Taking Tow Trucks Into Flood Water

[TowForce]

KSFY NEWS REPORTED 09.12.19: Tow trucks are attempting to pull cars out of the water here in Mitchell (off South Main). A good reminder how deep water can get on the road and why you should not try driving through it.

 

 

[rreschran]

I believe that driving and winching from high ground is a solid safety practice not to be ignored. Tow truck and carriers are not submarines where it only takes one bad decision to destroy or lose a truck.   R

[goodmichael]

Driving into water is a bad practice. Submerging wheels compromises seals and contaminates fluid. If a municipality requests you to do it, you should refuse. They will not compensate you for damage to your fleet.

[rreschran]

The message to the motoring public,. in southern California is, "Don't drown, drive around".     R.

[TowZone]

Wait till the water recedes, there is absolutely no reason to enter the water. The vehicles are already a total loss and what little fluids may leak with not be enough to contaminate the environment. The tow truck you see in this image may not be effected by this action tomorrow or next week. But it will show signs of failure within a month or two. unless the fluids are changed immediately.

[yoBdaBenO]

None of OUR Drivers would ever get permission to take OUR Equipment into water above 3/4 the rims. If they did, they know what OUR Word would be /\/\/\/\/\/\

[rreschran]

In the world of water hydrology, as little of 6-inches of rushing water has the power to move an automobile. Once that 6-inches reaches the lower portion of a door's seam, water that enters the vehicle's cab adds to its sinkability. If you go back to the 1970 El Nino storms in California's history, more than one full-sized RV was washed down the LA River Basin when vehicle drivers attempted to cross flowing roadways. As much as two-feet of standing can float a semi and trailer.  Not to mention, you would never see that the roadway under you has been completely washed out or there's a giant sink hole. I'mm adding a YouTube link of a semi truck and trailer that's taken on a riverboat like quality.   R. 

 

 

 

 

[GRUMPS The Towman]

I will only go in as far as the very bottom of my wheel and ONLY if I can see whats under the water. if it is murky then it will get winched from dry ground or get left there till the water recedes. There is no exceptions. I remember years back the horror my father went through when he lost a truck to water damage after going about hub deep to recover a police car. Insurance basically told him to go fly a kite and they wouldnt cover a penny of the damages. If i remember right, ( I was like 12-13 ) the transmission and both front and rear differentials took on water.

[yoBdaBenO]

Positively No Tow Trucks in High Water. Even cringe taking a truck through a low spot with a few inches of standing water. Policy is certainly no moving water regardless of depth, just not worth it.

[TowZone]

Miami Florida Flooding:

 

By now many here know what I think about going into flood waters.

If you can't see the bottom, the next step you take could be your last.

 

Still don't get it... Maybe this will help:

https://www.towforce.net/topic/7730-tow-truck-driver-falls-into-flooded-sinkhole-on-cape-cod-ma/

 

[Matt Bartlett]

With the vents and such on axles, the components are not weather sealed nor are the electrical systems. Use Divers or Swift Water Techs. And for god sake if your going to wade out and try and get some put a life jacket on. But use the right ones. Bill Giorgis and I have done many seminars in regards to working in and around water. Maybe it’s time for an article on this.

[TowNews]

 

[TOWMAN27]

Watch the beginning of the video right above my comment.  How did the reporter not get run over or soaked?

[TowForce]

[TowZone]

Need More Reason not to go into flood waters?

 

 

[TowForce]

 

[TowZone]

With all the recent floods I just wanted to bring this topic back as a warning not to enter flood waters.

 

I assure you that vehicle is not worth your life. If you need to save a life then make sure you have the proper training to do so or it could be your life. Emergency Personnel will have everything they need to conduct a water recovery, you likely do not.

[TowForce]

Chase Leonard, a driver with Floyd’s Towing, attaches cable to a car that rolled into the pond

at Racine Bible Church, 12505 Spring St., Mount Pleasant, on Sept. 2, 2015.

PETE WICKLUND, Journal Times file photo

[rreschran]

Rest in peace John Elliott Buell, tow truck owner/operator drowned 1942 attempting to recover a vehicle in the Potomack River, MD.

[yoBdaBenO]

Watched as another companies driver walked out into about a foot to two foot of high water to hook a car.

 

Just 15 minutes after he left, the water went down and I backed in hooked up the other car and on my way.

 

I'm dry and he is all wet, don't you hate that... Gaining Knowledge & Experience which is always needed.

 

The water here goes down as soon as the rain slows or stops, it's just a very slow drain in a low area.

[TowForce]

 

[TowForce]

 

[Moose]

We wait till the water recedes as it is just too dangerous and our trucks do not need to be in high water. Unless set up properly, every truck I have know which was intentionally have had issues starting with the rear end getting water through the vent.

[TowForce]

 

[TowNews]

A tow truck driver attempts to pull a stranded car out of floodwaters on the Golden State Freeway

 

 

RESOURCE LINK

[anybody]

I think every situation is different, but as a rule (and there is exceptions) anything deeper than the wheel is a no-no. If the wheels get wet, the truck is immediately pulled from service and gets a full service and all the fluids get changed... no exceptions. Of course the service gets billed to the vehicle towed.