, and we'll C'ya in the ditch!
Lucky LargoWM 4/5

 

itowu06 said:

http://www.tow411.net/images/emoticon1224.gif I use small trash cans from dollar store and a bungee cord, use my hook retreiver poll to place over stacks and secure with bungee cords works great and only takes a couple of seconds to put on and take off, my customers think it's a great idea and that's worth putting them on..lolhttp://www.tow411.net/images/emoticonconfused.gif

Ray
Abilene,Texas

 

Iron Forest Towing said:

can someone tell me where to buy a pair of bags to put over stack pipes  ..too short to reach that high !!!!  thanks

 

surrytower said:

A pair of 1 gallon round plastic Windshield washer fluid bottles with broom handles attached for reach and a bungee to tie the handle to the stack works quite well for few $s.

 

someotherplace said:

There was an extensive discussion about this in here, I dunno, maybe a year ago? Some forum searching using the right key words should show it fairly easily. Lots of talk and many different solutions as you might imagine many here have dealt with the situation.

Richard

 

Scott Burrows said:

In my humble opinion, this was the best answer to the question:

As to your question, only in a few cases will pulling a truck backwards cause the turbo to spin, which would require free flow of air through an engine. This can be caused by a hole in a piston or possibly a dropped valve. Typically the air will not flow through the engine causing the turbo to spin. If you have an engine where air will flow freely through the crankcase there is enough damage to the engine the owner will probably not be worried to much about the turbo, or the turbo will already be damaged.

 

Jerrys garage said:

I use Maxwell House or Folgers coffee cans. The maxwell house has a hand grip which nicley for tieing them down.

 

Nulls Towing said:

We started using tide detergent bottles, leave the spout as a place to put the rod. and cut the rest of the top out.

Jared Null

 

nrctower said:

I use nothing on road tractors I've been to seminar's by Cummings Cat Detroit and all say it will not heart the turbo now haling equipment is different some do require covering the exhaust I have been doing swap outs for ten years or so and never had any problems. Thanks for the post Tim

 

AWT902 said:

"I use nothing on road tractors I've been to seminar's by Cummings Cat Detroit and all say it will not heart the turbo now haling equipment is different some do require covering the exhaust I have been doing swap outs for ten years or so and never had any problems". Some where I have copy's of statements from the big three engine makers that air flow back through the exhaust at highway speed will not harm the turbo so we have not used covers for many years. That was well before the variable vane technology however.

 

brostow13 said:

Jerold, I had bags made from heavy canvas in the shape of a can at a sail
shop here in town .I screwed a hockey stick handle on each bag (availability)
and a rubber shock cord on the end of each stick.Easy to install never scratch anything and
with the shock cord attached wont ever fall off .total cost was like 20 bucks maybe .

Mark

P.S.Anything with a Cat engine towed into Cat repair facility in this area better have the stack covered .
Funny how it differs area to area.

 

QueenswayTire said:

it will not hurt the turbo, if it did, you would have to cover the stack every time you parked the truck in a wind storm.

 

Jerrys garage said:

ME thinks a 30 to 40 mph wind is just a little different than a 70 mph wind for 4 or 500 miles. Me Thinks.

Jerry

 

Nulls Towing said:

Me thinks the same as Jerry...why would you not cover are you or are you not on the clock??? In my opinion this is the same debate as to whether to pull the drive line or not...

But that is enough about the debate, the man asked what kind of covers to use...He did not ask if he should cover them or not!

Jared Null

 

Jerrys garage said:

Maybe a 5 gallon bucket

(to stand on),

might also try a gallon paint can, the have the reinforced lip area which is good for the bungee hook

Got to drink a lot of coffee to come up with the coffee cans. We make 5 to 7 pots a day here.

Jerry.

 

CB Dancer said:

Ok this is an answer to the original question
I like to use the covers off of the tube chairs you buy at wal-mart (we all have one or two that are laying around that are broke )
they come in many sizes wont hurt chrome and are easy to put on
and stay put with one bungee strap

and on a side note i have customers that request the stacks be covered and if that is what they want that is what they get
George

 

napaniel said:

We haul heavy equipment all the time & ALWAYS plug the exhaust. We use nerf balls. They are cheap and come in several sizes. All you have to do is stuff them in the end of the pipe.
One of our customers had a new mining machine hauled from Mt. Vernon, Il to a mine in West Virginia last month. When they went to start the machine, the turbo was locked up. The exhaust was not covered & was facing forward on the truck. It can happen The CASE dealer here has had several new backhoes delivered with burnt up turbos due uncovered exhaust. They demand all machines have the exhaust covered before they leave the lot.

 

LCT1 said:

The Cat dealer requires anybody leaving their facility with a piece of their equipment to have the exhaust covered. And I woul think they know something about engines and I think most other brands of engines are similar enough they could have the same conditions. We had the local tent and awning place make covers but know they have to be bigger for the new exhaust ends. Then go to the local marine supply store and get an aluminum extendable hook its about 4 feet long and extends to about 8 feet and has a hook on the end. It works great for pplacing the covers and removing them among other things like on recovery jobs placing straps.

 

towdriver said:

I have had a turbo burn up the bearing while towing a truck backwards. It had mufflers that were punched out to fool MTO into thinking it had mufflers when it was really more like straight pipes. Now I don't take the chance. Had a local wet suit maker make some covers. They fit tight on stack and so far haven't needed a strap on them. Only down side is climbing up and down to install/remove.

 

Acestowing said:

Here is what we use. Made by the dump trailer tarp guys, put 2 bungees in the eyelets 80$ for a set will fit up to a 10" pipe.
Edit; To install them I use a 4ft to 8ft extendable painters rod from Home depot, reach from the ground.

 

Parttimer said:

We use what I assume are factory made stack covers. Unfortunately it does not always matter what the facts of the situation are as much as the costumer’s perception of the facts. Takes less time and frustration to install them then to attempt to convince/educate costumer as to why we didn't cover them.

 

DJSCOTT said:

Ironically, we seldom, on customer request only, cover stacks. (The original question and post) on trucks we tow from the rear. On the other hand, almost all equipment we haul backwards, we cover the stacks on those.... if, at the customer's request, the stacks need/want to be covered we use 3 lb. coffee cans and a bungee cord. This discussion about should they shouldn't they will go on as long as more than 1 opinion is shared on this board... And just like the chicken or the egg, will never be decided!!!

 

 

An Unknown Member suggested this website as the final reply to the topic:

https://turbobarrier.com/

Topic Originally Created on Tow411 by MWBMDUSA in October of 2007:

getting her ready to go on the road. just got back from the first roll over.

 

 

AuthorizedTowing Said:

I like it ....ALOT Neat truck

 

In Memory of Da Wash Boss who said:

Now thats A sharp looking truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Them Ford Louivilles are sharp looking easy to work on comfortable to drive very nice trucks. Cant wait to see more pics of this truck in action. Good luck with it.

Danny Cassello - TRPC - East Hartford, CT

 

cbdancer said:

what is the rating on that ???
w/b is too short for my liking lol
George

wreckmaster#010474

 

Fredstowingnj said:

I remember that truck from back in the day when Defalco's Towing in Edison,NJ owned it.

 

EdsTowing said:

I remember when we built that truck. Nice to see it's still earning. You won't be disappointed on the recovery abilities, they will pull a house down and anchor very well.

Good luck with it.

 

Ed Barker said:

That is a fine looking ol feller,you sure shouldn't lack any storage,,,"WOW!",,,,that should be a dandy unit.With those big winch's and those big feet on the stiff legs,,,,that is a recoverers dream. Take care,

 

njChuck said:

I think you should leave the turnpike stickers on just to mess with people.

 

certifiedautomall nj said:

I was gunna ask about the TurnPike stickers im not sure how some of our troopers would feel about them still on there

 

Tracydi16 said:

Ford??? That is a nice truck. Thank Goodness it wasn't a Mack. Thanks for sharing. Hope she is good to you.

 

aussiehooker said:

good truck what sort of engine please happy hooking

 

ReliableTowing said:

nice looking truck
what are the drums for? ...........all the soap it takes to wash it

Steven

 

MWBMDUSA said:

drums are from a roll over that we had just got back from haz mat put fuel in them and left the drums with us after putting the fuel in the fire trucks

 

wreckeruk said:

wow what a nice truck thats got to be an interstater on the back great piece of kit and so strong
ty for the pics

Keith

 

MWBMDUSA said:

thanks to all of you we are very happy with this unit so far it has taken any thing we have hooked with it. this is one of the strongest winching trucks i have ever run 2nd only to our tator.

 

Topic Originally Created by EdsTowing on Tow411

When I got back, it wasn't quite empty but good enough for my concerns. They filled a F250 pick up with the pavers & tools and then filled a 1 ton Chevy dump with stone...

Easy hook up with a heavy steel tube going across the rear frame..

Started unhooking when I thought I should grab a pic...yes both safety chains were hooked...

dperone said:

That rear bumper should come standard on all trucks, it would make life so much easier. 23k on an F550? No wonder the rear studs went on vacation, the poor things are overworked.

mooresbp said:

Yea wonder why it broke Hmm

George
Moore's BP
We'll see you on down the road

Topic Originally Created by TowZone on Tow411 in June of 2014:

Poison Ivy Awareness, learn how to identify which 3 leaf plants are poisonous. I went for years getting into poison ivy and then one night one of our guys needed assistance cause their was poison ivy all over a hill side and around a tree which a car had wrecked into. He was allergic, so of course I stated I was not allergic to the plant and wire rope and chains in hand I lowered into the depths of the green growth. How many different plants, I do not know as it was like 2am.  I do know my immunity decided to end at that point in my life. Must of realized just how dense the poison ivy was and I broke out within a few hours. Finally after several days of spreading it all over myself and many over the counter medications, I went to the doctor and got a shot. That worked within 2 or 3 days. I still itch when I think about it.

Why do I bring this topic up you may ask. Well I happened to be listening to a radio show which covered this subject in depth. Since this is the time of year most tow operators will be exposed to it, I felt that responsibly I should put out an advisory topic. Many of us just go about the recovery and do not considered the hazards of these plants. Kinda like going into the water these days and not considering the hazards of sharks. When I was growing up it was just jelly fish, never gave any thought to sharks.

Back on topic, if you do get poison ivy, oak or sumac there is a product they say works well. It's Zanfel and more information can be found at Zanfel.com

They say to wash the area with COLD WATER not HOT as the hot water opens the pores and allows the poison to spread into the blood stream faster. Also, wash all the clothes you had on with a detergent.  This is because the poison can be active for something like five years and could continue to spread.

Now, I am sure this is nothing new to anyone, especially country boys and gals who have grown up identifying the plant since they were very young. But, everyone gets busy and focuses on the recovery only the miss the obvious hazards on the ground or growing up the tree. At least one of us has been there done that and that would be me. I am sure many others here can relate as well. So pass it on and keep a fellow tow operator from making the same uncomfortable and sleepless mistake.

Snubber said:

Good post Ron !

mooresbp said:

I have a poison oak soap that I use when I get close to it. I think I can get it by just smelling it.

someotherplace said:

If you have a serious reaction, Zanfel won't do anything except give extremely temporary relief. Been there, done that.

I've always been highly allergic ever since I was a little kid. Any type of exposure generally has me at the doctor getting a prescription for oral steroids (prednisone) or if it's serious, a shot.

What many don't know about poison ivy is that it's a cumulative allergy. Those that are NOT allergic can BECOME allergic, with repeated exposure. So even if it doesn't bother you now, you should avoid it whenever possible!

Richard

surrytower said:

And to those of us in the north watch out in the winter also.

Many years ago one of my daughters brought in some fire wood when the ground was covered with snow and wound up with the itch from some left on the bark.

Very unpleasant.

JB

Boltz said:

When I graduated from high school and knew everything about everything, (hah!) I worked for a year for the local conservation authority.  Part of my job was clearing out bush for camping sites.  Needless to say I was in poison ivy quite a bit because I was NOT allergic to it.  (At that time)  Guess what happened?  Can you spell the word cumulative?  Did a rollover on a Civic in the bush.  Yep, was off work for more than two weeks and had it for over a month.  Doc told me to stay the heck out of it or else was in for big trouble.  Not fun time.  Father of son that rolled car, helped me to recover vehicle , and ended up in the hospital with it in his eyes.  Point made, now I try to avoid the stuff. http://static.yuku.com/domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/embarassed.gifhttp://static.yuku.com/domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/embarassed.gif   Thxs for the timely reminder Ron.

Keen1051 said:

I can lay naked in it, it doesn't bother me. I've got some drivers though, that has to go to the hospital, and take shots for it. I always call them a bunch of sissys!

MADDOG said:

very good soap to use tecnu,use within a couple hours of exposure and it does very well.

wreckerman05 said:

I use to never get it,but around the 50 year mark-I started getting the skin irritations from poison--I keep a bottle of alcohol (rubbing) not the drinking kind  in my trucks--and I wash down good after a call I do in the weeds--havent had it bad lately------

1Towman said:

I have been in it and not had a reaction before but last year I got into some sumac that sent me to the doctor my eyes were just about swollen shut any way I had just put this link on my Facebook the other day
https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/home_garden/article_3ce61175-6b93-5bc9-ab16-f34a5156ff36.html

rlc4523 said:

If you do get it on you wash asap in cool to cold water and don't worry about buying the expensive soaps for the plants simply wash in dawn dish soap. its an oil from the plants that causes the reaction and what does Dawn do....wash grease and oil

towing4u said:

Thanks for the Zanfel tip, not heard that one and I am an expert on how to get poison ivy! I get it just being in the same zip code.

Genotowpro said:

Here's how I get rid of it before it gets to bad. just done this today 10am to last pic around 5:30 pm I got some tide with bleach on  a wet wash cloth (works like sand paper) scrubbed the poison oak real good then washed off and poured bleach on it. Burns a little but no more itch.

Sirknucklehead said:

Bleach does work on drying it up, burns for a bit. I don't recommend that for others, but I have used that method with success. I try to stay away from the poison ivy, oak, and sumack.

TowmanBlue said:

If I get close to it, it jumps on me. When I get into it I take a shower and change clothes as soon as possible.

middstate said:

Thank you for reminding all of us. If I even just look at poision ivy I get it.  I have to use predisone from a doctor it is a ointment that you spread on the rash.  After every year of my life of getting this medicine I get stingy with it so i have left over supply avoiding the doctor every other year.

smoffrd snowrider said:

my kids see a pitchure of it and it's dig out the calimine lotion i've never had a problem with it my aunt has a break out every summer and she now live no were she could come incontact with it.

Roadside Rescue said:

Big tough guy, The Fire Department told me about two years ago at a roll over into the woods, be careful that poison ivy. My statement don't worry about me never had it in my life !!!!!   Big mistake, right into the woods doing my job. What a baby I found out I really am when the culprit hit. Turns out after a trip to the dermitologist, It can get you at any time. Once you get it you aint immune no more. Now I carry cheap Tyvex suits under the seats of the trucks, and dispose of them when I'm done with them. $10.00 or $12.00 is a cheap way to protect yourself. Just be smart not like the big guy I was.  I'm humbled now. Hope this trick helps.

Spitz said:

I get it too and not always from the plant itself. They brush hog the ditches around here so you never know whats been there before. After any call I think I may have got it I really wash my arms and stuff down with the hose outside the shop as im likely washing the bed off too. IF I do get it my treatment is to ride it out and every 6 hrs or so, take a shower and get the water as hot as I can stand it and put the affected area in that hot shower. It burns for a bit but then the relief comes and stays for a good 6hrs again. Something with the bodies natural antihistamine reaction system that the hot water works.

BigWheelRecovery said:

This is a great post, seems this year there is much more p/i around that before, 3of my guys got it real bad on our last roll over. Now we have a new policy before anyone enters the tree line they must cover up meaning Tyvec suits an  rubber gloves there cheap an saves a lot of money in lost production. Your crew will be out all screwed up an in pain when you need them the most. Even worst they also spreed the P/I to there family's an babies Another problem there are tons of ticks this year as-well. One new kind of tic is so bad if it bites you it can prevent you from being able to eat meat again. your hands an throat will swell rapidly an you can die from just eating a hamburger.Its out there you can look it up. So you bosses out there supply your crew with Tyvac suits an rubber gloves make it mandatory they take the few minutes to protect they selfs if they cheat you'll know real soon an make sure they dispose of them right away if you or your crew had it as bad as my guys you'll understand. 

Thanks  BOB          

Have a nice day

TowZone said:

This is important, so I will keep featuring the topic until each and every member has it ingrained into their very being. As I stated I had it a few years ago and the memory is much like being brush by a moving vehicle it is embedded in your memory. Sadly we do tend to get busy and let down our guard, be safe out there. Everyone here on Tow411 cares and will pass this info on to others. Seems like common sense till you get it.

My wife is just now getting over poison ivy she got when cleaning out one of her rental properties. Didn't say anything cause she thought she had brought in Bed Bugs so it got worse over a couple of days till she finally showed me the sores. Of course I knew what it was right away. No, there are no Bed Bugs, I spray constantly for them as you never know. Actually had a impounded car many years ago that was so invested with Bed Bugs you could actually see them without trying hard. A couple had lived in that car for months. Watch how you handle those as well, it does not have to be a bed. It can be the seat of a car. Yuck... but that is another topic. 

BillWishard said:

Had to take on for the team. Didn't work out to well this time though I'm on my 3rd round of steroids. Never had a problem until 4 years ago. Just found out there is a pre wipe to apply before going into the woods. Trying that the next time.

Boltz said:

BillWishard, what is the name and brand of pre wipe?  Thx

BillWishard said:

The pre and post wipes are IvyX supposed to work on Ivy, Oak, and Sumac. Web site www.coretexproducts.com. Wife found them on amazom.com

wreckerman05 said:

I was in some bad off road recoveries this past weekend,and I used my rubbing alcohol and no itchies --and the poison was very viseable and I was caught in shorts(not planning on working but needed a winch truck ,not rollback)--I just pour some in my hand and rub all my exposed areas good,those briar scratches really fell good--this works good for me--I do also try and take a swim or shower when back home---

THTDON said:

I have never had poison ivy, and I am not allergic to it.  But last summer, I got a tow call along I-495 in Methuen.  The car driver pulled the car way off the road.  I had to lay on my back to reach under to hook up the car.  Little did I know that I was laying in poison oak.  And to make it worse, I was wearing shorts.  I have never been so uncomfortable in my life.  I wanted to scratch the skin right off my legs.  My doctor prescribed some sort of lotion.  And the itching went away shortly after applying the lotion.  Now I seldom wear shorts on the road.  Not only that, I wear the BDU pants that tuck into my boots.  That's a good way to avoid getting a tick on you, although the last two ticks that I found were in my hair (or what little hair I have).

And also that night at the same spot on the highway, I ran over a television set that someone had dumped off, and it was hidden in the tall grass.  I broke the big picture tube, which made a small explosion.  But luckily it was one of the tool boxes that broke the tube, and not a tire.

thtdon

August 2017 TowZone said:

Think I might have gotten it again somehow. Treat a small area, hopefully it takes care of it before I have to go in for a shot.

wreckerman05 said:

been lucky this summer so far---only problem had a off road rollover at like 2:00AM--next evening I came home and changed work clothes to pair of shorts--I noticed 6 red spots and they were itching---wasnt poison  was chiggers--havent had them in many years--used finger nail polish and they quit itching---use to go pick black-berries and get chiggers,  havent see them in years-----

Topic Originally Created by EdsTowing in December of 2014:

We had to do some work to our mpl40 recently to clean it up. The lift cylinders were poor by design & seeped chronically. The tilt cylinder was pitted bad for years but recently started leaking as well. Then one of the winch functions failed due to a problem with the control valve so it was time to pull it apart. We had the valve body overhauled cause Dam...it's like stupid money. The pins & bushings were all replaced. All the rust on the boom was dealt with and we replaced all three cylinders. Then we painted the boom like the rest of our wreckers...which we were supposed to do years ago but never got to it...

This truck still had the original rope on it & Eddie wanted to try synthetic. We removed the winch tensioners and sanded all of the wheels to eliminate any burrs that could cause damage to the rope...

The

"Primary Roll" of this unit now.....

All done & back in service....

Keen 1051 said:

Ed, ever thought about starting a refurb shop? Great job!

JEF said:

I'm convinced dunks is the reason we don't all quit after a standard 8 hour shift.

Very clean rebuild.

Dlock13 said:

Ed, I've always enjoyed your refurbish posts over the years. Turned out nice. How's the 6.4 holding up since all the problems early on?

Topic Originally Created by Scott Burrows on Tow411 in December of 2012:

Not to knock any one female, or group of women, but all of us have had instances where we ask our wife/girlfriend/significant-other to do something, and (instead of doing it) they question the reasoning or rationale behind the request.

Well, this morning, we are clearing up an accident, where a semi-tractor and trailer have literally driven thru a U-Haul loaded with computer equipment. The debris field was significant, and the traffic backup on I-71 was (by now) six miles and growing.

The KY DOT snow-plow driver turned to be and asked if we were going to clean up all the computers lying on the bridge; he also was questioning the responsibility of KY tow truck operators, in regards to clean up of accident debris.

Now that I have set the story, here's the rest:

I suggested that we just toss the computers over the bridge rail; that would clear the highway much more quickly.

The local towing operator that was assisting me had his #1 "Girl Friday" with him, and she had a printer (still in the box) in her hands.

She, very simply, turned and dropped it over the edge of the bridge!

You Go, Girl!

Scott Burrows

miracle1 said:

Thank you !after today I was needing a good laugh.....

DragNTow "Mike Penn" said:

Does she have any sisters?

mooresbp said:

LOL

She had to be one in a million.

Slim Santa said:

She had to be one in a million.

Old Tow said:

Bless her little "pea pickin " heart.....where is the bridge, I need a new printer  ...

This Topic was Originally Created on Tow411 by TOWAHOLIC in January of 2007:

Don't know if this is the right spot but here goes.

What's your story, how did you get started?

how big of a operation do you work for, what changes have you made to be were you are today?

the only other thing that keeps me up at night besides here is the history channel.

I hear big red has a good story, how about big wheels, curt sharp, danielswt, o-hare, just to name a few no particular order.

Towstany said:

They caught me at a weak point in my life. lol

TOWAHOLIC said:

That's not fair Jon you know you love it and you'll be back besides I'm looking forward to my 6/7 in osseo

dudewhersmy50ton said:

it was the second job i got out of high school and it stuck. i tried twice to get out but came back

mballor said:

My dad started with just a body shop that was ran in the garage that was attached to the house. Then he bought a wrecker so that he could move cars around. After a couple of years the garage was a little small and he built a 3 bay body shop, then he got on rotation, and got the aaa contract. When i was little we had a diamond rio and a couple heavy single axle internationals, i wish i had a photo scanner because i'm not even sure what back was on them. That is how i learned to drive a stick, i would hop in one of the big trucks when i was 16 then play around in the lot. I did pull out a beer truck, consumer truck that was hauling poles, couple school buses, before i had my cdl. We had probably 7 trucks 8 years ago, then we downsized to 4 and updated the fleet. We have 9 trucks now, and we are the largest or second largest in the county. We moved down the road from our original location because of the house being right next to the shop, and now my parent live down the road, and i got a house by the beach. I still plan to do some expanding, but my dad is a little scared of it, so i might do it later on. I also like the idea about having some other types of businesses not related to towing.

John Fenshaw said:

i started when i was about 14 or so. i started working for russel baum in upstate ny. i was a truck washer and a yard man, and a go get this person. when i turned 16 he let me drive a little in the big trucks but i got to drive the 1 tons. when i turned 18 i got my cdl and went full time into the heavies. when i was 21 i moved to fl started with stepps towing a great company, then moved on to webbs another great company, and worked at 5 a towing a really great company and here i am in iraq doing recovery work.

i feel i was very lucky to get to work for russel baum i learned hook ups recovery all before i was 18 but i still learn everyday. i would get to haul salvaged trucks around the yard before i could even shift gears lol i have a good name for recovery in lakeland i work well with fhp pcso lpd and the fire dept. i am looking forward to continuing on when i get home. maybe buying my own heavy.

Jerrys Garage "Now Retired: said:

I am INSANE. That's all just plain NUTS.

TOM JR said:

When I was little my uncle had a body shop and a couple old tow trucks. I would go over there with my parents and see him. It was the best place in the world to a little kid. When I was in HS I got a part time job at a body shop/towing place. I learned alot and rode with the tow truck driver and would drive the trucks to the scene if they needed additional trucks. I became the worlds best wet sander, truck washer and fueler upper! A few years later I got a job a JJs. I liked working for him so after a year I decided to buy 2 old beaters and start towing on my own. Now Im wondering how it will end.

Nullstowing "Jared Null" said:

I was born into the business and my father was born into the business. My grandfather started the business in 1958 to compliment his Esso gas station.

Toyo03 said:

My brother ran off with his girlfriend so I took over. Ask how we all got to be here!!!If da watah wasn't rough.
Void when gone fishing!
Ahui hou gotta go, Shane

Towtrk1 said:

After graduating High School, I moved to Hollywood for a year to f#@k off. Came back in '93 and took a job for a local tow company just to get back to work. Spent my first 5 months in the industry babysitting the Gold Star Bridge on I-95 that was being rebuilt (Contract was for 2 standby wreckers 24-7).

After that I joined the then AAA garage in Groton and got bitten by the bug. I was mentored by 2 Wreckmasters there and wound up supervising that co's towing operations for several years before moving on into the Heavy Duty market.

About 1.5 years ago, I attempted to leave the industry, having had enough of the rat race. Only to find myself back into it last April. Now all I do is Medium and Heavy Duty, which is fine by me. I do miss the big wrecks, as we are not on rotation, but have always continued to further my development in the industry.

Do wish to own my own company around here, but the competition around here is stought and the market is heavily saturated, which doesn't attract yet another company opening up. Besides, finding a finanical backer for this industry is almost impossible, and I don't have a cash crop laying around to buy one out.

So I plug along, doing the best I can. Use my knowledge to my advantage and try to teach those who are willing to listen.

At this point, my reputation as a quality operator is my goal and hope to, someday, become an industry leader. Just need to keep learning...

Yawakze said:

I was executive chef at a big city hotel and one day I said no more of the stress and hassels. Called an ad in the newspaper and he met me with a gmc 6500 with a vulcan 811 and said this is your truck you start now. Then he showed me everything, properly, and after a week he handed me my first paycheck. Boom I was sold.

He turned out to be a blessing and a curse in that he ripped me off for a lot, however I learned alot.

Now I work for a family owned company, they like me I like them and I don't have to worry about being ripped-off.

Now I'm proud to say when people ask " What do you do?" I say I drive a tow truck.

danielswt said:

well, i was born into the biz. been working full time since i was 3 yrs old. dad started the company 13 yrs ago after getting tired of working for his father in law at a body shop.

we have steadily grew every year and now have 2 locations 50 miles apart from each other.

i have so much more to look foward to in life, and i dont think i would change the way anything has happened at all.

wreckerman05 said:

my dad started in 1959-used cars,then salvage cars-started with a 1953 ford with hand crank winch-as business progressed in 1967 he bought one of the first 3 car rollbacks in our area-i wished i had some of the equipment that we had thru the 70,s + 80,s--i bought the business as a salvage yard and towing service in 1975-sold the salvage yard in 2000,now just do towing only--no kids who want in the business,so i,ll go as long as i can(kids are smart these days,who wants to work 24/7)-- still like what i do--so i,ll keep on towing---

slim santa said:

We bought our first tow truck from one of my first employees. Our primary business is auto repair, second is our welding and fab shop, third is towing, recovery, road service work and heavy hauling. Last but not least, is locksmithing and crane work. In a small town like this you need to do about everything.

Dakota Service & Repair, Brookings, SD

twinbulls said:

I was a contractor (houses) for many years Very good at it....From NY to south FLA...past 15yrs

then I got fed up with the BS..Building depts...permits...inspectors,finding good people who wanted to work....At one time I needed 20 a day to get my jobs done... I was over it poke me with a fork I was DONE.... BURNT out !!!
I made a GREAT living and had some money saved and took a few months off to find myself...
I tried many things but nothing seemd to be it....Then I thought about when I worked for a bodyshop up in NY years ago(teenager) I used a Ortiz wrecker sling truck...

Well I saw a tow company for sale and checked them out....Worked with them for 14 mo but the deal didnt work out so I bought my own Flatbed and started Safari Towing..
its been almost 3 years on my own and I just bought my second truck.. So things are going mostly as I planed>>>>>

And I love this job !!!!

Steve said:

Well it started for me when i was 17 working for an auto repair shop out of whitman ma I had been working there for about 2 years doing anything and everything there, from repair work to body work, and of course being the shop b!tch running parts and everything and then I was given the chance to get into the truck. They ran 3 trucks F-450 wrecker, f-350 rollback, and international 4300 w/ 21' JD rollback. Started being taught doing the basic tows picking up disabled vehicles and bringing them back to the shop for repair. Then got to step it up to do police towing and recoveries. Got to learn quite a bit from the two other drivers there, differnt hook ups, different winching techniques and so on. It was a good place to start and get me going in the business. Unfortunately due to different issues I left there this past summer and have been out of work since and been having a difficult time trying to find a new job. Only 19 years old now going to school to be a diesel mechanic i have some probably crazy dreams but eventually wanna open my own business running a decent size fleet specalizing in heavy duty and a truck repair shop. Bascially open up my fathers old business that he closed the doors on about 20 years ago. He had about 8 trucks constantly working and a busy truck and auto repair shop.

In Memory of Brotherandsons who said:

Left a job at a machine shop making $210.00 a week when I was appointed to the Fire Dept making a whopping $9274.00/yr salary ( it was 1974) ...got married, couldn't afford anything, so I needed part time work.....3x5 file card on the bulletin board in the FireHouse locker room said "MAKE 30% !!!..all you need is a chauffers license" ......3 of us went and applied on the same day, one of the trucks in the yard was a 66 Brockway , with a 750 on the back, Duplex tranny..old man asked if any of us could drive it , and I sure could.........and that was all she wrote..... 18 year fireguy career was shortened by a 5 story fall ... got divorced.....came to FL to heal, met wife, got healthy, got back in a wrecker for a local co, couldn't deal with it THEIR way.opened my own......sold out in 06...........got SUCKED back in last September .lol.....I love it still....as much as I did in NJ during the winter pulling Drivelines in the SLUSH!.....only its warmer here

bigtow00 said:

I am a glutton for punishment.
My father and my uncle started in the body shop and expanded to wreckers when I was 5. My uncle stayed in the body business and dad took the wrecker business. Those shiny trucks got me. Started answering phones around 12. Working in the shop around 14. We had a fleet of Chevy c30's. We kept parts in the shop for them motors built on the floor, transmissions and any other mechanical parts ready to go. At 14 I could do a 350 engine swap in 2 hours. We pulled the engine out and put in the one off the floor. If the engine was salvageable we rebuilt it but we always had at least one. Training drivers before I could drive the truck. They would drive and I would train them to load and operate. Started driving them at 16 after school and during the summer. I operated a 78 Chevy c30 with a 440 Holmes and a 83 Chevy c30 with a 17 foot Jerrdan rollback. Got my CDL at 18 and I was hooked on the big trucks. My first heavy was a 1978 Chevy Bison that you can see a couple of responses up on Jerry's Garage Banner. I miss that old truck. My father tried to keep me out after i graduated high school but it was too late. He offered to pay for any college I wanted to attend. I was running the business because he was the county Magistrate Judge. I finally talked him into selling to me when I was 23. I bought 2 locations and my sister bought 1 location. I currently operate 8 units and she operates 7 units. We have split the business into 2 seperate businesses. Currently at my location we answer 25-30 calls a day. I have gotten out of it a couple of times when dad owned it because of differences in opinions but I have always come back. Once you get this in your blood you're screwed. I was volunteer fireman for 7 years. I am certified in first responder, auto extrication specialist, rope rescue, water rescue and hazardous materials. I am also a 4/5 WreckMaster and a certified locksmith.

DMcCullough said:

How did I start? Boy that is a long story. I was kind of an odd kid loved working on cars...got my first car at 12 when I sold my "trick bike". Through high school I worked at an equipment rental company. Washed trucks and equipment. Did small details. Learned a lot. I got to load trailer and learned how to chain down by the DOT book. Senior year equipment company hired a new employee I didn't care for. (later turned out to be chemically imbalanced) Went to work for Lunda Construction Company. They put me in the welding/crane repair shop. I learned rigging welding. I was attended college to be a shop teacher. Dropped out my junior year after getting diagnosed with cancer. Came home worked for the local John Deere dealer. Meanwhile I looked for something fun to do. Heard about a wrecker/tire service for sale. Went and looked at it. The owner hired me. I should have bought it before working for him. Worked for him for about five years. Couldn't get the deal done. Went to work for a truck shop. They thought I was looking to move on so they laid me off and bad mouthed me. Rented a small shop with a friend who worked on forklifts (owned the rental company I worked for in high school). Wrenched like crazy. Bought my first wrecker a rust bucket with a wheellift. Paid cash. Kept putting out good work. built a business. Bought a better wrecker in pieces actually traded stuff for it I had. Put it togther. Made an awesome buy on a flatbed later that year. This year I bought a 4x4 wrecker in pieces and put it together. Not bad for four years with no money when I opened. I have one employee and am getting ready to have two more and add a second location, by march first. My equipment may not be new. It works well and is paid for. I have come a long way from when I started. I have no loans. I owe on a lift and some tire equipment. You don't need a loan to start. You just need lots of blood and sweat. Know your costs. I am a sell out I have sold out to my customers.....they paid a premium for my good service and we are growing everyday. Be honest work hard educate your customers. and know your stuff

unknown member said:

That's quite a question... And look at the info you're getting from it!

I've done a ton of things in my job history - I tend to get bored with things in a hurry, so I changed jobs a lot. I've been a volunteer firefighter since I was 12, and that just kind of seems to fit in with the towing industry for some reason. In one of my in-between-a-job spells, I found an ad for a towing position in Boulder, CO (where I used to live), so I went down to see what it was all about. Well, I guess the time was right, 'cause I was hired the next day, as soon as their insurance company approved me. I worked for that company on and off for a few years, but moving out of the area kind of put the final end to that chapter. I enjoyed towing, and I was good at it, but I really hated working in the snow (still do...), and Boulder's full of that. I just chocked it up to more experiences for my past and moved on - while I liked it, I certainly didn't really plan on doing it again.

After living here a few years, as I started to get to know more people, I also started to hear a lot of complaints about the local towing services - lack of availability, rates, non-professionality, attitude problems, and so on. It made me think back to when I used to drive a tow truck, the fact that I knew I could do better, and I started thinking about maybe this was the right time and place to start out on my own. Then, a year and a bit ago, a close friend got totally ripped off for a simple towing job, and I said enough was enough - my brother and I drove up to Denver and came back with a 1998 International 4700 with a 21' Century bed on it, and the rest (as they say) is history. It tougher'n crap running your own business, the paperwork sucks, it's tough to make ends meet, but I'm still doing it, and I just got a second truck (1976 Ford F-800, Holmes 525 wrecker, No-Mar wheel lift), so I guess I'm stuck for now. As others have said, my equipment's not new, but it's paid for, and I maintain it myself, so I know it'll do the job. I don't need new equipment to do my job right and keep my customers happy, but I'm hoping that things will go well enough that we'll be able to get some newer trucks sooner or later.

At least now, it's on my terms, and if the weather's too bad, I just don't go out. It feels good to be running the show instead of just being told what to do - it 10 times more work, but it's still better. Assuming things stay working like they have been, I hope to be adding a 4x4 and a heavy to the fleet within a couple of years, after I feel that I've had taken enough training courses to run the heavy right. I don't believe in just jumping in without knowing what you're doing - there's a good chance you'll screw something up before you learn enough not too, and I've worked too hard to build this company to allow that to happen.

Finally, it's been probably one of the best things for me and my business to have found Tow411 - it proves to me that I'm not the only one crazy enough to do this, and it helps a lot to have others in the same field to talk to. I've probably learned more things in 2 or 3 months of Tow411 then I did in years of towing - Thanks to all of you!

acuranut said:

ow, what a cool post. i'll try and keep this short. been around "car" type jobs since i was 15. pumpin gas, general service, car sales, etc... moved to cary north carolina in september 98 from hometown of parma hts (cleveland) ohio. after starving while selling cars here for a year, decided to quit that before i was homeless. kind of knew a guy from church who owns an auto shop/towing service. he says, come on over and drive a tow truck till you find something else or whatever. well, here it is almost 9 years later. it is a relatively small business, we have 9 trucks. i am now the towing manager, full time dispatcher, and part time driver. i did leave here for about a month and then figured out how good i had it. i bought my first home 5 years ago. nothing is guaranteed of course, but i don't see myself leaving here anytime soon. thanks for all these great stories.

Greg

colotow said:

i took a round about route, i was 36 when i got into commercial towing by a side door.

i grew up working on a farm in Vermont, joined the military at 17. after a year in the national guard, i went active duty, went to germany. i hung out with the motor pool guys, i would drive whenever they ran short of drivers, got to go out in the old 5 ton (M816) wrecker sometimes, ended up being sent on my own (and i was a unit supply clerk!!) ran a hemmt (8x8 oshkosh) wrecker in ft hood and desert storm. left active duty, back in the guard, went to a diesel college (4.0 gpa, 2 1/2 yrs, thank you!) and was working for rsc rental as a field mechanic. we used a local towing/hauling company for the big, rolled, and stuck equipment. i had assisted them on a few recovery's, and got to know the drivers on the landolls and wreckers. they found out i had run military wreckers, and already had a class a with endorsements, they talked me into applying part time. i was going thru a divorce at the time, so i started on light duty, got a chance to ride along and assist in the heavy's, and was offered a chance to be trained on them, i'd take a 1/2 day of vacation, and they'd stick me in with whoever was in town. i started running simple calls, worked my way up to doing winchouts, some wrecks, and after my divorce was final i went to work there full time. looking back all i was doing was hiding from everything else, i was running 7 days a week, crazy hours, and being pushed to do even more. i didn't like the policy's under a new owner, so i quit there, went to a different company in denver. still got pushed too hard, and was getting burnt out there as well, then a co worker got hit, (and later died) while loading a rollback (Bill Bruner, feb 2005). i was already talking to kbr, that was when i decided why not? and hired on to do heavy recovery in iraq. i've been here almost 3 years now, i work outside the wire, and it suits me ok. right now, still undecided how much longer i'll be here, alot depends on the contracts. trying to set up an r&r for march right now, might finally get into the wreckmaster weeklong this spring if it all works out.

i'm planning/hoping to be operating heavy wreckers for many years to come, just have to see how it goes.
didn't get shelled yesterday, only ones today were outgoing, need to see what happens tomorrow!!

myerstowing said:

My father started the company in 1986 after working for a local wrecker company that was going down the drain. I was born into the industry in 1992. In 1996 my father became a little burned out and became an Area Field Manager for U-Haul for a year or two starting our accompaning Uhaul dealerships. In 1998 after my father returned, he was irritated with interference from his parents and opened a new location. The year 2004 we were offered an auto repair shop and I began answering phones and doing paperwork in the office. We were awarded a Freeway Service Patrol Contract in 2009 and we began operations with our third location in the Bay Area under my direction. We opened a fourth location in 2010 all spread out by a 100 mile radius. Now, with 18 trucks, and 30+ employees I serve as Operations Manager to oversee the locations and expand our business.

DragNTow "Mike Penn" said:

The mental institution where I had been living was so overcrowded that they held a contest to let the least crazy inmate out and I won. After that I went out and married two women so I could have some ex-wives like all my friends. Then I got drunk and said yes to my current wife when she proposed. Went to work for a tow company and one day the owner said "you should buy this from me" (tow company) so I did. Been workin my crazy ass off ever since (14 years).
Happy Haulin.......................DragNTow

lantz70 said:

started out in law enforcement. after 10 years i was tired, burnt out.as a supervisor i was stuck in the office shuffling papers alot. my k9 was ready to be retired soon. I had always been fascinated with wreckers and loved watching them work at wreck scenes.thought i might do that when I retire. then politics got involved and i got out of law enforcement.there was a dire need for another wrecker service in our area..so i cashed out my retirement,paid off all my bills,and in 1999 bought a ford f350 wrecker with a twin line century wrecker.Been a long hard road at times,especially with the economy as it is now.I do enjoy most of it though.sometimes i wish i could go back to the time of just me and my old 85 ford.351 gas.life was simple then.

woody39 said:

at 16 was cleaning in a garage in upstate NY and was taken on wrecks when I was there and they taught me to tow w/ a Holmes 440. at 18 I was looking for full time employment and answered an add to tow and my first weekend towing I trippled what I used to make. I was hooked. shuffled around to several tow companies over the years and finally ended up at Quality/Michael Bigg 8 years ago as a heavy operator......today it has been almost a year out of towing and I tell you that I do miss it and do tow from time to time ( did a bus last week ) but injuries over the years have finally caught up to me and the daily grind of towing 10 trucks a day has taken its toll. so for now I'm not in a wrecker.

maggala said:

a friend of mine drove tow trucks many years ago in anther town I went up of holidays and rode around with him for a week chasing smashes loved it but didn't know any one in my town or have my truck licence used to listen for the chasers most nights. fast forward 20 years a business I had importing cars finished up. I was in my early 40's looking for a new career while waiting I finally got the truck licence I mean to many years ago. a friend said come with me for a few weeks and I'll show you towing i go thanks I love cars he taught me the right way his dad was a veteran tow truck driver my friend had been doing it for 10 years. he taught me well I drove his dads truck for a few months learnt the ropes. then his dad came back I bought my own truck got an offer to do car carrying did that 18 months with my truck not much money but got my articulated licence . then carted steel for a a short while and learn't the load restraint. The money and the work wasn't what I wanted. so i changed worked for a equipment haulage co moving mainly large access gear. and road stuff. in low boy and then moved to a 3 axle rollback worked hard made good money got itchy feet for my own truck joined my current company in a small rollback cause with the gfc machinery movements died off. learn all about towing cars small machines and doing aaa equivilent work and police work also council road clearances repos you name it we do it. Around 14 months ago bought my own truck and work leased to my former company. the work is good the pay is great and on time no chasing money and home at a reasonable hour. we are the biggest company in my city and working on the whole country. I have itchy feet to run my own show but will stay where I am for a while. its so much easier than going on your own. I have the companies respect and can talk to one of the owners when ever I like. the only isssue is cause the company has grown so big 150 plus trucks politics some times gets in the way so I keep away from the office once a month is plenty for me. in my job every day is an adventure we have such a huge variety of work I never get bored.
cheers
meggala

Brian 991219 "Brian Riker" said:

I am a third generation tower, I grew up in my father's truck garage cleaning the trucks, changing oil, helping dad hookup and deliver trucks.  I was about 8 years old when I started moving cars and small trucks around the lot and by 12 I was riding along with other drivers doing their hookup and such.  Dad sold his garage soon thereafter and I was out of towing until I was 16 when I started moving cars or the local scrap yard, then at 18 I started working part time for a AAA garage.  After this I went to work for a salvage auction, where I met Woody39, became the operations manager before moving on to another auction then bought my own trucks.  I sold my towing business in 04 to the salvage yard I started working at and became a part time driver for them, followed some other transportation related interests until I came back as a safety and compliance consultant.  I plan on returning really soon to operating heavy duty if all goes well.

I learned how to hook up when we were still using scrap tires around the winch cable to protect the bumper.  My first truck was a Ortiz body on a Ford chassis, our heavy duty was a homemade truck on a Diamond Reo chassis.  I then moved up to a F350 with a 17 foot WeldBilt carrier before getting into Chevron 4 car and Landoll 5 and 7 car carriers.  Before I began my consulting business I had operated a NRC 45 ton slider, several old 750's among other trucks and equipment trailers. 

timstruckservice said:

Good Post! a lot of different answers and all are unique.  

As for me ... Went to Church with my Mom one night, Came home and there was a One Ton Wrecker Recovering a Truck out of the Field behind our Apartment. There was a Single Axle B-Model Mack in the Parking Lot that was used to Winch out the One Ton and the Casualty back to Solid Ground. I was Hooked after looking at the Mack ! 

The Owner of the Company was Hooked after Checking my Mom out .... They began to date &  3 months later we Moved in with him, ( They were Married for 5 yrs.)  I began to work for him - then at the age of 14 and Learned how to Drive the Wreckers and Rollback across the Parking lot of his Gas Station. I did my First Tow at 15 and First T/T Roll Over at 17. I went to a Diesel Technical School for a Year while working for him and in Total I worked for him Part Time & Full Time for 7-1/2 yrs. 

Then I moved on to a Mechanic's Shop for 4-1/2 Yrs. to Polish my Skills inside the Shop on Working on the Big Rigs. I moved to Nashville to go to work for the Freightliner Dealer for 5 Yrs. just to see if I could hang with the Best of the Best ! 

After Working my way up from a Night Shift Mechanic to a Day Shift Foreman .... I got Burnt out with all of the B.S. they handed out , So I started my Own Business of Truck Repair and Mobile Road Service with One Service Truck & $ 250.00 in the Bank.

I Expanded our Business to Include Tire Service and Opened up a Shop, but after the Local Wrecker Service Burnt me on a Few Tows & Knowing this from learning this Business over the Years. I Bought My First Big Wrecker in 1999 and Have Kept Growing from there. Now we have 8 Trucks Total and Misc. Equipment from a Recovery Trailer , Bobcat to Dry Box Semi Trailers.

Now my Son who just Turned 19 is Following My Footstep's and just finished Diesel Technical School and is Now working with me Full Time. I'm Looking forward to the Future and watching him Take the Business to Newer Heights !

unknown member said:

My husband grew up in Vancouver B.C. and drove wrecker for a couple tow companies as soon as he got his license at 16. Many years later we met (he was working on a crane at a scrap yard), got married and moved to Kindersley Sask. to raise our kids. He got a job driving tow truck for a local body shop and one day he came home and asked if I would like to be a hooker? After he came to and picked himself up off the floor he explained what he actually meant. We bought our own truck, bought out the towing part of the body shop and went into business for ourselves with him teaching me along the way. That was over 15 years ago. We added a GMC 6500 flat deck to the company and went to several Tow Shows, the last one we were at (about 10 years ago) we were able to take an unlock course that was taught by Mr. Sulley himself, it was the last course he was going to be giving and we learned a lot (well I did anyways as I hadn't done many unlocks before that), I now beat my own husband time wise for unlocks and am teaching him a few things, we also became Certified Locksmiths. We still have the two trucks and a service vehicle but are looking for a heavy as well as adding another truck or two to the fleet. We still run the business ourselves with my dad helping out once in a while. We were able to take the Wreckmaster's course this past Spring and I learned a lot of great things and plan on taking the 4\5 course as soon as we can and then the 6\7. My hubby has been working up North for the past year so we can get the money together to build up our fleet which leaves me in charge of the 3 kids and running business and trucks including the up-keep and repairs by myself, it's been difficult but will all be worth it in the end...or at least I am praying it will be!

Holly M.

BigWheelRecovery said:

Wow ours is a long story my dad went to big wheel to buy a truck so he could be a truck driver.When he got there the owner said to my dad why in the world would you want to go on the road i see you in the news paper every week you are sales man of the year at the chevy dealership.My dad told him he wanted to do something different we were small then i was 8 and my brother was 10 my sister was 9 so to make a long story short the owners of big wheel was having trouble so we ended up buying big wheels it was a trucking company back then.We then bought a 53 ford wrecker with a 525 Holmes and here we go we are in the towing business.3 years later we built a 70 r model with a w45 we were the big boys now then we just kept building different trucks to get were we are today its been a LONG road. Thanks Eric

annettemcd said:

My husband had a number of different jobs over the years, some in which he was self-employed. In the early '90s, he was working in a repair shop, but it never really got off the ground. It became apparent that in a small town of less than 600, it was hard to keep a repair shop going. Newer vehicles needed to go into the nearby urban center to go to dealerships, specialty shops, or closer to the source of parts. Even simple repairs required waiting a day for parts delivery or driving 120 miles round-trip for the needed part(s) and hoping that you got the right one(s), the first time. Older vehicles required more work and/or parts than people were willing to pay. So it looked like towing many of the vehicles to the urban center made more sense than trying to fix them. My husband was doing some towing for the shop, so when the shop closed, it made sense to expand into towing full-time.

My husband built our first truck which had a AutoLift, a hydraulic unit, on it. We soon bought a second-hand truck from the only regular tower in the area. Finally bought a new rollback in '02 and then another one in '06. We have watched other towers come and go over the years, but we have hung on. Repair shops have also come and gone.

AAA has worked well for us. We have tried to work with other motor clubs, but are down to just two others now. We tow for the Alaska State Troopers. Most of past twenty years, as ynow, we have been the only tower for a stretch of over 250 miles. We service an area of about 150 miles along the highway between the two major cities in Alaska.

The population of our entire service area is less than 4000, so many of our jobs are travelers. Being so rural, we are low volume, but almost all of our tows are long distance. We make enough to get by, but there are sometimes days with no work. We like being self-employed, but having been on call 24/7 for 20 years has been tiring. We do not have any real competition, but that also means that there is no one else to share the workload when it gets busy or when we want time off.

unknown member said:

I started my career in the bodyshop industry over 20 years ago at a Dodge dealership. They had an old Dodge 4X4 Retriever with a Holmes wrecker on it. It got used very little and was only used mostly to plow snow. I used it once the whole 3 years I worked there. Fast foward to 2008. My dad was sick and I had been working for a big bodyshop as a lead paint technician. I was living in a town about 20 miles from where I grew up and I wanted to get back to my home town so I could be closer to my dad and help with the farm while he was in the hospital. An opening came up at the bodyshop that belonged to the Dodge dealer where I used to work. I stopped in and talked to them and they said they wanted me to come back to work, but they were no longer part of the dealership and were an independent bodyshop that had kept the GMC rollback that the dealership had since they never had anyone that wanted to run it. The deal with me coming back was, I was to be the after hours guy running the wrecker, since they were going to promote 24/7 towing and get on a few motorclubs as well as the county rotation also. The truck was in dire shape when I took it over. It only had 100,000 miles on it, but it was neglected. A new winch cable, all the lights working, shined up the bed, painted the whole thing and some new equipment so I could do recoveries and we were set to go. Its been 3 years, but now I get plenty of owner requests and sheriff dept calls as well as a few motorclub calls thrown in. Its not our primary business, but it has been doing quite well.

Mike

@TOWAHOLIC @Towstany @Mballor  @nullstowing @wreckerman05 @slimsanta @Bigtow00 

 @Colotow @myerstowing @Mike Penn @Lantz70 @Woody39 @brian991219 @timstruckservice

@Big Wheel Recovery @Eric Fouquette @annettemcd

Topic is Recreated in Memory of Brothersandson from December of 2007:

Sunny and 76.low humidity.no wind.typical So Florida Christmas.lol
OK.I'm gonna try this again, I know its hypocritical to comment on other guys posts, without putting up some of our work, so I'm gonna take a shot.with a warning to all......the last few times I have posted any jobs on here, my customers were approached within days of the post......by members on here, who do post, and those who don't. I will say this and I mean it. If it happens , and I will find out, I will post the date/time and the name of the vulture.Hand To God.

ok .nothing spectacular... got a call from one of our citrus guys a driver dropped the trailer tandems in the canal going over a crossover in Indian River West. Carl my regular Tator driver was off today, so, instead of me going 20 miles south to the truck I had Andy, our 25 ton Operator, grab the Tator and meet me in the Grove. I loaded up Hump and Lump, and off we went ....15 miles west of town.this is what we found

its loaded with 11 box bins, all empty so no real weight. Could be done easily with the 25 ton, but, I wanted Andy to have some swing time so he is more familiar with the Tator, so when we get a loaded one , he has a grip.

Hump and Lump( my sons).rigging the rear .they want to start a new company called " Will Rig for McRib" .....go figure

level it out

Swing it to the middle of the road

Giving the driver as much room as we can

no gators.but after the sun goes down ???

no gators.but after the sun goes down ???

Garry Sienk said:

Hey, thanks for the warm up. Boy, just a little more speed or another 2 foot to the right, would have been a lot more fun.

HEAVYTOWER75 said:

Jan easy work with all the help. where can i get a couple helpers i am tired.

martin ganley said:

so i`m not the only one with a vulture problem,out here there not on the net they are jalous of the 4 years exclusivity contract we have with the transport ministry

In Memory of Brotherandson who said:

....They are a big help.15 and 16.... both Certified by Dave Lambert ( light/medium) and Wes Wilburn( Heavy/Ultra Heavy) .and they work for McRibs!!!!

Brett Holcome said:

OK here I go, its taken a while to get this old school guy to come out of his shell on posting his work. this business that were in means alot to Jan & his Family. so being the protector he is he decided to do his jobs ,service his customers & take it all home at the end of the day..I have spoken to Jan numerous times on this issue but he is a humble guy, so a little of this post & the ones to come maybe my asking of him to show his work . for the few that might want to know, this job was done for River Gold Citrus one of his best accounts. I may catch a whole bunch of sxxx for this one but HEY ..I got your back !!i feel that this Forum should be for the Education of those whom would like to learn or just enjoy the work of another . so with that I will say ;great pics ,thanks for sharing & another great job by Tropic Towing!!!

FMS Mike said:

Nice Tator! That's Lone Star's Old Truck right?

In Memory of Brotherandson who said:

Yup sure is..

rotator60 said:

Very nice work..Custom ordered Rotator Recovery..I too was victimized by someone on this board that copied and printed a couple months of my posts..I just happened to be busy then..and distributed copies to my customers involved..I did receive some flak..not from the pics..but from my commentary..So I learned..DO NOT say anything derogatory about a brand of truck..their drivers..or their company as a whole..it can come back to bite you big time..Post the pics..tell how you recovered it..and leave it at that..and you should have no problems..Thanks for sharing..

John Fenshaw said:

nice job and great thinking giving your other operator some swing time. i give you guys credit over on the east coast and furthur soth then me that is too many people cutting prices i tried the east coast but had to go back to polk county lol i actually was hired by richard kauff and was going to be put into a rotator then a friend of mine told me there was a guy with two tators and was going to pay top dollar to us so stupid me went and i regreted it for a long time. after all the b/s he sold us on and after seeing the rates he wanted to charge i told myself there was no way he could afford to pay us what he told he would. i believe the south east of florida needs to unite and go foward and stick together on pricing instead of stabbing at each other. i do believe if i would have stayed at kauffs i would have made it there for a long time.

Ed, Was this the Refurb you are referring to?

https://www.towforce.net/topic/14410-rollback-refurbish03-international-4300/

Topic Originally Created by EdsTowing in January of 2011:

This was a project that we just finished up recently on one of my 03' International 4300's. The truck was showing it's age (and rust) on the body so we figured it was time for a make over...

This deck was pretty rough and we had one in better condition from the last truck refurbish so we opted to rebuild that one. First we made a work bench out of a wrecked camper trailer frame to make the body mobile. Then once situated, we cut out all of the damaged cross-members. They were caked with years of trapped mud which is the cause of the failure in the first place...

Once the fabrication was complete, we coated the entire unit in POR15 and then chassis black over it w/ 2 coats on the deck...

Then we waited for an opportunity to take the truck down for the change over. Our plan was to do the frame over as well and paint the chassis. Then unfortunately our decision was made for us when a piece of a synchronization in the trans broke and messed up 3rd gear... So we pulled the bed and set the truck up for some mechanical work. The transmission was removed and sent out for an overhaul with OEM parts. While out, I figured the clutch had 225k on it so a new spicer unit was installed. Then if your that far...you might as well do the rear main seal because if not...you know it will leak 2 days after completion...LoL Anyway the frame was stripped with a needle scaler, all the boxes were removed & discarded and anything rusty was refinished.

Installed new tail light boxes & fuel tank...

The head board started life as a delux model but the front panel had cracked and the screen rattled in the top portion. We modified the unit and fabricated a new polished aluminum diamond plate for panel for it. All small parts were individually sand blasted, prepped & painted. We also installed new boxes and refurbished the basket.

We built a new hydraulic track tray, installed all new control rods from the handles to the valve, new control shrouds & panels and all new stainless hardware. While apart the truck got new brakes, rotors, wheel bearings and a complete service. The body was then reinstalled with new wiring & led lighting.

Our intention was to trade this unit for the new F550 but a company that we work with saw it and paid the "number" before it was completed. All of the lettering was removed and buffed out. They ended up needing it quickly so we moved it out before it was actually complete. It's coming back in for the new set of simulators and some detail work. I just realized the final pics are on a camera at my house so I'll have to update the post later (sorry). My guys Joe, Phil & Nick did a good job on the refurb with assorted helpers filling in the gaps along the way (Joe's sons).

Auto Rescue said:

That's the way to do it, do it all and do it right the first time.

EdsTowing said:

That's true John. I knew I wasn't keeping the truck but 1) I wanted premium money for it and 2) I didn't want someone coming back bitching that it wasn't right for one reason or another. When I sell something, I don't want to skimp to make the money turn out right...I would rather get what I need to do it right.

HessTow said:

Looks great ED.  Just curious as to what the clutch job costed?  I had my 02 trans out this past summer and did the 2 high gears and new input shaft.  I did not do the clutch do to additional $$.  The trans comes out real easy, the clutch look like a big heavy job ?  did you do it in house thanks

TimJohn said:

Great job Ed. I am really surprised that after all that work you decided to sell it... You know what normally happens on these type of situations....if you kept it, the motor would have lost a sleeve. But since you sold it, it will be great for years to come.

I just bought another Hino this winter with the intentions of selling an older truck that it kind of replaced. But, I decided to keep the older truck with winter already on us, it was nice to have another truck ready to go. Of course shortly into December it blew a headgasket, scored the piston, and needed a camshaft. to quote Charlie Brown.....AARRGGHHH!!!! such is life i guess.

I love your refurb projects and pictures. How long does it take you guys to go through one like that. I think if we started one, it would take all year. Mainly because we tend to start multiple projects and have no time to finish any of them. My wife says i have the same problem with the dishes.

EdsTowing said:

Well actually I had the clutch in stock for quite a while. I believe the new Spicer kit was around $600 or so. The truck was said to need a clutch quite a while ago but when I looked at it, it was all adjustment issues. We ran it for 4 more years wit hno problems. But since the trans was out, we figured we would install the kit. Then the rear seal was just a precautionary measure. The kits are around a buck or so and the dealer loaned me the installer...which came in pieces due to improper usage from a previous user. Had to spend an hour welding it up to make it usable...

Tim believe me that the driver of this unit didn't want to see it go....especially when it was refurbished. I never knew someone to complain about getting a newer truck....The 08' is an auto, fully loaded with XM and everything. He doesn't like the extended cabs but I guess he will get used to it or maybe I'll find a deal on another regular cab.

I knew eventually I would have to do the liner kits on this. There were no problems to date and the truck has been very reliable. The sister to this one dropped a liner at around 250k and till we did a complete overhaul with injectors, a new bed and dressed it out, we had 12 or 14 grand in to it with everything done in house. At that point you got to keep it to get a return on the investment. We probably had around 5 grand or so doing this unit but it made a $17,000 truck in to a $25,000 truck.

They were buy the shop today with the truck to pick up a couple of cars. The driver loves it and it was a big jump from the mid 90's 4700 (444/5spd) that he was running. He said this tops the mountain in high gear with 2 loaded @ 65-70 mph which apparently is quite a bit different then what he was used to. They should be able to get a few years of repetitively reliable usage out of the truck. We tried to go over everything we could find.
 

It was dirty today but they said they have been running hard every day with it. I have the new simulators for it but they didn't have time to install them today.

gtowman said:

Nice work by your guys, when I redid my landoll this summer, I did it the same way, all of it. Its a 97 but I tell people it a 2010.

Borotow said:

@EdsTowing @auto rescue @Timjohn @Gtowman10 @Borotow

Topic Recreated in Memory of Dave Lambert who posted this in December of 2015:

As part of the Tow First campaign, our 2nd objective is to educate on the dangers of highway service and to find ways to reduce their exposure. The web link is a PowerPoint presentation on YouTube I made. It's called appropriately, How To Reduce Exposure - 28 Suggestions that every tower should be aware of...or to review, that could save your life. If anyone attended my seminar in Baltimore, it will look familiar. Just copy and paste.

Towman Blue said:

That is a good video, thanks Dave

WEDOTOWS said:

Great job Dave !!! and you are spot on as I have said before ...

rreschran said:

Great PowerPoint Dave for those who missed your Baltimore seminar.    R.

Dave Lambert said:

Thanks. I thought it was worth sharing. I also showed a video in the seminar that helped drive home the point...

if you know how to share it. And taking the pledge is free, to show your support.

Hookrite said:

Great Video

JEF said:

While I may disagree with a couple of your suggestions, this is a fantastic video for towers and the general public to watch. Anything that prevents dead operators has my support. Nice work.

Don Seeley said:

A member of Tow411 Created this website back in 2008. I ran across the original topic introducing the website and realized that it is still active. Does anyone know or is Jared out of Houston, TX among the members here on TowForce? Seems this members screen name was lost during the move here.

Original Topic from August 2008:

I created a new site called www.ibuyjunkvehicles.com its to help people who have junk cars to find buyers in their area. I'm Looking for towing companies from all over who would like to be listed in our directory.

If you're interested in being listed visit the site and click on become vendor. If you select the basic listing and use tow411 in the Discount Code box its FREE.

Also looking for feedback about the site.

www.ibuyjunkvehicles.com

Thanks,
Jared
Bell's Towing

Topic Originally Created by RodVT in January of 2009:

I understand why AAA providers have widely different experiences because AAA is actually a collection of clubs each with their own management. Here in VT the AAA club covers three states and they have different policies for each state (figure that out). But the truly single entity national clubs, if you take what we read here as honest criticism, interact with different towers very differently. Why? Payment times, audits, dispatching. Are the clubs supportive of some and hostile to others? Should they be consistent with everyone? Just seems weird to me that people's experiences are so different.


Disclaimer: I am not a m/c provider. I am just making an observation to help get a better understanding of the industry.

Turbo Transport said:

Its a valid question!, But I don't know if anyone has the answer? I would be interested in an explanation myself. Some towers have had good relationships with clubs that others will say they are the Devil! It doesn't make much sense really. unless the towers that get treated poorly are coming off as being rude or disrespectful then they should all be treated the same.

twinbulls said:

I think it might be a burn out level...
When I first started with MCs I was very HAPPY to get calls and then get paid in 30 days.... I was happy just to be working.... I am one that really likes to work.... But after time I was getting upset with dispatch,reps,lies,,, and short pays... and after awhile I was VERY negative.... and I was MAD !!!

I felt betrayed and they showed NO RESPECT for me or my company ....They didnt care that there short pay put me behind with my bills... they didint care that there dispatcher had the WRONG info... and thats why I was 20 min late.... and the area rep had NO respect for me that they didnt even care to call me back.. in a timely manner....
But get a damage claim and WOW !! they are on the phone and Ready to take that money out of your check weather true or a lie....

I have a learned attitude towards them,, They taught me how to act towards them.... Granted there are a couple people out there that do try to make it better but they do get over whelmed with all the BS....

Just my thoughts

Stay safe
Tim

tator said:

They promise a company like mine volume but out here they can't put the promise in writing or they could not fulfill it. I have been experminting on the non contract side of things so far it has been touch and go. I'm happy with some not with others. One wants me to help yet calls a provider 30 miles away then he calls me still at my rates don't make sense.
Bud

Rod VT said:

So,

Is it the clubs or the towers? I am really asking where the variation is? Joe from RA (just as an example) has been saying that his call center works consistently with his vendors, but clearly there are variations on how that "consistency" is perceived (don't start picking on RA here please, I am just using them as a general example). Clearly, either the clubs treat different vendors differently, or there is a training/knowledge gap between towers about how to deal with clubs, and/or what are reasonable expectations. Or, it could be a combination of the two....

jal70 said:

Rod,
Just my opinion, but I believe you are correct in the assumtion that a combination of the parties which cause the variance. I can only speak for our expriences, but we have a full spectum of service providers: from non-contracted providers whom complete services rarely, to high-volume contracted providers, road service companies, mobile tire specialists, mobile mechanics, etc. However, they all have one thing in common, which is people. If our vendor relations team are concetrating on service and generating strong business relationships, we generally will have a service partner whom has a positive opinion of our company. The converse is also true, if we do not service well or have some kink in our process, then the providers opinion will generally not be positive. What I have found is that open communication between the parties involved will normall resolve most issues in an acceptable manor for all.

Regards,
Joseph Licciardi, RAMC

bigberthastowing said:

I believe geographical differences matter as the cost of living index plays into the formula. For example, almost every State would have a different commercial insurance rate for the same tower under the same circumstances. Unemployment and other statistical data vary. Taxes, housing costs, rent averages, fuel costs differences, base education levels, transportation statutes, rules and regulations, rural or urban service, population density, terrain, roads and highways routing and condition, political influence, and in general all of these metrics result in different base and per mile rates from the MC's. Many of these influences contribute to the quality of communications between the parties which as pointed out, creates then generates or resolves a set of problems allowing smooth flow of business, or not. You will notice that TowXchange publishes a normalized average rate schedule throughout the nation. These figures are 'averages' complied from input everywhere. It may look good to some and look insufficient to others, depending on their home region. Many would feel they should be at the top of the rate scale and this may influence MC cooperation to a small degree. I also believe a large difference competence level in individual regional managers is a strong influence. No two people are the same, they don't think the same, have different education and experience levels, don't perceive the same, they may have different threshold levels of sensitivities in dealing with the day to day relationships with vendors. We see it one way out here in towland, but imagine 1000's vendors hammering down at the same time. There are many regionals who are pretty cool and calm about the influx of questions and demands and handle the task orderly, but, there are others who manage themselves into chaos and seemingly forget the process. On both sides of the equation, the process must be maintained in order to gain headway toward problem solving. We could all learn from exercising a little patience.

annettemcd said:

Tom, Your statement is very well written. I have been thinking about this issue myself. I have always thought that my business is fairly unique, but that the relationship between my company and each individual motor club is totally up to me. I definitely listen to others and what they have to say about different motor clubs, but I am the only one who can determine what works for me and what doesn't work for me. No one knows my business like I do and no one can tell me what will or will not work for me. I also can not tell anyone else whether they should or should not work with a particular motor club. I think part of it, too, is determining how to work with the motor clubs and make their system work for your company. I can tell others what works for me and read about what works for others, but it is definitely not a case of one size fits all or that one motor club is "better" or "worse" than another.

For example, and only as an example, I have a good working relationship with Cross Country. My rates are not bad and I know how their system works, so I know what to do to have the system work well for me. It takes time on my part. I do not just take a call and dispatch a truck, I clarify a great deal of information with the dispatcher and the customer, even if it takes multiple phone calls and requests for notes to be made on the job. I carefully track each invoice on argosi.net until I am paid in full. On the other hand, we are low volume (less than sixty jobs/year), but high dollar amount per invoice since my tows are usually 60-150 miles one way. It works for me.

My business is NOT like someone who never goes more than five miles from their base and does a great deal of road services. What works for me may or may not work for anyone else. What works for them may or may not work for me.

As another example, with my high cost jobs, I do not work well with companies that have limits on their coverage while a company doing a high volume of quick, inexpensive jobs may be able to work well with a club that has low limits.

It is also a case of individuals and individual situations. Sometimes, it just takes one case of a disagreement between a service provider and a district representative or a claims adjuster to sour the entire relationship between a service provider and a motor club. You have to agree that many of us towers are ornery, ol' cusses and some of the motor clubs are huge corporations employing paper-pusher who care most about the bottom line than good relationship with service providers.

IBX said:

I think it is from the "one size fits all" mentality and "best case scenarios" from which motor clubs base their rate structures. What may work in busy urban cities in Florida may not work in rural Kansas, and certainly will not in remote Alaska. Think about how different the geography, the landscape, the volume and distances between calls are. For example, changing a tire on a newer caravan, one with the spare in the middle. In sunny warm Florida, it might be in a paved parking lot at a mall, not too far from your base. And your next call is only a block or two away. That is what I would consider a best case scenario.(I am only picking on Florida here because my temperature went from a mild 50 to 7 degrees in less than 24 hours)

Now imagine the same job in -20 degree temps in Kansas with a -40 wind chill, with the vehicle in 6 inches of snow, along an interstate with traffic whizzing by.... hardly seems fair to price the same job at the same rate does it?
Now some motor clubs will step up to the plate, if at the time of the incident you call in to them and explain the situation. I have done it, I have been authorized additional money for less than perfect circumstances. Some motor clubs will say, "No way." And hide behind their little agreement and say, "This is what you contracted for, this is what you get." And there in lies the problem. Or part of it.

Also it is distance, or the "Free Miles" bit that every motor club wants. In my current location, almost 80% of my call volume is within 4 miles of my base. If you're in a heavily congested urban area, you may have a majority of calls even closer. If you're in a rural area, then more likely they are spread out. And believe it or not, 10 free miles enroute/5miles loaded can turn into 60 free miles! How? Start at your shop and drive down the road 10 miles and tow it 5 going further out. Drop it and then your next call is 10 miles in the opposite direction pick up a car and tow it five miles going further out 5 miles then you return to your base 15 miles back. And this DOES happen in rural areas. But again the motor clubs can not, or simply refuse, to see this. Maybe we are just cattle to them.

We have heard about loyalty, there is none. But there is none in any business. You may have been servicing a shop for years, calls you all the time. But when that shop owner retires or moves on, what is to say the new owner/manager will keep you? Nothing. Its up to the tower to keep up positive relations with the clubs just as you would with anyone else, if you want their business. Motor clubs comprise a majority of my work, I make money with them. But only because I know how my business works and my costs. Most people do not, and therefore tend to grumble when they run for weeks, and then when the check comes it doesn't cover their expenses.

Lastly, it is about communication, some motorclubs are great, some just plain suck at it. Some are making real strides, some pretend and always have an excuse as to why they can't get it right in the first place.

tator said:

While in a major metro area a company cane experience the volume of calls the clubs promise. I had one tell me they would try to load us both ways when possible. When you get into an area like mine where no company (in a 30 mile radius east or west and even further north and south) services the clubs you really have a general idea what the volume is so it is harder for them to lure us into the contract deal. What works well in Denver or any other big city will not fly out here in Burlington pop. 4,500. I have found the Motor Clubs that handle RVs and Cars to not be understanding of the differences whereas the heavy duty brokers have a little better idea. In 2 years here I have cover 5 light calls from motor clubs and around 50 heavy calls for brokers. The motor clubs will have someone deadhead 45 mile before they call a full rate truck that on scene even though it would end up cheaper to use the non contracted provider.
Bud

Topic Originally Created by DodgeTowGuy134 on Tow411 in March of 2014:

From time to time, we run into a problem with one of the Agero dispatchers whom is rude/uncooperative...

Some of the things that we have told our rep over the years that hasnt seemed to have been corrected:

-Dispatchers whom REFUSE to provide their Extension # (WE log this info [the dispatcher Name and extension#] to know WHOM we talked to!)

-Dispatchers whom REFUSE to disclose/provide the name of what "program" the customer called through, instead saying that the call is through Agero....yes, we know the Motor Club is Agero, but we NEED to know WHAT PROGRAM the customer called through (ie, Nationwide, Progressive, etc) -- This is because it allows US to provide BETTER SERVICE to the CUSTOMER, think of it this way, when our company dispatcher and/or driver speaks with the customer, isn't it A LOT more professional and reassurinig to the customer to have us address them as: Hello Mr/Ms Yadda, I'm SuchandSuch with XYZ Towing and we were contacted by your ABC insurance/Etc that you had requested assistance!...This is ESPECIALLY true when our driver arrives onscene, to allow the customer to KNOW that WE are the ones whom were called to come help, and arent just some PIRATE Tow Company that will do whatever the service needed is and then tell the customer, "now how are you gonna pay" in surprise to the customer, because they werent the company dispatched by Agero!

-Dispatchers whom REFUSE to disclose/provide what DOLLAR LIMIT (ie, $50, $100,etc) policy coverage limit the customer has with their policy and instead simply give the generic "oh, the customer is covered in full" response, which we ALL know may/may NOT be true!

- Dispatchers whom REFUSE to transfer a call to a Supervisor when the Service Provider REQUESTS to SPEAK with a SUPERVISOR and/or instead the dispatcher just hangs-up on the service provider. Simply put, if/when a provider requests to SPEAK to a call center supervisor (Alert Supervisor, etc) we should NOT be denied that!

- Dispatchers whom get frusterated/rude with a service provider and hand-up on them and say "then I'll just call someone else then...click!" this happens when we (our company dispatchers) start asking questions to gather more information regarding the call and the services being requested. This can range widely from, needing to obtain a better explination of the customers location to the type/need of service being requested, but all too often, the Agero dispatchers instead get rude/frusterated by our dispatchers asking these questions (in an attempt to gather NEEDED info to provide the CUSTOMER with the best customer service) and the Agero dispatcher hangs-up on us....We have been doing this for years, so we know that sometimes, the Agero dispatcher is simply just a "warm body" in the seat, making calls and that the dispatcher doesnt understand/know the industry terms/etc like WE do, but this is also addressing when we ASK for a SUPERVISOR to get the help needed to assist the customer, because the dispatcher is "lost". Also, we know that your dispatchers are "rated" based on how quickly they can get a service provider to accept a call, that method of evaluating/rating your dispatchers lends to POOR CUSTOMER service, because the dispatcher then focuses on how FAST they can get the call accepted by a provider and not by the quality of service

-Dispatchers inability/unwillingness to accurately/completely document a call with the notes that the service provider provides/requests/requires to be added to the call notes. This also includes documentation of Supervisor Approved additional charges!

-The newly growing problem of calling us for WAY out of area service calls (over 50+ miles away) and wanting a 60-minute or less ETA!

-Dispatchers in one call center doing things TOTALLY different that ALL the other call centers! This kinda includes dispatchers refusing to provide info (ext #, what program, etc)

-Rude and uncooperative dispatchers in general...

The above list is just meant as a "general" list of some of the things that we have noticed over the years regarding dispatchers from your club (AND MANY OTHER CLUBS AS WELL). We have tried to mention these things to previous reps, but they say that the call centers are managed by others and the feedback provided wouldnt go too far..

The Service Providers are the DIRECT contact with the "customer" and are the ones whom do the work. Right now, the "you're in bad hands people" are finding this out the hard way, as they are loosing MANY providers daily because of their Extremely Poor working relationship with the providers. Likewise, the communications between your club dispatchers and the service providers should be a quality and understanding, not having to fight to get something accomplished.

Our facility has a "dispatch flow process" where oour facility dispatchers receive a call and then follow a "flow-chart" style process of asking prompted questions to gain additional details about the call and service needed. We are VERY WELL versed in this industry and we have custom built this process for our facility to allow us to get as much information is possible to allow us to provide the BEST customer service to the Customer as possible, by obtaining all needed information to quickly and accurately assist the customer, however we find that from time to time, your club dispatchers are uncooperative regarding this process. We have explained this over and over, yet sometimes the issue still arises from time to time.

Our facility does look forward to a quality working relationship with your motor club, with open communications and prompt responses, as it takes BOTH parties (club & provider) to achieve the goal of customer service. We are willing to provide feedback and hope that our insights will be received constructively and without recourse, as it is our intent to provide constrctive feedback to help better the process in which your club dispatchers communicate with ALL service provider facilities.

thtdon said:

Topic Originally Created by Wisconsin Rocks on Tow411 in January of 2014.

I see we have many claims with Agero on the past topics, here is another.  I hope Agero reads these!

I have a damage claim of a 2011 F150 truck.  We were called for a tire change. It is from the clip of the plastic toolbox that the tire change tool kit sits in.  There are 2 clamps on the box.  The temperature was 20 below zero.  Bitter cold.  Agero wants $108.00.  I can buy it for $66.00.  However, we did not misuse or abuse anything.  We simply just opened it like anybody else would. The one clip broke off.  Cold conditions and plastic do not get along well. 

After getting the claim, I was shocked.  The adjuster is very difficult to get a hold of, you can't leave messages, you can't reply to the email because it has a no reply, and can only call during certain times.  Well, finally was able to talk to Don Nelson, the Agero claims adjuster.  We informed him if it was our fault we would not have a problem. 

He was given examples what would happen if one went out to jump start a car and when pulling the latch to open the hood the cable comes out?  How about when you open the door to a vehicle and upon touching the handle, the handle breaks in your hand?  There is no abuse.  Just because we touch something we should not be held liable! 

The only response from Don is that he has to keep his customer happy and they will deduct it from our checks.  He was asked then, our policy should be then to have the customer open the door, open their hood, open their toolbox, ect.  He said that it would be ridiculous to have a customer do that.  Then, I guess, how else could we possibly do our job if the equipment we touch of a customers breaks? 

He then just reiterated that it will be deducted to keep the customer happy.  He was asked to have a manager call us back before he deducts, because the case has not been resolved.  Don was also informed that a damage waiver was signed, he replied "the damage waiver, in my eyes, does not mean anything". He said he would hold that transaction and have a manager call us back.  Within 5 minutes, we called back to Agero again and spoke to Stacey and she said that the account had already been deducted.  She also said that Bob (a manager?) would call us back.  Have not heard anything.  If this is the way Agero takes care of innocent towers, I will have to rethink my business with Agero. 

In Memory of NationalAutow who said:

Agero is like electricity. They will always follow the path of least resistance. It is much easier and profitable for them to just demand payment from the vendor than it is to try to explain what really happened to the customer.

If they denied the customers claim then the customer would go back to whomever he paid for his contract ie: USAA or some other entity. This would NOT be good for Agero.

The path of least resistance is to just take the money away from the vendor. Hell, they've already got it in their hands. You don't stand a chance. They pay some guy in a cubicle to play a broken record about how they must keep the customer happy. Customers PAY and vendors COST. Third party logistics providers such as Agero are middle men and work both sides of the fence.

In the end, it will likely be worth it to you to just give in and let it go. This is not advice I would likely follow. It is just that for $108, sometimes the headache ain't worth it. That is what Agero hopes will be the case with you anyway. You can easily spend more than the $108 in time and trouble trying to defend your position. In the end, your position does not matter to Agero. Remember the guy in the cubicle with the recording "We must keep the customer happy".

This kind of skullduggery is one of the reasons we are no longer a contracted provider for them. We are slowly getting "even" with them for all of their short pays and garbage over the years by taking the occasional call at retailplus rates with a card for prepayment. We do not get the phony damage claims etc.

Whatever you decide to do or not do, best wishes and good luck. Please keep us updated on what they end up doing.

Charlie Amann said:

add services and get it back dollys skates etc etc I think u get it. beat them into submission.

atrmick said:

We have only had one damage claim in all the years we have worked them. As they always do they don't call just send email which is pretty chickenship. Called and talked the damage claim lady and was really helpful. I told her we would like to look at the vehicle before we made a response and she she that we have to right to do so. Contacted the customer and had them bring the vehicle in to our shop. 

Turned out that their complaint was that the door seal was leaking after we did a lockout but only when they went through the car wash. When she arrived with the vehicle it was evident that she was trying to rip us off. She driving a late 90s mustang that she had just bought for $500.00 and the whole right side was destroyed.

Driver had taken photos of the damage before the lockout so we were covered that way and we called on the damage at the time of service. We always call in if we think it may be an issue ahead of time and take photos of most of the cars we tow for them. 

I called and gave the info to the claims and they told no problem and dropped the claim.

The point is we were prepared and because we were we won. We don't do this with club tows but all tows.

Wisconsin rocks said:

Well, I have received an email back yesterday from the manager.  I was mad, could not even have the courtesy to call as they promised to do in the email and verbally.  Since the email from us says that we "promised to work with the customer" and so there is no dispute and to charge the vendor.  After being on hold for 2 hours, we were able to speak to the manager.  He apologized for the claims adjuster who had been working there for 2 weeks.  He was advised of the way we were treated and negotiated to paying half. 

Yes, this has taken more time and labor of way over $108 to solve this claim.  Was it worth the effort?   I think I would like to still look into it further because there will be more issues of merely just touching a vehicle and having a claim.  I thank you guys for your advice.  Since this case started we have called our rep and no calls back either.  But I do agree I think people are doing this to get money as well.  If they make this claim, they should get the repair, not just the money. 

xtremetrucking said:

I have had more damage claims this last few months than ever before but I have yet to ever had to pay one......we are told that we must go look at the vehicle so we see the damage ourselves, I have had one call me to make arrangements to see the vehicle and she was trying to get one over on the insurance because when I got there she said " I thought you were coming to just give me a check for the damages"....she didn't like it when I told her that's not the way it works, she dropped her claim, said someone else done it. All the others never call me back to view the vehicle and Agero has always had my back.....maybe its just the areas that you companies are in and the managers that you have to work with are not doing there job.

Topic Originally created by nullstowing on Tow411 in March of 2013:

We were contacted a few weeks ago by the Choo Choo Barn requesting permission to use our company name on one of the displays. The Choo Choo Barn is a very awesome must see attraction if you are ever visiting Amish Country. We were very honored by the request and of course gave our permission.

Here is the finished product:

Pretty awesome!

http://www.choochoobarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/traintown_logo.png

http://www.choochoobarn.com/

 

mooresbp said:

Way cool.

George
Moore's BP
We'll see you on down the road

 

rotator60 said:

Very cool..

 

Niemans Towing said:

Very nice

 

conwaym said:

That is just too cool!!

 

getuone2x said:

Supper dupper thats neat and forever working for you.

 

Brian Bell said:

Too Cool

 

Jef said:

Awesome

 

hookrite said:

Amazing!!

 

concordtowing said:

That's amazing!!!!

 

jeepfreek said:

totally amazing.that gentleman is blessed.regards jim[canuk]fraser.

 

@nullstowing @mooresbp @Rotator60 @Nieman's Towing @Conwaym @getuone2x @Brian Bell @Jef @hookrite @Concord Towing

Topic Originally Created on Tow411 by Gale25yrs in April of 2004:

We got another Fire Department request today for a man pinned in an overturned mixer. The call came in around 11:00 am and before any units were on scene. It turns out the driver got out on his own but we stayed and worked the wreck with our competitor/friend. Time on scene was around 90 minutes total. The first 2 pictures show what we arrived too. An empty mixer weighing around 28,000.

After coming up with a plan we went to work. I secured the rear of the rig while we reached up

and over with the rotator to set the front end back dow to road level.

The next photos show the rig suspended in mid air so we could shift it back toward me.

This had to be done to clear the outrigger on the tator.

Once we had enough clearance we began uprighting.

In the following picture I am supporting the tail at an angle with both lines while

we boom up and in with the rotator to bring it away from the embankment.

All that was left was for me to lower it back down to a level position. The damage

was surprising less than we expected to see once it was wheels down.

The incredible value of a Rotator was demonstrated in this particular recovery. The

cooperation between competing towers is the norm in my area and still surprises

local law enforcement officers. I even got an invitation to stop by and learn all the

ins and outs of the wireless proportional controls of the rotator in case I ever need

it when the owner isnt available to operate it. How many towers would do that????

Note: the power and telephone lines are not even as close as they appear in the photos

ibuytoys said:

Excellent plan of attack and teamwork!!!

Heffy004 said:

Excellent job, Gale. Great pics's.

Nice 40 Ton 'tator, in the pic, also.

Great to see 2 companies working a wreck.

Catch ya later & C'ya

HEFFY

pttowguy said:

Great job Gale and thanks for sharing it with us. I am envious of your great working relationship with your competition. I do believe everyone benefits when we work together.

Letsplay2 said:

That is a very nice job Gale.

Not too many towing companies would allow another firm to operate their truck when the owner is away. That is some great confidence the owner has in you and your company.

Those proportional controls are awesome. I love to play with them.

Devin

DrHook541 said:

Great presentation, Gale!!
Who is taking the photos for you. I noticed you in the shots on this and the collapsed bridge recovery.
Cooperation amongst towing companies must be a Pacific Northwest phenomenon ... ain't it wonderful.

datowmansaid:

nice job gale. great to see companies that work together out there.Stay Safe
John

Before criticizing someone try walking a mile in their shoes...... because then you'll be a mile away and wearing their shoes.

Gale25yrs said:

My Father is taking the pictures during the recovery. He has been a camera buff since the Korean war and is very good at it. Between the two of us we took over 50 pictures, I just chose enough to show the story. Too bad I cant post the video.

Letsplay2 said:

What about posting a link to the video?

Devin

trucker jeff said:

Gail, that was a very interesting recovery and very nice pics . Great job as always.

Gale25yrs said:

The video is 8mm from dads camcorder. I learned the tape ran out just as we went to upright the unit. I havent seen it yet.

Letsplay2 said:

I am sure our Dr. could do something with his voodoo magic.. I hope.

Devin

DW Carter said:

Nice work. DW Carter WM92343

Timco said:

Wow! I am always fascinated watching you guys work heavies. I am just a lowly LD man myself....looks great. Tim

jerrys garage said:

Nice job, that's the way things should go.

Jim Nichols said:

that is great to see people work together, would be nice to see around here. but not likely. nice job gale, and thanks for sharing those great pics with us.

TBAUTOMAN said:

We don't see many rear discharge mixers around us any more, so I have a question, whats the dolley in the back for ? Looks like a fresh paint job, to bad for the company. Nice job Gale

Gale25yrs said:

The truck is a 93. that axle is a fold down rear booster. Almost all the mixers here are rear discharge.

Topic Originally Created on Tow411 by A1AutoTowing in 2007:

I havent been in this business for very long, and yes I would of like to charge a temper fee sometimes, but we are in a customer service bisiness. It come will the job. I thing this kind of stuff just causes trouble.

From the KGW channel 8 news website:

"Towing 'temper fee' enrages some car owners

09:25 AM PST on Friday, March 2, 2007

By WAYNE HAVRELLY, KGW Staff

At least one Portland-area towing company is now charging what it calls a "temper fee" when car owners get enraged.

Tow truck driver Patrick Robinson has the power to charge a temper fee when vehicle owners get out of hand and it’s a fee that can often flare tempers even more.

“The temper fee is supposed to be reserved for someone who is getting physical with one of the drivers, or grabbing equipment from off the truck,” said tow truck driver Patrick Robinson.

Bill Bolfik got hit by the $50 fee. He claims he never got physical or verbally abusive when he went to pick up his car from a Beaverton impound lot.

He said all he did was question why his bill was $20 higher than the quoted price.

“They said I used unnecessary and abusive language,” said Bill Bolfik. KGW investigative reporter Wayne Havrelly asked, “Is that true?”“No!” Bolfick replied.

Gary Coe owns Retriever towing, the company best known for charging the temper fee. He said it's only used in extreme cases, about six times a month.

“It is arbitrary,” Coe said.

“How do you prove someone is out of line, It’s your word against their word?” Havrelly asked.

“Good point, and we have installed cameras at two of our locations,” Coe said.

One of those cameras recently caught a car owner taking a vehicle without paying. It shows him crashing through the gate of the impound lot.

Tow truck driver Terry Hall said it's a prime example of the abuse they deal with daily.

“I think part of it is they are just angry with us for towing their vehicle,” said Hall. “I think a lot of people don't take responsibility for themselves and they react instead of paying attention to the situation they are in.”

Turns out, the car that crashed through the gate is back on the impound lot because its owner was caught illegally parking yet again.

There's no doubt tow truck drivers deal with furious folks. However, does it give them the right to charge extra for that frustration? Officials with the city of Portland don’t think so. Portland eliminated arbitrary add-ons like temper fees, by setting a flat rate for private tows.

Marian Gaylord is Portland’s towing coordinator. She said, “Anything like a temper fee I think is un-justified and often the tow operators don't seem to understand that they are not police officers.”

Coe told Havrelly, “Think about how often a judge charges someone with contempt of court. Havrelly responded, “but a towing company is a business, not a court of law. ““That's true,” said Coe.

Even so, Coe said he believes the temper fee is justified because his drivers work on commission and time lost dealing with angry customers costs money.

“Guys are saying I could have done three more tows in the time I was tied up with this guy and I didn't get paid for any of that abuse,” Coe explained.

“It takes time out of my day, It's stressful,” added Robinson.

Bolfik said he respects the service tow truck operators perform, but thinks charging someone for being upset is ridiculous.

“Since when do they go around controlling morality?” asked Bolfik.

Now he’s complaining in writing to every agency he can think of.

“I didn't even utter a damn,” he said.

“I would prefer to never have any confrontations, the fewer the better.” said Robinson.

However, in this business, confrontations happen and when they go down outside the city limits of Portland, raising your voice can cost you.

Oregon lawmakers are currently working on five different bills that involve temper fees. All were aimed at adding tighter regulations to the towing industry. "

Crash Harry said:

I don't have a problem with that. I have asked one "Gentleman" to exit the truck and he can walk home because of abuse from him. I already had the money for the call and he only had about half a mile to walk and I was able to drop his car at his address in peace. His passenger was still in the truck with me and was very apologetic for his behaviour.

Wade200 said:

I would rather them keep the customer calm by "fear of losing their money", than waste tax dollars on an officer to come fix the problem.

What if I went in a hamburger joint and started yelling, "$3.99 is way too much money for a burger and fries, you guys are ripping us off, your stealing peoples hard earned dollars by charging so much freaking money." Do you know how long until a cop would be "escorting" me to the station. Why is it okay to yell at tow truck operators for doing their job?

Freelance66 said:

Sorry folks, but the coordinator hit it on da head.

We aren't supposed to control morality.

That was up to the parenting of these DOLTS that cannot act any better than wild animals.

[apologies to wild animals that act better than these dolts]

I have a solution to this problem. Assign an officer to regulate the public actions of these dolts so the private buisness people have no worries about being verbally and physically abused.

Just charge a fee on each tow for the services, just like when officers control traffic for a sporting or concert event. Which coincidentally people in general have proven a regular traffic control person cannot deal with these people without a firearm on the belt. At least that is true here.

I took notice of the dolt driving thru the gate. That caused property damage. Was that person arrested? Did they pay for the damage to private property? Did the towing coordinator feel this could possibly turned into someone being maimed or murdered by these actions???

Maybe it doesn't matter unless it is someone they know personally????

I'm getting tired of these dolts lying to the newsperson try to make up for their complete lack of morals/values......Don't blame others for kicking the chair out when you put your OWN neck in da noose......

body soother said:

Here, we can charge $1 per minute for work time, regulated.
As long as someone wanted to rant and rave, fine with me, would cost them a dollar a minute, for me to have to work with them. I would let them know what it was costing them for not letting me do my job.

twinbulls said:

Please do you think for one minute that people will be better if a cop was standing right there???
Doubt it !!! They still run there mouths...and wast our time..

I had two police officers at my gate for 2 hours one night (we had a party) and the people where loud and mad and yelling and abusive to us and the police...
I only wish I could charge a extra fee....We are regulated and they wont let us....

I wish we could charge a temper fee or a wast my time fee...$1 to $2 per min would be nice...

unknown member said:

I don't put up with any foul language screaming or yelling or name calling in our place of business, I inform the cust that if they do it will cost them extra, life is to short to put up with that kind of B>S> & I will not put up with it period. If they have a problem and can talk like an adult should we can discuss it. if not I will not even talk to them I just call the P.D. & have them removed from the premises, they gladly oblige. Some of these do gooders that think we are always in the wrong and should have to put up with this B.S. without being compensated should have to spend a week in our shoes & see how they endure. $$$ they would be the first in line.

Graciesdad said: