American Towman Magazine - June 2013

Preserving Evidence at the Scene of Big-Rig Wrecks

Advertising/Marketing: Autow Custom Die Cast Key Tags Mofuse Local OMG National Air Cushions: Matjack/International Wreckers Savatech Auctions: Insurance Auto Auctions TowLot.com Cables, Chains, Hooks, & Slings: B/A Products Equipment Sales & Service Car Carrier & Wrecker Manufacturers: Century Chevron Dual-Tech Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. Holmes Jerr-Dan Corporation Miller Industries Vulcan Equipment Car Carrier Extension Ramps: Tow Ramps/Brute Technologies Computers/Software: Beacon Software NationWide Towing & Rec. Gp. Tracker Management Systems Credit Card Processing: North American BanCard Dispatch Services: Kolo DBS PDSI Progressive Platforms Electronics: Lodar Wireless Systems Emergency Lights: AW Direct Blades Tow Right Custer Products TowMate Whelen Engineering Equipment Finance/Leasing: Integrated Leasing Intek Truck/Equip Leasing Sovereign Bank/Santander Specialty Veh. & Eq. Funding Grp. GPS: TIS iFleet Command Legal Services: Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn & Dial, Esq. Lockout Tools: Access Tools Steck Mfg.

Mike McGovern

*Participating products & services advertisers

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Media: American Towman Magazine TowIndustryWeek.com AmericanTowmanTV.com RepoTimes.com Motorclubs: Agero GEICO National Automobile Club Quest Roadside Services Road America United States Auto Club/ Motoring Div. Motorcycle Recovery Products: Condor Products Payment Processing: ATMtrailer.com PTOs/Clutch Pumps: DewEze Safety Products: Sonetics Corporation State Associations: C.T.T.A T.R.A.O. Tools: I Tow In Tiger Tool Tow Dollies: Zendex Tool Corp.

Trailers: Landoll Corp Training: Recovery Billing Unlimited Truck Chassis: Ford Commercial Truck Freightliner Zip’s Truck Equipment Wheels: Phoenix USA Wheel Lifts: Lift and Tow Wheel Lift Attachments: Zacklift International Winches: Pierce Sales Ramsey Winch Warn Industries Wrecker Body Distributors: Akins Body & Carrier Sales Atlantic Emergency Solutions Crouch’s Wrecker & Equip. Sales Elizabeth Truck Center Loganville Ford Lynch Chicago Matheny Motor Truck Co. New England Truckmaster Rush Towing Systems Worldwide Equip. Sales

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TOWMAN DIRECTORY 2013 p. 49-77

FEATURE CONTENTS

30 Joe's Towing & Recovery in Creve Coeur, Ill., handles this "backwards" recovery. Page 30.

Running the Wheels Off Joe's Towing in Illinois had to think outside the box when the wheels came off a loaded trailer on the highway.

by Kurt Wilson

44

Preserving Evidence for NTSB

Departments Walkaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tow Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Work Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Repo Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Beacon’s On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Impound Money . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . .94 My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Towers should know some parameters at the scene of big-rig wrecks, especially those with fatalities.

by Jennifer L. Morrison

78

Controlled TractorTrailer Separation Do it once, do it right when it comes to getting a tractor apart from its loaded trailer.

by Terry Humelsine

86

Ammunition for Police Towers Mike McGovern headlines an impressive roster of presenters for the Municipal Tow Conference in San Antonio during Tow Expo Int'l.

By Steve Calitri

Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . . .101 TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 5

Don’t Let Stress Ruin Your Day

by Dennie Ortiz

As I was contentedly driving to work recently, another motorist cut me off and proceeded to do well below the posted 50 mph speed limit while braking every 10 seconds ... ensuring frustration for the remainder of my morning drive.

From the moment we wake up, issues arise that can cause tension and anxiety. Not only do the people we deal with cause us apprehension, we often unknowingly do it to ourselves. Stress is unhealthy and can result in physical as well as psychological damage. A recent study concluded that men who experience moderate or high stress over a number of years are 50-percent more likely to die at an earlier age.

What can we do to alleviate the pressure and mitigate stressors in order to work more harmoniously with employees and customers, and to live a happier, healthier and more prosperous life?

Consider some suggestions my good friend Ramon, a mental health counselor,

shared with me; this is good advice— keep it in mind when you have to deal with aggravating people.

Be patient with those who are predictable, those who always react the same way under stress, those who refuse to change, those who—try as they might—cannot change, and especially those who don’t care to change.

He also suggested as we learn tolerance with others, we must be sure to also apply it to ourselves. Don’t be so hard on yourself, don’t judge yourself too harshly; realize we are all pretty typical human beings.

Whether your day’s stress stems from the insurance agent contesting your invoice, a customer that argues over the storage fee, an operator who doesn’t work well with the dispatcher (and viceversa), or the town board that wants to take over the local impound business, remember we can only do so much to control other’s behaviors.

What we can do is control our reactions so that the stress doesn’t kill us!

Hitting a Historical Groove

by Brendan Dooley

In this month’s issue, one of my favorite pieces is from Field Editor Jim “Buck” Sorrenti on the 1917 Ford Model TT tow truck on page 96. I’ve been going to car shows with my dad (Happy Father’s Day!) since I was old enough to tell the “Tri Chevys” apart (1955’57 models), and one of my first magazine jobs was with “Old Cars Weekly.” Sorrenti does a nice job of giving both historical and technical details on this cool rig.

We also have an unusual tractor-trailer recovery starting on page 30 from Kurt Wilson of Joe’s Towing in Creve Coeur, Ill. Kurt and I have met and talked at several tow shows and he recently sent me several cool recoveries their company has done that we will be featuring in future issues and online at TowIndustryWeek.com. Keep an eye out for them. (Also, you don’t need to meet me to share. Feel free to send me interesting news, unique recoveries and pics of your “My Baby” trucks by email anytime at bdooley@towman.com. And if you do see me at a show, we can talk there too.)

Finally, don’t miss the hundreds of manufacturer listings and all the info you need to investigate new products and tools for your work on the road and in the shop. AT’s annual directory covers dozens of pages starting on page 49.

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First On The Scene!

Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor

Randall Resch

Operations Editor

Terry Abejuela

Field Editor, West

Jim “Buck” Sorrenti David Kolman Bill Simmons

Field Editor, Northeast Chassis Editor Safety Editor

Emily Oz

On Screen Editor

Mark Lacek

Repo Run Editor

Editorial Board Tommy Anderson Roy Carlson Gary Coe Belinda Harris Amado Llorens Ron Mislan Chuck Swider Frank Sanchez

Dallas, Texas St. Paul, Minn.

Portland, Ore. Greensboro, N.C. Hialeah, Fla. Warren, N.J. Chicopee, Mass.

Bridgewater, N.J.

American Towman Staff Ann Marie Nitti Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Norma Calitri Neila Smith Miriam Ortiz Henri Calitri Toni Vanderhorst William Burwell Emily Oz Steve Calitri

Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec.

VP of Accounts VP Communications Subscription Manager Customer Service Publisher’s Assistant TIW Media Director ATTV Producer President

American Towman Media Headquarters 7 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 E-mail: Publisher: dortiz@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com Editor: bdooley@towman.com AT’S Digital Edition: itowman.com AT’S Website: towman.com AT’S Weekly: towindustryweek.com ATTV: americantowmantv.com Copyright ©2013 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Media, Inc. Subscription: $50–1 yr; $95–2 yrs • US $65 and $105 • International

Editorial Policy: the act of mailing or delivering a letter or article to American Towman Magazine, shall constitute permission to publish that letter or article or any portion thereof. American Towman Magazine reserves the right to edit any and all material submitted.

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Owner Offers $1,000 for Info The Salem (Ore.) Police responded to a hit-and-run accident where a tow truck driver who was loading a vehicle was struck by a passing car. The driver for Affordable Towing was wearing his orange safety vest and had the tow trucks flashers and emergency lights activated when the accident occurred.

The vehicle that struck the tower accelerated away from the accident scene.

The operator was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

A $1,000 reward has been offered by Jack Conwell, owner of Affordable Towing.

“I’m offering a $1,000 reward [to find] the person that hit my driver,” he said.

“The Move Over law applies to tow trucks too, not just red-and-blue lights.”

The vehicle that fled is possibly a dark-colored sedan. The investigation was continuing as of press time. Source: www.salem-news.com.

Puppy Survives Month in Impounded SUV Kia, a 12-week-old puppy left in a car in a Kansas City, Mo., impound lot for nearly four weeks, is recovering nicely after being rescued in early May. Kia was discovered in a 1990 Suburban when a lot employee making rounds saw the dog jumping around, according to a municipal spokesman. Police were called in to unlock the vehicle and deliver Kia to the Kansas City Pet Project.

The puppy survived on fast-food remnants and old cigars; cool temperatures helped Kia’s survival chances.

“Without an appreciable amount of water, it’s pretty miraculous for a puppy to survive three weeks in a car,” said a Kansas City veterinarian. “Physiologically it’s possible … but it’s really stretching the outer limits of what’s possible.”

Officials are attempting to track down the car’s owner in order to file neglect charges against them. Source: www.isciencetimes.com.

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AT Media Acquires RepoTimes.com American Towman Media, Inc. acquired RepoTimes.com from its founder, Dave Branch. ATM publishes American Towman magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com and AmericanTowmanTV.com.

ATM, with AT Expo Corp., also produces the towing industry’s premier trade shows and conventions; the American Towman ShowPlace–Las Vegas (May), Tow Expo Int’l in San Antonio, Texas (Aug. 9-10), and the world’s largest tow show, the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Md. (Nov. 15-17).

“For the past two years, Dave Branch has done a good job keeping repo specialists informed through RepoTimes.com,” said ATM President Steve Calitri. “We will make RepoTimes a part of our newsmanagement process and work to drive repo specialists reading Amer-

ican Towman and Tow Industry Week to RepoTimes.com. We think we can build its readership and we think RepoTimes will help drive its readers to our other news destinations and trade shows.

“The repo business is different from the towing business, but they do have some basic common elements, and this is the main reason why RepoTimes.com is a good fit for us.”

Tower Honored by

County Board Cloverdale Eagle Tech Collision & Towing was one of 16 businesses recognized during the Sonoma County (Calif.) Economic Development Board’s first ever Business Appreciation Week in May. The award was designed to Owner Randy Hatcher and driver Matt Gluch. acknowledge success and ingenuity in each community within the county. It also affords elected officials the opportunity to find out areas where government either aids or hinders their ability to take advantage of business growth opportunities.

The 20-year-old business is owned by Randy and Gina Hatcher; they bought the repair and collision shop first and have expanded it to include towing and rental cars.

“It’s about building relationships,” said Randy. “Whether it’s with our customers, the insurance companies, fellow businesses or local government, it always comes down to relationships—and it always has to be a give-andtake.”

They also believe in giving back to their community by sponsoring several youth groups and sports teams, and helping organize a local parade. Source: www.cloverdale.towns.pressdemocrat.com.

... We will make RepoTimes a part of our news-management process ...

Tower Killed In Hit And Run A Miami, Fla., tow truck driver assisting a car was hit and killed by a third vehicle that fled the scene in May. David Chirinos, 43, died after being hit by a burgundy or maroon older model BMW, while he was giving roadside assistance on a state highway.

As the damaged car was being hooked to the tow truck, a third vehicle traveling southbound veered into the emergency lane and hit Chirinos.

He was the father of three children.

“I want someone to help us find that person so that he can face the law,” said Edvin Chirinos, his brother. “There is no way to explain to a 5-year-old that a person killed his father and then went on the run.”

As of press time, Florida Highway Patrol was still looking for leads in finding the driver responsible for the fatal accident.

In the wake of the accident, officials are stressing the importance of slowing down and moving over, known as the “Move Over Law.” Source: www.miami.cbslocal.com.

City’s ‘Dividing Line’ Removed Six towing companies operating in Williamsport, Pa., no longer want to split the city by east and west for rotation calls.

The city council passed a change to the towing fee ordinance that included a reversal of the split along a main thoroughfare; some of the companies thought more activities were happening on the west side of the line.

The adjustment reads that any towing service contracted by the city may be dispatched to a call.

“I’m sure there will be some tweaks ahead,” said one councilman.

Source: www.sungazette.com.

Woman Snaps Tow Cable in Repo New Jersey police said they arrested a woman accused of snapping a tow truck cable in an attempt to prevent her car from being repossessed.

While repossessing a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, the vehicle’s owner attempted to drive away with the car already hooked to the tow truck’s winch.

Police said the woman attempted to drive her car away three times, and the third attempt snapped the tow cable, causing about $4,000 in damage to the truck.

She was pulled over a short time later and police said she was still dragging the broken section of tow cable. She was charged with criminal mischief and released. Source: www.upi.com.

Tower Saves Two People, Self Two people sustained serious injuries after a car crashed into a tow truck in Cascade, Mich.; a quick-thinking tow operator prevented the scene from being tragic.

A couple pulled their SUV over to the shoulder of I-96 for a flat tire. A tow truck from East Beltline Towing arrived, parked behind the SUV and had its emergency lights on.

The tower, Gabriel Rookus, 31, saw the female passenger standing on the shoulder and told her to get in his wrecker for safety. He went to get the spare tire out of the back of the SUV, when a speeding car crashed into the back of the tow truck.

“Everything happened so fast, it’s hard to put it all back together,” Rookus said. “I knew it was a wreck and we were in trouble. I don’t know if I heard tires screeching. I definitely heard metal crunching.”

Rookus did two tours of duty in Iraq. He shoved the driver into the ditch and jumped into the open hatch

Gabriel Rookus

of the Nissan Xterra. His leg wound up pinned between the SUV and his wrecker.

The other car spun into the middle of the highway and caught fire. A passerby pulled the driver out of the burning car; that driver and Rookus were transported to the hospital.

Rookus has dislocated toes and a possibly broken heel and faces possibly a year of recovery.

“If I’m able to, yeah, I’ll continue driving the wrecker,” Rookus said of returning to work. “I really enjoy the job.” Source: www.woodtv.com.

TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 9

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT!

Century Multi-Deck Carrier Offers Options

Lightning Rod Brightens Working Area Century’s multi-deck carrier eliminates the overhang of an over-the-cab deck.

The Lightning Rod long-reach tool from Access Tools makes working at night or in low-light conditions easier by illuminating the path to the door handle. The durable LED tip shines a bright beam on the work area that’s even visible at night through deeply tinted windows. The pre-bent shape makes the long-reach tool usable in most situations. A scratchproof coating protects the vehicle’s finish when performing a lockout. Available in a one-piece or two-piece configuration.

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Shield Mini Bar with Suction Magnet Mount The Shield Mini Bar, by PSE Amber from Code 3, features an improved suction magnet kit that is the same low-profile height as the permanent mounting brackets. The kit utilizes strong magnetic holding power and suction power to keep the bar in place. The enhanced rubber suction magnet will not scratch the vehicle’s paint. The suction magnet kit is ordered separately from the Shield Mini Bar.

Both decks are made from aluminum extrusions.

www.code3pse.com Number 201 on Reader Card

The upper deck tilts for clearance on main deck vehicles.

Rota-Beam Super-LED Rotating Beacon Whelen’s new R416 Rota-Beam features the reliable, long-life, high-intensity benefits of LEDs in a solid-state rotating beacon. No moving parts, no motors and 32 rotating flash patterns to choose from. The Rota-Beam is SAE Class 1 Certified and available in solid and split colors with a cast aluminum powdercoated base and polycarbonate dome. Available in 12V or 24V DC; comes with a five-year Heavy-Duty Professional warranty.

www.whelen.com Number 202 on Reader Card

C

entury’s new multi-deck carrier, part of the 16 Series LCG Carrier line, allows tow operators to transport up to four cars depending on configuration.

The optional second deck is lowered by hydraulics onto the main deck, allowing for safer loading and securing of the vehicle compared to over-the-cab decks.

The deck is then raised and tilted to provide clearance for the next vehicle. Eliminating the additional overhang of an over-the-cab rack in front of the chassis allows the carrier to be ordered with a main carrier

deck up to 30’ long (compared to 28’ on most four-car systems).

The unit can be ordered in a 24’ length for three-car applications.

Both decks are constructed using aluminum extrusions with built-in drop pockets in the upper deck for additional height clearance.

The design of Century’s auxiliary over-the-deck system has been proven in Miller’s European manufacturing facilities for many years, but is a recent addition to the North American market.

www.millerind.com Number 203 on Reader Card

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TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 11

Thanks for Chain Dos and Don’ts

Doing Something with Move Over

Dear American Towman, Thank you for your Tow Engineer article, “Never Break the Chain,” in the March 2013 issue of American Towman magazine.

My husband and I are in the construction/home renovation business and we just purchased another used trailer. The 8x10 trailer was in relatively good condition.

Once registered and insured, it was immediately put to use on several occasions.

It wasn’t until weeks later, after reading American Towman, that I actually noted the condition of the safety chains. They were rusty and upon closer inspection had a few links that were worn nearly through from being dragged by the previous owner.

Neither of us had given much consideration to the safety chains until reading “Never Break the Chain.”

Unlike towers, our safety chain is not the primary chain used for towing; however, should it be needed in an unexpected emergency situation it certainly would fail immediately.

We are now well informed on chains, the different grades, hooks and connecting linkage thanks to American Towman magazine.

Dear Ms. Ortiz, I read your column, “Too Many Tower Tragedies,” in the April 2013 issue of American Towman. On Oct. 14, 2011, we lost one of our employees who was struck by a tractor-trailer.

You asked to share what we are doing to promote the awareness of the Move Over Laws and here is what we are doing and have done so far. You can check our website (www.nickstowingservice.com) and you will see under our 5-Star ATSA rating three boxes to click on. The first is a video we made in conjunction with the New Jersey State Police and the Move Over awareness committee, which is available for all to view on the Internet. The second is one that we produced ourselves and distributed to police departments in our area as well as some customers. The third one is about our lost brother Mark.

We also have successfully asked local municipalities to put the Move Over Law message up on their message boards to help bring further attention to the need to move over and slow down.

I hope this in some way helps get the message out. If I can help with anything further, please contact me and I will do what I can.

An accident avoided, Gina Fullard Ringwood, N.J.

God Bless, Nick Testa Rutherford, N.J.

Towers Should Band Together for Fair Pay To the Editor, I own and operate Dave’s Delaware Valley Towing and Auto Parts. I’ve been in the towing business for over 30 years and have been through all the ups and downs in the business. I’m just wondering why don’t tow companies group together against auto auctions (auction facilities … who require the assistance of towers to make their business profitable)?

They work the towers for pennies. And believe it or not, it is the towers’ fault. We settle for what they offer and cut each other’s throats just to get the work. If we as a whole stood up to these auction houses, they would have no choice but to pay us what is properly due to us.

Think about it: we do all the work, phone calls, numerous trips, paying out of our own pockets, all to make the bare minimum. I personally have been in situa-

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tions where the auction facility would rather pay one or two extra days storage on a vehicle than to pay me the extra $5 or $10 that I was asking for in tow fees. (What does it matter to them, it’s not their money that is being wasted, it is the insurance companies?)

And who does that extra cost get passed on to? The people purchasing automobile insurance, that’s who.

I understand that we all need to make a living, but as I said, if we stuck together, we may profit from it. And maybe, just maybe, the guy who is down lying on the ground with the dirty hands might get ahead a little, not just the guys sitting behind their desks.

Sincerely, David Williams Philadelphia, Pa.

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Matheny Welcomes Customers June 7-8 Matheny Motors, an authorized full-line Miller Industries distributor, is hosting a customer event June 7-8 at their new location in Huntington, W.Va. Both days will feature industry experts, including Paul Stevens, All State Road Service; Chip Kauffman, B/A Products; and John Hawkins, Paul Saffelle and Paul Craze from Miller Industries.

“Towers can plan to come one or both days for informal training sessions, product demonstrations, facility tours and an opportunity to meet industry experts from Miller Industries,” said Jeff Barbour, director of towing and equipment.

He said both days will feature food and prizes; Saturday will include a beauty contest for trucks.

The event starts at 11 a.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. Matheny serves the Northern Virginia, West Virginia and Ohio markets for towing and recovery equipment sales, parts, and service.

For more details, call Monica Matheny at 304482-3454 or go to www.mathenymotors.com.

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Stop that Truck Before It Starts (to Roll)

by Terry Abejuela

S

upplemental brake systems aren’t an assist to the service brake to slow or stop a vehicle but rather a brake system that assists with holding a tow truck in place when the truck parking brake is not sufficient. In the towing industry there is often a need to supplement the parking brake during loading and unloading or while performing a recovery.

The standard parking brake on most tow trucks works to prevent forward movement of the vehicle, but is not as effective in preventing rearward movement. Supplemental brake systems are designed to work in conjunction with the standard mechanical parking brake to provide additional operational brake holding (not prolonged parking). A supplemental brake system doesn’t eliminate the need for lumber, wheel chocks or other anchoring methods when maximum holding power is necessary.

There are various brake locks available that are designed to work on different brake systems, including single-, dual-, split- or anti-lock. Make sure to consult with the system manufacturer as well as the cab/chassis OEM to ensure the proper selection, installation and operation of a supplemental brake system.

Systems One of the most common supplemental brake systems in the towing industry is the MICO lock that uses the truck’s service brake master cylinder to apply the service brake without someone applying foot pressure on the pedal.

The dual-cable lock and lever lock are common MICO locks in our industry. The dual-cable lock is designed to work on a dual-line or split-service braking system, while the lever lock is designed to work on a single-line service brake system. Both of these locks 18 • June 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

Knob engages the MICO dual-lock supplemental braking system.

are to supplement the parking brake not replace it. You must apply the parking brake in addition to the MICO lock.

The dual-cable lock is probably the most common system used in towing.

This type of lock incorporates two oneway check valves to apply the service brake to the selected brakes. The valve attaches to the service-brake master cylinder and is activated by cable from a knob located in the cab.

To engage, the tow operator pulls the knob out completely and applies foot pressure on the service brake firmly until the audible/visible alarm stops. All MICO hydraulic brake locks include a low-pressure warning switch connected to an audible or visual alarm. The alarm works in two ways.

When you apply the MICO lock, the alarm will sound until enough pressure is applied to the system to hold the truck. Once the brake is applied properly, the warning alarm next will notify the operator if the brake fluid

pressure begins to drop, giving the operator time to re-apply the brakes.

The warning device can be attached to the tow truck horn and/or the headlights.

The dual-cable lock doesn’t increase brake pressure, but locks in the amount of foot pressure applied to the service brake. The hydraulic brakes must be in good operating condition for this supplemental brake system to operate properly. Any leak will cause the pressure to drop and release the brake lock.

Some older models of the MICO lock may not have a low-pressure warning switch. When applying the brake, the operator would determine when the brake lock is sufficiently applied by the pressure felt in the service brake (it should be stiff). There will be no warning of a drop in pressure. I recommend that the operator frequently return to the cab of the truck to reapply pressure on the service brake pedal to maintain pressure in the system.

Changes in outside temperature can also affect the brake pressure reducing the holding capability of the brake lock. To reduce the effects of temperature on the brake pressure during prolonged use, the operator should release and reapply the brake lock at least once per hour.

The lever lock is operated the same as the dual-cable lock, but is designed to work on a single-line system. If you install a lever lock on a dual master cylinder it will apply either the front brakes or rear brakes, not both. You can attach the unit to the front or rear brakes; in towing, it would be more effective to apply it to the rear brakes.

Testing Supplemental brake systems, as well as the parking brake, should be tested each day. The tow truck should

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MICO’s dual-cable lock. The red unit under the master cylinder is the one way to check the valve body. At each end of the valve body is a pressure-warning device.

be parked on a 20 percent grade and the park brake and supplemental brake applied.

To test the supplemental brake system, remain in the driver’s seat, prepared to apply the service brake and

release the parking brake while leaving the supplemental brake applied.

The tow truck must not move for at least one minute.

To test the parking brake, the same test is conducted except the supple-

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mental brake system should be released while the parking brake remains applied. If the truck moves during either of these tests, the system that did not hold must be inspected and repaired or replaced and tested again.

Many newer trucks utilize a driveline parking brake system that works much better than standard parking brakes and may eliminate the need for a supplemental brake system for some towing applications. Make sure to consult with the OEM to ensure that the addition of a supplemental brake system does not affect the warranty.

Tow operators must be familiar with the supplemental brake system on any truck they operate. Remember that they supplement the OEM’s parking brake and other truck braking techniques to achieve maximum holding power.

Terry Abejuela has 30+ years of light-duty towing-and-recovery experience. He is also a lightduty level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association since 1998.

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Considering a Hybrid Tow Truck?

by Randall C. Resch

I

n my many years as a tower, I’ve used numerous kinds of tow and recovery products; although hybrid technology on tow trucks wasn’t available back when, today’s advanced systems are gaining momentum in the overall marketplace and this industry.

Although technology has come a long way in conventional engines and smog systems, continually elevating EPA requirements and clean-air demands cloud their future.

Scanning the horizon, savvy tow owners should be looking for ways to make their fleet run lean and green as much as they can (without breaking the bank).

Coastal Pride Towing in San Diego, Calif., is a large towing and recovery company that serves the California Highway Patrol and is one of two Freeway Service Patrol providers on area highways. (The FSP is a statewide freeway motorist assist program; the San Diego Association of Governments, CHP and California Department of Transportation run the San Diego region’s FSP.) Coastal Pride recently took delivery of a 2013 hybrid tow truck to be evaluated for their FSP operations that currently fields 18 FSP-equipped trucks and carriers that cover more than 1.5 million miles annually. Fuel costs are the No. 1 concern for this area of their fleet.

Coastal’s 2013 Hino 195H is on a 19,500-lbs. GVW chasis is paired with Dynamic’s 701 combination wheel-lift and boom recovery unit. Built by San Diego’s C&M Motors, it is fully equipped to meet their FSP contract and fully equipped for CHP requirements.

Hybrid technology goes hand-in-hand with today’s freeway service patrol contracts

Hino’s 195H hybrid chassis combines technology, longevity and easy maintenance.

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The 195H comes with a diesel-electric hybrid engine capable of 210 hp, with the Aisin A465 six-speed automatic transmissions standard on every COE. Hino’s Diesel-Electric Hybrid System Power Control Unit features its Hybrid Adaptive Control System that communicates with the Engine Control Unit to evaluate driving and road conditions that optimize fuel economy and performance.

Since I’d never ridden in a hybrid tow truck, my curiosity centered on performance and handling. My towing career was in diesel tow trucks and carriers, but I was pleased with the driving attributes this hybrid offers. We loaded up and took a cruise in the manner the tow truck would be used.

In particular, I found the Hino hybrid had plenty of torque and muscle to handle freeway operations. We didn’t use the recovery boom, but the Dynamic 701 is more than

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stout enough to lift and tow a fullsized SUV at moderately easy highway speeds.

Because the 195H operates on diesel and electric systems, continued operations demand a heavy-duty power source to sustain battery recharge, emergency lighting and electrical engine components.

The hybrid system is made up with one giant nickel-metal hydride battery bank as the electrical source that can be totally shut-off (for maintenance safety) by removing the bolt-on, slideout receiver tray located on the battery bank. The NiMH battery has an esti-

mated life from five years to 12 years.

“When the diesel in is in the running and driving mode, the diesel engine is always running until the

truck comes to a stop where the diesel then goes electric,” said Mike Torti, C&M’s president. “As the truck decelerates, the batteries are charging.

When the driver re-accelerates, its system settles back to diesel mode with ease and smooth operation.”

On my test drive, it was extremely difficult to hear the two systems interact with each other. Also, I was especially pleased with the truck’s easy steering and mobility when making Uturns while towing a vehicle.

If you’ve never driven a hybrid tow truck, you won’t find anything that resembles “blast-off” acceleration—hybrid trucks aren’t designed for break-neck speeds. The primary motor gets the truck rolling, then the electrical system kicks in to sustain forward momentum with as little fuel consumption as possible.

Sticker Shock Hybrid technology does come with a heavier price tag for the equipment as well as the research and development. The cost benefits make the most sense when you look at the long-term possibilities of what this modern technology can offer your company, especially when spread beyond three years.

Depending on manufacturer, options, packages, even promotions, purchasing a hybrid tow truck may be what your fleet needs.

C&M’s Torti said this truck (that meets CHP and FSP requirements), priced near $120,000, including taxes, delivery, fees and registration. (He said that California buyers are currently eligible for state vouchers with certain Hino hybrid purchases.)

In general, hybrid trucks may be priced as much as $45,000 higher than a comparable diesel or gas tow truck or carrier. While the initial costs of purchasing hybrid tow trucks are steep, keep in mind the long-term savings potential.

“We’re evaluating all possibilities of taking our patrol and rotation fleets hybrid,” said Coastal’s FSP supervisor, Octavio Perez. “Although we’ve had extremely good service from other diesel trucks in the past, our operational (fuel) costs are at an all-time high with no-ease in sight … hybrid Number 113 on Reader Card

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The hybrid battery pack features a slide-out shelf for disconnecting total power for maintenance.

technology makes sense to us.”

Hino’s own estimates show a 30-percent reduction in fuel costs where hybrid trucks are driven at freeway speeds of 55 mph to 60 mph. For FSP trucks like this one, there is often more stop-and-go driving, but not always actual towing.

According to Hino, a typical truck that runs 20,000 miles per year and gets 12 mpg will use 1,667 gallons of fuel in a year. A 30-percent reduction is significant. By doing simple math at a per-gallon cost of diesel, 1,667 gallons of fuel at San Diego’s current $4.59 per gallon is $7,651.53 for a year. A 30-percent reduction is a savings of $2,295.46 in the first year (and only gets better as fuel prices rise).

So, if Coastal Pride were to upgrade all 26 FSP trucks in the fleet with hybrids, fuel costs for the first year could go down nearly $60,000.

Diesel costs are an on-going and costly consideration that will continue to affect your company’s bottom line.

Another huge consideration is future hassles and clean-air regulations. The potential that hybrid technology offers the industry is huge. State-of-the-art hybrid technology might be the answer to your company’s woes at the pumps.

I like what I see. It’ll be interesting to see if FSP providers nationwide will be required to convert their fleets to all hybrid, or other green alternatives, over the next five years.

On the Web • www.hino.com • www.cmmotors4trucks.com

Editor’s note The author would like to thank SANDAG and Coastal Pride Towing for providing information and other help with this report.

Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and has been in the towing and recovery industry for 40 years as a tow business owner, manager, consultant and lightduty trainer. Email Randy at rreschran@aol.com.

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TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 25

Helping When Tragedy Strikes

by Mark Lacek

W

e put our work clothes on in the morning with the hopes of having a good day. Some of us will not make it home. Tragedy can strike at any moment, quickly and often deadly, and your life is thrown into turmoil and confusion.

In the repossession industry, there are individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others in a time of need. Ed Marcum and Mike Reiter of the Recovery Agent Benefit Fund, (RABF) are just two of those individuals.

The RABF was established to help the men and women of the repossession industry and their families in times of loss. Since its inception in 2003, RABF has disbursed $180,000 in donated funds to more than 35 families in need.

Marcum is the fund’s founder and better known as the CEO of Recovery Specialist Insurance Group; prior to RSIG, he owned a repossession agency himself. He has dedicated more than 30 years to the repo industry and sought to educate and professionalize the industry at every level to strengthen the industry’s image.

In 2002, Marcum approached RSIG’s board with the concept of the Recovery Agents Memorial Fund— that later became RABF—and received approval to start the fund with a small deposit from RSIG.

By July 2009, RABF obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as a charitable organization, which means no one affiliated with the fund draws a salary or receives any sort of compensation (aside from the personal satisfaction in giving back).

If you have been to any of the repo conferences or shows, you have run into Mike Reiter, known as “The Tow 26 • June 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

Truck Guy” of HAR Inc. in Southern California. After meeting him, you might think it was his full-time job fundraising for RABF, but he’s been running a successful tow-truck sales and towing business for many years.

Reiter ’s daughter Rachel was involved in a near-death traffic accident in 2009. Her road to recovery was long and arduous, and the folks in the repossession industry went out of their way to support her and the family in the process. Since then Reiter has made it his personal mission to act as the spokesman and chief fundraiser for RABF.

In a time when repossessors are often called upon to go head first into hostile situations and when a turbulent economy is pushing consumers to their financial (and mental) limits, the RABF is more important than ever.

Repossession agency owners struggle with day-to-day financial obligations and often fall short in their ability to find affordable workers compensation rates or provide health and life insurance benefits. This fund is a way to help within the industry; regular contributions are a way to make sure that the fund is able to respond when

needed. Contributions are taxdeductible.

I’ve been working in the field for many years. I’ve made plenty of good decisions that made it possible for me to make it home safely. I’ve also made enough wrong decisions, but luckily none resulted in tragedy. There is no job worth getting hurt over or causing others to become injured.

The safest repo is when the debtor realizes the vehicle has been repossessed long after you have left the scene. Confrontations with the debtor put the repossessor in harm’s way.

Remember the rule: If an angry debtor confronts you, apologize for the inconvenience and leave. You can always return when the timing is more to your advantage.

We “old timers” in the repossession industry have a responsibility to reach out to newer, younger men and women in the business. We must use every opportunity to share our experiences. There are training and certification programs provided within our industry, use them. You owe it to your loved ones and your employees to be safe and be trained. The life you save might just be your own.

If you would like to make a contribution to the fund, you can mail a check to P.O. Box 4102, Manassas, VA 20108; or you can donate online at www.recoveryagentsbenefitfund.org.

Thank you and please make good decisions out there.

Author Mark Lacek is a 30-year recovery industry veteran and former editor of Professional Repossessor magazine.

Mark@commercialassetsolutions.com

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Industry Funding Specialist Ferrara Dies

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Following a sudden illness, Peter A. Ferrara Sr., 69, recently died. He was Group Head of the Specialty Vehicle & Equipment Funding Group.

He began his financial services career with American Express. In 1982, he founded an equipment-leasing company known as Network Leasing. That company expanded into commercial vehicle financing on a national basis. The company became The Network Companies, with major collateral focus on the towing industry. The group was considered one of the largest independent financing sources for the tow and recovery industry.

In 1999, The Network Companies was acquired by a regional bank and Ferrara assumed the role of Executive Vice President responsible for the bank’s equipment and vehicle financing group.

As Group Head of the Specialty Vehicle & Equipment Funding Group, Ferrara sought to help small to mid-sized businesses obtain the credit they needed for new equipment and vehicles. He was a former board member and past president of The Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors, and a former member of the Equipment Leasing Association and the National Vehicle Leasing Association.

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TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 29

Running the Wheels Off

by Kurt Wilson Joe’s Towing; Creve Coeur, Ill.

A driver was in the tractor with brakes released as the Century 5130 lifted the container and backed both units off the highway (with police escort).

The running gear separated from a trailer on a busy state highway in Illinois; Joe's Towing cleared the scene for post-Christmas traffic.

Running Gear Separation Makes for Backwards Recovery

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O

n Dec. 27, 2012, the East Peoria (Ill.) Police Department contacted Joe’s Towing & Recovery of Creve Coeur to respond immediately to State Route 116 northbound at Interstate 74 for a loaded tractor-trailer where the rear tandems had come loose from the trailer.

We dispatched our Kenworth W900/Century 5130 30ton wrecker and Kenworth/Century 3212 16-ton wrecker to the scene. At the scene, the operators found a tractor pulling a container; the tri-axle running gear had come out of the back of the trailer, flipping over in the process.

The scene supervisor then requested the flattop dolly, Kenworth T800/Challenger 8088 50-ton rotator and Kenworth T800/Century 1060 60-ton rotator be sent as well.

Using wireless communication headsets helped the team work together at the scene.

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Using 50- and 60-ton rotators, the container was placed and secured on a flattop dolly before it was transported to the tow yard.

The 5130 was turned around so it was facing southbound in the northbound lane. It was backed up to the running gear and the under-reach was folded down so it was against the frame of the running gear. Using four chains to rigged attachment points, two of the chains were attached to the end caps on the under-reach. The boom was extended, and the winch lines were attached to the two remaining chains on the far end of the running gear. The winch lines were tightened. The boom was raised up, picking up the running gear. With the running gear off the ground, it was transported to a parking lot.

The 5130 returned to the scene, this time backing up to the rear of the loaded container chassis. Using two chains to rig attachment points to the chassis, the chains were attached to the under-reach end caps. The back of the container chassis was picked up to the same height as if it were still on the running gear.

With the driver in the semi’s tractor, it was put in neutral and the tractor brakes released. The 5130 then backed the loaded tractor-trailer into 32 • June 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

a parking lot while the Illinois State Police and East Peoria police shut down the northbound lanes. The roadway then was cleared of debris.

With the arrival of the flattop dolly, 50-ton rotator and the 60-ton rotator, to join the 5130 already onscene, the 50-ton rotator was backed

The 60-ton rotator lifted the running gear for transport on a flatbed carrier.

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While the running gear was lifted by the rotator, the carrier's winch was used to reposition to load and secure.

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parallel on the driver’s side of the tractor-trailer and the 60-ton rotator on the passenger side.

Onsite wireless communications were setup, using one set of our four Sonetics wireless headsets. With the onsite wireless communication, our four members of the recovery crew could talk to one another anywhere on the recovery scene.

The 50-ton rotator had one of its winch lines hooked back into the end of the boom to allow a snatch block to be installed. Next, the boom was rotated clockwise until the boom was inline

with the rear of the container. Two screw-pin shackles were installed in the top rear holes in the container. The winch line off the 50-ton was attached to one of the screw-pin shackles.

The 60-ton rotator had one of its winch lines hooked back into the end of its boom. A snatch block was installed on the wire rope that was hooked to the boom. The boom was rotated counter-clockwise until it was lined up with the rear of the container.

The winch line was hooked to the screw-pin shackle.

With both rotator operators work-

ing together, the loaded container and chassis were picked up, and the 5130 was unhooked from the container and pulled out of the way to allow access for the flattop dolly.

With the dolly in position at the rear of the trailer, using the light-duty 3212, the flattop dolly was winched into place. The dolly was squared by using the other winch line off the 60ton rotator, as well as the second winch line off the 3212.

The loaded container chassis was lowered onto the dolly, and the dolly was chained in place. All of the rigging was broken down and returned.

"With both rotator operators working together, the loaded container and chassis were picked up, and the 5130 was unhooked from the container and pulled out of the way."

The 60-ton rotator was repositioned next to the flatbed wrecker that was backed up to the running gear.

Using two round slings to rig attachment points, both of the winch lines of the 60-ton rotator was attached to the running gear. The running gear was picked straight up. The winch line off the flatbed was attached to the running gear at the bottom. Working together, both trucks flipped the running gear right-side up while winching it onto the flatbed. The running gear was secured to the flatbed for transport to Joe’s.

All trucks cleared the scene, while escorting the tractor-trailer to Joe’s.

The tractor-trailer container was backed into the storage lot where the trailer was unhooked from the tractor.

The tractor returned to its terminal.

The 60-ton rotator winched the running gear off the flatbed.

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Jim Hurst, Senior VP at USAC/MD, presents a check to James Williams, chairman of the Survivor Fund.

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USAC/MD Raised $9,400 for Survivor Fund In April, the United States Auto Club, Motoring Division Inc., raised $9,400 for the International Towing & Recovery Museum’s Survivor Fund through its annual Golf Classic in Florida. The Survivor Fund provides financial assistance to families of road service professionals who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

This was the sixth consecutive golf benefit; the tournament has contributed more than $60,000 to the fund.

Miller Industries sponsored a “Holein-One” contest for the chance to win a tow truck and Condor Products donated a motorcycle loader as a raffle prize Source: www.usacmd.com.

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Millions to Search ‘Towing’ on Mobiles Based on recent Google keyword analysis, approximately 135,000 local Google searches for “towing services” are done on mobile devices each month, compared with 110,000 local searches for that same phrase on laptop or desktop computers.

More than 90 percent of small business websites do not display properly on smartphones, meaning that the information is difficult or impossible to find. At the same time, 52 percent of people say a bad mobile experience makes them less likely to engage with a business.

MoFuse Local’s mobile-friendly websites are designed with the business and their mobile customers in mind; they work with companies with existing sites as well as those looking to build a first site. Source: www.mofuselocal.com.

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TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 37

Three Decades of Safety Advice

by Richard Wolfe

Being safe on the scene starts with hi-vis reflective gear, goggles and gloves, as well as taking care working with the driveline, brakes or getting under or on top of a compromised vehicle. Photo courtesy of Zip’s Towing.

I

really hate seeing all the news lately regarding tow truck drivers getting injured or dying on the job; while everyone is supposed to practice safety, at times we all find ourselves overlooking a few things or taking shortcuts.

First, we all should wear safety vests or have uniforms with reflective strips. But don’t think that wearing a vest or uniform with reflective materials will make you bulletproof. You still need to practice additional safety methods.

Using traffic cones tends to provide some direction to oncoming traffic, just as it also tends to provide a bit of warning. The distinctive sounds they make when they get hit or run over might provide an extra second or two to get out of the way.

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"Everyone is supposed to practice safety, at times we all find ourselves ... taking shortcuts."

Reflective triangles work well also, and they are required by federal law to be placed behind the vehicle that is broken down from the time it becomes disabled until the time that it is ready to leave the breakdown location (either under its own power or towed). Those

$40 triangles are worth every penny.

Warning lights are great, but let’s keep them to enough to warn yet not overload the oncoming motorists and cause them to head like a moth to the flame. Work lights can be considered; consider using the ones that only show up where you are working. Or better yet, wire them so that you can control the top ones and lower work lights separately.

Try to keep them aimed into your work area, not the whole surrounding area. Do you want that light shining out into oncoming traffic at night along the Interstate and potentially blinding an oncoming motorist?

Drivelines Now, with towing safety, we all tend to make mistakes and take short

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For advertising opportunities call 800-732-3869 Ellen Rosengart x203 erosengart@towman.com Dennie Ortiz x213 dortiz@towman.com

cuts. Yes, I am including myself in this as I have made a few dumb mistakes at times over the years (and some recently).

We know that we should never pull a loaded driveline (one that has pressure on it), but we do at times.

When vehicles die in traffic, at times the transmission gets hung up in gear, be it an automatic or manual.

We try to remove the driveline when the vehicle is in neutral and the brakes released, but at times it’s impossible to get the transmission into neutral. So we tend to hook up the vehicle (ever notice it always has a trailer with it that cannot be dropped) and either supply air to the unit or cage the brakes to get it into less of a bind. Then we focus on removing the driveline.

This is where it can get dangerous real quick if you are not careful.

There have been many drivers hurt, knocked out, or even killed when the loaded driveline comes out. One thing I practice is to wrap a 1” ratchet strap around the driveline and hook it to the frame rails before I start to remove any driveline bolts.

(This can also be done with a short chain).

The purpose of this is that when you start removing driveline bolts while under pressure, you can have the driveline suddenly, and explosively, come out of the yoke and cause damage and injuries. There is very limited space under a truck and you cannot move faster than the driveline will be moving when it kicks out of the yoke.

Going Under Safety is essential while under the vehicle for any reason. Chocking the wheels while you are under the vehicle is a very good practice. Many vehicles today require a double pick when towing from the front so that you can get your forks under the axle.

Many of us use our remote controls to do this operation so that we can place the blocks into the correct areas to hold up the vehicle. But this is very serious and it can be deadly: Given the use of wireless remote conNumber 213 on Reader Card

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trols, now we can take the remote under the truck with us and use it to shift the vehicle back and forth to gain access to driveline bolts for either removing them or, heaven forbid, reinstalling them.

If the vehicle is in neutral with the brakes released and on blocks, it can have a potentially dangerous outcome. Move it far enough and you might come off the blocks, and allow it to roll away. Think it can never happen? How many times have you hit the wrong switch or button before on the remote and set it down? And we all know how “pocket-dialing” works with cellphones, what about “pocket-controlling” of the wheel lift or worse yet, set it down on the ground and roll over onto it?

We have lost several towers in this industry due to “fluke” things like this happening. I hate seeing all the names each year added to the Wall of the Fallen; I hope that just one year we don’t need to add any names.

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One issue that is serious, but not deadly, is supplying air to the unit so it can be towed properly and safely.

Most people tap into the air compressor lines, but some of us go direct to the wet tank from time to time.

Be careful when you take the plugs or drain fitting out of the tank, as rust and other pieces of metal can be propelled from the drain hole. I have received many a bath over my hands of oils and other fluids while doing this, and a few had some small metal pieces mixed in.

But most of the time, you are working close enough to the tank to get a face full of the stuff. If there is anything worse than the bath from those tanks, it is getting that stuff in your eyes. … Last time I checked, we all needed to be able to see to do our jobs. I know that I need both eyes working so that I can keep one focused on the job and the other on traffic. So don’t forget safety glasses or goggles and gloves.

These safety observations come from my 33 years of experience in the towing and recovery industry, and I would sure like to keep going for another 10 or 15 years in one piece.

Editor’s note: Richard Wolfe is the heavy-duty towing operations manager for Goodyear Towing in Enterprise, Ala., and has been towing for 33 years. He presents seminars on Price Per Pound billing, and can be reached by email at ibflat2@gmail.com.

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TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 43

Preserving Evidence for Caging Brakes Preferred at High-Profile Accidents

National Transportation Safety Board

by Jennifer L. Morrison

O

n June 24, 2011, a commercial truck pulling two empty gold ore trailers on U.S. 95 in rural Nevada crashed into the side of an Amtrak train.

The train, Amtrak’s “California Zephyr,” had 195 passengers and 14 crew as it passed through a controlledgrade crossing—with flashing lights activated and crossing gates down— when it was struck.

The collision destroyed the truck and several passenger railcars, ignited a fire and killed the truck driver, train conductor and four train passengers;

NTSB

"During the investigation, the NTSB ran into several obstacles when trying to piece together evidence regarding the brakes.

15 train passengers and one crewmember were injured.

Using physical evidence and a recording from a forward-facing video camera mounted on the front of the train, investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board determined that the truck, traveling at least 58 mph, was more than 2,300’ from the tracks when the crossing signals activated. Visibility on approach to the desert crossing was clear, but there was no evidence that the truck driver began braking until the truck was less than 300’ from the crossing.

The Amtrak train after the collision; the tractor-trailer hit the second railcar behind two leading locomotives. Photo by a passenger.

Probable Cause Although it was not possible to pinpoint the exact cause of the driver’s delayed braking, investigators uncovered that driver fatigue, distraction from cellphone use or pain from a recent medical ailment were all possibilities.

Investigators also found that the driver had an erratic driving history. In the 10 years prior to the accident he was cited for more than a dozen moving violations, involved in at least three accidents, and had his driver’s license suspended or revoked at least four times. The driver also had a

This unit is similar to the tractor-trailer that hit the Amtrak train. That truck was destroyed in the collision, killing the driver and several people aboard the train and injuring others.

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spotty employment history and omitted or misrepresented much of this information for his current employer.

The investigation also revealed inadequacies with the truck and trailer braking systems. Nine of the 16 brakes in use at the time of the accident were found to be out of adjustment or inoperative. Two axles had been equipped with mismatched and incorrectly sized brake chambers. In addition, the antilock-brake systems on both trailers were not functional; wires to missing ABS sensors were found cut and ziptied. Wires to the required ABS malfunction indicator lights on the trailers had been disconnected, raising serious concerns about the maintenance practices of the trucking company.

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the accident was the truck driver’s delayed braking and the failure of the trucking company to adequately maintain the brakes on the truck and trailers. Investigators calculated that even with the truck driver’s delayed braking, the accident could have been avoided with properly working brakes.

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Altered Evidence During the investigation, the NTSB ran into several obstacles when trying to piece together evidence regarding the brakes. One was that the pushrod stroke measurements used to determine the adjustment condition of the brakes were not taken properly. Before the arrival of NTSB investigators, the Nevada Highway Patrol used compressed air from a tow truck at the scene of the accident to measure the brakes at approximately 120 psi. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Out-of-Service Criteria, used by all cer-

"Towers should not back off slack adjusters after a commercial vehicle has been involved in an accident."

tified commercial vehicle inspectors, specifies that these measurements be taken at a pressure of 90 psi to 100 psi.

Because pushrod stroke increases with application pressure, it is very important to use the guidance pressure range to determine brake adjustment.

The pushrod stroke measurements could have been easily retaken at the proper pressure; however, the slack adjusters had been “backed off” by one of the tow truck companies on-scene, causing the brake shoes to back off and away from the brake drums. Backing off slack adjusters alters the mechanical alignment of the brake components, destroying the evidence, and preventing any further relevant brake adjustment measurements.

As a result of these findings, the NTSB issued a recommendation to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Nevada Highway Patrol and the CVSA to inform commercial vehicle inspectors of the importance of taking pushrod stroke measurements within the specified pressure range, the relationship between pushrod stroke and specific air pressure, and the consequence of taking measurements outside of this range.

The NTSB also issued a recommendation to the CVSA and the Towing & Recovery Association of America to inform their members of the need to prevent backing off air-brake slack adjusters after a vehicle has been involved in an accident.

Towers, Take Note The NTSB investigates accidents like this one to learn from tragedy and make recommendations on how to prevent similar events. As such, there are several lessons that the towing industry can learn from this investigation.

First, although it is not the responsibility of towers to know how to properly inspect commercial vehicles, many in the community are commercial vehicle drivers and operators themselves, and would find value in becoming familiar with the inspection criteria. In the event that a tower is asked to assist law enforcement in taking pushrod stroke measurements, an Number 167 on Reader Card

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brakes by using a release or T-bolt to compress the brake spring is the preferred method and does not alter the physical evidence that could be essential to any impending investigations.

Lastly, as towers are often our front line on the roadside, it’s extremely valuable they be aware that a key principle of automatic slack adjusters is that they do not require routine manual adjustment. If an automatic slack adjuster is adjusted on the roadside to bring a truck brake back into compliance, that brake could have as little as a few applications before being back out of adjustment. As one or more brakes come out of adjustment, the braking ability of the truck decreases. Routing that truck to the nearest maintenance facility instead of sending it back down the road could prevent a crash—and potentially save lives.

The full report on this accident investigation, including a complete list of findings and safety recommendations, is available at www.ntsb.gov. informed tower should know that the guidance pressure range is 90 psi to 100 psi. Anything higher or lower will result in out-of-spec measurements and the possibility of an incorrect brake adjustment determination.

Secondly, towers should not back off slack adjusters after a commercial vehicle has been involved in an accident, especially a fatal or high-profile accident. Caging or pinning the

About the author Jennifer Morrison is a Crash Investigator and Vehicle Factors Engineer in the Office of Highway Safety. She has been with the NTSB for the past 10 years.

Her work has included investigations of the 15-fatality motorcoach rollover in the Bronx, N.Y., the rollover and explosion of a propane tanker in Indianapolis, Ind., and the Minneapolis, Minn., I-35 bridge collapse.

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Number 100 on Reader Card

American Towman 2013 Directory The Industry’s most comprehensive listing of Towing and Recovery Suppliers ∂ Alphabetical listing ∑ Classification of products and/or services ∏ The “portfolio” sections: product information related to this issue’s display advertisers

A 1 800-IM STUCK, Woodbury, NY, (516) 224-4401, C. Merrit 1-800-Rescue 911, St. Petersburg, FL, 1(800) 373-1145, D. Marshlack 3M Scotchlite, St Paul, MN, (800) 328-7098 ext 2, G. Pearson AAA Heathrow, FL, (407) 444-7780, M. Pittelkow, D. McLendon *Able Weldbuilt Industries, Inc., Deer Park, NY, (631) 643-9700 Access Roadside Assistance, Langley, BC, (866) 224-9861, Dan Sloan *Access Tools and Equipment, Miami, FL, (800) 323-8324, T. Vigil (See our ad on page 61) Adler Financial Services, Boca Raton, FL, (561) 750-5544 *Advanced Warning Systems, LLC, Fulton, MO, (573) 592-0208, Russ Advantage Funding, Lake Success, NY, (866) 392-1300, A. Seitz Agero (formerly Cross Country Auto Serv.), Medford, MA, (781) 393-9300, J. Solomon (See our ad on page 19) Air-Weigh, Eugene, OR, (888) 459-3444 Akins Body & Carrier Sales, Winder, GA, (866) 389-4173, K. Meyers (See our ad on page 83) Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels, Cleveland, OH, (216) 641-4643, B. Thomas Alexander Insurance Agency Inc., San Antonio, TX, (800) 950-7911, C. Gonzales all-Grip Vehicle Recovery Sys., Sedalia, CO, (800) 748-2651, B. Truitt Alliant Power, Madison, WI, (866) 283-1785, A. Barlow, M. Morrison Allison Transmission, Indianapolis, IN, (800) 252-5283, M. Palmer Allstate Roadside Services, South Barrington, IL, (800) 582-6626, R. Dunn *American Eagle Accessories Group, Garner, IA, (800) 392-3015, I. Dodd, J. Newell American Towman Magazine & Expositions, Warwick, NY, (800) 732-3869 American Towman Standards Authority (ATSA), Warwick, NY, atstandards.com AmeriDeck, Hadley, PA, (888) 311-0867, M. Harakal AMSOIL, Orlando, FL, (407) 421-5584, F. Milcarsz Anchor Graphics, McKinney, TX, (972) 422-4300, L. Goolsby *Ari-Hetra, Manassas, VA, (703) 359-6265 *Arrow Safety Device Co. Inc., Selby, DE, (800) 327-2514, D. Gerni Associated Equipment Corp., St Louis, MO, (800) 949-1472, M. Simon Astralease Assoc., Hauppauge, NY, (800) 390-5251, D. Bertsch Atlanta Wrecker Sales, Chesnee, SC, (800) 313-2040, L. Giles Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Manassas, VA, (800) 442-9700, J. Donahue (See our ad on page 55) Atlas Flashers, Mickelton, NJ, (856) 423-3333, Norristown, PA, (610) 272-1034 ATMtrailer.com, Amarillo, TX, (855) 619-4440, Dan (See our ad on page 40) *Atomic LED Inc., Smithfield, RI, (401)232-9900, Kyle Austin Insurance, Inc., Paducah, KY, (270) 444-6818, R. Austin Auto Data Direct Inc., Tallahassee, FL, (850) 877-8804, M. Hayse Auto Equipment, Inc., Statesville, NC, (704) 872-4116, D. Reavis Auto Salvage & Parts Co., Hagerstown, MD, (301) 733-6696, L. Gerber Sr. Autow Custom Die Cast Key Tags, Alberta, Canada, (902) 222-7322 G. Casey (See our ad on page 37) Automotive Equipment Co., North Ridgeville, OH, (440) 327-3131, C. Datko Automotive Resources, Inc., Manassas, VA, (703) 359-6265, R. Penenburgh AW Direct, Madison, WI, (800) 234-3194, B. Bahman, S.Smedberg (See our ad on page 36)

B

*B & B Industries, Elkhart, IN, (219) 262-8551, B. Bottoms, J. Sweet *BD Diesel Performance, Abbotsford, BC, Canada, (800) 887-5030, C. Oborne *B/A Products, Columbia, MD, (800) 327-3301, C. Kauffman, L. Kauffman (See our ad on page 81)

*Bad Dog Tools, Bristol, RI, (800) 252-1330, A. Strong, Sherri *Bailey’s Towing Accessories, Inc., Wake Forest, NC, (919) 562-2984, T. Bailey Battelini Trans. & Wrecker Sales, Landisville, NJ, (856) 697-9595, Al & A Jr. Battelini Beacon Funding Corp., Northbrook, IL, (800) 866-6396, T. McDonough *Beacon Software, North Royalton, OH, (440) 237-6653, Steve or Bob (See our ad on page 16) *Best Tools, Siloam Springs, AR, (800) 541-8569, C. Crowder, J. Wiles *Bilt USA Manufacturing, Charlotte, NC, (980) 321-5925, Gina Mikels *Blades Tow Right Inc., Novi, MI, (800) 205-3232, E. Blades, K. Jaeger (See our ad on page 39) BOAT U.S., Alexandria, VA, (800) 888-4869, C. Wyngaard Bob Fish Truck Equipment, West Bend, WI, (800) 471-1020, J. Fay, T. Berger *Boniface Engineering Ltd., Norfolk, England, (011) 44-1842-754232, M. Boniface Bressler’s Inc., Morgantown, PA, (610) 286-6013, K. Oberholzer Brute Technologies, Inc., Escanaba, MI, (866) 464-2788, B. Jonson BTR Training & Consulting (big truck rescue), Baldwinsville, NY, (716) 479-4702, H. Eagan Buddy Automotive Innovations, Manitou Springs, CO, (866) 337-1177 x.221, J. Cain *Bulldog Towing Products Co., Geneva, IL, (630) 301-0553, D. Kein *Burgess Ent., LLC., Concord, NC, (704) 795-9839, B. Burgess

C *California Custom Products, Goodlettsville, TN, (800) 457-1242, Roger Canadian Towing Equipment, Ayr, ON, Canada, (519) 622-5522, H. Markle, C. Howell Capitol Truck Equipment, Landover, MD, (301) 459-9560, K. Bloom Casanova Towing Equipment, Compton, CA, (310) 638-9715, G. Casanova Centerpointe Insurance Services, Camarillo, CA, (800) 451-8766 ext.107, R. Farmer Central Towing Dispatch, Roy, UT, (801) 773-7313, K. Blazer, J. Blazer *Century Inc., Ooltewah, TN, (800) 292-0330, R. Olson *Challenger, Ooltewah, TN, (800) 292-0330, R. Olson *Champion, Ooltewah, TN, (800) 292-0330, R. Olson Channel Islands Leasing & Loan, Ojai, CA, (800) 879-9987, V. Diglio, L.Schultz *Chelsea Products, Olive Branch, MS, (662) 890-5368, J. King, J. Douglass Chester Point Programs, Chester, NJ, (908) 428-4285, M. Sparano Chevrolet, Warren, MI, (800)-TO-CHEVY, Peter, Rich *Chevron, Inc., Mercer, PA, (724) 981-7500, L. Moreland, D. Liston (See our ad on page 13) *Chevron Commercial Inc., Highland, IL, (618) 654-5555, B. Cunagin Chevron West, Rancho Cordova, CA, (800)-869-8757, C. Newkirk Chicago Mack Truck & Services, Summer, IL, (708) 594-5151, G. Herdzina Chicago Truck Sales & Services, Alisp, IL, (708) 371-7010, G. Herdzina Christopher’s Emergency Equipment, Chelmsford, MA, (978) 452-7433, C. Ferrera *Chrysler Group Fleet, Auburn Hills, MI, (800) 999-Fleet, D. Berecz Clean Planet Enterprises, Las Vegas, NV, (702) 778-9450, G. Arnesen Clean Seal, Inc., South Bend, IN, 46614, (574) 299-1888, B. Dawson Coach-Net (Nat’l Motor Club), Irving, TX, (800) 285-4977, R. Fone *Code 3, Inc., St. Louis, MO, (314) 426-2700, K. Kyriakos Collins MFG., Corp., Jacksonville, OR, (800) 332-9220, Curtis Collision Management USA, Cypress, TX, (281) 373-3072, N. Pestell Colonial Wrecker Sales, Union, NJ, (304) 327-8116 ComeUp USA, Glendale, CA (818) 246-5745, J. Fiffles *Computer & Comm. Sciences, Lindenwold, NJ, (800) 379-1865, W. Hindman Concorde Communications, Los Angeles, CA, (310) 854-4411, S. Zachary *Condor Products, Cortland, IL, (815) 754-7418, T. Chamoun, J. Chamoun (See our ad on page 65) Copart Auto Auctions, Fairfield, CA, (214) 551-1022, C. Hauck *Covercraft Industries, Pauls Valley, OK, (405) 238-9651, J. Jegelewicz Crawford Truck Sales, Lancaster, MA, (800) 427-7404 JerrDan, J. LaMarche

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American Towman Directory Crouch’s Wrecker, Kingston Springs, TN, (800) 628-5212, B. Crouch (See our ad on page 69) Cummins Inc., Columbus, IN, (800) DIESELS Cummins Power Systems, LLC., Bristol, PA, (215) 785-6005, E. Riley *Custer Products, N. Canton, OH, (800) 490-3158, A. Hershberger, B. Custer (See our ad on page 82)

D

*Dakota Mfg./Trail-Eze, Mitchell, SD, (800) 232-5682, J. Hruby, B. Goergen *Danco Products, Greencastle, PA, (800) 453-2626, H. Newlin, R. Reynolds Daniel’s Wrecker Sales, Nesconset, NY, (631) 361-3542, D. McGauley Danzi Bros., Inc., Selbyville, DE, (302) 436-2000, R. Danzi *Datow Software, Long Beach, CA, (800) 866-8086, P. Buzzanco *DewEze Mfg. Co., Harper, KS, (800) 835-1042, D. Roberts (See our ad on page 92) DG Towing Equip. & Sales, New York, NY, (212) 567-0255, Mike *Dicke Safety Products, Downers Grove, IL, (630) 969-0050, W. Sebasty, P. Wander Digital Ally Safety & Video Systems, Lenexa, KS, (913) 814-7774, T. Phelpr Dirt Cheap Wrecker, St. Charles, MO, (636) 255-3001, R. Malpocker, J. Hummel Discrete Wireless, Inc., Atlanta, GA, (678) 338-5957, D. Goss *Diversified Products Mfg., Jacksonville, FL, (800) 874-4172, B. Liner *Dodge Truck, Auburn Hills, MI, (248) 576-1731, M. Seguin Dom’s Protective Film, Mountainside, NJ, (908) 313-8630, D. Sforza *DP Winch, Jenks, OK, (918) 298-8300, J. Robinson *Dual-Tech, Inc., Bean Station, TN, (865) 767-3456, J. Roberts, A. Dotson (See our ad on page 69) *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg., Norfolk, VA, (800) 831-9299, A. Gentile (See our ad on page 21)

E

*Eagle, Ooltewah, TN, (800) 292-0330, R. Olson Eakins Equip. Co., Philadelphia, PA, (800) 869-2857, D. Eakins East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales, Portsmouth, VA, (800) 849-2178, B. Berger *East Penn Carrier & Wrecker Sales, Bethlehem, PA, (610) 694-9234, J. Orarly Edinburg Truck Sales, Edinburg, VA, (540) 984-9418, M. Burgwald Elizabeth Truck Center, Elizabeth, NJ, (201) 394-0178, J. Powers (See our ad on pages 27) Employee Leasing Marketplace, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, (866) 392-5501, M. Speizman Energy Safe Tech. (PowerSafe Jump Start Sys.), Great Neck, NY, (516) 570-1100, M. Baxter Equipment Sales & Service, Bloomfield, NJ, (973) 743-7516, D. DePalma, Jr. (See our ad on pages 71) *Excel Sportswear, Trafford, PA (800) 697-8882, S. McCarroll, M. Zanolli *Eye3Mobile, Madison, OH, (513) 770-0550, L. Olson

F Fabick Power Systems, Fenton, MO, (636) 349-5500, J. Huley Fallsway Equipment Co., Akron, OH, (800) 458-7941, J. S. Rainey *Federal Signal, University Park, IL, (708) 534-3400, D. Schickel Ferguson Corp., Baltimore, MD, (410) 467-8980, B. Ferguson Finex Group, San Jose, CA, (877) 443-4639, P. Price *Firestone Ind. Products Co., Carmel, IN, (317) 818-8600, P. Gibson, K. Brown Flag City Truck & Equipment, Findlay, OH, (800) 472-9597, A. Bryant, D. Campling FleetDown.Net, Anniston, AL, (256) 241-9280. J. Goggans FleetNet America, Cherryville, NC, (800) 438-8961 x532, J. Williams Fleet Sales West, Sherwood, OR, (800) 724-8766, B. Brandt, J. Walsh *FlowStop, Denver, NC, (877) 356-9767, P. Beaty Flyers Energy, Auburn, CA, (775) 689-1234 ext. 2631, S. Bradley *Ford Commercial Truck, Dearborn, MI, (800) 301-7430, T. Kaufman (See our ad on pages 2, 3) Four State Trucks, Joplin, MO, (417) 624-2900, B. Martin Franks Truck Center Inc., Lyndhurst, NJ, (201) 939-7708, Chris, Charlie *Freightliner Trucks, Fort Mill, SC, (803) 578-3263, M. Bergin (See our ad on page 7) Frontier Truck Parts, Grand Rapids, MI, (866) 241-2110, VW Future Wrecker Sales, Amsterdam, NY, (518) 842-2988, F. Yarasezski

G

G & K Services, Minnetonka, MN, (800) GK-CARES *Gaither Tool Co., Jacksonville, IL, (217) 245-0545, L. Renaker GAP Recovery Sales & Svc., Windber, PA, (814) 467-4596, Jim, Jr., Jeff *Garwood/Feller, Inc., St. Mary’s, GA, (912) 882-4151, S. Feller, B. Green

50 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

GE Capital Fleet Services, Eden Prairie, MN, (800) 933-8473, P. Dvorak, J. Devoe GEICO, Macon, GA, (800) 841-9160 x2036, x1860, J. Little, K.Martin (See our ad on page 103) *General Motors Corp., Detroit, MI, (800) 353-3867 *Goodall Mfg. LLC, Eden Prairie, MN, (952) 941-6666, S. Anderson, J. Stear *Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, OH, (330) 796-2121 Goodyear Wrecker Sales, Enterprise, AL, (334) 347-3297, K. Goodyear Got Tow Truck Parts.com, Phoenix, AZ, (602) 431-2227, Dave Payne Gray’s Vehicle Clinic, Bellefonte, PA, (800) 355-7102, S. Gray *Grote Industries, Madison, IN, (812) 273-1296, R. Ashley Gulf Atlantic Supplies, Columbiana, AL, (205) 669-2393, G. Davis

H Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, Vorhees, NJ, (800) 232-6535, B. Fryer Hamman Engineering, Newbern, TN, (731) 627-2231, K. Hamman *Hawk Hook, Kansas City, MO, (816) 527-0146, D. Claibourn Health Insurance Spec., Richardson, TX, (214) 348-8016, Bernie, Pam Hella, Inc., Peachtree City, GA, (770) 601-7500, P. Crans Hendrickson Aux. Axle Syst., Hebron, OH, (740) 929-5600, M. Keeler Hendrickson Trailer Susp., Canton, OH, (330) 456-7288, G. Ciapetta Hendrickson Truck Susp., Woodridge, IL, (630) 910-2800, D. Sanford *Hide-A-Lift, Inc., Hull, IA, (712) 439-2236, L. Bomgaars *Hino Trucks (USA), Bloomfield Hills, MI, (248) 648-6400, C. Bamberg Hino of Central Texas, Bryan, TX, (979) 778-0700, A. Wethington, G. McMahon Hooks Towing & Equipment, Wynne, AR, (870) 238-4148, B. Hogland Holly’s Message Service, East Hartford, CT, (888) 809-6182, K. Freeman *Holmes, Ooltewah, TN, (800) 292-0330, R. Olson House of Wreckers, San Carlos, CA, (800) 594-0005, Galvin *Hy-Tech Recovery Eq., Inc., Ft. Worth, TX, (800) 969-8246, T. Fox

I Idaho Wrecker Sales, Mountain Home, ID, (208) 587-2888, C. Ceccarelli iiX Employment Screening Services, Bryan, TX, (800) 683-8553, S. Haggerty iFleet GPS, North Hollywood, CA, (888) 767-8471, E. Kasman (See our ad on page 65) Ind. Garage & Towing Contractors, (IGTC) Buffalo, NY, (888) 222-1678, S. Mulvey Indiana Truck Sales & Services, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, (317) 787-0200, B. Aeschliman *InterMotive Vehicle Controls, Auburn, CA, (530) 823-1248, M. Ellison InSight USA, California, MD, (301) 866-1990 x201, B. Bedapd Insta-Chain Inc., Springville, UT, (801) 489-9000, S. Urie, J. Atkinson, Jr. Insurance Auto Auctions, Westchester, IL, (262) 325-1701, L. Erickson (See our ad on page 42) Integrated Vehicle Leasing, Inc., Melville, NY, (800) 551-4854, M. Ball (See our ad on page 82) Intek Truck & Equip. Leasing, Roseland, NJ, (973) 403-7788, G. Sachewicz, (See our ad on page 21) *International Marketing, Inc., Chambersburg, PA, (717) 264-5819, P. Zenger Int’l Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame, Chattanooga, TN, (206) 364-1500, Cheryl *International Truck & Engine Corp., Warrenville, IL, (800) 448-7825, J. Averhart *International Wreckers, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, (800) 827-3755, J. Sweezy, Jr. *Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Cerritos, CA, (866) 441-9638, B. Beck *I TOW IN, Inc., Bellevue, KY, (800) 979-8697, R. Poynter (See our ad on page 37)

J

Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Bloomfield, CT, (860) 769-7887, B. Mauriello, B. Stanley *Jerr-Dan Corporation, Hagerstown, MD, (800) 926-9666, T. O’Dowd (See our ad on page 104) *Jiffy Jump, Eastport, NY, (800) 325-5855, B. Guditus Junk My Car LLC, Seymour, CT, (877) 586-5692, R. Bari

K *Kalyn Siebert, Gatesville, TX, (254) 865-7235, W. Chandler, L. McDonald KBK Insurance Group, Hanrahan, LA, (800) 229-5927, K. Murray *Kenworth Truck Co., Kirkland, WA, (425) 828-5000, R. Peart Keris Industries, Bethpage, NY, (516) 931-3535 Key Equipment Finance, Superior, CO, (952) 465-3952, A. Carter *Kilar Manufacturing, Hubbard, OH, (330) 534-8961, T. Tracey, B. Kilar

American Towman Directory KOLO DBS, LLC, Buffalo, NY, (716) 829-1761 ext. 111, E. Kwiatkowski (See our ad on page 21) Kuntzleman Electronics, Pottstown, PA, (610) 326-9068, D. Kuntzleman

L L & T Services, Rockford, IL, (815) 397-6260, T. Seagren *Lanair Waste Oil Heaters, Janesville, WI, (800) 753-1601, Sales Dept. *Landoll Corp., Marysville, KS, (800) 428-5655, J. Ladner, D. Landoll (See our ad on page 47) Larson Group, Sturbridge, MA, (508) 347-5961, R. Larson, K. Murry Leveloader Inc., Satellite Beach, FL, (321) 759-4249, D. Levitt *Lift and Tow, Newburg, PA, (866) 494-6500, C. Roth (See our ad on page 40) Lockmasters, Nicholasville, KY, (800) 654-0637, J. Cooper, S. Young *Lodar/Skidmore, Henrietta, TX, (888) 685-6327, J. Pierce (See our ad on page 37) *Loganville Ford, Loganville, GA, (678) 859-9565, J. White (See our ad on page 35) Lube-A-Boom, Indianapolis, IN, (317) 501-1104, Harley Wilson *Lujan USA, Camillus, NY, (315) 468-4140 *Lynch Chicago, Bridgeview, IL, (800) 344-2397, R. Precin (See our ad on page 57) Lynch Tow. & Recovery Equip., Waterford, WI, (262) 514-4000, M. Lynch

M *M & S Signs, Orlando, FL, (800) 749-8114, S. Boatwright Mack of Joliet, Channahon, IL, (815) 521-1900, Greg Herdzina *Magna Tech, Inc., Chanute, KS, (620) 431-3490, D. Orr, K. Wright Magnolia Wrecker Sales, Brandon, MS, (601) 825-6400, D. Hegwood MarkingPenDepot, Maurrieta, CA, (888) 396-3848, L. Bly Matheny Motor Truck Co., Woodbridge, VA, (866) 499-9216, D. Hargrove (See our ad on page 23) *Matjack/Int’l Wreckers, Indianapolis, IN (800) 827-3755, J. Sweezy, S. Sweezy (See our ad on page 34) Matthews Garage, Cartersville, GA, (770) 382-0900, J. Matthews, R. Matthews Mayflower Publishing, Cranston, RI, (401) 275-0254, Paul DiModica *Max Loader, Freeland, WA, (877) 629-8688, T. Tayler *Mentor Engineering, Alberta, Canada, (403) 777-3760, B. Freer Merchant Payment Services, Dayton, OH, (800) 454-3158 x303, T. Griffith Meyer Truck Center, Inc., Olathe, KS, (913) 764-2000, R. Meyer, K. Jenkl *Mico, Inc., Mankato, MN, (507) 625-6426, T. Anderson, S. Rosin *Microtronics Inc., Iola, KS, (913) 768-9960, S. Cunningham, B. Anderson *Mile Marker Inc., Pompano Beach, FL, (954) 782-0604, W. Cobb Miller Financial Services, Chattanooga, TN, (800) 587-3765, C. Clark, S. Jones *Miller Industries, Ooltewah, TN, (800) 292-0330, R. Olson (See our ad on page 52, 53) Minnesota Professional Towing Assoc., Little Canada, MN, (651) 487-1983, L. Klatt *Minute Man Mfg., LLC, Jenison, MI, (877) 593-6959, Quinn or Al Mission Valley Truck Center, San Jose, CA, (408) 933-2395, D. Bennett *Miti Manufacturing, Grand Junction, CO, (970) 243-9500, B. Fulcher *Mitsubishi Fuso, Logan Township, NJ, (877) 829-3876, J. Devlin *Mobile Control Systems, Covington, GA, (678) 625-9161, B. Kompar Mobile Relay Associates, Paramount, CA, (800) 822-3500, J. Peters MoFuse Local, Warwick, RI, (888) 887-4419, G. Ruais (See tip on adjacent to page 5) *Mohawk Lifts, Amersterdam, NY, (800) 833-2006, T. Malone, W. Barclay Montgomery Sales, Montgomery City, MO, (573) 564-2489, D. Reagan Motorcycle Towing Services, Denver, IA, (319) 984-6124, J. Wagner MPH Industries, Owensboro, KY, (270) 685-6302, R. Noblitt *Muncie Power Products, Muncie, IN, (800) 367-7867

N NAPA-AAA, Heathrow, FL, (800) LET NAPA National Automobile Club, Foster City, CA (650) 294-7015, G. Rivas (See our ad on page 37) Nat’l Motor Club (Coach Net), Irving, TX, (800) 285-4977, R. Fone Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL, (888) 362-7805, P. Nahoum, J. Moore NationWide Towing & Recovery Directory, Nixa, MO, (417) 380-4088, D. Ritchey (See our ad on page 92)

National Towing & Recovery Assoc., Granby, MA, (413) 467-2006, B. Johnson National Traffic Signs, Inc., Clearwater, FL, (727) 446-7983, K. Malia, M. Gentile New England Truckmaster, North Haven, CT, (800) 481-0501, C. Lambiase (See our ad on page 65) *Next Generation Tool Co., Middleburg, FL, (800) 874-5625, J. or D. Bolton Nextel Communications, Bethesda, MD, (800) NEXTEL9, M. Sauter, K. Fay *Nissan Diesel America, Irving, TX, (972) 756-5548, D. Trussell, L. Bryant North American Bancard, New York, NY, (866) 481-4604, B. Roth (See our ad on page 4) North East Enterprises, North East, MD, (410) 287-5277, P. Ikner Northern Truck Equipment, Corp., Sioux Falls, SD, (605) 543-5206, D. Wartenbee *NRC Industries Inc., Abbotsford, QE, Canada, (450) 379-5796, Stephen, Bruce Null’s Sales & Service, Cochranville, PA, (610) 235-6657, Dan or Jared Nussbaum Wreckers & Rollbacks, Columbia, PA, (717) 684-0189, B. Nussbaum Nussbaum’s Sales Corp., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, (800) 922-1122, J. Nussbaum

0 *Oasis, Laguna Hills, CA, (949) 768-4311, J. Williams O’Hare Truck Service, Northlake, IL, (847) 455-7750, P. Gratzianna Ohio Power Systems, Carey, OH, (419) 294-4985, M. Brooks Old Coach Wrecker Sales, Stratford, CT, (800) 481-0501, J. Slimak, G. Koripsky *Olson & Company, Suffern, NY, (845) 357-0829, W. Olson OMG National, Plantation, FL, (800) 789-4619, J. Lubar (See our ad on page 93) *One Form, Miami, FL, (800) 272-2712, B. Manning OnScene Solutions, Brunswick, OH, (519) 679-0045, sales *Onspot of North America Inc., Stratford, CT, (203) 377-0777, P. Freyer *OTC/SPX, Owatonna, MN, (800) 533-6127, B. Remker

P Pacbrake Co., Surrey, BC, Canada, (800) 663-0096, B. Sebring Pacific General Insurance, Downers Grove, IL, (630) 515-0090, P. Murphy Palfinger North America, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada, (800) 567-1554 *Paratech, Inc., Frankfort, IL, (800) 435-9358, Peter Pardo’s, Richmond, IN, (765) 966-2669, Paul, Donna PDQ Performance Warehouse, Sanford, FL, (407) 321-5644, A. Nikolic *Penny Pockets, Swansea, MA, (508) 679-5536, J. Prenda Permco Hydraulics, Streetsboro, OH, (330) 626-2801, B. Beck *Peterbilt, Denton, TX, (817) 591-4000, S. Terry *Peterson Mfg. Co., Grandview, MO, (816) 765-2000, M. Assenmacher, W. Binder *Phoenix USA, Inc, Cookeville, TN, (931) 526-6128, M. Scantland (See our ad on page 39) *Photo Card Specialists, Eau Claire, WI, (715) 839-9102, L. Biddle, Dan *Pierce Sales, Henrietta, TX, (940) 538-5643, T. Pierce (See our ad on page 28) Pillow Protection Corp., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, (780) 908-6560, A. Mayhew Powerhouse Industries, Inc., Eastport, NY, (631) 325-5555, B. Guditus *PowerUp Products, Sparks, NV, (800) 769-3749, G. Wilson *PPG Industries, Strongsville, OH, (440) 572-2800, D. Chapman Precise Financial Solutions, LLC, Baltimore, MD, (443) 352-3652, A. Polun *Preco, Inc., Boise, ID, (208) 323-1010, B. Stella *Premier Global Sales, Russellton, PA, (800) 394-9276, J. Fisher Prime Industries, Virginia Beach, VA, (800) 446-1144, J. Crawford, P. Pike *PRO-LOK®, Orange, CA, (714) 633-0681, J. Weinraub Prof. Dispatch Services, Inc., (PDSI), Sherwood, OR, (503) 849-9385, D. Emmons (See our ad on page 42) Professional Wrecker Oper. of Fl., Orlando, FL, (407) 296-3316, M. Seamon, S. Higgins Progressive Comm. Insurance, Highland Hgts., OH, (888) 398-3289, L. Scibona Progressive Platforms, Lawrence, MA, (888) 404-5910, M. Fensome (See our ad on page 63) *Pro-Vision Video Systems, Grand Rapids, MI, (616) 583-1520, Steve & Liz Peacock *Public Safety Equip. (Code 3), St. Louis, MO, (314) 426-2700, K. Kyriakos Purpose Wrecker Sales, Wentzville, MO, (636) 639-9700, K. Malpocker Public Vehicle Safety Equipment, Owensboro, KY, (270) 685-6302, R. Noblitt

Q Quest Roadside Services, St. Johns, MI, (888) 295-2584, D. Rotary, B. Glazier (See our ad on page 16)

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 51

Number 143 on Reader Card

American Towman Directory QuiKleen, Concord, NC, (800) 650-2067, B. Burgess

R RC Industries, Elkhart, IN, (574) 295-6641, x103, R. Sponseller RV Cams, Baton Rouge, LA, (225) 261-7812, T. Lazaroe, D. Richard Ram Trucks, Auburn, MI (248) 576-1731, M. Seguin Ramos Oil Company, Inc., West Sacramento, CA, (916) 825-9237, L. Bristol *Ramsey Winch, Tulsa, OK, (918) 438-2760, Sales (See our ad on page 20) *Ranger SST, Cleveland, OH, (440) 498-1495, J. Shellhaas *RealWheels Corp., Gurnee, IL, (847) 662-7722, B. Cannon Recovery Billing Unlimited, East Freetown, MA, (508) 763-5474, E. Fouquette (See our ad on page 92) *Remote Braking Systems Inc., Pennington, NJ, (609) 737-2958, J. Wittkop Road America Motor Club, Miami, FL, (888) 293-6672, B. Verhulst (See our ad on page 33) *Robert Young’s Wrecker Sales, Roanoke, VA, (800) 246-4785, R. Young Rochester Truck Inc., Rochester, NH, (603) 335-2084, A. Kirk, D. Gagnon Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales, Salt Lake City, UT, (801) 268-8850, C. Crane ROI Protective Tape, Northampton, PA, (610) 564-7135, Tom *R•O•M Corporation, Belton, MO, (800) 827-3692, S. Touchton *Rontan Signals, Miami, FL, (630) 546-8226, A. Lee *Rose Ledge Co., Erving, MA, (413) 423-3563, T. Tierney Royal Truck Body, Paramount, CA, (800) 834-7692, S. Wagner RPM Equipment Co., Houston, TX, (281) 590-1494, B. Marshall, W. Cornelius Rush Towing Systems, Converse, TX, (877) 661-4511, G. Wilkinson (See our ad on page 41) Russ Automotive, Fulton, MO, (573) 592-0208, Russ *Rydin Decal, Streamwood, IL, (800) 448-1991, R. Six

s Sabil & Son, White River Jct., VT, (802) 295-4325, L. Fortier *Safe Reflections, Inc., St. Paul, MN, (800) 773-8199, Joanne, Rex *Safety Vision, Houston, TX, (800) 880-8855, M. Foteh *Sagness Tow Truck Builder, Markham, ON, Canada (905) 856-1200, C. Artale Salvage Direct, Inc., Titusville, PA, (814) 827-0300, x5710, P. Kerr *Savatech Corp., Port Orange, FL, (888) 436-9778, D. Lander (See our ad on page 80) Schwartz Hino Truck Center, Shrewsbury, NJ, (732) 530-4100, Cid or Jon Sea Crest Insurance Agency, Inc., Laguna Hills, CA, (949) 951-5900, M. Cruz Security Recovery, Inc., Baltimore, MD, (410) 574-4840, L. Raines *Service Station Computer Systems (SSCS), Inc., Salinas, CA, (800) 972-7727, A. Stoeberl Services & Materials, Fenton, MO, (800) 428-8185, Customer Service *Signal Vehicle Products, E. Syracuse, NY, (315) 656-5222, P. Cunningham Sirens & Emer. Beacons Co., Fairchance, PA, (724) 564-2131, P. Franczyk *Slide Lock Tool Co., Louisville, TN, (800) 336-8812, Bonnie Sonetics Corp., Portland, OR, (800) 833-4558, J. Steding (See our ad on page 79) *Sound Off Signal, Inc., Hudsonville, MI, (800) 338-7337, T. Palumbo South West Tow Operators, Richardson, TX, (972) 247-9454, Tommy Sovereign Bank/Santander, Melville, NY, (631) 531-0600, M. Paez (See our ad on page 17) Specialty Veh. Equip. & Funding Group, Melville, NY, (631) 753-6611, P. Ferrara, Jr. (See our ad on page 85) *Speedcrane, Wyckoff, NJ, (800) 923-9772, D. Jacobs Springfield Mack Inc.,West Springfield, WA, (413) 733-1136, A. Shechtman *Stamp Works, Waco, TX, (800) 758-2743, S. Jacobson *Star Warning Systems, Honoeye Falls, NY, (583) 226-9500, S. Andrew *Steck Manufacturing, Dayton, OH, (937) 222-0062, Charlie (See our ad on page 29) *Sterling Truck Corp., Redford Twp., MI, (313) 592-4200, T. Pfeiffer, A. Demitruk *Stertl-Koni/Omer USA, Baltimore, MD, (410) 643-9001, M. Wilt, L. Bowers Stormin’s, Inc., Ozark, AL, (334) 774-7138, Victoria, Norman Summit Truck Equipment, Commerce City, CO, (866) 739-5537, sales *Superior Signals Inc., Olathe, KS, (913) 780-1440, M. Polanis, K. Sprenger *Superwinch, Putnam, CT, (860) 928-7787 x3126, D. Vanvoorhis

T

T & L Lift Equipment, LLC, Mobile, AL, (251) 490-5693, W. Lowe *Talbert Manufacturing, Inc., Rensselaer, IN, (219) 866-7141, G. Smith

54 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

TCF Equipment Finance, Minnetonka, MN, (800) 442-7811, P. Thorp *Tech International, Johnstown, OH, (740) 967-9015, J. Thoromon, D. Priest *TechTrade LLC, New York, NY, (212) 481-2515, E. Bart *Teletrac, Garden Grove, CA, (800) 500-6009 Terrco Wrecker Sales, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, (215) 288-0373, G. Levy *The Crosby Group, Inc., Tulsa, OK, (918) 834-4611, M. Wheeler, E. Richter The Insurance Professionals, Scottsdale, AZ, (480) 991-3600, M. Chernek The Penray Companies, Elk Grove Vlge., IL, (800) 322-2143, R. Fowler *The Power Co., Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 526-7400, D. Fulkerson *Tiger Tool International, Inc., Sumas, WA, (800) 661-4661, Melissa (See our ad on page 39) Tim Halpin Equipment Corp., Miami, FL, (800) 842-5746, Tim, J. Carlos *Timbren Industries, Inc., Whitby, ON, Canada, (800) 263-3113, E. Sanders Timo International, San Antonio, TX, (210) 224-8930, Timo Hernandez, III Tire Hotline (Dacotah-Walsh Tire), Chanhassen, MN, (800) 783-8473, Mr. Walsh Tom Luciano (Trainer), Gansevoort, NY, (518) 584-1444, T. Luciano *Tomar Electronics, Inc., Gilbert, AZ, (480) 497-4400, Sales Dept. *TomTom Works, Concord, MA, (866) 459-3499, L. Vincent Tow Dawg Software, Newhall, CA (888) 486-9329, C. Drake Tow Expo International - Houston, TX, (800) 832-3869, T. Anderson *Tow Ramps, Escanaba, MI, (906) 786-0585, B. Jonson (See our ad on page 25) Tow Truck Country, Shullsburg, WI, (563) 599-6820, L. Oyen Towing.com, Cincinnati, OH, (877) 444-6339, A. Wash, Julie TowLot.com, Overland, KS, (913) 262-3300, Kevin or Joe (See our ad on page 14, 15) Towing Operators Protector Plan, Tampa, FL, (800) 338-1935, H. Kirchen TowManager, Lindenwold, NJ, (800) 379-1865, W. Hindman *TowMate, Rogers, AR, (800) 680-4455, C. Anderson (See our ad on page 71) TowPartners, Keller, TX, (877) 401-2345, J. Godwin, A. Smith TowPartsNow, Portland, OR, (866) 869-9680, G. Coe, N. Kemper *Tow Program, Naperville, IL, (888) 834-1123, Dennis Wencel Towstor, Inc., Lake Mary, FL, (800) 736-2884, C. Caplan *TowWithRope.com, Ontario, Canada, (613) 674-2728, N. Snow TowXchange, Chattanooga, TN, (866) 800-8677, N. Barker, J. Pesnell Tow Truck Country, Dubuque, IA, (563) 542-9149, D. Trower Tow Truck Locator.com, N. Las Vegas, Nevada, (702) 205-2411, K. Roberts T.R.A.A., Alexandria, VA, (800) 728-0136 x4, H. Cooley T.R.A.O. (Towing & Rec. Assoc. of OH), Cincinnati, OH, (877) 341-3400, D. Mesaro (See our ad on page 48) *Tracker Mgmt. Sys. Inc., Cleveland, OH, (216) 573-0700, M. Gratzianna (See our ad on page 29) Trackum, Inc. (TowSoft), Moore, OK, (405) 799-4863, J. Collins, D. Collins *Trail-Eze Trailers, Mitchell, SD, (800) 232-5682, J. Hruby, D. Huber, J. Chmela *Trail King Industries, Mitchell, SD, (800) 843-3324, R. Farris Transfer Flow, Inc., Chico, CA, (530) 893-5209, W. Johnsan, B. Winter Transit Pros, Lee’s Summit, MO, (816) 220-7100, Mellisa Tonelli Transportation Info. Systems (TIS), N. Hollywood, CA, (888) 767-8471, E. Kasman (See our ad on page 68) *Transportation Safety Div., Indianapolis, IN, (317) 263-9160, R. Alden Travis Barlow Company, Pooler, GA, (912) 748-6046, M. Hoff Traxxis GPS Solutions, Miami, FL, (888) 447-7059, A. Bejerano TreadWright, Edgemont, SD, (877) 439-0759, J. Hawkins Tri-State Towing Equipment, Westbury, NY, (516) 338-9333, T. DeCillis *Triple K Ind., Canton, SD, (800) 624-2892, Roger Kooima *Tru-Hitch, Torrington, CT, (800) 450-8659, M. Marola Trucker’s Guide, Boucherville, QC, Canada (450) 449-1122, J. Raymond Truck-Lite Co., Inc., Falconer, NY, (800) 562-5012, B. Ives *Tulsa Winch, Inc., Jenks, OK, (918) 298-8300, J. Robinson *Turtle Plastics, Lorain, OH, (440) 282-8008, M. Norton *Tuthill Drive Systems, Brookston, IN, (800) 348-2474, D. Foster

U UIS Brokers East Ltd., Elmsford, NY, (888) 258-2571, L. Ramirez *Unity Manufacturing Co., Chicago, IL, (312) 943-5200, B. Gross Universal Underwriters Ins., Overland Pk., KS, (800) 821-7803, A. Gregory *USA Flap, Aurora, IN, (888) 872-3527, J. Coyle, M. Gardner USA Towing & Equipment, Tampa, FL, (813) 443-4511, L. McElreath USAC/MD, Carrollton, TX, (888) 300-8722, J. Hurst (See our ad on page 27)

American Towman Directory *USFleetTracking, Edmund, OK, (405) 749-1105, R. Banks US Rider Equestrian Motor Plan, Lexington, KY, (859) 543-8585, M. Cole

V V & H, Inc. Trucks, Marshfield, WI, (800) 826-2308, M. Lamber *VanTech/SafetyLine, Inc., Priest River, ID, (800) 872-3359, J. Caviglia Versatran Inc., Watertown, WI, (920) 262-1800, J. Simons Vie Vu, Seattle, WA, (406) 880-8293, C. Kneib Virgo Fleet Supplies, Inc., Brooklyn, NY, (800) 270-6003, D. Caprio, M. Caprio Visually Speaking, Buena Park, CA, (714) 521-4400 VitAlife, Suffern, NY, (845) 357-0829, W. Olson *Voltair, Inc., Henderson, NE, (402) 723-4985, J. Goertzen, D. Goertzen *Volvo Heavy Truck, Greensboro, NC, (910) 393-2960 *Vulcan Equipment Co., Ooltewah, TN, (800) 489-2401, B. Cooke, K. Brown

*Western Star Trucks, Portland, OR, (503) 745-9055, D. Wood Western States Tow Show, West Sacramento, CA, (760) 325-5840, K. Worl (See our ad on page 28) *Whelen Engineering Co., Chester, CT, (860) 526-9504, J. Golden, K. Walker (See our ad on page 24) Wilkes Barre Truck Center, Wilkes Barre, PA, (717) 823-0144 Will-Burt Company, Orrville, OH, (330) 682-7015, K. Beltz Willamette Financial, Portland, OR, (503) 639-6171, T. Spelman Winn Street Sales, Burlington, MA, (617) 273-1180, J. Casali, E. Igo *Wired Rite Systems, Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 545-7474, C. Lamb *Wireless Matrix, Herndon, VA, (888) 843-8554, M. Freeman Worldwide Equipment Sales, LLC, Rockdale, IL, (815) 725-4400, P. Winer (See our ad on page 43) *Wrecker Wear.com, Palm City, FL, (877) 599-7257, Warren *WreckMaster, Niagara Falls, NY, (800) 267-2266, J. Cruse

X

W Walsh Freightliner and Western Star, Fort Myers, FL, (800) 334-2002, Sales *Warn Industries, Clackamas, OR, (800) 543-9276, A. Lilienthal (See our ad on page 43) Weinberg, Wheeler Law Firm, Atlanta, GA, (404) 591-9642, N. Kwasnik (See our ad on page 47) *Weld Built, Wyandanch, NY, (631) 643-9700, H. Brown, D. French Weller Reman, Grand Rapids, MI, (616) 724-2000, L. Ryan Weller Salvage, Wyoming, WI, (877) 725-8243, C. Weller West Coast Towing Equip., Sacramento, CA, (916) 731-8233, C. Sanchez West End Service Inc., Ellicott City, MD, (410) 465-4455, J. Klein, Jr., M. Klein *Western Sling and Supply, Sedalia, CO, (800) 748-2651, B. Truitt

*XL Specialized Trailers, Manchester, LA, (563) 927-4900, M. Wall

Z *Zacklift, Inc., Cle Elum, WA, (509) 674-4426, K. Bardroff (See our ad on page 28) *Zendex Tool Corporation, Danbury, CT (203) 778-0400, Al, Katie (See our ad on page 42) *ZF Industries, Vernon Hills, IL, (847) 478-6868, B. Heuring Zip’s Truck Equipment, Inc., New Hampton, IA, (800) 222-6047, A. Bauer (See our ad on page 29)

Number 153 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 55

American Towman Directory By Category ACCIDENT CLEAN UP/ HAZ MAT.

Tow Truck Locator.com; N. Las Vegas, NV Towing.com; Cinninnati, OH Trucker’s Guide; Boucherville, QC, Canada Visually Speaking; Buena Park, CA

AW Direct; Madison, WI *B/A Products; Columbia, MD

BAILEY’S TOWING ACCESS. 1422 Wall Road Wake Forest, NC 27587

(919) 562-2984 Supplying the towing industry with the finest equipment & supplies from leading manufacturers such as: Oil Gator, B/A Products, Dual-Tech, TowMate, Buyers Products, Bailey’s, Access Tools, Collins Dollies, Lube-A-Boom, Mile Marker, Cool Shirt and many more.

Find us at: Info@baileystowinginc.com www.baileystowinginc.com *Burgess Ent. LLC.; Concord, NC Clean Planet Ent. Inc.; Las Vegas, NV FlowStop; Denver, NC Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Ramos Oil Co.; Inc., West Sacramento, CA

AIR CUSHIONS Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Atlanta Wrecker Sales; Smyrna, GA Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ *Firestone Industrial Prod.; Carmel, IN Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Future Wrecker Sales; Amsterdam, NY Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN *International Wreckers; Indianapolis, IN

*MATJACK INTERNATIONAL WRECKERS 2320 Duke Street Indianapolis, IN 46205

(800) 827-3755

ADVERTISING / MARKETING

Matjack is the ONLY manufacturer and major innovator in the U.S. since 1981, available 24/7/365 WITHOUT FAIL to fill your airbag and Jumbo cushion needs. www.matjack.com

*AUTOW CUSTOM DIE CAST KEY TAGS 206 Firelight Cres. W. Lethbridge, Alberta T1J4W1

(902) 222-7322 Custom die cast key tags for the towing industry. Your truck… Your key tag…any shape or model, all designs two sided. www.bishopbranding.com

Matthews Garage; Cartersville, GA *Paratech; Frankfort, IL Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA *Rose Ledge Companies; Erving, MA

*SAVATECH 413 Oak Place, Bldg S-J Port Orange, FL 32127

1-800 IM STUCK; Woodbury, NY FleetDown.Net; Anniston, AL

(386) 760-0706 Savatech corp. is a leading rubber manufacturer that currently supplies lifting bags and recovery lifting bags for fire rescue and the recovery industry. www.savatech.com

MOFUSE LOCAL 2348 Post Rd. Warwick, RI 02886

(888) 887-4419 Get More Towing Customers from Mobile Phone Searches with a Mobile Website from MoFuse Local. More than 100,000 potential customers search for towing services on mobile devices each month. Don’t miss out on potential business. 100% Free 30 day Trial. $10/mo after trial. Cancel any time and owe nothing further. www.towman.mofuselocal.com

OMG NATIONAL 1801 N. Pine Island Road Plantation, FL 33322

(800) 789-4619 We produce the marketing tools that the American Towing and Recovery professional needs to build their businesses through top-flight web, audio, video and social media programs. www.omgnational.com *Photo Card Specialists; Eau Claire, WI *Stamp Works; Waco, TX Standish Associates; Wethersfield, CT *Tow Program; Naperville, IL

Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Tri-State Towing Equip.of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

AXLE COVERS Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Delmarva Tow. Equipment; Beltsville, MD *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Ferguson Corporation; Baltimore, MD Five Corners GMC; Cedarsburg, WI Goodall Mfg. LLC; Eden Prairie, MN House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL *Olson & Company; Suffern, NY *OTC/SPX; Owatonna, MN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA

56 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

*Phoenix USA; Cookeville, TN Prime Industries, Inc.; Virgina Beach, VA Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO *RealWheels; Gurnee, IL Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY *Universal Develop.; Cham’burg, PA Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

APPAREL AW Direct; Madison, WI *Arrow Safety Device Co. Inc.; Selby, DE *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Casanova Towing Equipment; Compton, CA Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR *Dicke Safety Products; Downers Grove, IL *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls; Bethlehem, PA *Excel Sportswear; Trafford, PA Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR G & K Services; Minnetonka, MN Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ Gulf Atlantic Supply; Columbiana, AL Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID Keris Industries; Bethpage, NY Len’s Supply; Brandon, FL Nixon Uniform Service; Wilmington, DE *Penny Pockets; Swansea, MA Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Rocky Mtn Wrkr Sales; Salt Lake City, UT *Safe Reflections; St. Paul, MN *TechTrade LLC; New York, NY *VanTech Safety Line; Visalia, CA Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *Wrecker Wear.com; Palm City, FL WreckMaster; Lewiston, NY

AUCTIONS Copart Auto Auctions; Fairfield, CA

INSURANCE AUTO AUCTIONS (IAA) 2 Westbrook Corporate Ctr, Ste 500 West Chester, IL 60154

(708) 492-7000 We sell towed and abandoned cars.

From vehicle preparation and marketing to post-sale payment and paperwork, IAA takes care of everything for you. www.IAAI.com or IAA-Auctions.com

TOWLOT.COM 11410 W. 89th Street Overland Park, KS 66214

1(866) 263-8611 Turn your abandoned-car lot into a Gold Mine! TowLot.com Live lightning-round auctions online!

No auction fees! Vast bidder pool!

No promotion needed! www.towlot.com

BACK-UP CAMERAS *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC

Digital Ally Safety & Video Sys.; Lenexa, KS Elizabeth Truck Center; Elizabeth, NJ Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD *Pro-Vision Video Sys.; Grand Rapids, MI Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Virgo Fleet Supplies, Inc.; Brooklyn, NY

BATTERY EQUIPMENT Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Delmarva Tow. Equipment; Beltsville, MD Equipment Sales & Service; Bloomfield, NJ Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR *Goodall; Eden Prairie, MN Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT *Superior Signals Inc.; Olathe, KS Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tri-State Towing Equip.of NY; Westbury, NY *Universal Develop.; Cham’burg, PA USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

BRAKES & BRAKE EQ. Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Delmarva Tow. Equipment; Beltsville, MD Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; Vorhees, NJ Ferguson Corp.; Baltimore, MD Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Franks Truck Center Inc.; Lindhurst, NJ Frontier Truck Parts; Grand Rapids, MI *Jacobs Vehicle Sys.; Bloomfield, CT *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL *Pacbrake; Surrey, BC, CAN. Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Powerhouse Industries, Inc.; Eastport, NY Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO *Remote Braking Sys.; Pennington, NJ Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT *Superior Signals Inc.; Olathe, KS Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY *Universal Develop.; Cham’burg, PA USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

CABLES, CHAINS, HOOKS & SLINGS Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ *Access Tools; Miami, FL *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 57 Number 149 on Reader Card

American Towman Directory Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI

*B/A PRODUCTS CO. 8925 McGaw Court Columbia, MD 21045

(800) 327-3301 With over 34 years in the industry, B/A Products manufactures the most complete line of chains, wire rope and web sling products. We have everything you need to get the job done right. www.baprod.com *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Battelini Trans. & Wrecker Sls; Landsville, NJ Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip; Compton, CA Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL *Chevron; Mercer, PA Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN Delmarva Tow. Equipment; Beltsville, MD DG Towing Equipment & Sales; NY, NY *Dixie Industries.; Chattanooga, TN *Diversified Products; Jacksonville, FL *Dual-Tech, Inc.; Bean Station, TN *Dynamic Towing Equip.; Norfolk, VA Eakins Equipment Co.; Phila., PA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Elizabeth Truck Center; Elizabeth, NJ

EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE 152 Floyd Ave. Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Nussbaum’s Sales; Hasbrouck Hts., NJ Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Old Coach Wrecker Sales.; Stratford, CT OnSpot of No. America; Stratford, CT Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Phoenix USA; Cookeville, TN *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Quick Tow. Equipment; N. Lin’hurst, NY RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Timo International; San Antonio, TX TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tow Truck Country; Shullsburg, WI *TowWithRope.com; Ontario, Canada Tri-State Towing Equip.of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West Coast Towing Equip.; Sacramento, CA West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD *Western Sling and Supply; Sedalia, CO Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *WreckMaster; Lewiston, NY Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

CAR CARRIER MANUFACTURERS *Able Weldbuilt Ind. Inc.; Deer Park, NY *Century; Ooltewah, TN *Challenger; Ooltewah, TN *Champion; Ooltewah, TN

*CHEVRON, INC.

(800) 243-7516 (973) 743-7516

7320 W. Market St. Mercer, PA 16137

THE PARTS WAREHOUSE Northeast’s largest inventory of towing and equipment replacement parts.

All Brands - All Models Specializing in Holmes obsolete parts. www.esstrucksales.com

(800) 886-6400 Chevron has been providing the towing and recovery industry with quality carriers and wreckers with years of trouble-free service since 1966. With a complete line of two-, three- and four-car carriers, industrial carriers and also the revolutionary LCG low-profile design, as well as light-duty wreckers featuring the AutoGrip – and a new aluminum modular body – Chevron continues to meet all of its customers’ needs. www.chevroninc.com

Fallsway Equip. Co; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Future Wrecker Sales; Amsterdam, NY Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; Vorhees, NJ Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN

*Hawk Hook; Kansas City, MO

*Danco Products; Greencastle, PA

House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA *Insta-Chain, Inc.; Springville, UT *I TOW IN, Inc.; Bellevue, KY *Kemp. Mfg. Inc; Birmingham, AL Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI *Magna Tech; Chanute, KS Meyer Truck Center; Olathe, KS *Mile Marker Inc.; Pompano Beach, FL Noble’s; Columbus, OH Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD Null’s Sales & Services; Cochranville, PA

58 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

*DUAL-TECH, INC. 321 Industrial Drive Bean Station, TN 37708

(800) 852-0345 Dual-Tech, family owned and operated, is a leading manufacturer of Carriers and Wreckers.

Serving the towing and recovery industry for over 22 years. www.dual-techinc.com

*NRC Ind.; St. Paul d’Abottsford, Quebec *Vulcan Equip. Co.; Ooltewah, TN *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY

Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN Danzi Brothers; Selbyville, DE Delmarva Tow. Equipment; Beltsville, MD DG Towing Equipment & Sales; NY, NY *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Company; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Future Wrecker Sales; Amsterdam, NY Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; Vorhees, NJ Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN Hews Co.; Bow, NH House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID Lynch Chicago, Inc.; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Matthews Garage; Cartersville, GA Meyer Truck Center; Olathe, KS Mission Valley Truck Center; San Jose, CA, New England Truckmaster; N. Haven, CT Noble’s; Columbus, OH Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD Null’s Sales & Services; Cochranville, PA Nussbaum’s Sales; Hasb’ck Hts., NJ Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA Old Coach Wrecker Sales; Stratford, CT Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rochester Truck Inc.; Rochester, NH Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT Royal Truck Body; Paramount, CA RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Schwartz Hino Truck Center; Shrewsbury, NJ Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Timo International; San Antonio, TX Tri-State Towing Equipment; Westbury, NY Tow Truck Country; Shullsburg, WI USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL V&H, Inc.; Marshfield, WI Walsh Freightliner & W. Star; F. Myers, FL *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL WreckMaster; Niagara Falls, NY Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

CAR CARRIER DISTRIBUTORS

CAR CARRIER EXTENSION RAMPS

Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Atlantic Emer. Solutions; Mannassas, VA Auto Equipment, Inc.; Statesville, NC Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Battelini Trans. & Wrecker Sls; Landsville, NJ Bay River Enterprises; Mechanicsville, MD *Bilt USA Manufacturing; Charlotte, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Canadian Towing Equip.; Ayr, Ont. Canada Capitol Truck Equipment; Lanham, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chevron Commerical, Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR

*TOW RAMPS / BRUTE TECHNOLOGIES

*DYNAMIC TOWING EQUIPMENT & MFG. 1120 Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23504

(800) 831-9299 Original developer of the Self Loading Wheel Lift. Offering a complete line of Self Loading wreckers and carriers.

Best warranty in the business. www.dynamictow.com *Eagle; Ooltewah, TN *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls; Bethlehem, PA *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA *Holmes; Ooltewah, TN

*JERR-DAN 13224 Fountain Head Plaza Hagerstown, MD 21742-2678

(800) 926-9666 Jerr-Dan has redefined the towing and recovery industry by setting new standards for performance, quality, innovative technology, and service.

Our entire product line is backed with service and support through our nationwide distributor network.

Find your Jerr-Dan distributor by visiting www.jerrdan.com www.jerrdan.com *Kilar Mfg.; Hubbard, OH *Landoll; Marysville, KS

*MILLER INDUSTRIES 8503 Hilltop Drive Ooltewah, TN 37363

(800) 292-0330 Miller Industries is the world's largest manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment. Under the well-known brands of Century, Chevron, Vulcan, Holmes, Champion, Challenger, Eagle, Jige and Boniface, Miller offers a complete line of car carriers and wrecker bodies. www.millerind.com

2003 23rd Ave N., Ste A Escanaba, MI 49829

(866) 464-2788 Tow Truck Extension Ramps make it easier and safer to load Low Profile Vehicles onto a Flatbed or Rollback Tow Truck. Email: info@towramps.com www.towramps.com

CHROME ACCESS. Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ *Access Tools; Miami, FL Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI

American Towman Directory *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC *Blades Tow Right; Whitmore Lake, MI Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equipment; Compton, CA Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN *Custer Products; N. Canton, OH Delmarva Tow. Equipment; Beltsville, MD *Dual-Tech; Bean Station, TN Eakins Equipment Co.; Phila., PA *Ecco Elec. Controls Co.; Boise, ID Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co; Akron, OH *Federal Signal; University Park, IL Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Four State Trucks; Joplin, MO Future Wrecker Sales; Amsterdam, NY Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ *Grote Industries; Madison, IN *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; Vorhees, NJ Hamman Engineering.; Newbern, TN House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *Int’l Truck & Engine Corp.; Chicago, IL *Kenworth Truck Co.; Kirkland, WA L & T Services; Rockford, IL *Lynch Chicago, Inc.; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI New England Truckmaster; N. Haven, CT Noble’s; Columbus, OH Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Old Coach Wrecker Sales.; Stratford, CT Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Phoenix USA; Cookeville, TN *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX *Prime Industries; Virginia Beach, VA Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Quality Auto. Acces.; Westford, MA Quick Towing Equip.; N. Lindenhurst, NY *RealWheels; Gurnee, IL Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Sirens & Emergency Beac.; Fairchance, PA Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL TowPartsNow; Portland, OR *Towmate; Rogers, AR Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD *Whelen Engineering Co.; Chester, CT Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

COMPUTERS / SOFTWARE

CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

BEACON SOFTWARE

NORTH AMERICAN BANCARD

6785 Railings Rd - Ste 1G North Royalton, OH 44133

(866) 437-6653 Beacon Software recently released Driver and Dispatch mobile apps for current Dispatch Anywhere customers.

These apps complete Beacon Software's towing package, enabling owners, dispatchers and drivers to use their computers, smartphones and/or tablets to work smarter, not harder.

Learn about the complete Beacon Software product lines at www.dispatchanywhere.com Buddy Auto Innovat.; Manitou Springs, CO Collision Management USA; Cypress, TX *Comp. & Comm. Sciences; Lindenwold, NJ *DATOW Software; Long Beach, CA *Digital Ally Safety & Video Sys.; Lenexa, KS Dispatching Solutions Inc.; Ontario, CA *Eye3Mobile; Madison, OH Global Dispatch Tech.; Alberta, CA InSight USA, Inc.; California, MD

Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ *InterMotive Vehicle Controls; Auburn, CA

LODAR WIRELESS SYSTEMS Pierce Sales, Expressway 287 Henrietta, TX 76365

303 5th Ave., Ste. 407 New York, NY 10016

(888) 685-6327

(866) 481-4604

Lodar USA wireless remotes come with a five year pro-rated warranty, easy wiring, numerous legend possibilities, customizable options, industry proven design and exceptional safety standards. www.lodar.com

Towing Industry Exclusive: Wholesale rates starting at .05%. Free terminals (wireless, iPhone/Android swipe, wired).

0 setup/annual fee. Visit our website www.NYNAB.com or you may call 866-481-4604. www.NYNAB.com

DISPATCH SERVICES Central Towing Dispatch; Roy, UT Concorde Comm.; Los Angeles, CA Holly’s Message Svc.; East Hartford, CT InSight USA; California, MD

(419) 294-4985 We build and sell radio remote and proportional valve systems.

Upgrade your truck–all makes, all models up to six winch rotaters. Save Big! Email: mbrooks@ohiopowersys.com www.ohiopowersys.com

(716) 829-1761 EXT. 111

(417) 595-0712

Mobile Relay Associates; Paramount, CA

Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Ranger SST; Cleveland, OH *Service Station Computer Sys.; Salinas, CA Tow Dawg Software; Newhall, CA Towstor Master System; Casselberry, FL TowXchange; Chattanooga, TN TIS Towcommand; N. Hollywood, CA

TRACKER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC. 4600 Rockside Road Suite 205 Cleveland, OH 44131

(216) 573-0700 Computer / Management Software Distpatch Services • GPS Technology • Training www.trackermgmt.com *Trackum; Moore, OK

CRASH WRAP Dom’s Wrap-A-Wreck; Mountainside, NJ ROI Protective Tape; North Hampton, PA

American Towman Exposition November 15 - 17, 2013

807 E. Findlay Street Carey, OH 43316

696 Abbott Road Buffalo, NY 14220

P.O. Box 3058 Springfield, MO 65808 Building a DataBase designed to meet the needs of our Insurance and Trucking clients who will have access to our “@ccidentLocator” (InterActive Map), to find the closest Wrecker to the scene.

For a FREE listing of your Wrecker Service, check out our website at www.ntrg4u.com

OHIO POWER SYSTEMS

KOLO DBS LLC

Specializing in towing and roadside asssistance, dispatching direct connect, real time etas for customer accuracy, online call volume reporting and quality assurance / customer surveys. www.kolodbs.com

NATIONWIDE TOWING & RECOVERY GROUP

*Lujan USA; Camillus, NY *Microtronics; Lola, KS Mobile Control Systems; Covington, GA

PDSI P.O. Box 1087 Sherwood, OR 97140

(503) 731-0500 Professional Dispatch Service, Inc. has been in the business of tow dispatching for over 15 years. We take pride in our work and your company.

We are family owned and are here to “take care of your business”. www.prodispatchservice.com

PROGRESSIVE PLATFORMS 60 Island Street Lawrence, MA 01840

PDQ Performance Whse.; Sanford, FL *Peterson Mfg.; Grandview, MO Powerup Products; Sparks, NV *Pro-Vision Video Sys.; Grand Rapids, MI RV Cams; Baton Rouge, LA Safety League; Lemoyne, PA *Sound Off Signal, Inc.; Hudsonville, MI *The Power Company; Santa Rosa, CA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL *Tomar Electronics, Inc.; Gilbert, AZ *TowMate; Rogers, AR TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Transportation Info. Sys.; N. Hollywood, CA *Trans. Safety Dev.; Indianapolis, IN USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL *Wired Rite Sys.; Santa Rosa, CA Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

EMERGENCY LIGHTS

Free Tracking Hardware & Dispatch Software for the Tow Industry.

Instant Dispatch, Live PTO Alerts and Reports. Increase your profit and productivity. Manage your fleet from any mobile device. Only $19.95 per month with no upfront costs. www.progressiveplatforms.com

Accent Equip.; Phoenix, AZ *Access Tools; Miami, FL *Able Weldbuilt Ind.; Inc.; Deer Park, NY *Advanced Warning Sys.; LLC; Fulton, MO *Arrow Safety Device Co. Inc.; Selby, DE Atlanta Wreckers; Smyrna, GA Atlas Flasher & Supply; Mickelton, NJ Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip.Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH

*Tracker Mgt. Sys. Inc.; Independence, OH Transit Pros; Lee’s Summit, MO USFleetTracking; Edmund, OK

1125 Deming Way Madison, WI 53744

(888) 404-5910

AW DIRECT (800) 243-3194

ELECTRONICS Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA *Digital Ally Safety & Video Sys.; Lenexa, KS *Ecco Elec. Controls Co.; Boise, ID Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ *Eye3Mobile; Madison, OH

A leading supplier of towing, light service and roadside assistance accessories. Experienced customer service and product support staff that knows your business.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee. www.awdirect.com *B/A Products; Columbia, MD

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 59

American Towman Directory *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC B&B Assoc. Indust.; Bridgeview, IL

*BLADES TOW RIGHT 25220 Trans-X Novi, MI 48375

(734) 449-0518 Blades Tow Right is a leader in manufacturing high quality, affordable wireless tow lights. Better quality, better value; that’s Blades Tow Right. www.bladestowright.com

*Signal Vehicle Prod.; Avon, NY Sirens & Emer. Beacon; Fairchance, PA *Sound Off Signal, Inc.; Hudsonville, MI *Star Warning Sys.; Honoeye Falls, NY Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL *Tech International; Johnstown, OH Terrco; Philadelphia, PA *The Power Co.; Santa Rosa, CA *Tomar Electronics, Inc.; Gilbert, AZ

*TOWMATE 15827 Serenity Point Lane Rogers, AR 72756

Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equipment; Compton, CA Chevron Commercial; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA *Code 3; St. Louis, MO Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Cornerstone Wrecker Sls; Jonesboro, AR

*CUSTER PRODUCTS 4101 Shuffel Dr. NW North Canton, OH 44720

(800) 490-3158 Custer Products offers a complete line of Auxiliary Tow Lights, LED Lighting, Halogen Lighting, Extension Cables, Electrical Connectors and Adapters. www.custerproducts.com Delmarva Tow. Equip.; Beltsville, MD DG Towing Equipment & Sales; NY, NY *Dual-Tech; Bean Station, TN Eakins Equipment Co.; Phil., PA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA *Ecco Elec. Controls Co.; Boise, ID Elizabeth Truck Center; Elizabeth, NJ Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co; Akron, OH *Federal Signal; University Park, IL Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Future Wrecker Sales; Amsterdam, NY *Golight; Culbertson, NE *Grote Industries; Madison, IN *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID L & T Services; Rockford, IL *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD *Nova Electronics; Colchester, CT Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Phoenix USA; Cookeville, TN *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Quick Towing Equip.; N. Lindenhurst, NY RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn Wrkr Sales; Salt Lake City, UT *Rontan Signals; Miami, FL *Rose Ledge Co.; Erving, MA Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Safety League; New Cumberland, PA

(800) 680-4455 TowMate delivers the most advanced wireless tow light systems available.

Made in the USA, our systems offer more features than any other tow light on the market.

Thank you for 25 years of support! www.towmate.com *TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip.; Westbury, NY *Unity Manufacturing Co.; Chicago, IL USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY *Warn Industries; Clackamas, OR West Coast Towing Equip.; Sacramento, CA West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD

*WHELEN ENGINEERING 51 Winthrop Road Chester, CT 06412

(860) 526-9504 Whelen Engineering designs, manufactures and builds emergency warning lights and siren systems for Police, Fire, EMS & DOT vehicles, as well as Aviation lighting and Public Warning siren systems. www.whelen.com Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equip.; New Hampton, IA

EMERGENCY STARTERS Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Delmarva Towing Equip.; Beltsville, MD Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL

ENGINES SALES AND SERVICE Alliant Power; Madison, WI Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA Cummins Power Sys., Inc.; Bristol, PA *DewEze; Harper, KS Franks Truck Center Inc.; Lyndhurst, NJ Frontier Truck Parts; Grand Rapids, MI *Int’l Truck & Engine Corp.; Chicago, IL *Kenworth Truck Co.; Kirkland, WA Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Montgomery Salvage; Montg. City, MO Pacbrake; Surrey, BC, Canada Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA PDQ Performance; Sanford, FL Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Rochester Truck Inc.; Rochester, NH Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX

60 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Walsh Freightliner & W. Star; Ft. Myers, FL West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *ZF Industries; Vernon Hills, IL

EQUIPMENT FINANCE/LEASING Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Adler Financial Services; Boca Raton, FL Advantage Funding; Lake Success, NY Alternate Capital; Orlando, FL Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH B&B Assoc. Indus.; Bridgeview, IL *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Beacon Funding Corp.; Northbrook, IL Capitol Truck Equipment; Lanham, MD Cascade Leasing; Wenatchee, WA Chevron Commerical Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Dirt Cheap Wrecker; St. Charles, MO *Dual-Tech; Bean Station, TN *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co; Akron, OH Franks Truck Center Inc.; Lindhurst, NJ GE Capital Fleet; Eden Pr., MN *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; Vorhees, NJ Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN Hide-A-Lift; Hull, IA *Hino (USA); Bloomfield Hills, MI House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID

INTEGRATED LEASING 734 Walt Whitman Road Melville, NY 11747

(800) 551-4854

Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA Pardo’s; Richmond, IN *Pro-Vision Video Sys.; Grand Rapids, MI Purpose; O’Fallon, IL RPM Equipment; Houston, TX *Sagness; Ontario, CAN

SOVEREIGN BANK / SANTANDER 3 Huntington Quadrangle, Ste. 101N Melville, NY 11747

(800) 238-4009 Secure, flexible vehicle and equipment finance programs. Knowledgeable representatives you can trust. Simple, customized payment schedules. Low fee credit card acceptance programs. www.sovereignbank.com/cevf

SPECIALTY VEHICLE & EQUIP. FUNDING GROUP 538 Broadhollow Road, Suite 221 Melville, NY 11747

(631) 753-6611 X 201 Subsidiary of Brookline Bancorp, Eastern Funding's Specialty Vehicle & Equipment division provides direct financing programs nationally for specialty vehicles, tow trucks, and equipment. www.specialtyvehiclefunding.com Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY TCF Equipment Finance; Minnetonka, MN West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Willamette Financial; Portland, OR Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

GPS

Since 1999 Integrated Leasing has been providing leasing and financing for the tow truck industry. Call any one of our courteous and professional sales staff for assistance with all your finance needs for the purchase of your next new or used equipment. www.integratedleasing.com

*AerComTec International, Inc.; Aiken, SC AW Direct; Madison, WI *Digital Ally Safety & Video Sys.; Lenexa, KS *Eye3Mobile; Madison, OH ifleet GPS; North Hollywood, CA *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Mobile Relay Associates; Paramount, CA Sky Guard LLC; Flowood, MA *Teletrac; Garden Grove, CA

INTEK TRUCK EQUIPMENT LEASING

TIS FLEETCOMMAND

152 Eagle Rock Ave. Roseland, NJ 07068

(973) 403-7788 Celebrating 27 years!

Intek Leasing specializes in truck/ equipment leasing and financing; offering options for new and used, start-up and lease-to-own programs.

Dealer inquiries welcome. www.intekleasing.com *Kenworth Truck Co.; Kirkland, WA Key Equipment Finance; Houston, TX *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Miller Financial Services; Chattanooga, TN *Miller Industries; Ooltewah, TN Montgomery Salvage; Montgomery City, MO

5435 Cahuenga Blvd.

N. Hollywood, CA 91601

(888) 767-8471 Real-time GPS tracking. Automatically track the vehicles as they move X feet; PTO & engine-on sensing; stop report; state mileage; unlimited playback; routing; MDT, pager, text messaging available. Customer hosting option with no monthly fees. www.tisfleet.com TomTom Works; Concord, MA *Tracker Mgt. Sys. Inc.; Independence, OH Traxxis GPS Solutions; Miami, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies, Inc.; Brooklyn, NY *Wireless Matrix; Herndon, VA Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL

American Towman Directory INSURANCE Aidukas Ins.; Palm Springs, CA Alexander Ins. Agency; San Antonio, TX Benifit Consultants NW; San Antonio, TX Centerpointe Insurance; Camarillo, CA Chester Point Programs; Chester, NJ Employee Leasing, Inc.; Boca Raton, FL KBK Insurance Group; Hanrahan, LA Ind. Garage & Tow Contractors; Buffalo, NY Pacific General Insurance; Downers Grove, IL Precise Finan. Solutions, LLC; Baltimore, MD Progressive Comm. Ins.; Highland Hts, OH SW Tow Operators; Richardson, TX The Hartford Ins.; Hartford, CT The Insurance Profls., Inc.; Scottsdale, AZ The Sneed Company; Memphis, TN Towing Operators Protector Plan; Tampa, FL Travis Barlow Company; Pooler, GA UIS Brokers East; Elmsford, NY Universal Underwriters; Overland Park, KS Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI *Magna Tech; Chanute, KS Metro Lifts and Equipment; Mobile, AL *Mohawk Lifts; Amsterdam, NY Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT *Stertil-Koni/Omer; Baltimore, MD T & L Lift Equipment, LLC; Mobile, AL Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Trailer Sales; Jeffersonville, IN Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY *Universal Develop.; Cham’burg, PA *Warn Industries; Clackamas, OR West America Prods.; Pacheco, CA West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD

LOCKOUT TOOLS

JUMP START EQUIPMENT

*ACCESS TOOLS 1628 NW 28th Street Miami, FL 33142

Goodall Mfg.; Eden Prairie, MN Jiffy Jump; Eastport, NY *Peterson Mfg.; Grandview, MO Powerhouse Technologies; Eastport, NY Energy Safe Technologies; Great Neck, NY *Sound Off, Inc.; Hudsonville, MI

(305) 635-1011 For more than a quarter of a century Access Tools has provided the highest quality lockout tools on the market, with unparalleled customer service.

Made in Amerca. www.hightechtools.com

LEGAL SERVICES WEINBERG, WHEELER, HUDGINS, GUNN, & DIAL, ESQ. From small matters to large, catastrophic and high-exposure cases, Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn & Dial has represented a variety of clients involved in trucking and towing, products liability and commercial disputes. The firm has handled over 10,000 cases across the country since 1999. www.wwhgd.com/practicestransportation.html

LIFTS & HOISTS *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY *Ari-Hetra; Manassas, VA Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Automotive Resources; Manassas, VA AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD *Columbus McKinnon; Chatt., TN Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Delmarva Tow. Equipment; Beltsville, MD *Dixie Inds.; Chattanooga, TN E.M. Blue’s; Houston, TX ESCO/Equip. Supply Co.; Brooksville, FL Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Ferguson Corp.; Baltimore, MD Five Corners GMC; Cedarburg, WI Fleet Maintenance; W. Palm Beach, FL Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA *Hide-A-Lift; Hull, IA House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL

Accent Equip.; Phoenix, AZ Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *B/A Products; Columbia, MD *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC *Best Tools; Siloam Springs, AR Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip; Compton, CA Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Delmarva Towing Equipment; Beltsville, MD Dodco Inc.; Milwaukee, WI *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Company; Akron, OH Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN Helping Hand Access.; Homestead, FL House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *Lock Technology; Naperville, IL Lockmasters; Nicholasville, KY *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL *Next Generation Tool Co.; Middleburg, FL O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Quick Towing Equip.; N. Lindenhurst, NY Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Russ Automotive; Fulton, MO *Signal. Vehicle Prod.; Avon, NY

62 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

Slide Lock Tool Co.; Louisville,TN

*STECK MFG. CO. 1115 So. Broadway Dayton, OH 45408

(800) 227-8325 The “BigEasy” unlocks cars fast without damaging car doors and provides quick access for all your lockout needs. Also available is our BigEasy Night Light. www.steckmfg.com Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Timo International; San Antonio, TX TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD *Western Sling and Supply; Sedalia, CO Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

LOG BOOKS A W Direct; Berlin, CT *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Delmarva Tow. Equip.; Beltsville, MD Equip. Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Mayflower Publishing; Cranston, RI O’Hare Truck Svc.; North Lake, IL Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Tri-State Towing Equip.; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY *West End Svc., Inc.; Ellicott City, MD *WreckMaster; Lewiston, NY Zip’s Truck Equip.; New Hampton, IA

MOTOR CLUBS

GEICO 4295 Ocmulgee East Blvd.

Macon, GA 31295

(800) 841-9160 X2036/1860 Third largest automotive insurance carrier in the U.S. providing emergency road service directly to our customers. www.geico.com Motorcycle Towing Service; Denver, IA

NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB 373 Vintage Park Drive, Suite E. Foster City, CA 94404

(650) 294-7018 NAC, a full service commercial dispatch center, provides a diverse customer base of insurance carriers, private and government fleets light to heavy duty roadside assistance. www.thenac.com National Motor Club; Irving, TX Nation Safe Drivers (NSD); Boca Raton, FL

QUEST ROADSIDE SERVICES 106 W. Tolles Dr. St. Johns, MI 48879

(888) 295-2584 Join the fastest growing Roadside Assistance Network in the country. Our Quick Pay feature gets you paid in 48 hours. We provide exceptional customer service to our clients and are looking for the best North American service providers. Quest also provides online billing, free digital dispatch software and friendly account managers.

Hook new customers with Quest. www.TowNetwork.com www.QuestSoftware.com

AAA; Heathrow, FL Access Roadside Assistance; Langley, BC

ROAD AMERICA – A MAPFRE COMPANY

AGERO

7300 Airport Corp. Center Dr. Ste 601 Miami, FL 33126

(FORMERLY CROSS COUNTRY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES) One Cabot Road Medford, MA 02155

(781) 393-9300 A longtime leader in the roadside assistance market, combining industry leading innovation, award winning service, and an unsurpassed network of service providers. For 40+ years, we’ve provided vehicle manufacturers, insurance carriers, and other entities with privately labeled state-of-the-art roadside assistance plans. We help motorists in their time of need while building customer loyalty for our clients, which includes 100 corporate entities and their 75 million customers. www.agerosupport.com Allstate Roadside Services; S.Barrington, IL Canadian Rdsde./Rec; Cambridge, ONT, CAN FleetNet America; Cherryville, NC

AmericAn TowmAn 1-800-READ TOW

(888) 293-6672 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, Accident & Secondary Towing, salvage transport, etc. Equipped with "Locate Me", "Drive On" app., online billing and direct deposit technology. www.road-america.com

UNITED STATES AUTO CLUB MOTORING DIVISION 3410 Midcourt Rd., Suite 215 Carrollton, TX 75006

(888) 300-8722 USAC/MD is a leading provider of quality roadside assistance throughout North America known for fair rates, daily payments and responsive, experienced regional managers. Contact your regional manager for new opportunities in heavy duty and vehicle transport services. Join the USAC/MD network: www.usacmd.com

Number 210 on Reader Card

American Towman Directory MOTORCYCLE RECOVERY PRODUCTS AmeriDeck; Hadley, PA Auto. Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH *B/A Products; Columbia, MD *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC *Bilt USA Manufacturing; Charlotte, NC Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Bulldog Towing Products Co.; Geneva, IL Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA

*CONDOR PRODUCTS 210 W. Stephanie Dr. Cortland, IL 60112

(800) 461-1344 Condor makes the best, safest, easiest to use motorcycle recovery products in the industry. Only one person needs to recover a bike, so the operator makes more money. www.condor-lift.com *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Timo International; San Antonio, TX USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies, Inc.; Brooklyn, NY *Western Sling and Supply; Sedalia, CO

PAYMENT PROCESSING ATMTRAILER.COM 8300 Vail Drive Amarillo, TX 79118

(855) 619-4440 Atmtrailer.com provides mobile and stationary, cash dispensing ATMs nationwide. Give customers access to their bank accounts anywhere!

Email: Info@atmtrailer.com www.atmtrailer.com

PTO’S/CLUTCH PUMPS *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ *Access Tools; Miami, FL Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Auto. Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chelsea Products; Olive Branch, MS Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip.; Kingston Springs, TN *CW Mill Equipment; Sabetha, KS Delmarva Towing Equip.; Beltsville, MD

*DEWEZE 151 East Highway 160 Harper, KS 67058

(800) 835-1042 Serpentine drive clutch pump kits for all of the 2012 and 2013 trucks. Also available for 2013 Fuso Trucks.

Visit us on the web at www.deweze.com

*Dual-Tech; Bean Station, TN *Dynamic Towing Equipment; Norfolk, VA Eakins Equipment Co.; Philadelphia, PA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equip. Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; Vorhees, NJ Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN Hews Co.; Bow, NH House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *I TOW IN, Inc.; Bellevue, KY *Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI *Muncie Power Products; Muncie, IN Noble’s; Columbus, OH Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA O’Hare Truck Svc.; North Lake, IL Old Coach Wrecker Sales; Stratford, CT Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Permco Hydraulics; Streetsboro, OH *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Quick Towing Equip.; Lindenhurst, NY Rochester Truck Inc.; Rochester, NH Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX *Sagness; Ontario, CN Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Timo International; San Antonio, TX Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL *Vulcan Equipment Co.; Ooltewah, TN Walsh Freightliner & W. Star; F. Myers, FL *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

*Hawk Hook; Kansas City, MO House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA *Insta-Chain, Inc.; Springville, UT *InterMotive Vehicle Controls; Auburn, CA *Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Tow. & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Peterson Mfg.; Grandview, MO *Pro-Vision Video Sys.; Grand Rapids, MI Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO *Quality Auto Access; Westford, MA Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT *R•O•M Corporation; Belton, MO *Safe Reflections; St. Paul. MN *Safety Vision; Houston, TX *Services & Materials; Fenton, MD

SAFETY PRODUCTS

*Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Access Tools & Equipment; Miami, FL Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Auto. Equipment Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *B/A Products; Columbia, MD *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Battelini Trans. & Wrkr. Sls.; Landsville, NJ Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chevron Commerical Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip.; Kingston Springs, TN Delmarva Tow. Equipment; Beltsville, MD *Diversified Products; Jacksonville, FL Eakins Equipment Co.; Philadelphia, PA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA E.M. Blue’s; Houston, TX Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ

*3M™ Scotchlite; St.Paul, MN *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY *Arrow Safety Device Co. Inc.; Selby, DE Auto. Equipment Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *B/A Products; Columbia, MD *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Battelini Trans. & Wrecker Sls.; Landsville, NJ Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chevron Commerical Inc.; Highland, IL *Custer Products; North Canton, OH Dicke Safety Products; Downers Grove, IL *Digital Ally Safety & Video Sys.; Lenexa, KS *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA *Eye3Mobile; Madison, OH *Ecco Elec. Controls Co.; Boise, ID Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Federal Signal; University Park, IL Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ Gulf Atlantic Supplies; Columbiana, AL Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN

64 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

*SONETICS 7340 SW Durham Rd. Portland, OR 97224-7307

(800) 833-4558 Sonetics’ portable wireless headset communication systems eliminate yelling, protect hearing, and increase onsite professionalism. Hear the Sonetics difference. Call or click today.

Email: Sales@soneticscorp.com www.soneticscorp.com Superior Signals; Olathe, KS *TechTrade LLC; New York, NY Timo International; San Antonio, TX TowPartsNow; Portland, OR USA Flap; Aurora, IN USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Vantech Safetyline; Priest River, ID Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD *Western Sling and Supply; Sedalia, CO Whelen; Chester, CT Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *WreckMaster; Lewiston, NY Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

SCOTCH/ SNATCH BLOCKS

Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Cedarburg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Noble’s; Columbus, OH Null’s Sales & Services; Cochranville, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Old Coach Wrecker Sales; Stratford, CT Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose; O’Fallon, IL Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT *Rose Ledge Co.; Erving, MA Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Timo International; San Antonio, TX TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies, Inc.; Brooklyn, NY *Vulcan Equipment Co.; Ooltewah, TN *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD *Western Sling and Supply; Sedalia, CO Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *WreckMaster; Lewiston, NY Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

SERVICE EQUIPMENT *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY *ARI-Hetrra; Manassas, VA Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Automotive Resources; Manassas, VA AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Casanova Towing Equipment; Compton, CA Chevron Commerical Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Christopher’s Equipment; Chelmsford, MA *Dynamic Towing Equip.; Norfolk, VA East Coast Truck & Trailer; Portsmouth, VA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Fleet Maintenance; W. Palm Beach, FL *Gray; St. Joseph, MO *Goodall; Eden Prairie, MN Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA H&H Sales Co. Inc.; Huntertown, IN Hide-A-Lift; Hull, IA Hooks Towing & Equipment; Wynne, AR House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA *I TOW IN, Inc.; Bellevue, KY *Lock Technology; Naperville, IL *Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Tow. & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Magnolia Wrecker Sales; Brandon, MS Matheny Mo./Trk. Co.; Parkersburg, WV New England Truck Master; Stratford, CT Pardo’s; Richmond, IN

Number 171 on Reader Card

Number 167 on Reader Card

Number 166 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 65

American Towman Directory Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY *West End Service., Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

SIGNS & PROMOS Anchor Graphics; McKinney, TX *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ Keris Industries; Bethpage, NY Larson Group; Sturbridge, MA M&S Signs; Orlando, FL Marking Pen Depot; Maurriet, CA Mitchell & Associates; Antioch, TN National Traffic Signs; Clearwater, FL Rydin Decal; Streamwood, IL Visually Speaking; Buena Park, CA

SIMULATOR ACCESSORIES AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies, Inc.; Brooklyn, NY

STATE ASSOCIATIONS PWOF; Orlando, FL Southwest Tow Operators; Richardson, TX

TOWING & RECOVERY ASSOC. OHIO TRAO is a not for profit, statewide association.

(877) 341-3400

The objectives of TRAO are to provide a means for unified effort in the solution of problems, and administer such action necessary for the betterment of the Towing industry. TRAO also produces the annual MidWest Regional Tow Show in Mason, Ohio. info@trao.org / www.trao.org T.R.A.A., Alexandria, VA, (800) 728-0136

WESTERN STATES TOW SHOW (CTTA)

3050 Beacon Blvd. Suite 100 West Sacramento, CA 95691

(916) 617-CTTA

Founded in 1969 the California Tow Truck Assn. (CTTA) represents professional towing operators throughout Calif. Created by and for towing company owners, CTTA provides unparalleled solutions and resources that empower towing companies to be professional and progressive within the industry while serving the motoring public. ctta@ctta.com or www.ctta.com

*Digital Ally Safety & Video Sys.; Lenexa, KS *InterMotive Vehicle Controls; Auburn, CA Mobile Relay Associates; Paramount, CA *Pro-Vision Video Sys.; Grand Rapids, MI Sonetics; Portland, OR *Tracker Mgt. Sys. Inc.; Independence, OH Transportation Info. Sys.; N. Hollywood, CA USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL

TIRE REPAIR EQUIPMENT Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Automotive Resources; Manassas, VA AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Ferguson Corp.; Baltimore, MD *Gaither Tool Co.; Granite City, IL *Gray; St. Joseph, MO *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Lynch; Waterford, WI *Matjack; Indianapolis, IN Metro Lifts and Equipment; Mobile, AL Pardo’s; Richmond, IN *Tech Int’l; Johnstown, OH Tri-State Towing Equip.; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL

TIRES Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ *Goodyear Tires; Akron, OH *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL *Magna Tech; Chanute, KS Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Tire Distributors, Inc.; Buffalo, NY Tire Hotline-Dacotah Walsh; Clanhassen, MN TowPartsNow; Portland, OR *Toyo Tire USA Corp.; Cypress, CA *Tech International; Johnstown, OH Treadwright; Edgemont, SD USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL

TOOLS Access Tools & Equipment; Miami, FL *Aegis Tools International; Madison, WI Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH *Bad Dog Tools; Bristol, RI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR *Diversified Products Mfg.; Jacksonville, FL Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Ferguson Corp.; Baltimore, MD Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ

*Hawk Hook; Kansas City, MO Helping Hand Access.; Homesstead, FL

TECHNOLOGY Auto Data Direct; Tallahassee, FL

66 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

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IToWMAN.CoM

House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA

*I TOW IN, INC. 335 Locust Lane Bellevue, KY 41073

(800) 979-8697 Inventor, developer and distributor of unique products designed for towers.

ITI Skates, Controlarm Skate, Poynter Pucker, Tailboard Transformer.

Products to reduce the professional towers workload. www.skatesiti.com *Lujan USA; Camillus, NY Lynch; Waterford, WI O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL *OTC/SPX; Owatonna, MN Pardo’s; Richmond, IN *Phoenix USA; Cookeville, TN *PRO-LOK; Orange, CA Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Rochester Truck Inc.; Rochester, NH *Slide Lock Tool Co.; Louisville, TN *Steck Mfg.; Dayton, OH

*TIGER TOOL INTERNATIONAL, INC. P.O. Box 1420 Sumas, WA 98295

(800) 661-4661 For nearly 30 years Tiger Tool has developed and manufacturered unique suspension and driveline tools for Heavy Duty Truck, Trailer, and Bus Industries. www.tigertol.com Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies, Inc.; Brooklyn, NY Voltair; Henderson, NE West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *WreckMaster; Niagara Falls, NY Zendex Tool Corporation; Danbury, CT Zip’s Truck Equip.; New Hampton, IA

TOW DOLLIES *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ *Access Tools; Miami, FL Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *B/A Products; Columbia, MD *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC B&B Assoc. Industries; Bridgeview, IL *Bilt USA Manufacturing; Charlotte, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA *Collins MFG., Corp.; Jacksonville, OR Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN *Diversified Products; Jacksonville, FL Dual-Tech, Inc.; Bean Station, TN *Dynamic Towing Equip.; Norfolk, VA Eakins Equipment Co.; Philadelphia, PA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ *E.R. Buske Mfg.; Pocahontas, IA

Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN Hide-A-Lift; Hull, IA House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *I TOW IN, Inc.; Bellevue, KY Leveloader Inc.; Satellite Beach, FL *Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Tow. & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI *Magna Tech; Chanute, KS Metro Lifts and Equipment; Mobile, AL Minute Man Wheel Lifts, Inc.; Jenison, MI Noble’s; Columbus, OH Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Quick Towing Equip.; N. Lindenhurst, NY Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT *Sagness; Ontario, Canada *Steck Mfg.; Dayton, OH Stormin’s; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA *The Power Co.; Santa Rosa, CA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Timo International; San Antonio, TX TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY *Universal Develop.; Cham’burg, PA USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY *Vulcan Equipment Co.; Ooltewah, TN *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL

*ZENDEX TOOL CORPORATION 4 Larson Drive Danbury, CT 06810

(800) 446-5257 GoJak™ The Faster Caster System.

Align cars for tow hook ups. Load and unload flatbed trucks. Save space in storage lots. Combination jack/dollies move vehicles at any angle without power. Models lift up to 6,200 lbs. and tires to 20″ wide.

Great for front wheel drives. www.zendextool.com Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

TRAILERS *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Auto Equipment, Inc.; Statesville, NC Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH B&B Assoc. Indust.; Bridgeview, IL Bay River Ent.; Mechanicsville, MD Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN *Dakota Mfg. Co., Inc.; Mitchell, SD East Coast Truck & Trailer Sls.; Portsmouth, VA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ

American Towman Directory Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; Vorhees, NJ

*LANDOLL CORPORATION 1900 North St. Marysville, KS 66508

800-428-5655 Manufacturer of Traveling Axle, Traveling Tail, Car Trailers and the Detachable Gooseneck 55 Ton. From 5- to 60-ton recovery and equipment transport trailers.

Powder Coat – Galvanize. www.landoll.com *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Tow. & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI *Magna Tech; Chanute, KS Meyer Truck Center; Olathe, KS *Miller Industries; Ooltewah, TN North East Ent.; North East, MD Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Rochester Truck Inc.; Rochester, NH Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL *Talbert Manufacturing, Inc.; Rensselaer, IN *Trail-Eze Trailers; Mitchell, SD Tri-State Towing Equip.; Westbury, NY *Vulcan Equip. Co.; Ooltewah, TN West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *XL Specialized Trailers; Manchester, IA Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

TRAINING *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Ask Reggie; Ft. Washington, MD AW Direct; Madison, WI BTR Training and Consult.; Baldwinsville NY *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ HTS, Inc.; Portland, OR *Matjack Int’l Wrecker; Indianapolis, IN PWOF; Orlando, FL

RECOVERY BILLING UNLIMITED 42 Quanapoag Rd East Freetown, MA 02727

(508) 763-5474 Training institution teaching remediation of accident scene proper recovery invoice writing, billing liability insurance, billing for vehicles that only have property damage coverage and obtaining payment from insurance companies www.bigwheeltowingandrecovery.com Ross Kinman Progs.; Indianopolis, IN Slide Lock Tool; Louisville, TN *The Tow Program Guide; Naperville, IL *Tracker Mgt. Sys. Inc.; Independence, OH Tom Luciano; Gansevoort, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL WreckMaster; Niagara Falls, NY Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

Tow Expo InT’l Aug. 8 - 10, 2013

TRUCK CHASSIS *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Akins Body & Carrier Sales; Winder, GA Asplundh GMC-Isuzu; Manhawkin, NJ Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Bob Fish Truck Equip.; West Bend, WI Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Chevron Commercial; Highland, IL *Chevron; Mercer, PA Chicago Mack Truck & Serv.; Summer, IL Chicago Truck Sales & Services; Alsip, IL *Chrysler Group Fleet; Auburn Hills, MI Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN *Dodge Truck; Auburn Hills, MI *Dual-Tech, Inc.; Bean Station, TN *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Company; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Cedarburg, WI Fleet Maintenance; W. Palm Beach, FL Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR

*FORD COMMERCIAL TRUCKS P.O. Box 6248 Dearborn, MI 48170

800-392-FORD F-Series, the best-selling truck in the U.S. and the world provides a near-endless variety of configurations and customization possibilities, whether the mission is hauling cargo, people, or both. www.ford.com/commercial-trucks Franks Truck Center Inc.; Lindhurst, NJ

*FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS 2477 Deerfield Dr. Fort Mill, SC 29715

(803) 578-3263 For all your towing needs, maximize productivity, performance & profitability with the Freightliner M2 106, 108SD, 114SD and 122SD trucks. www.freightlinertrucks.com General Motors Corp.; Detroit, MI *Hino Trucks; Novi, MI Hino of Central Texas; Bryan, TX House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrkr. Sales; Mtn. Home, ID International Truck; Warrenville, IL *Kenworth Truck Co.; Kirkland, WA Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Tow. & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Mack of Joliet; Channahon, IL Matheny Motors; Parkersburg, WV *Mitsubishi Fuso; Logan Township, NJ Montgomery Salvage; Montg. City, MO Nissan Diesel America; Irving, TX Noble’s; Columbus, OH Northeast Towing Equipment; Hooksett, NH Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Peterbilt; Denton, TX Purpose; O’Fallon, IL Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Rochester Truck Inc.; Rochester, NH Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT

Schwartz Hino Truck Ctr.; Shrewsbury, NJ Springfield Mack Inc.; Wt. Springfield, WA Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tow Truck Country; Shullsburg, WI Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL *Volvo GM; Greensboro, NC *Vulcan Equipment Co.; Ooltewah, TN Walsh Freightliner & W. Star; F. Myers, FL West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD *Western Star; British Columbia, CN Wilkes Barre Tr. Ctr.; Wilkes-Barre, PA Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL

TRUCK SUSPENSIONS Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Bob Fish Truck Equip.; W. Bend, WI Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equip. Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equip. Co.; Akron, OH Firestone Indus. Prod., Co.; Carmel, IN Future Wrecker Sls.; Amsterdam, NY *Hendrickson Aux. Axle; Hebron, OH *Hendrickson Truck Susp.; Woodridge, IL *Hendrickson Trailer Susp.; Canton, OH *International Wreckers, Inc.; Lake Pk., FL *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Tow. & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI *Minute Man Mfg., Inc.; Venison, MI *Matjack; Indianapolis, IN Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD *Paratech; Frankfort, IL Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL *Timbren Inds., Inc.; Niagara Falls, NY Tri-State Towing Equip.; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Walsh Freightliner & W.Star; F. Myers, FL

WHEELS Accent Equip.; Phoenix, AZ Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels; Clev., OH Auto Salvage & Parts; Hag’rstown, MD Auto. Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Bob Fish Truck Equip.; W. Bend, WI *Boniface Eng. Ltd; Norfolk, ENG Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN Delmarva Towing Equip.; Beltsville, MD *Dual-Tech; Bean Station, TN *Dynamic Towing Equip.; Norfolk, VA Eakins Equip. Co.; Phila., PA *East Penn. Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA E.M. Blue’s; Houston, TX Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ *E.R. Buske Mfg.; Pocahontas, IA Fallsway Equip. Co.; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Future Wrecker Sales; Amsterdam, NY Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; Vorhees, NJ Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN Hews Co.; Bow, NH

House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *Kemp Mfg. Co.; Birmingham, AL *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch; Waterford, WI *Magna Tech; Chanute, KS Meyer Truck Center; Olathe, KS Minute Man Wheel Lifts, Inc.; Jenison, MI Montgomery Salvage; Montg. City, MO Noble’s; Columbus, OH *NRC Industries.; Quebec, CN Nussbaum’s Sales; Hasbrouck Hts., NJ O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Old Coach Wrecker Sales.; Stratford, CT Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA

*PHOENIX USA 51 Borden St Cookesville, TN 38501

931-526-6128 Manufacturer of accessories for the towing industry, including tool boxes, wheel simulators, and custom engineered products. www.phoenixusa.com *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX *Prime Industries, Inc.; Virigina Beach, VA Purpose; O’Fallon, IL Quick Tow. Equip.; N. Lin’hurst, NY Ramsey Winch; Tulsa, OK RealWheels; Gurnee, IL Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Rush Towing Systems; Converse, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT *Sagness; Ontario, CN Stormin’s; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip.; Westbury, NY *Universal Develop.; Cham’burg, PA Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY *Vulcan; Olive Branch, MS *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *Zacklift; Cle Elum, WA Zip’s Truck Equip.; New Hampton, IA

WHEEL LIFTS *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Auto Salvage & Parts; Hag’rstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH A W Direct; Berlin, CT *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Battelini Trans. & Wrecker Sls.; Landsville, NJ *Bilt USA Manufacturing; Charlotte, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI *Boniface Eng. Ltd; Norfolk, ENG Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA *Condor Products; Cortland, IL Canadian Towing Equip.; Ont., Canada Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA *Century; Ooltewah, TN *Challenger; Ooltewah, TN *Champion; Ooltewah, TN *Chevron; Mercer, PA Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 67

American Towman Directory Chevron East; Mercer, PA Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA Crouch’s Wrecker; Kingston Springs, TN *Danco Products; Greencastle, PA Delmarva Towing Equip.; Beltsville, MD *Diversified Prods.; Jacksonville, FL *Dynamic Towing Equip.; Norfolk, VA *Eagle; Ooltewah, TN *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Edinburg Truck Sales; Edinburg, VA E.M. Blue’s Sons; Houston, TX Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equip. Co; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Cedarburg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Future Wrck. Sales; Amsterdam, NY *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hamman Eng.; Newbern, TN Hews Co.; Bow, NH *Hide-A-Lift; Hull, IA *Holmes; Ooltewah, TN House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Hy-Tech Recovery Equip.; Fort Worth, TX Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *Jerr-Dan Corporation; Greencastle, PA *Landoll Corp.; Marysville, KS

*LIFT AND TOW 7660 Molly Pitcher Highway Shippensburg, PA 17257

(866) 494-6500 Universal Hidden Wheel Lift for your pick-up truck. Great for towers, repo men, body shops & dealerships.

Finance options available. Visit us on the web for more information. www.liftandtow.com Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI *Magna Tech; Chanute, KS Matthews Garage; Cartersville, GA Metro Lifts and Equipment; Mobile, AL Meyer Truck Center; Olathe, KS *Miller Industries; Ooltewah, TN Minute Man Wheel Lifts, Inc.; Jenison, MI Montgomery Salvage; Montg. City, MO New England Truckmaster; N. Haven, CT Noble’s; Columbus, OH Northern Truck Equip., Sioux Falls, SD *NRC Industries; Quebec, Canada Nussbaum’s Sales; Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Old Coach Wrecker Sales; Stratford, CT Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose; O’Fallon, IL Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Quick Towing Equip.; N. Lindenhurst, NY Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT

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*Rose Ledge Companies; Erving, MA RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT *Sagness; Ontario, CN Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL T & L Lift Equipment; LLC; Mobile, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY *Triple “K” Industries; Canton, SD *Tru-Hitch; Barkhamsted, CT USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL *Vulcan Equipment Co.; Ooltewah, TN *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Wilkes Barre Tr. Ctr.; Wilkes-Barre, PA Winn St. Sales; Burlington, MA Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Wrecker Supply; Augusta, GA *Zacklift; Cle Elum, WA *Zendex Tool Corp.; Danbury, CT

WHEEL LIFT ATTACHMENTS *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY *Access Tools; Miami, FL Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Battelini Trans. & Wrecker Sls.; Landsville, NJ *Bilt USA Manufacturing; Charlotte, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chevron Commerical Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR *Danco Products; Greencastle, PA Delmarva Towing Equip.; Beltsville, MD *Dynamic Towing Equipment; Norfolk, VA Eakins Equipment Co.; Philadelphia, PA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Cedarburg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR *Gray; St. Joseph, MO Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN H&H Sales Co.; Huntertown, IN *Hide-A-Lift; Hull, IA House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA *Kemp Mfg. Inc.; Birmingham, AL *Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI *Magna Tech; Chanute, KS Matthews Garage; Cartersville, GA *Miller Industries; Ooltewah, TN Minuteman; Mattawan, MI Minute Man Wheel Lifts, Inc.; Jenison, MI New England Truckmaster; N. Haven, CT *NRC Industries; Quebec, CN Null’s Sales & Services; Cochranville, PA Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Phoenix USA, Inc.; Cookeville, TX

68 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

*Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Prime Industries; Norfolk, VA Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT *Rose Ledge Companies; Erving, MA Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA *Tow Designs; Ontario, NY TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY Tru-Hitch; Barkhamsted, CT USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Virgo Fleet Supplies; Brooklyn, NY *Vulcan Equipment Co.; Ooltewah, TN Walsh Freightliner & W. Star; Ft. Myers, FL *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL

*ZACKLIFT UNDERLIFTS 1102 East 1st Street Cle Elum, WA 98922

(509) 674-4426 Removeable FIFTHWHEELER or Permanent Mount Wheel Frame and Axle Lifts Ratings to 40,000 lbs. reaches to 147”. www.zacklift.com Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

WINCHES *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ *Access Tools; Miami, FL Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH AW Direct; Madison, WI *Bailey’s Towing Acces.; Wake Forest, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Casanova Towing Equipment; Compton, CA Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA *ComeUp USA; Glendale, CA Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN Delmarva Towing Equip.; Beltsville, MD *DP Winch; Jenks, OH *Dual-Tech; Bean Station, TN *Dynamic Towing Equipment; Norfolk, VA Eakins Equipment Co.; Phila., PA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA E.M. Blue’s; Houston, TX Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Cedarburg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN Hews Co.; Bow, NH House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *Kemp Mfg. Inc.; Birmingham, AL *Kenworth Truck Co.; Kirkland, WA *Lynch Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI

Meyer Truck Center; Olathe, KS *Mile Marker; Pompano Beach, FL New England Truckmaster; N. Haven, CT Noble’s Inc.; Columbus, OH Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Old Coach Wrecker Sales; Stratford, CT Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA

*PIERCE SALES 549 U.S. Highway 287 S. Henrietta, TX 76365

(800) 658-6301 Your source for winches from 2,000 lb. to 20,000 lb. capacities, accessories, and wrecker installation. Serving the wrecker industry since 1976. www.piercesales.com Purpose; O’Fallon, IL Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO

*RAMSEY WINCH 4707 N. Mingo Road Tulsa, OK 74117

(918) 777-2760 (918) 438-2760 Ramsey Winch is a US manufacturer of both planetary and worm gear winches for towing and recovery.

Offering lighter weight, faster line speeds, 3,000 - 50,000 lbs. capacity. www.ramsey.com Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT *Rose Ledge Co.; Erving, MA RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Stormin’s Inc.; Ozark, AL Super Winch; Dayville, CT Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Timo International; San Antonio, TX TowPartsNow; Portland, OR Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY *Tulsa Winch; Tulsa, OK USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL

*WARN INDUSTRIES 12900 SE Capps Rd. Clackamas, OR 97015

800-543-9276 Warn Industries has a 60+ year history of product innovation and design. Our winches, hoists, and various other products make us the leader in torque-transfer technology. www.warn.com *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD

WINCH REPAIR *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD

Number 144 on Reader Card

Number 177 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 69

American Towman Directory Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA Crouch’s; Kingston Springs, TN Delmarva Towing Equipment; Beltsville, MD Eakins Equipment Co.; Philadelphia, PA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Fleet Maintenance; W. Palm Beach, FL Got Tow Truck Parts.com; Phoenix, AZ Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *Kemp Mfg. Inc.; Birmingham, AL *Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD O’Hare Truck Service.; North Lake, IL Pardo’s; Richmond, IN *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose; O’Fallon, IL Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO *Ramsey Winch; Tulsa, OK Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT *Rose Ledge Companies; Erving, MA RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Timo International; San Antonio, TX Tow Truck Country; Dubuque, IA Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL *Warn Industries; Clackamas, OR *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Winn St. Sales; Burlington, MA Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL *Zendex Tools Corp.; Danbury, CT Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

ShowplAcE - lAS VEgAS, nV MAY 15 - 17, 2014 *CHEVRON 7320 West Market Street Mercer, PA 16137

(800) 886-6400 The Chevron Model 512T is one more example of Chevron’s commitment to quality, performance, and versatility.

Features include aluminum modular body, optional rear spades, dual 12,000 lb. planetary winches with air clutch releases and more. www.chevroninc.com *Danco Products; Greencastle, PA Danzi Bros., Inc.; Selbyville, DE

*DUAL-TECH, INC. 321 Industrial Drive Bean Station, TN 37708

(800) 852-0345 Dual-Tech, family owned and operated, is a leading manufacturer of Carriers and Wreckers.

Serving the towing and recovery industry for over 22 years. www.dual-techinc.com

*Eagle; Ooltewah, TN *East Penn. Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA

*Challenger; Ooltewah, TN *Champion; Ooltewah, TN

70 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

Jerr-Dan has redefined the towing and recovery industry by setting new standards for performance, quality, innovative technology, and service.

Our entire product line is backed with service and support through our nationwide distributor network.

Find your Jerr-Dan distributor by visiting www.jerrdan.com. www.jerrdan.com *Kilar Mfg.; Hubbard, OH NRC Industries; St. Paul Abbotford, QE, CN

*VULCAN EQUIPMENT 8503 Hilltop Drive Ooltewah, TN 37363

(800) 292-0330 Brutally tough, durable and innovative equipment, Vulcan is your number one choice. Models range from the lightduty Vulcan Intruder to the LCG carrier with its low load angle and deck height, to the rugged Vulcan V-100, a 50-ton towing and recovery machine. No doubt, Vulcan offers the equipment professional towers demand to accomplish almost any task. www.millerind.com *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY

WRECKER BODIES DISTRIBUTORS AKINS BODY & CARRIER SALES

*Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY *B & B Industries; Elkhart, IN *Bilt USA Manufacturing; Charlotte, NC *Boniface Eng. Ltd; Norfolk, England

One of the most recognized and respected names in the towing and recovery industry worldwide, Century continues to lead the industry with a full line of carriers, light-, mediumand heavy-duty wreckers, and the industry’s number one choice of rotators. All backed by a network of top-level distributors to provide you with the best in sales and service. www.millerind.com

12351 Randolph Ridge Lane Manassas, VA 20109

1120 Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23504

WRECKER BODIES MANUFACTURERS

800-292-0330

(800) 926-9666

*Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ

Original developer of the Self Loading Wheel Lift. Offering a complete line of Self Loading wreckers and carriers.

Best warranty in the business. www.dynamictow.com

*CENTURY

ATLANTIC EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS

*DYNAMIC TOWING EQUIPMENT & MFG. (800) 831-9299

8503 Hilltop Drive Ooltewah, TN 37363

*JERR-DAN 13224 Fountain Head Plaza Hagerstown, MD 21742

220 West May St. Winder, GA 30680

(866) 389-4173 #1 Atlanta Ford and Dodge Commercial Dealer & Chevron distributor. We will deliver anywhere in the U.S. Large inventory of Ford and Dodge chassis on the ground.

Financing available. www.akinsford.com Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier Sls.; Smyrna, GA

*HOLMES 8503 Hilltop Drive Ooltewah, TN 37363

800-292-0330 The oldest and one of the most trusted names in the industry, Holmes has been providing towers with equipment since 1917. Holmes reputation for reliable and affordable equipment continues today with products such as the Holmes 440 SL, a light-duty auto-loader; the Holmes 220 snatcher, a self-loader designed to mount in the back of a pickup truck; and the Holmes DTU, a fifth-wheel, heavy-duty detachable underlift ideal for tractor swap-outs. www.millerind.com

TowMAn.coM

(800) 442-9700 Atlantic Emergency Solutions, the mid-Atlantic region’s premier Jerr-Dan towing and recovery dealer, specializes in sales, service, and parts.

Centrally located in our Manassas, VA, corporate office, we provide service at your fingertips with facilities located throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Delaware. With your needs in mind, we also offer 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

Visit our website to see an updated list of in-stock trucks or call us for pricing on a special order. www.AtlanticWreckers.com Auto Equipment, Inc.; Statesville, NC Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC Battelini Trans. & Wrecker Sls.; Landsville, NJ Bay River Ent.; Mechanicsville, MD Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Canadian Towing Equipment; Ayr, Ont. CAN Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Colonial Wrecker Sales; Union, NJ Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA

CROUCH'S WRECKER & EQUIPMENT SALES PO Box 174 Kingston Springs, TN 37082

(800) 628-5212 Orlando, FL

(407) 438-4160 Authorized distributor for Miller Industries, we offer the industries best name brands: Century, Challenger, Champion, Eagle, Holmes, Vulcan and Miller Trailers. Large inventory of new and used equipment. Offices in Tennessee and Florida. www.crouchtowtrucks.com Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; Nesconsset, NY Danzi Bros.; Selbyville, DE Delmarva Towing Equip.; Beltsville, MD DG Towing Equip. & Sales; New York, NY Dirt Cheap Wrecker; St. Charles, MO East Coast Truck/Trailer; Portsmouth, VA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA

ELIZABETH TRUCK CENTER

TowMAnTV.coM TowwEEk.coM TowShow.coM

878 North Avenue Elizabeth, NJ 07207

(201) 394-0178 New Jersey’s only authorized Miller Industries Distributor carrying all 7 lines. We also carry B/A Products, Collins, In the Ditch, TowMate, Whelen and more. Visit our website www.elizabethtruckcenter.com Equipment Sales & Service; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Cederburg, WI

Number 191 on Reader Card

Number 152 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 71

American Towman Directory Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR Goodyear Wrecker Sales; Enterprise, AL Gwinnett Place Ford Wrkr. & Carr; Duluth, GA Hooks Towing & Equipment; Wynne, AR House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID

Rochcester Truck Inc.; Rochester, NH Rocky Mtn Wrkr Sales; Salt Lake City, UT RPM Equipment; Houston, TX

RUSH TOWING SYSTEMS 8818 IH-10 East Converse, TX 78109

LOGANVILLE FORD

(877) 5RUSHTOW

3460 Highway 78 Loganville, GA 30052

Our knowledgeable, skilled sales specialists can spec the right truck and body to meet your unique needs.

We offer the full line of Jerr-Dan bodies ready to work. www.rushtowingsystems.com

(678) 859-9565 We are a large volume Distributor of Danco and Dynamic Wreckers and Rollbacks. We offer some of the lowest prices in the Industry and welcome your trades. We can help arrange financing for you and also offer delivery to all 50 States. Please call for your quote today!

We also can assist you with products from Miller Industries and Jerr-Dan. www.loganvilleford.com Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI

*LYNCH CHICAGO 7335 W. 100th Place Bridgeview, IL 60455

(800) 344-2397

Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Smith’s Services; Orangeburg, SC Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Summit Truck Equip.; Kansas City, MO Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tow Truck Country; Shullsburg, WI Tri State Towing Equip.; Westbury, NY UD Trucks of Central NJ; Hillside, NJ USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Wilkes Barre Truck Ctr.; Wilkes-Barre, PA Winn St. Sales; Burlington, MA

WORLDWIDE EQUIP SALES

Proud Distributor of all Miller Industries products, Talbert and Trail-Eze Towing and Hauling Equipment. Parts and Service on all Makes and Models. View our Large New and Used Inventory at: www.lynchchicago.com Magnolia Wrecker Sales; Brandon, MS

601 Walnut Ct. Rockdale, IL 60436

(815) 725-4400 Custom full service new and used truck dealer. We are the leading dealer for Jerr-Dan, Landoll, Minute Man and Wells Cargo. www.NewTowTrucks.com www.DriverLocate.com

MATHENY MOTOR TRUCK CO. 14716 Industry Court Woodbridge, VA 22191

(866) 499-9216

ZIP’S TRUCK EQUIPMENT, INC. 316 W. Milwaukee St. New Hampton, IA 50659 27265 Wick Road Taylor, MI 48180

50 Matheny Lane Mineral Wells, WV 26150

(800) 284-4418 EXT. 540

(800) 222-6047

1375 Route 52, Kenova, WV 22530 4125 1st Ave., Nitro, WV 25143 Full-line Miller Industries Distributor OH, West & Northern VA, Century, Vulcan, Chevron, Champion, Challenger, Holmes, Landoll. www.mathenymotors.com Matthews Garage; Cartersville, GA Mission Valley Truck Center; San Jose, CA

NEW ENGLAND TRUCKMASTER 16 Bernhard Road North Haven, CT 06473

(800) 481-0501 Quality Custom Built Towing Equipment Sales • Service • Financing • Installation Full Line Miller Distributor www.netruckmaster.com Noble’s Inc.; Columbus, OH Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD Null’s Sales & Services; Cochranville, PA Nussbaum Wreckers; Columbia, PA Old Coach Wrecker Sales.; Stratford, CT Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA Proton Towing Equipment; Garland, TX

Zip’s makes you the towing leader with superior service and the best selection of tow trucks, car carriers, parts and accessories. www.Zips.com

WRECKER REPAIR *Able Weldbuilt Ind., Inc.; Deer Park, NY Accent Equipment; Phoenix, AZ Access Tools; Miami, FL Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier; Smyrna, GA Auto Equipment, Inc.; Statesville, NC Auto Salvage & Parts; Hagerstown, MD Automotive Equip. Co.; N. Ridgeville, OH *Bailey’s Towing Access.; Wake Forest, NC *Bilt USA Manufacturing; Charlotte, NC Bob Fish Truck Equipment; W. Bend, WI Bressler’s Inc.; Morgantown, PA Capitol Truck Equipment; Landover, MD Canadian Towing Equipment; Ayr, Ont., CAN Casanova Towing Equip.; Compton, CA Chevron Commercial Inc.; Highland, IL Chevron East; Mercer, PA Chevron West; Rancho Cordova, CA Cornerstone Wrecker Sales; Jonesboro, AR Crawford Truck Sales; Lancaster, MA Crouch’s Wrecker; Kingston Springs, TN Delmarva Towing Equip.; Beltsville, MD

72 • June 2013 • TOWMAN.COM

DG Towing Equipment & Sales; NY, NY *Dynamic Towing Equipment; Norfolk, VA *East Penn Carrier & Wrkr. Sls.; Bethlehem, PA Equipment Sales & Svc.; Bloomfield, NJ Fallsway Equipment Co; Akron, OH Five Corners GMC; Ced’burg, WI Fleet Sales West; Sherwood, OR *Hadley Towing Equipment; Whittier, CA Hamman Engineering; Newbern, TN House of Wreckers; San Carlos, CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; Mountain Home, ID *Kemp Mfg. Inc.; Birmingham, AL *Lynch-Chicago; Bridgeview, IL Lynch Towing & Rec. Equip.; Waterford, WI Meyer Truck Center; Olathe, KS Mission Valley Truck Center; San Jose, CA New England Truckmaster; N. Haven, CT Noble’s Inc.; Columbus, OH Northern Truck Equip.; Sioux Falls, SD Null’s Sales & Services; Cochranville, PA O’Hare Truck Service; North Lake, IL Pardo’s; Richmond, IN Parish Truck Sales; St. Rose, LA *Pierce Sales; Henrietta, TX Purpose; O’Fallon, IL Purpose Wrecker Sales; Wentzville, MO Quick Towing Equip.; N. Lindenhurst, NY Royal Truck Body; Paramount, CA Robert Young’s Auto & Truck; Roanoke, VA Rocky Mtn. Wrkr. Sales; Salt Lake City, UT *Rose Ledge Companies; Erving, MA RPM Equipment; Houston, TX Sabil & Son; White River Jct., VT Schwartz Hino Truck Ctr; Shrewsbury, NJ Stormin’s, Inc.; Ozark, AL Terrco; Philadelphia, PA Tim Halpin Equipment; Miami, FL Tow Truck Country; Shullsburg, WI Tri-State Towing Equip. of NY; Westbury, NY USA Towing & Equipment; Tampa, FL Walsh Freightliner & W. Star; Ft. Myers, FL *Weld Built; Wyandanch, NY West End Service, Inc.; Ellicott City, MD Winn St. Sales; Burlington, MA Worldwide Equipment Sales; Rockdale, IL Zip’s Truck Equipment; New Hampton, IA

OTHER Air Helper Springs For Suspensions *Firestone Industrial Prod.; Carmel, IN Auto Immobilizers (Boots) *Miti Mfg Co., Inc.; Grand Junct., CO Automatic Tire Chains *Onspot of No. Am., Inc.; Stratford, CT Cargo Storage & Trays *Rom Corporation; Belton, MO

Carrier Accessories *I TOW IN, Inc.; Bellevue, KY Collections Finex; San Jose, CA Commercial Fuel Supplier / Distributor Flyers Energy; Auburn, CA Ramos Oil Co.; West Sacramento, CA Detach Units Professional Dispatch Svc.; Sherwood, OR Fenders *Phoenix USA; Cookeville, TN Fifth Wheel Equipment *Triple “K” Inds.; Canton, SD *Tru-Hitch; Torrington, CT Filtration, Coolant Technolgy *The Penray Co.; Elk Grove Village, IL Fuel Tank Systems Transfer Flow Inc.; Chico, CA Immobilizers (Boots) Miti Manufacturers; Grand Jct., CO Mobile and Stationary ATMs ATMtrailer.com; Amarillo, TX Mud Flaps USA Flap; Aurora, IN Novelty Items; Toys & Jeweley Mayflower Publishing; Cranston, RI Onboard Scales Air-Weigh; Eugene, OR Push Bumpers *Diversified Products; Jacksonville, FL Ride Control Products *Timbren Inds.; Niagara Falls, NY Roll-Up Shutter Doors *Rom Corporation; Belton, MO Remotes *Lodar USA; Henrietta, TX Suspension Products *Max Loader; Freeland, WA Toolboxes *American Eagle Accessories; Garner, IA *Phoenix USA; Cookeville, TN *RC Industries, Inc.; Elkhart, IN Transmissions *Allison Trans.; Indianapolis, IN Weller Reman; Grand Rapids, MI *ZF Industries; Vernon Hills, IL Vehicle Removal Junk My Car LLC.; Seymour, CT Vehicle Retarders *Jacobs Vehicle Sys.; Bloomfield, CT Video Recording Systems *Pro-Vision Video Sys.; Grand Rapids, MI Waste Oil Fired Heaters Lanair; Janesville, WI Norki Energy Systems; Poughkeepsie, NY Wire Rope Lubricant *VitaLife; Suffern, NY

Directory portfolios

An Advertorial Section

AUCTIONS

ADVERTISING

Mofuse Local – Get More Towing

OMG National – We produce

Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA)

Customers from mobile phone searches with a Mobile Web Site from MoFuse Local. More than 100,000 people search for towing related services on mobile devices each month, but most regular web sites do not display properly on smartphones. Don’t lose potential customers searching for towing services on mobile. 100% Free 30 Day Trial. $10/mo after trial.

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the marketing tools that the American Towing and Recovery professional needs to build their businesses through top-flight web, audio, video & social media programs. (800) 789-4619. www.omgnational.com

– We sell towed and abandoned cars. From vehicle preparation and marketing to post-sale payment and paperwork, IAA takes care of everything for you. Call for more info (708) 492-7000 or visit us online at www.IAAI.com.

CABLES, CHAINS, HOOKS & SLINGS

B/A Products has everything you need for Rollbacks to Rollovers. We have many chain, web and cable assemblies available from stock and can custom manufacture to your specifications. Call (800) 327-3301 or visit www.baprod.com.

TowLot.com is exclusively for towers with impound lots and unclaimed vehicles to auction off online. Vast bidder pool created through the Internet & live lightning round dynamics help drive bids skyward. No auction fees.

Cars stay in your lot. Buyer pays you direct. Create a virtual showroom online in minutes; $30 pervehicle showroom fee may be keyed into the system & recouped from the buyer. It's simple. Call (866) 263-8611 or visit www.TowLot.com.

CAR CARRIERS - MANUFACTURERS

Century continues to offer the most innovative products available in the towing and recovery industry with products like the patent-pending LCG™ carrier.

The LCG™ has a deck height that’s 5 to 6 inches lower to accommodate taller loads. It also provides increased stability with the lower center of gravity, the ability to easily tie down loads while standing on the ground and a lower load angle for hauling equipment and vehicles. Call (800) 292-0330 or visit www.millerind.com to learn more.

Chevron pushes the envelope in carrier design & innovation w/ the new LCG™ Generation II LoadRite. The Gen II LoadRite takes the already low load angle of the patent-pending LCG™ carrier and lowers the angle an additional three degrees, making it ideal for exotic and performance vehicles.

Other new models include a new LCG™ Series 20 carrier. Whatever your carrier needs are – from industrial carriers up to 40,000pound capacities or two-, three- & four-car carriers – Chevron has you covered. Call (800) 886-6400 or visit www.chevroninc.com.

Dual-Tech – Our Side-Puller, patent pending, offers a dual winch design to provide a safer, more versatile siderecovery system. Available in 9K, 10K, and 12K capacities, with a carrier or wrecker. Designed for chassis’ rated at least 24K GVW, w/or wo air brakes.

New design allows operator to perform recovery work from either side w/o having to climb on / off the unit to constantly adjust the direction of the pull. Includes wireless remote for the dual winches, manual free spool, optional air release, 3/8 X 85” wire ropes, hydraulic stiff legs w/ flat pad & fold down spade, adjustable pylon & eight tie back points. www.dual-techinc.com.(800) 852-0345.

CAR CARRIERS - MANUFACTURERS

Dual-Tech – How are we different? Dual-Tech honors a 2 year structural warranty on all lo-pro series carriers. Units available with 10k, 12k, 16k & 20k capacities with lengths from 19’6 to 26’. Standard features: low load angle, low deck height, dual flange bed locks, solid deck sheet, quad rail sub-frame, 1,152 sq. inches of nylatron wear pads and planetary winch. Visit us at www.dual-techinc.com or call 800-852-0345.

Jerr-Dan® – Made from the toughest materials and under the most demanding quality standards, Jerr-Dan carriers represent the best in American engineering and manufacturing. Jerr-Dan offers a wide range of standard, medium, 3-4 car and industrial carriers to meet the demands of your business. Put the value and durability of Jerr-Dan to work for your business. Call (800) 926-9666 or visit www.jerrdan.com.

COMPUTER MGT. / SOFTWARE

Vulcan’s Extreme Angle, with its unique hinged tail section that provides a load angle as low as 6.5 degrees, or the patent-pending LCG™ carrier, with a deck height 5 to 6 inches lower than a conventional carrier, are just two of the many options & features available on a carrier from Vulcan. For more information on the complete line of two- to four-car carriers or industrial carriers, call (800) 2920330 or visit www.millerind.com.

NationWide

– Building a DataBase designed to meet the needs of our Insurance and Trucking clients who will have access to our “@ccidentLocator” (InterActive Map), to find the closest Wrecker to the scene. For a FREE listing of your Wrecker Service, check out our website at www.ntrg4u.com or call us at (417) 595-0712.

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 73

Directory portfolios COMPUTER MGT. / SOFTWARE

CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

ELECTRONICS

Lodar – Choose a cost effective

Progressive Platforms – Global M2M managed services provider, resilient platform, delivered in partnership w/ largest network operators, provides secure, reliable communications w/ wireless devices in 120+ countries. Management tools offer real-time reporting & control over all devices connected to our network, delivers a comprehensive suite of managed services w/ unrivalled expertise, professional support and competitive pricing. We enable our customers & partners to deploy M2M applications & services faster, cheaper & more effectively. www.progressiveplatforms.com.

1(888) 404-5910.

Tracker Management Sys., Inc. – specializes in Computer / Management Software, Dispatch Services, GPS, Technology, Training. Call (800) 445-2438 or visit our website at www.trackermanagement.com.

EMERGENCY LIGHTS

Blades Tow Right is a leader in manufacturing high quality, affordable wireless tow lights.

Better quality, better value; that’s Blades Tow Right. Call us at (800) 205-3232 or (734) 449-0518 or visit us at www.bladestowright.com.

TowMate is now introducing Power-Link technology providing a simple two-wire installation of affordable, customizable, and effective safety lighting systems including lightbars, arrows, strobes, and more! Contact your local dealer or call (800) 680-4455 for details or visit www.towmate.com.

LOCKOUT TOOLS

Access Tools – Towers worldwide are using the ballistic nylon Air Jack Wedge. Unlike others, the Access Tools Air Jack features an internal stiffener to aid insertion.

Call (800) 323-8324 or visit our website at www.hightechtools.com.

Steck Manufacturing, Co. – The “BigEasy” unlocks cars fast without damaging car doors and provides quick access for all your lockout needs. Also available is our BigEasy Night Light. Call (937) 222-0062 or visit www.steckmfg.com.

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North American Bancard – Exclusive: Industry Towing Wholesale rates starting at .05%. (wireless, terminals Free iPhone/Android swipe, wired). 0 setup/annual fee. Visit our website www.NYNAB.com or you may call 866-481-4604.

way to have a back up transmitter with the new Lodar Keypad Receiver. Call 800-658-6304 or visit our website at www.lodar.com.

EQUIPMENT FINANCE / LEASING

Intek Truck and Equipment Leasing Celebrating 27 years.

Specialty Vehicle & Equipment Funding Group – A subsidiary

Established in 1986, Intek Leasing specializes in truck/equipment leasing and financing; offering options for new and used, start-up and lease-to-own programs.

Dealer inquiries welcome.

Call 973-403-7788 or visit www.intekleasing.com.

of Brookline Bancorp, Eastern Funding's Specialty Vehicle and Equipment division provides direct financing programs nationally for specialty vehicles, tow trucks, and equipment. Call (631) 753-6611 or visit us at our website at www.specialtyvehiclefunding.com.

MOTOR CLUBS

PTO’S/CLUTCH PUMPS

National Automobile Club (NAC) a full service commercial dispatch center, provides a diverse customer base of insurance carriers, private and government fleets, light to heavy duty roadside assistance. Call (650) 294-7018 or visit our website at www.thenac.com.

DewEze Manufacturing Serpentine drive clutch pump kits for all of the 2011 and 2012 trucks. Also available for 2013 Fuso Trucks. Call (800) 835-1042 for information or visit us on the web at www.deweze.com

Directory portfolios SAFETY PRODUCTS

SKATES

Sonetics – Portable wireless

I Tow In, Inc. – ITI has been

headset communication systems for towing professionals. “It’s one of the best things I’ve seen come into towing since the rotator.

It’s going to change the industry.”

– Kurt Wilson, Joe’s Towing, or Call Ill. Bloomington, 800.833.4558; today click w w w. s o n e t i c s c o r p. c o m ; sales@soneticscorp.com.

a leader in the invention and development of products specific for the professional tower. We excel in introducing products to the industry designed to assist the tower in specific tasks with endurance a must. The skates tested to slide a car up to 1/2 mile, the Control Arm Skate stops secondary damage to the casualty and carrier bed damage on the tough ones. All ITI skates are constructed from recycled material.

Call (800) 979-8697 or email rpoynter@insightbb.com.

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

TOOLS

CTTA works for and on the behalf of towing industry professionals across the state of Calif. CTTA offers benefits to members. We also produce the Western States Tow Show. San Diego, CA, and is always looking for a way to better the industry as a whole. CTTA works closely with local and state agencies that utilize towing professionals as the voice of the industry.

Members also enjoy many benefits.

(800) 874-2860 or www.ctta.com.

Tiger Tool Int’l, Inc. – For nearly 30 years Tiger Tool has developed and manufactured unique suspension and driveline tools for the Heavy Duty Truck, Trailer and Bus Industry. Call: (800) 661-4661; Email: info@tigertool.com or visit our website: www.tigertool.com

TRAILERS

Landoll Corp. – Manufacturer of Traveling Axle, Traveling Tail, Car Trailers and now the all new Detachable Gooseneck 55 Ton. From 5- to 60-ton recovery and equipment transport trailers.

Powder Coat – Galvanize. Call (800) 428-5655 or visit www.landoll.com.

chEck ouT

TowShow.coM

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 75

Directory portfolios

Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. – This is the slide-in unit that's built by the same craftsmen who created this concept almost three decades ago. It has a 3,500-lb. wheel lift with a 7,500-lb. tow capacity. Easy bolt-in installation with standard electricover-hydraulic pump, or optional clutch pump. Two year warranty.

Call 800-831-9299 or visit www.dynamictow.com.

Lift And Tow Universal Hidden Wheel Lift for your pick-up truck.

Great for towers, repo men, body shops & dealerships. Finance options available. Call (866) 4946500. Visit us on the web for more info at www.liftandtow.com.

Zacklift’s FIFTHWHEELER is wired, plumbed and fully ready for the road. The FIFTHWHEELER offers the industry’s only optional drive-on, drive-off Stiff Legs for winching. Dual brake lines, third air line, stop/tail/turn, and all hydraulic plumbing are all safely and cleanly pre-routed inside the FIFTHWHEELER beam.

Contact Zacklift at (509) 674-4426 and visit www.zacklift.com.

Pierce Sales – New look! Pull your load quickly at 46 per minute and hold a load with our 10,000 lb.

PSHV10000 hydraulic winch. For information on other products contact us at (800) 658-6301 or www.piercesales.com.

WRECKER BODIES - MANUFACTURERS

WINCHES

Ramsey Winch, – is a leading American manufacturer of both planetary and worm gear winches for the towing and recovery industry. Both hydraulic and electric models are available. Ramsey Winches are engineered to add less weight to the truck and offer faster line speeds. 3,000 - 50,000 lbs. capacity. (918) 438-2760 www.ramsey.com.

WINCHES

WHEEL LIFT ATTACHMENTS

WHEEL LIFTS

Century – The leader in the towing and recovery industry, offers both power & performance with its line of heavy-duty equipment. Nowhere is this more true than with the 75-ton 1075S Rotator. Designed to tackle the toughest recoveries, the 1075S is equipped with 60,000-pound two-speed planetary winches, optional turret & belly winches, a variety of hydraulic front & rear outrigger options for superior stability, & a boom that offers 360 degrees of continuous rotation.

Call (800) 292-0330 or visit www.millerind.com.

Century – offers a complete line of towing and recovery units, ranging from light-duty autoloaders with your choice of steel, aluminum or composite modular bodies to 75-ton rotators. The Century 3212 is one of the popular medium-duty models, featuring dual planetary winches, an aluminum modular body, and hydraulic rear spades – not to mention a 16-ton recovery boom and 12,000-pound underlift. Call (800) 292-0330 or visit www.millerind.com.

Chevron – The Chevron Model 512T is just one more example of Chevron’s commitment to quality, performance and versatility. Features include aluminum modular body, optional rear spades, dual 12,000 lb planetary winches with air clutch releases and more. Call 800-886-6400 or visit www.chevroninc.com.

WRECKER BODIES - MANUFACTURERS

Dual-Tech – offers a self-loading wrecker providing a sleek innovative design w/ 2 year structural warranty.

The SL4AH offers a towing capacity of 7,500 lb. with 4,000 lb. lift rating.

Both units are offered with 96” wide aluminum side body, polished aluminum diamond deck centers, 2 side tool boxes, lower work lights & back alarm. Twin Line 8 ton units also available, all units can be ordered with L-Arm Wheel Lifts, tunnel boxes & rear stiff legs. Visit us at www.dual-techinc.com or call (800) 852-0345.

Dual-Tech – 12 & 16 ton wreckers, high quality, low maintenance & built strong. 16 ton units built with a standard 138” CA, boom rating of 32,000 lbs. (retracted), 14,000 lbs. (extended), 12,500 lbs. lifting (retracted) 9,000 lbs. lifting (extended), 12,500 lbs. power tilt (retracted) 9,000 lbs. power tilt (extended), up to 90” extended reach (93” to center of fork), 68” usable retracted reach. Standard equip. incl. aluminum side body with tool boxes, 3 sets of forks, pivoting spring lift attachment, storage bracket for attachments, 3 function wireless remote for under lift, hydraulic rear stiff legs & more. Call (800) 8520345 or www.dual-techinc.com.

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Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. – wrote the book on autoloaders. For almost 3 decades, Dynamic produced the very best autoloader. This 701 unit is a must for towers looking to get the job done quicker and safer.

Standard equipment includes aluminum rock guards, tire spacer blocks and inside controls. Many options available. Choose the Lightning or Classic body. Offers a robust 5000-lbs. wheel-lift. Need a full 90° hook up, here’s your best in class autoloader.

Industry’s only standard 3-year warranty with a purchasable 4- and 5-year warranty. Call (800) 831-9299 or visit www.dynamictow.com.

Jerr-Dan – Whether you’re looking for a vehicle to handle simple breakdowns or something capable of doing heavy and complex recoveries, Jerr-Dan offers a wide range of standard, medium and heavy duty wreckers to meet the demands of your business. Your Jerr-Dan wrecker has been engineered to provide maximum power, quality and reliability. Put the value and durability of Jerr-Dan to work for your business. Call (800) 926-9666 or visit www.jerrdan.com.

Directory portfolios WRECKER BODIES - MANUFACTURERS

Vulcan – When it comes to auto loaders – Think Vulcan 812 Intruder II that features increased visibility for easy hook ups, a new hose tracking system for longer life and a totally redesigned crossbar assembly. Available with steel, aluminum or composite modular body, Vulcan has the solution for all your towing needs.

Call (800) 292-0330 or visit www.millerind.com.

Vulcan – continues to lead the industry by providing innovative, durable and brutally tough integrated heavy-duty units. In keeping that promise, Vulcan with introduces a new PolyBilt body option for its V-50, V-70 and V-100 units. In addition to the obvious benefits of rust and corrosion resistance, the body features brushedaluminum doors with power locks, adjustable shelves and built-in storage racks. Call (800) 292-0330 or visit www.millerind.com.

WRECKER BODIES - DISTRIBUTORS

Akins Body & Carrier Sales – The #1 Atlanta Ford and Dodge Commercial Dealer & Chevron distributor. We will deliver anywhere in the U.S. Large inventory of Ford and Dodge chassis on the ground. Financing available.

Call (866) 389-4173 or visit www.akinsford.com.

Atlantic Emergency Solutions, the mid-Atlantic region’s premier Jerr-Dan towing & recovery dealer, specializes in sales, service, & parts.

Centrally located in our Manassas, VA, corporate office, we provide service with facilities in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Delaware.

With your needs in mind, we offer 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

Visit our website to see an updated list of in-stock trucks or call us for pricing (800) 442-9700 or visit www.AtlanticWreckers.com.

WRECKER BODIES - DISTRIBUTORS

Crouch’s Wrecker Sales – An industry leader in sales and support of towing equipment.

Authorized distributor for Miller Industries; Century, Challenger, Champion, Eagle, Holmes, Vulcan and Miller Trailers. Large inventory of new and used towing and recovery equipment provides the opportunity to select heavy, medium or light duty wrecker, car carrier, autoloader or multicar trailer with one simple contact.

Call (800) 628-5212 or visit us at www.crouchtowtrucks.com.

Elizabeth Truck Center – is working harder to stock more parts for your daily emergency break downs to help you get up and running the same day. We have J-chains, V-bridals, tow lights, winch cables & wheel tie down kits, plus more. We offer a price match guarantee. Also new & used trucks in stock ready for delivery, Miller Industries distributor. Call (201) 394-0178 or visit www.elizabethtruckcenter.com.

Equipment Sales & Service – Chevron 404 Autogrip. For Northeast and regional sales call (800) 243-7516 or (973) 743-7516.

Our courteous and experienced sales and parts department staff will be happy to assist you.

Technical questions welcome. For all your full Service Parts and Sales needs www.esstrucksales.com.

Loganville Ford – We are a large volume Distributor of Danco and Dynamic Wreckers and Rollbacks. We offer some of the lowest prices in the Industry and welcome your trades. We can help arrange financing for you and also offer delivery to all 50 States. Please call for your quote today! We also can assist you with products from Miller Industries and Jerr-Dan. www.loganvilleford.com.

WRECKER BODIES - DISTRIBUTORS

Matheny Motors – is a FullLine Miller Industries Distributor covering Ohio, WV, & Northern VA. Two convenient locations in Mineral Wells, WV & Woodbridge, VA. We offer new & used towing & recovery equipment with full service and parts departments. Visit us at www.mathenymotors.com to view our wide selection of inventory and parts. Matheny Motors has been in the truck equipment business since 1922. Call Mineral Wells, WV at (800) 284-4418 ext.

540 or Woodbridge, VA at (866) 499-9126 ext 2.

New England Truckmaster – Specializes in Custom Built orders – wreckers, carriers, light and heavy duty. Sales, service, financing, and installation. We are a full line Miller Distributor. Call (800) 481-0501 or visit www.netruckmaster.com

Worldwide Equipment Sales – Jerr-Dan Towing Equipment, Landoll Sliding Axle Trailers, Minute Man Self-Loading wheellifts, and Wells Cargo Enclosed Trailers, Driver Locate GPS Tracking, Super Springs, 911 EP, Code 3, Federal Signal, Whelen, Ramsey Winch, Goodall & Zacklift.

Call (815) 725-4400, or visit us at www.NewTowTrucks.com & www.DriverLocate.com.

Zip’s Truck Equipment – is making you the towing leader with superior service and the best and largest selection of towing equipment, parts and accessories. Zip's specializes in building tow trucks, wreckers, and rollback car carriers to your unique specifications. Get your next tow truck Custom Built at Zip's!

Locations in Iowa and Michigan.

Call (800) 222-6047 or visit www.Zips.com.

TOWMAN.COM • June 2013 • 77

Controlled

Tractor-Trailer Separation

by Terry R. Humelsine

Do It Once, Do It Right

Y

ou’ve decided to separate a loaded tractor-trailer combination. Before separating, have you asked anyone or have you been told precisely where to park and separate those units? Many freight terminals or warehouse parking facilities have specific areas with concrete pads specifically designed to park loaded trailers. If there is no specific area for parking loaded trailers, you may be told to find the best area you can to park the loaded trailer and separate the tractor.

Survey the scene. Find the most suitable location to separate the tractor from the trailer and then the parking of that loaded trailer by first being observant of your surroundings and gathering vital information.

Calculate whether the ground surface will withstand the load force you are about to place upon it, as well as the condition of the trailers’ legs. Remember it’s your decision and your responsibility. If there is any doubt in your mind about the stability of the surface or the stability of the trailers’ legs, you

Example C: This is perhaps one of the most common settings for many tractor-trailers today.

need to make absolutely sure that neither of these concerns becomes a problem.

After deciding the best location to park and separate the loaded trailer, one of your first moves should be to stabilize the trailer by locking the trailer’s brakes. Then by placing wheel chocks

Example D: Likely the second most common setting, this combination will distribute a portion of additional weight to the steering axle and allow a higher payload.

78 • June 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

both in front and behind the trailer’s wheels on at least one axle. You do not want the trailer to move during your separating procedure.

Your next move will most likely be to place a piece of timber under each trailer leg if the surface is gravel or asphalt. We strongly recommend placing a minimum of two 4’ 4x6 hardwood cribbing timber. (Cribbing should be arranged side-by-side and under each trailer leg and parallel to the trailer [Example A] on most every surface where you park a loaded trailer. Never place your cribbing timbers perpendicular to the trailer [Example B], because of the possibility of having the trailer move during separation or re-hooking by a replacement tractor.) Should the trailer move, either backwards or forwards, there is a distinct possibility of either one or both trailer legs collapsing or penetrating the surface it is resting on causing severe damage to the trailer. You may need to re-adjust the positioning of the cribbing timber so that the trailer legs are directly over and in the center of the cribbing timber. You may then lower the

Examples E & F: The most desired 5th-wheel setting an operator can have for easy tractor-trailer separation.

Example F: This is the most common setting for many singleaxle tractors.

trailer legs until they come in contact with the surface of the ground or cribbing timber.

It is important now to continue your Survey, by checking the positioning of the tractor’s 5th wheel setting in relationship to the center of the tractor’s rear drive axles (Examples C-F). This will enable you to more accurately calculate the additional height you may require for a controlled tractor-trailer separation.

The further forward the 5th wheel setting is, the more lift or height you can attain when separating a tractor-trailer.

With the tractor at towing height or elevation, a height typically from the roadway surface to the bottom of the tire or to the bottom of the wheel rim and being in line with the center of the drive axles on either the tow truck or the disabled tractor itself, (Examples G, H) it is critically important you do not lift the tractor’s steering axle any higher than you have for the towing of the tractortrailer before completing a more indepth survey.

Before lifting the tractor’s steering axle any higher than you would for towing, it is critically important for you to once again Survey the clearances between the tractor’s frame rails and the trailer’s bottom-front leading edge (or trailer’s nose), as well as the clearances between the fairing on the side and top of the tractor, the tractor’s exhaust system and the very front of the trailer— especially if the trailer has a refrigeration unit mounted on the front of the trailer.

Explain to the driver of the disabled tractor-trailer or to the company’s repair shop personnel your process for parking and separating a loaded trailer.

Remember, someone is going to be rehooking to that loaded trailer for deliv-

ery or unloading. If there is sufficient clearance for the additional elevation of the steering axle, then, and only then, may you further elevate the tractor’s steering axle to lift the trailer’s legs from the cribbing timber or the ground.

It is at this point that WreckMaster wants to stress the fact that at no time should you ever place any cribbing timber between the tractor’s frame rails and the upper 5th wheel trailer plate or nose of the trailer to assist in lifting the trailer.

Inserting cribbing timbers between the tractor’s frame and the nose of the trailer will drastically increase your chances of causing severe frame damage, trailer damage or both. It can and will happen.

After further lifting the tractor’s steering axle (no more than 36” to 42” total from the ground) and seeing the trailer’s legs lift from your cribbing timbers, you may then manually lower the trailer legs until they are firmly resting on the cribbing timber. With the manual crank handle in low gear, lower the legs downward with the effort or force of using one hand. There is no need to test your strength on this job. When you feel you have sufficient weight on the trailer legs, stop lowering but leave the crank handle in low gear only. It’s now time to pull the 5th wheel release handle to unlock the 5th wheel. (It is usually much easier to pull the pin now before lowering the tractor.)

Upon returning to the control station on your tow truck, you may now slowly lower the tractor until you can clearly see you have attained a 1/2” to 3/4” clearance between the 5th wheel and the trailer plate. It is now apparent the trailer legs are supporting all of the trailer’s weight.

A word of caution on checking the NOs. There should not be more than 1” clearance between the top of the 5th

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TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 79

wheel and the bottom of the trailer’s king-pin plate. With a clearance of 1” or greater, the separation of the tractor from the trailer may become more difficult and time consuming. This problem is commonly called a “high hook.” It is possible for the rear drive axle or axles on the tractor to become suspended in midair on the trailer’s king-pin. Pre-1985, some towing operators would, without pulling the 5th wheel release handle, purposely suspend the rear drive axle or axles of a tractor in mid-air from the king-pin in order to either change rear tires on the tractor or to install snow chains. You do not want this to occur when separating a tractor from a trailer.

Remember, another tractor will eventually re-hook to that trailer. If the trailer is standing too high, it could make rehooking to the trailer very difficult and dangerous.

Execute, and do it once, do it right.

Having approximately 1/2” to 3/4” clearance between the top of the 5th wheel and the king-pin plate, you may now slowly lower the tractor until the desired clearance is achieved (Example I).

As you lower the tract or you will probably hear the 5th wheel lock release.

If the 5th wheel lock does not release at this point, it is probably because of too much forward pressure on the 5th wheel pin lock. In most cases, all that is needed is to extend the under-reach slightly to release the forward pressure. If this does not remedy the problem, retract the under-reach slightly to release rearward pressure.

With the 5th wheel lock released and after lowering the tractor to towing height (lower if necessary), you may then retract your under-reach approximately 10” to 12”, releasing the tractors’ 5th wheel connection from the king-pin (Example J). Once more, it is important at this time for you to recheck the clearance between the 5th wheel and the king-pin plate.

Do not pull the tractor out from under the trailer. Let the tractor set under the trailer while the separation continues. The tow truck operator can now disconnect the tow truck from trailer’s air lines and light cord or the air lines and electrical cord from the tractor to the trailer. You may have

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80 • June 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

removed either the tractor’s driveshaft or axles. They need to be removed from your truck and left with the disabled tractor or given to the repair shop. One of the last things you will need to do is to gather the needed information to complete a proper invoice, such as the tractor and trailer numbers and any additional billing information.

The last thing you need to do is once again check the clearance between the tractor’s 5th wheel and the trailer’s king-pin plate. If the amount of clearance remains the same 1/2” to 3/4” as when you first lowered the tractor, you can feel reasonably confident the trailer legs and the surface the trailer is resting on will support the load.

Although these procedures are primarily for tractors with spring suspensions, this procedure works equally well for tractors with air-ride suspensions with no air-release valve or “dump valve.”

About the author Terry R. Humelsine is the Senior trainer and Executive Vice President of WreckMaster Inc.

Number 108 on Reader Card

NMC Launches ‘Roadside2Go’ App National Motor Club recently launched Roadside2Go, an iPhone and Android application, for its members.

The free app makes it easier for NMC members to request and receive roadside assistance.

For NMC’s network of more than 40,000 roadside providers, its Optimized Dispatch Intelligence System streamlines the dispatch process with Weighted ISP Search Engine technology that ensures the provider dispatched is the best fit for the member’s vehicle type and specific issue. The dispatch system contains an upgraded GPS location module to reduce the time it takes for service providers to locate members and get them back on the road.

Source: www.nmc.com.

Towing Companies Settle Contract Number 135 on Reader Card

Check out AT’s digital edition at itowman.com

Number 128 on Reader Card

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A six-month fight between three Columbus, Ohio, towing companies and the city is over; the settlement will benefit taxpayers.

Columbus contracts with one towing company about every five years to handle the roughly 24,000 vehicles that are towed annually to the impound lot.

Columbus Towing and Storage agreed to drop its lawsuit saying the city incorrectly awarded the towing contract to Pro-Tow Inc. The two companies agreed to share the city’s towing contract for $2.3 million a year (about $250,000 lower than what they’d each originally bid).

The battle began when Columbus revoked the previous towing contract after it was discovered there was a tie between that company’s owner and another company that bid on the contract. A second bidding process was stopped after companies had to resubmit bids because of issues with language in the city’s bid packet.

Pro-Tow and Columbus Towing agreed to merge services because another bidding process would have meant lowering their prices to try and outbid each other. Source: www.dispatch.com.

Number 126 on Reader Card

ADVERTISER

AD INDEX

Page # Access Tools Agero Akins Body & Carrier Sales Atlantic Emergency Solutions ATMtrailer.com Autow Custom Die Cast Key Tags AW Direct B/A Products Beacon Software Blades Tow Right Chevron Condor Products Crouch’s Wrecker & Equip. Sales Custer Products DewEze Mfg. Dual-Tech Dynamic Towing Eq. & Mfg. Elizabeth Truck Center Equipment Sales & Service Ford Commercial Trucks Freightliner GEICO iFleet GPS Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) Integrated Veh. & Equip. Leasing Intek Truck Eq. Finance & Lease I Tow In, Inc. Jerr-Dan Corp.

KOLO DBS Landoll Lift & Tow Lodar Loganville Ford Lynch Chicago Matheny Motors Trucks Matjack/International Wreckers Miller Industries Mofuse Local, tip-in

61 19 83 55 40 37 36 81 16 39 13 65 69 82 92 69 21 27 71 2, 3 7 103 65 42 82 21 37 104 21 47 40 37 35 56 23 34 52, 53 5

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RS# 102 114 126 153 213 189 209 108 136 216 154 167 177 128 147 144 165 123 152 176 218 129 166 110 135 145 175 124 211 174 139 163 207 149 194 186 143 196

ACTION PAGE Page #

National Automobile Club 37 NationWide Towing & Rec. Group 92 New England Truckmaster 65 North American BanCard 4 OMG 93 Phoenix USA 39 Pierce Sales 28 Progressive Platforms 63 PDSI 42 Quest Roadside Services 16 Ramsey Winch 20 Recovery Billing Unlimited 92 Road America 33 Rush Towing Systems 41 Savatech 80 Sonetics Corporation 79 Sovereign Bank/Santander 17 Specialty Vehicle Funding 85 Steck Mfg. 29 Tiger Tools 39 Towing & Rec. Assn. of Ohio (TRAO) 48 Tow Expo Int’l 88, 89, 90 TowIndustryWeek 72 TowLot.com 14, 15 Towman 500 99 TowMate 71 Tow Ramps/Brute Technologies 25 Tracker Management Systems 29 USAC/MD 27 Warn Industries 43 Weinberg, Wheeler Law Firm 46 Western States Tow Show 28 Whelen Engineering Co. 24 Worldwide Equipment Sales 43 Zacklift International 28 Zendex Tool Corp.

42 Zip’s Truck Equipment 29

Fax To: 888-847-6035 RS# 178 142 171 109 215 170 117 210 134 199 148 155 156 198 118 172 103 195 132 141 100 206 206 159 206 191 131 184 190 120 167 122 113 151 121 181 140

June 2013 For more product info, go to www.towman.com and click on the FREE Product info icon.

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AMMUNITION for Police Towers

by Steve Calitri

Municipal Tow Conference (Mc)Governed by Experience

V

eteran tow industry lawyer Mike McGovern is headlining the Municipal Tow Conference along with other well-known names like John Borowski, Randall Resch, Mark Hull and Brandon Richard. The conference takes place in San Antonio, Texas, Aug. 9-10 during Tow Expo Int’l.

McGovern, who grew up in a towing family, spends his career serving tow business owners. He was the executive director and lawyer for the Towing and Recovery Association of America for two decades. For more than three decades, he has served both individual tow companies and state associations representing a wide array of cases.

One of the two seminars he is conducting in San Antonio concerns the Dan’s City Auto Body Case that was ruled on last month by the U.S. Supreme Court. The case had to do with a not uncommon occurrence: a car towed from a private lot eventually gets auctioned off with the car’s owner crying foul. The owner was indisposed in a hospital during much of the process, giving the case broad media appeal. McGovern will pick apart the case and the Supreme Court’s decision, and how it applies to all private-property tows and auctions of unclaimed vehicles.

McGovern will also conduct a seminar on “The Story After The News: Famous Tow Calls.” Who plucked Ted Kennedy’s Oldsmobile out of Chappaquiddick Bay? Why was the driver who impounded O.J. Simpson’s white Bronco put on the hot 86 • June 2013- TOWMAN.COM

seat at O.J.’s murder trial? What was so bizarre about the towing of Bonnie & Clyde’s death car from the scene of the infamous ambush?

In McGovern’s seminar, you will get the answers to these questions and hear about many other high-profile towing jobs. He will share the behindthe-scene stories about the towing and impounding of the Jane Mansfield crash vehicle, the Casey Anthony Sun-

Mike McGovern

bird, Tiger Woods’ Escalade, James Dean’s Porsche, serial-killer Ted Bundy’s VW, the Boston Marathon bomber’s shoot-out Mercedes SUV and many others. Throughout the fascination of these cases you will learn what you should know about the law and impounded vehicles.

McGovern will explain the important legal implications in the impounding of vehicles that might

become courtroom evidence and share documents and photographs relating to these famous—and infamous—towing jobs.

McGovern alone is reason enough to be in San Antonio Aug. 8-11, but the other headliners for the Municipal Tow Conference are as impressive.

Industry veteran John Borowski* again brings his seminars on Accident Remediation, which includes critical topics like how to get into accident cleanup as a profit center and how to collect from the insurance companies.

Brandon Richard, president of TowLot.com, will conduct a seminar on Auctioning Unclaimed Vehicles that ties in nicely with McGovern’s seminar on the Supreme Court Case. Besides discussing the various options a tower has to dispose of unclaimed vehicles, Richard will discuss the issue of lien compliance.

In another seminar, Tom Drake of Auto Data Direct will discuss today’s most efficient ways of complying with lien laws.

Texas lawyer Mark Hull’s seminar will focus on towing ordinances, rotation plans and exclusive city contracts in Texas. Hull is experienced in rotation disputes and has negotiated exclusive towing contracts.

Randy Resch will conduct two seminars: one on Towing and Forensic Evidence, the other on the Police-Tower Relationship. Resch, a former tow business manager, police officer and longtime AT Operations Editor, knows a little bit about the subjects.

One may attend any and all seminars like this and other conferences at Tow Expo by acquiring a $95 Passport. But one important module of the Municipal Tow Conference is free to all towers who wish to attend: the Meeting of Police Towers of America. Borowski will address the PTA on such issues as city tow contracts, rotation systems, presentations for rate increases, and keeping rotation out of the control of outside middle men.

Making Accident Cleanup a profit center is the subject of John Borowski's seminar.

Being lien compliant with the disposal of unclaimed vehicles is a must. TowLot.com's Brandon Richard discusses your options.

Towing and Forensic Evidence is the subject Randy Resch addresses in San Antonio.

Editor’s Note: For more information on the Conferences in San Antonio, go to HYPERLINK "http://www.towexpointernational.com" www.towexpointernational.com

TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 87

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Unclaimed Vehicle Disposal Options

by Brandon Richard

T

hese days you can hire someone or some organization that will be happy to free you from the trouble of having to do almost any chore, task or duty. Obviously these service providers have a financial charge for “helping you out.” When considering hiring a maid to clean your house, or a lawn service to maintain your yard, you have to ask yourself: “Is the cost and convenience of this service worth freeing myself from this duty?”

The same applies when disposing of the “junk” cars that get left behind in your lot. There are numerous options out there for tow company owners to dispose of these vehicles. An overwhelming number of towers across the country will deal with a local salvage yard that is more than happy to offer a flat rate per car and remove every one. The benefit with this option is the obvious convenience factor that goes along with taking a handful of cash, opening the gate and waving bye-bye to all your unclaimed cars.

The downside to this option is that the flat rate offered is usually what the value is of the most undesirable car in the group. Towers are so used to doing it this way, they completely overlook or ignore several of the cars in that group that are worth several hundred to sev-

eral thousand dollars more than that offered by the business-savvy salvage buyer.

Working with salvage yards does not negate a tower’s obligations for being lien-compliant and meeting all legal requirements. Tow company owners that are not keeping a detailed report of each vehicle, the disposal transaction and the transfer of title ownership have gotten into serious trouble with the law.

I think every tower knows or has heard of someone in that situation.

Another option is to hire a local auctioneer and have the sale right on your property. For many towers, auction day is the most exciting day of the month.

Large crowds show up to your sale. All types of unique individuals will keep things interesting, while the auctioneer entertains the crowd with humorous sales tactics and fast talk.

Sometimes live on-site auctions are hard to beat; this used to be my personal favorite, until I was on the business side of the sale and had to show up, rain or shine, snow or heat. Oftentimes, I had to kick buyers out for fighting or stealing items out of cars—some that weren’t even up for auction yet. Auction day lost its appeal real fast once I was in charge of controlling a crowd of over 150 “buyers,” of which most were people tagging

along or just showing up for the entertainment themselves. Auction after auction we had well over 100 people show up, but always sold cars to the same 15 or 20 guys.

Another more convenient option is to export your vehicles to a third-party auction company with a site for their auctions close to you. These organizations are usually well established and have a buyer base that stretches worldwide. In most cases these companies offer some type of Internet bidding—if not exclusive Internet bidding—making the exposure for your vehicles huge.

The vehicles leave your lot and the third party deals with the labor involved throughout the entire transaction. These larger organizations usually need a physical title to enter the vehicle into their sale, but their successful track record bears looking into; organizations like Insurance Auto Auctions and Copart.

It’s not uncommon for towers to only have “paperwork” proving that they have completed their legal obligation to sell the vehicle. Many states require the vehicle to go through public auction before any individual or company can apply for a title.

Something else to consider are the fees attached when outsourcing your TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 91

vehicles. Although the auction company usually makes this very affordable for you (sometimes even offering removal and transportation of the cars for free), the various fees associated with the buyers should be examined. A buyer may have a member fee, and once the buyer

starts purchasing every car they buy they may get hit with a buyers fee, a gate fee, loading fee, Internet fee, storage fee and so forth.

It’s not uncommon for a buyer to get hit with over $300 in fees when purchasing a car for less than $1,000. Regular

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buyers at these types of auctions are well aware of the fees that go along with purchasing, and they evaluate the cars’ worth, taking all of these extra fees into consideration. So now your $1,000 car is only worth about $600 or $700 or your $500 car is only worth $275 to $300. A 30percent to 40-precent decrease in value impacts taking this convenient route.

The Internet has brought us another option where you can do your own auctions, utilize the power and convenience of being online, and manage your own “buyer’s fees.” With TowLot.com Online Auto Auctions, for example, you can set a buyer’s fee that is paid to you, or not.

There is some labor involved with this option: gathering pictures and descriptions on the cars you intend to sell, uploading them to your online auction, adding car data, and being there to collect your money once the auction is over.

But your vehicles stay on your lot, and you don’t need to be present during the online auction as it runs by itself at a prescribed time.

There is a little bit of prep that goes into a successful online auction as with an onsite auction. Clearing vehicles from a cramped position in the lot to get good pictures, and giving nicer cars a quick cleaning will benefit your profit greatly.

After using TowLot.com for the first time, Les Sybert from Cen-Tex Towing in Georgetown, Texas, said, “We took a couple of days to pull the cars out one at a time and clean them up a little and get some pictures ... but if thatʼs all we have to do to triple our money, Iʼll do it every time.”

TowLot.com provides the seller with a detailed report on every vehicle ever sold, making it easy for record keeping and to keep you lien-law compliant.

Upon completion of your auction, you will also be able to print auction summary reports and individual bills of sale.

Each of these options has their benefits. The most important thing to realize is that your impound lot is an asset to be treated accordingly.

Brandon Richard is president of TowLot.com. He managed a usedcar business prior to running TowLot.com for the past five years for his father and TowLot.com founder, Joe Richard.

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Real Old School

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti Towing and automotive history in living color.

T

he history of towing and recovery and its equipment has closely shadowed that of the automobile in the U.S. The stories of both Henry Ford and Ernest Holmes are well documented. Out of necessity, both men developed vehicles and equipment to suit the evolving needs of transportation.

Henry Ford entered the truck business with production of the Model T Truck chassis in 1917. It was based on Model T mechanicals, but rated at 1ton capacity with a stronger frame, worm-gear differential and solid rubber rear tires. Now a customer could buy a stripped Model T chassis for light-duty commercial work or a heavy-duty Model TT version for bigger jobs.

96 • June 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

At that time, Ford only supplied the truck as a chassis, with a firewall,

Tech Highlights Chassis: 1917 Ford Model TT. Wrecker Body: Holmes 285 wrecker.

Engine: 177-cid inline-four.

Trans: Two-speed planetary.

Winches: Hand operated 2-speed hoist winch.

Builder: Ed Cornish & Paul Grohsmeyer.

Extras: Kerosene Lanterns.

Equipment: Twin Boom, Jack stands and Tow bars.

Paint By: Paul’s Auto Body & Repair.

front fenders and a hood. Truck bodies were installed by dealers—there were many body suppliers for the Ford aftermarket. The truck chassis originally sold for $600.

The Ford Model T had a 177-cid front-mounted inline-four engine, producing 20 horsepower for a top speed of about 45 mph. The simple, reliable engine had multi-fuel ability and was capable of running on gasoline, kerosene or ethanol. It was built inunit with the Model T’s novel transmission (a planetary design), sharing the same lubricating oil. Another significant change to Model Ts that occurred in 1917 was that painted steel radiators replaced the brass ones.

The towing industry was born in 1916 in Chattanooga, Tenn., after

The 177-cid inline-four.

native son Ernest Holmes helped a friend retrieve a 1913 Cadillac with three poles, a pulley and a chain hooked to the frame.

After patenting his invention, Holmes began manufacturing wreckers and towing equipment and shopping it around to garages before he realized the future of his new invention and turned full time to manufacturing wreckers. In those early days, the hand-powered towing equipment was mounted on heavy touring-car frames.

The Holmes Model 285 Wrecker was the first wrecker by the Ernest Holmes Co., produced from 1917-1932. It sold for $680.

Paul and Vicki Grohsmeyer of Dunlap, Ill., own the beauty featured here. A combination of the best Ford and Holmes had to offer in those formative years, it is a 1917 Ford Model TT with a Holmes Model 285 Wrecker on the business end.

“My father-in-law, Ed Cornish, was going to sell it when he retired, so my wife and I bought it to keep it in the family,” Paul said. “We have been doing a ‘rolling restoration’ on it as time permits. It’s a pretty unique vehicle. He had a “Towman” license plate on the truck before we purchased it.

The truck originally had grain box and was restored by my father-in-law in the early ’80s, as he was the Holmes dealer in the territory.”

Cornish had a Holmes wrecker sales and service business called Peoria Wrecker Sales in Peoria up to his retire-

ment in 2000. He had two of only three Holmes 285 models known to exist.

“One is mounted on a 1923 Cadillac on display in the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, this one, and the one we sold to Tuxhorn Towing in Springfield, Illinois,” Paul said.

(Tuxhorn Towing wanted to buy the 1917 from Ed. Not wanting to sell the truck, Ed and Paul decided to build another one using the other 285 they still had sitting in the yard. “I spent 18 years as the owner/operator of Paul’s Auto Body & Repair Shop, mostly doing truck repairs and overhauls; now I do truck restorations, and some heavy equipment hauling,” Paul said. “We located a 1924 Model T, worked it and sold it to Tuxhorn Towing, a couple of years ago. Their motto is ‘Think Pink,’ so we painted it to match their fleet colors: black, blue, and pink!”)

Sometime during its 90-year life, the engine in this truck was replaced with a 1925 engine. It has a gravity-fed carburetor, two-speed planetary gear transmission and a 6V electrical system. With a weight of a whopping 1,350 lbs. including the wrecker, Paul said it now has a mind-blowing maximum speed of 22 mph.

This truck has an original Martin Parry 431 Serve-All cab and a No. 324 High Side Express Body that was modified by shortening the length and lowering the side rails to accommodate the wrecker assembly.

“Truck cabs were all someOne of the Holmes 285 hand-cranked what custom in that era, frewinches.

The cab is an original Martin Parry 431 Serve-all.

TOWMAN.COM - June 2013 • 97

quently modified by the dealers when mounting them on the factory chassis for customers, Paul said. “As you go about restoring the vehicle, I’d suggest keeping as much of the original wood as possible. Anyone can do a reproduction, but the original wood has more class and will usually have similar grain. My wrecker is all original wood, the box was modified from a MP High Side Express grain box for the wrecker to fit, and then refinished.

“The doors on my TT wrecker are all wood and hinged. We chose to strip all of the paint and just finish the wood to bring out the character. I think it looks a lot better and contrasts the black chassis rather well.

“Martin-Parry had a cab called a Serve-All 431. It has the 50-50 split of door and side window. M-P also had sliding doors for some of their cabs. MP was rather popular for the TT chassis as they had factories in Pennsylvania and in Indy with several of what they called “assembly plants” scattered across the country.”

The wrecker assembly is fully operational and has twin booms, which are independently adjustable, each with a hand-operated hoist winch. In operation, the wrecker stabilizer feet were lowered to the ground to support the weight of the vehicle during a recovery. The opposing boom and winch is used to stabilize the wrecker during the recovery process.

With twin boom, jack stands and tow bars included, this wrecker is pretty basic compared to today’s equipment. It is all mechanical, and manually cranked. There are two booms that individually pivot about their mounts. The booms can be pinned together at the upper pulleys for transit. At the base of each boom pole, there is an extendable foot that is lowered to the ground for support to stabilize the vehicle when in recovery mode. There are four pin locations that can be used to get extension if needed.

After supporting the boom foot on the ground, and unhooking the booms from each other, one boom is typically hooked to a fixed location like a tree for support, and the opposing boom is used to recover the vehicle. The booms can be raised or lowered by using the 98 • June 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

smaller geared winch. The larger geared winch is used to pull, as it is mechanically compounded with the gear behind it. There are also two crank drives on this gear train for fast (at the center of the large gear) or slow (at the lower end of the gear for power mode). The gears then rotate the cable drum, they route down through the pulleys at the bottom of the pole, and then up through the boom pole to the pulleys at the top of the rig.

wood construction of the truck. Salt is not good for it. We are also members of the Model T Ford Club of America, Antique Truck Historical Society and the Antique Truck Club of America.”

I put (the TT wrecker) in a bubble for the winter. I have two CarCapsules: One to store my wife’s Mustang … and the other I had modified for the 1917 Model TT wrecker. … I highly recommend these for storage, as they continually exchange the air inside keeping

The business end of the 1917 Ford TT is a Holmes Model 285 twin-boom wrecker.

After recovering the vehicle and getting it back on the road, a tow bar is used off the rear hitch, and the booms, if necessary can support the front of the vehicle.

“Although the 1917 is still used regularly, we haven’t had a call on a ‘T’ or an ‘A’ in some time,” Paul said. “We proudly take part in the Tow Trucks for Tots parade that is held annually in the Chicago area. In case you haven’t heard of this event it is the largest gathering of tow trucks in the world (www.towtrucksfortots.com). I believe the record is now 320. We make it when the weather is good due to the

the machine free of condensation. The vehicle comes out as clean as it was when you stored it.”

Paul recently completely refinished the bed and Peoria Wrecker Sales was removed during the process. Everything on this beauty is functional, right down to the kerosene lanterns. It is a rolling piece of towing and automotive history. His passion for restoration has led him to another project, restoring a 1922 Mack AC. He’s looking for a vintage Holmes tilt-bed for it.

I look forward to covering that old Mack in the pages of AT soon.

Number 206 on Reader Card

Towing’s Fate Hinges on Police Sector

by Steve Calitri

A

s I write this article, the American Towman ShowPlace–Las Vegas has just taken place and the new Police Towers of America(PTA) had its first meeting to a packed house. Aside from that gathering, there were several seminars AT produced in Vegas that related to police towing and police towers flew in from all over the country to be there.

AT is also producing the Municipal Tow Conference in San Antonio, August 9th and 10th ; PTA will be holding it’s second meeting there, and police-towing issues will be prominent in AT’s Academy in Baltimore in November. As one who talks to tow business owners on a regular basis and gleans the towing related news around the nation, it became quite clear to me some years back that the health and future of the towing industry would hinge on control of the municipal sector.

As I have followed, and AT has covered, the news of U.S. towns and cities and how they are regulating both non-consensual and private lot tows, it seems that towers have allowed these authorities to tread heavily over their business territory. I feel angered whenever a municipality puts too low a ceiling on tow rates or institutes some fee that the tower has to collect and pay to the town, resulting in higher tow rates but not more(sometimes less) for the tower. I’ve seen towns and cities require kickbacks in a fashion not too different from the mafia muscling in.

Lately I’ve seen outside companies win city contracts for a length of five years giving them the authority to manage towing rotation and dispatch where the tower gets the short end of the stick.

I don’t know about you but I’m sick of seeing you guys take it in the gut.

I’ve noticed over the years how the issues of the municipalities are beyond the focus and capabilities of state towing associations. Every municipality has issues that the local towers face. Their state associa100 • June 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

tions have enough on their plate dealing with statewide issues on behalf of their members.

John Borowski is attempting to unite police towers around Police Towers of America. I don’t know if John will get the support he needs. Towers in any given town don’t talk much to one another. There’s no trust there, no love lost. Let’s face it, everyone is out for himself. It’s the way of the free enterprise system. Competition.

Yet, if anyone can make it happen, it’s John Borowski. A two-time American Towman Medal recipient for heroism, John has a breadth of experience in the towing industry that is rare; towbusiness owner, state association head, wrecker sales and marketing, and more. He has identified the need for organizing police towers at a critical moment when no other organization seems to be paying much attention.

I hope the tow bosses who are surviving on police tows realize that what they have they must fight to keep or others will swoop in and grab the profit out of the business.

All of American Towman’s education programs have the purpose of helping tow business owners to be successful. Our events serve the purpose of bringing towing professionals together. We will do our part toward the goal of helping towers to address their town boards in a professional, informative, and effective manner.

No one person can ever make things happen alone. No great man in history acted by him or herself. Paul Revere was just one of many men sparking a revolution. I speak not to the spectator when I tell you, it’s time to rally behind those who dare to take the lead. The industry from which you derive your livelihood is calling for you to act. Be part of it. Make it happen.

The American Towman Exposition brochure, marking 25 years of service to the towing industry, will appear in the upcoming July issue of American Towman. Since 1989 the Exposition has spawned the nation’s premier trade show and educational program, kindled industry pride and created a sense of place like no other for towing professionals through icons like the Towman Monument, Lifelines–the Mural, the Towman Chopper, and numerous keepsakes from collectible coins to beer steins.

See what’s in store as towing’s “Main Event” celebrates a quarter-century.

TowIndustryWeek.com co-hosted the trade event bearing its name last month in Las Vegas.

The powerful conference program it produced reflects the online publications weekly content: informative, creative, and provocative.

TIW salutes its weekly editorial contributors: Randy Resch, Don Archer, Jim Sorrenti, and George Nitti, and of course, Don Lomax, the writer and illustrator of Boomer Hayes.

AmericanTowmanTV.com, or, TowmanTV.com, gets you to producer and anchor Emily Oz. She’s currently soliciting pics and video of unusual recoveries and meanwhile reporting on news that affects the entire industry, like the recent story on how the media’s surveillance of private lot tow practices focuses unfairly on towers just doing their jobs.

American Towman Media recently acquired RepoTimes.com, a news site for the repossession industry. As AT’s news organization takes over the reigns, we look forward to bridging communication between the two trades of repo and towing.

Copyright 2013 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.

Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 7 West St, Warwick NY 10990

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