back to top
Home Blog Page 22

Wrecker Rentals Inc.

wrecker rentals inc., wrecker rentalsWrecker Rentals, Inc. provides full-service tow truck rental for the lower 48 states. They provide short-term (three-day minimum) and long-term tow truck rental of late model light-duty wreckers and roll-back tow trucks. They distribute trucks from Atlanta, Georgia, & Dallas, Texas, and, in most cases, can have a truck to you within 24 hours of approval.


For more information, visit www.rentawrecker.com.

Steck MFG – 3 BigEasy Solutions

BigEasy GLO with Easy Wedge & Carrying Case

Glow-in-the-dark powder coating allows you to see the tool at night or through tinted windows.

  • 55 inches long.
  • Improved non-marring wedge. Now it’s wider, longer, and smoother.
  • Lock Knob Lifter for cars with flat lock knobs at the top of the door.
  • Easy Wedge for inflatable controlled opening of door for insertion of the BigEasy
  • Paint Protector reduces friction between the car door and the BigEasy
  • Carrying Case with convenient pockets for holding all of your lockout tools.

BigEasy Night Light

Suction cup LED light illuminates dark car interiors. A great addition to your BigEasy kit, the BigEasy Night Light allows hands-free illumination of the vehicle interior at night to allow tow driver, lock-out technician, officer and/or first responder to locate the door lock or keys while using the BigEasy Lock Out tool or other similar devices. Suction-cup design adheres the Night Light to the windshield or window of the vehicle. Powerful LEDs illuminate the interior, so you know exactly where to position the BigEasy tool.

BigEasy Loop

A simple and inexpensive device to assist the technician in using the BigEasy to open locked cars by grasping door handles and window cranks. The BigEasy Loop snaps on to any of our BigEasy Lockout Tools to provide easy leverage to pull door handles and window cranks during the door unlocking process. Handy accessory tool easily snaps on the end of the BigEasy Tool avoiding need to purchase additional and more costly specialty tools. BigEasy Loop is made from high-density polyethylene which provides a strong but flexible tool to adapt to any angle required to complete the unlocking process. It is mold injected with reflective substances which will ‘Glo’ after absorbing sunlight for use with tinted windows and headlights for night time lockouts. BigEasy Loop is easily stored in pant’s pocket or BigEasy Carrying Case.


For more information, visit www.steckmfg.com

Jerr-Dan Sliding Winch System

Jerr-dan

Jerr-danThis innovative design permits an operator to tow without incurring damage to the vehicle. The sliding winch system from Jerr-Dan provides the operator with better control of a damaged vehicle as it is winched onto a carrier bed without the need of additional side pullers or snatch blocks. Without the need for additional equipment, the operator can be more efficient, ideally spending less time on the scene, with less equipment to carry and potentially less fatigue on the job.

Originally created to meet the needs of exotic cars with side pull points, the sliding winch system provides flexibility for operators to tow cars of any design. The Sliding Winch System is currently offered on all new Jerr-Dan Standard-Duty and Medium-Duty Car Carrier models and can be added to your existing Standard- or Medium-Duty Carrier.


For more information, visit www.jerrdan.com

COVID-19 INDUSTRY UPDATE: Tow Volume Slowly Rising

Omadi

The past few months have forced our industry into uncharted territory as many companies were forced to deal with lower tow volumes.

To understand the effects of COVID-19 on the industry we have gathered insights from our towing software. Across the country, tow volume reached a 49% decline compared to the first week of March. Over the last few weeks we have seen increased tow volumes and by the end of June, volume was only 25% below the March baseline. Since the beginning of COVID-19 we have recouped half of the volume lost. The industry continues to rebound as fuel consumption and traffic volume return to normal as cities begin loosening restrictions.

We are optimistic that these improvements will continue and the industry will recover. Omadi is committed to being your technology ally during these times by helping companies start, maintain, and grow their tow operations. For updates visit omadi.com/ driven-blog or find us on Facebook.

Best Wishes,
Nathan Mortensen (Omadi CEO)


Omadi

For more information, visit www.omadi.com

Focusing on the Long Haul

There are a variety of ways tow companies can reduce fleet total cost of ownership (TCO). It typically starts with truck selection and what companies should look for to maximize uptime and prolong lifespan. In addition to considering the initial cost of the unit, the warranty for the unit should be evaluated. Manufacturers who back their equipment with a warranty typically have more confidence in their performance.

There are also questions to ask related to the manufacturing process, including:

  • Look at the painting on the product. Are items fully painted before assembly or painted after assembly? Painting prior to assembly provides better coverage and components are less susceptible to corrosion.
  • Look at the electrical system. Does the unit have an engineered harness with sealed connectors, sleeves, and looms to protect the harness? Are there splices in the lines?
  • Look at the hydraulic system. Are steel lines used when possible?  Is the unit designed to minimize rubbing and chafing? Is there paint overspray on the hoses?

Accessories to help extend service

The first accessory everyone should have is a tire gauge. Proper tire inflation is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to avoid replacing expensive tires. Two other accessories, quite seriously, are a hose and wash bucket. The cleanliness of a unit is one of the first things a customer will notice when operators roll up to a work site, which can lead to repeat business.

Removing dirt, road salt, dust, mud, and other residue off vehicles will not only reduce the opportunity for corrosion, but it will also help operators spot fluid weeping before it becomes fluid leaking. While a power washer can speed up the cleaning process, drivers should not be too aggressive and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintenance considerations

There are two kinds of maintenance: preventive, meaning catching an issue before something happens or reactive, meaning something broke at an unexpected time – costing fleet owners additional time and money.

Preventive maintenance should begin by following the manufacturer’s inspection and maintenance schedule in the factory-issued owner’s manual. Drivers should also implement daily and weekly checks for abnormal wear and tear of the equipment. These checks must extend to the rigging and other gear on the unit. Finally, fuel tanks should always be filled before they drop below a quarter tank and are running on fumes.

Maintenance kits are another important aspect of keeping units running across a fleet.  Using a manufacturer’s maintenance kit at the correct intervals helps keep the unit running in top condition. Maintenance kits also reduce the amount of time spent trying to find all the components needed to perform an interval service. Kits can be purchased in advance to eliminate making a trip to the distributor for parts in the middle of a service.

Increasing employee retention

Retaining employees is another key factor in reducing TCO. According to gallup.com, the cost of replacing an individual employee can range from one-half to two times the employee’s annual salary. There are a wide range of opinions on how to help keep employees on the payroll. If rewards and incentives are given, they should be drawn from an existing budget, so it doesn’t impact a company’s bottom line.

While financial rewards are helpful, owners should do their best to focus on the drivers themselves. Employees who feel a level of ownership are typically happier and more involved in the company as a whole. Take the time to work one-on-one with employees to understand their concerns and to help solve any issues with their equipment or other aspects of their work.

Employee training is also a critical part of retention. It starts with how to properly operate the unit to avoid causing premature wear and tear. Keep in mind, while the next generation of drivers may be more tech savvy, it does not automatically mean they don’t have the aptitude for mechanical work. Take time to teach them why and how things work and be willing to share what you have learned during your tenure. If you have younger operators on your team, find mentors to show them how and why things work.

Geographic location and TCO

Geography and climate can take a toll on any vehicle. Mountainous areas will cause more wear on brakes and tires. Wintery climates can breed corrosion if the unit is not cleaned routinely.  Dry and arid conditions kick up dust, which is abrasive on moving parts. Basically, anything that can collect on a unit in adverse conditions can cause corrosion or wear damage. Be mindful of the impact this damage has to the bottom line.

Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards

Fleet owners can also track TCO through Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards (VMRS). This includes repair orders, trip reports, fuel transaction reports, etc. Originally developed for the over-the-road trucking industry, VMRS has continued to expand over the years and is now the standard shorthand coding system for describing and tracking maintenance, from the equipment level to individual components.

VMRS creates a communication system between the driver, maintenance team and operations staff that is concise and easy to interpret if the truck is fully functional and, if not, what exactly needs to be repaired. Many companies prefer to perform some work themselves but will also use OEM dealer service facilities when needed. When the operators and OEM service teams speak the same language, it can be easier to understand the potential underlying issues with the truck.

Electronic Logging Devices

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) can be a start to capturing basic vehicle operating information, but the core requirement of the typical ELD system is to confirm that drivers are meeting the hours of service (HOS) regulations. These are typically limited to date, time, location, engine hours, vehicle miles and operator information. To comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements, companies are only required to maintain six months of records of duty status (RODS), so they would need to transfer this information to the maintenance system for longer record retention.

Lowering fuel costs

Electrification and alternative fuels are both options with potential to help lower TCO. With electrification still in its infancy, compressed natural gas (CNG) appears to be a promising nearer-term fuel alternative as the infrastructure continues to grow beyond municipalities. As a body manufacturer, Jerr-Dan continues to evaluate opportunities to reduce weight, which can improve payload and fuel performance.

Telematics and TCO

In terms of new technologies to reduce TCO, telematics is becoming more and more commonplace. As we learn how to make our fleets smarter, we will be able to do a better job capturing data on equipment utilization and handling. Electrification will also be a business driver but will likely be another three to five years before it makes a meaningful impact within the tow industry.

As trucks continue to become smarter and the use of telematics is more widespread, data created by these systems will help improve the accuracy of issue detection in the truck. This improvement will likely shift the scope of VMRS codes to allow a higher level of predictability, even for the small fleet operator. Understanding and proactively implementing these technology platforms will contribute to greater operational efficiency and reduced cost.

By following these guidelines, tow companies can best protect their drivers and help ensure that their equipment operates in top form, 24 hours a day. And, as a result, can reduce their overall TCO and extend equipment life and return on investment. 


For more information, visit www.jerrdan.com

Here We Go Again

I guess round two is about to start.  Will it be as bad as the first round or could it be worse?  What we do know is we will have people making decisions on our business that will not be us. We already painted all the offices and cleaned all the trucks during the first quarantine.  I think it’s time to concentrate on you the owner.  I am in Dallas, Texas and things are starting to slow down.  I am sure by the end of July we all may be back in quarantine; if so, I have decided to get healthy.

I have decided to beat my type two diabetes.  I read all the Facebook cures and talked to different doctors, and they all have the solution, and they are all different.  My diabetic doctor just keeps raising the dosage of my meds without giving me a cure.   Here is my approach, and I want you to decide what you are going to do while our business is slow and follow the same approach.  I recently talked to a friend of mine, and he was telling me about some Tony Robbins classes he was attending or viewing his videos. He told me how these classes helped him tremendously.  I took these classes several years ago, and now I follow his outline in every business or project I start.

It is simple: for me, I want to cure my diabetes, so I write down 6 things I need to do to make that happen:

1. Do a cleanse.  This consists of a diet of water for three days.  This gives my body a chance to readjust.

2. For the next 90 days, eat nothing but meats and greens.

3. Exercise, even its just walking.

4. Keep a log of everything I eat.

5. Check my blood sugar level 3 times a day.

6. Pray to God I do not drive my wife crazy while I am doing this because I know I’m going to be grouchy and miserable.

Once I have identified the six things, I then take each one and write down 5 things I will do for each step I take.  For example, I need to cleanse, so I will write down 5 things to help me with the 1st step.  Then I will write down 5 things I need to do to make those five things happen.  Once you have it written down, look at it every day and follow your instructions.  That is the key, it is something you can look at every day, and it tells you what to do.

Apply this method to your business.  Let’s say you want to improve your bottom line.

Write down 5 things you can address to do that:

1. First identify your monthly bottom line.

2. Assess whether you need more trucks or less trucks.

3. Determine whether you need to increase your staff or release people.

4. Cut all your expenses by 10%, so identify every expense you have.

5. Increase revenue.  I can help you here just give me a call.

Now write 5 things for each item listed above.  You will be amazed once you have it on paper and look at it.  Don’t do this alone.  Get your employees involved.  You will be surprised how helpful they can be, and it will improve the moral of your company.  You might want to offer education to your employees.  Let’s identify five things we need to address:

1. What employees need education (drivers, dispatchers, others)

2. Identify what their weaknesses are.

3. Make a budget you want to spend to educate them.

4. Decide what classes you should offer to your employees.

5. Identify the benefits received from the education program.

You should have an idea of what we are doing here, so let’s move on.  Since we are in different times, let’s try something different.  I need 20 companies to help build a tow academy and the classes that should be taught at the academy.  Our goal is to develop tow truck drivers for the future.  We will divide into working groups, and each group will work on a specific project. Here is what my vision is: I see a person attending the academy that knows nothing about the tow industry.  Here are a few videos they can watch to get started:

1. Educate them on them types of tows (repo, police, private-property, consumer, other)

2. Educate them on the types of trucks that are available, (light, medium, heavy, other).

3. Educate them on the use of each truck.

4. Educate them on the tools and other equipment necessary for each truck.

5. Show them how to use all the necessary equipment.

6. Hands-on training on the use of all the tools and equipment.

Then we get into specialized tows like:

1. What is required to tow an all-wheel drive vehicle.

2. What is required to tow an electric vehicle.

3. Take each truck available and show them what is required to use that truck.

4. What is required to tow high-end vehicles (Porsche, Mercedes, other).

5. What is required to tow a Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Other).

We will create a video of each, and then give them hands-on training for each vehicle.  These 

videos will be made by towers in the industry who have been doing this for years.  When I get 20 tow companies that are interested, we can add to the list of things that should be taught at the academy.  Once we have 20 videos created that have value to each tow company, we then give them to the state associations and let them sell them to their members.  This gives the state association a new revenue stream.  Hopefully the state associations will get involved with the training and the academy and provide input. 

One thing we never talked about were the students attending the academy.  We will work with the government and get people coming out of jail and train them on a new career.  When I mention that, everyone’s first reaction is we can’t hire felons.  We don’t take everyone, just the ones that qualify.  We can also work with veterans and give them a new career.  Once the program takes off, we will start getting funding necessary to expand our academies and create other programs.  These are my thoughts.  Imagine if we had 20 people working on this.  If you are slow over the next few months, give me a call at 469-774-0340 or e-mail me at dan@towtrax.net.  Be safe, wash your hands, and wear a mask if necessary.

Did You Create a Business or Just a Job?

Mature tow truck driver making reports on clipboard against sky

I have come across an interesting phenomenon several times in the past few years.  I would say it is unique to our industry, but it applies equally to any business that operates twenty-four/seven, or at least long hours during the day and seven days a week. 

I’m talking about the grand plan where you start a business from the ground up, beginning with one truck or a few trucks, build up things to the point where you have light-, medium-, and heavy-duty covered with trucks and trained operators, and a plethora of accounts to keep your folks busy and the money coming in.  Here is where the true breakdown happens.  You marry yourself to a “job,” not a “business,” and you might as well just be one of the other W-2 employees.

For example, about ten years ago, I interviewed for a heavy towing/manager position in Montana. It was a great location with a major interstate nearby, large town, and a fleet of eleven or twelve great looking, custom painted or wrapped trucks.  The problem was the pay.  I was offered ten dollars an hour and no commission.  I did not get mad, but I was bewildered as to why a company owner would offer $400 a week and no room for making more, considering the qualifications I had.  So, I asked about it.  He explained that he was the only one who had been to any formal training classes, the only one who could operate their fifty-ton, and the one who calls the shots at all the wreck scenes.  He created a scenario where he was the only one he trusted or truly knew what he was doing, and he had a group of drone worker bees that couldn’t think for themselves and didn’t have real training and experience.

I refused the job offer, of course, since a good heavy operator is easily worth three times that much.  I kept going back in my mind to understand just how the guy makes it all work.  The answer to that question is that he does not.  He is continually dealing with a new crop of minimum-wage level workers who can tear up equipment, damage vehicles, and could never handle a wreck scene on their own.  The other thing he has done is that he guaranteed that he could never take a weekend off.  Because he did not train, educate, and trust his people, he HAD to be available on every call that is more serious than a parking lot tow.

The guy does not have a company.  He has a job.  If he had a company, he could train his people and delegate supervision, and build enough confidence in his folks to where they could handle a small or large wreck scene on their own while the owner was camping in the mountains.  The most depressing aspect of all this is that the guy lives in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and can’t go camping, fishing, hunting, or anything else – plus, he’ll work himself into the ground and look and feel like he’s eighty when he’s just fifty.

I have brought this one up before. In Casper, Wyoming, a lady inherited her husband’s towing company after his untimely death and let her “operations manager” run the show.  During normal operations, I am sure things went well.  During big wrecks, though, is where the trouble surfaced.  I interviewed over the phone with her “manager.”  I asked him how he trained his people.  He explained that he tells them to roll over a car, for example, and then he tells them what all they screwed up.  That is not being a trainer – that is being a bully.  Now the driver hates you, and they did not learn much.  This manager was on-call for every single tow or wreck and was tied to the phone or responded in-person.  The guy was incredibly insecure, yet had a huge ego, so he could not possibly let his people think for themselves for fear that they might learn something.  Also, then he might not be as necessary to the owner.  The lady complained about employees treating her company as if there was a revolving door.  Who would want to work like that?

The latest experience comes from Texas.  The owner of the company is significantly detached due to health issues, so his “manager” runs the show, and what a show it is.  He flaunts to his employees that he is the only one trained on anything yet does not realize that his primary job as a “manager” and experienced driver IS to train.  The manager showed me a rollover stick and scoffed that “none of these idiots” know how to use one.  I asked why he had not shown it to them and trained them on it, and I got a blank stare.  This guy regularly curses his people, calling them names that would make a drunken sailor blush, and then wonders why they do not respect him.  He hands out days off only after special favors and keeps days off away from certain people out of personal judgement.  He rations out time off in such a way people only know about a day off a few hours before the time starts.  His people have no way to plan anything with their family, friends, or home projects.

I have used “manager” in quotes simply because these guys are not managers.  They are bullies.  They do not think ahead and plan.  They are reactive instead of proactive.  They scream, freak out, throw stuff, etc., over things they could have planned for.  They are always putting out fires that could have easily been prevented.  Why?  Because they are burnt out, and they did it to themselves.

Now the Texas guy has not had a weekend off in twenty years.  Not because the boss wouldn’t let him, but because the guy can’t make a schedule to save his life, doesn’t trust anyone with the bigger equipment because he won’t train them, and is afraid he’s going to miss something.

There is no real hope for the three men I have detailed here.  They’re going to come to an ugly realization when they hit sixty or so that they’ve missed countless family events, times with their kids, and their health is failing, and their bodies are beaten into the ground.

There IS hope for those people reading this article.  Train your people.  Instill confidence.  Delegate authority.  Take time off.  Taking time off shows that you trust your people.  If you can’t take time off and allow someone else to handle things, YOU are the one who truly suffers through that revolving door of angry employees and dealing with your significant other because you can’t take a night or weekend off like people in other companies and other industries.  You deserve to enjoy the company you built, but your own ego and insecurities may have you locked into just having a JOB.

Staying Ahead

Many tow operations find themselves stuck in an outdated business pattern.  Tow operations should be constantly rebuilding and changing with the times.  We now have so much technology available to us that it allows us to maximize the use of equipment and personnel.

Tow operators have really taken advantage of the “CASH TOW” jobs for years.  These have been revenue streams that most likely were not reported.  You may have practiced this in the past, but cash is not always king. 

Most customers commonly do not carry cash, and if they do, it is not in large amounts.  Most customers want convenience and are willing to pay for it.  This is why convenience stores are located on almost every major intersection. 

I implemented many payment options to test this convenience theory. I set up accounts with Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal.  All of these platforms have different apps that can attach to you bank account for you to be able to make and receive payments.

I trained our dispatch team and drivers to make them knowledgeable of all payment options we offer.  We had handouts printed, regularly post-payment options on all of our social media outlets, and we have all payment options on our website.

We found that many of our customers preferred to pay via a cash exchange platform than with cash or credit card.  Secondly,  it also allowed us to take third party payments in a more secure manner for the customer, the account user, and us.  Many of these platforms make it very difficult to dispute, and this added an additional layer of protection to the Tow Operator.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, these money exchange platforms allowed our drivers and customers to conduct business and practice social distancing.  Our staff never has to handle credit cards or cash. TOWBOOK Management Software also allows our customers to reply by text or emails for signatures or authorization we may have needed when starting or completing a job. We also were able to provide an invoice via text or email on the spot.

I recommend you explore the many cash exchange platform options.  Make sure you set up with the most commonly used apps to gain the best results.  The use of towing management software can also help. Convenience and customer service is what will set you apart from your competition.   


Mark Denson
On Site Towing

RANGER…FOR FREE? FOREVER? Sounds too good to be true?? Read On

For credit card processing, Ranger has recently integrated features available in some other payment processing platforms directly into the Ranger Tow Management Solution.   The bottom-line-results can offset the costs of using Ranger.   • How it works:  Ranger automatically adds a fee (1 to 4%) to cover your extra costs for administering, securing, and reconciling credit card payments.  The fee is in addition to the amount the customer is charged for the services delivered.  The fee applies only to designated accounts (e.g., cash or call-in customers), and only for credit card payments, whether entered by dispatchers, or by drivers on-scene. • The fine print:  Added fees are “banned” in ten states:  CA, CO, CT, FL, KS, MN, MD, NY, OK, TX.  However, in three states – CA, FL, and TX – their so called “No-Surcharge” laws have been found to be unconstitutional, and the states are enjoined from enforcement.  So for tow companies operating in almost all states, offsetting the extra expense for credit cards could easily cover the monthly investment to use Ranger (Ranger for Free!)

Related News: The Ranger credit card solution is seamlessly integrated with OpenEdge who offers consistently low rates (Interchange Plus).  Readers for EMV/chip cards link to Ranger’s mobile apps – Android and iOS.  (And, manual number entry remains available.)


Please call for more information: 440.498.1495 or visit info.rangersst.com

FLOWSTOP’S DOT 406 CARGO TANK WEEP HOLE SET

FEATURES

• 8) 3/4’’ BRASS BALL VALVES

• 1) 10’ X 3/4’’ PVC HOSE

• 1) 2’’ X 3/4’’ PVC ADAPTER

• 1) POLY CASE FOR STORAGE & TRANSPORT

Enables Responders in closing off Weep Holes when Bulkheads are Compromised.


www.flowstop.net | 877.356.9767

TowTrax Goes Nationwide

TowTrax, 844-548-5400You never have to worry about car troubles when traveling ever again.  TowTrax launched its nationwide tow network to be there when you need help.  Whether you are going across town, across the state, or across the U.S. if you ever have car troubles, you just call 844-548-5400, and TowTrax will find the closest tow truck and send it to you.

TowTrax has a network of tow companies in every state that will be your highway hero when you need help.  It’s easy, no apps to load, no google searches necessary, just call 844-548-5400 and let TowTrax do the work for you. Just add our phone number to your contact list.  Whenever you need help, just call our number 24/7, 365 days a year.  I don’t care where you are; we can get help for you.

Help us spread the word.  Tell your employees, your friends, or family members and tell them to tell their friends and family they never have to worry again when traveling.

2020 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED BY ITRHFM

International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, Towing Museum

International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, Towing MuseumCHATTANOOGA, TN, — The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum today announced that it has completed the selection process for induction into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame as the Class of 2020.

Troy Barnett (Sierra Vista, AZ), Ron Bressler (Morgantown, PA), Stacey Tucker Canterbury (Bremerton, WA), Tom Griffin (Hixson, TN), Norman Horton (Newville, AL), Phil Howard (Kennesaw, GA), Luc Le Baron (Brunoy, France), Rodney Pellow (Isanti, MN), Antonio Re (Glen Iris, Victoria, Australia), and Sherry White (Fremont, CA) were nominated by members of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum for their many contributions to the towing and recovery industry, their families and communities.

“The towing Hall of Fame is the highest honor in the industry and celebrates those who have worked hard to support and grow the professionalism of towing and recovery around the world,” said Bill Gratzianna, President of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. “This year’s group of inductees is no exception in their work on behalf of the industry and their leadership inside and outside of the industry.”

The Class of 2020, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, in a ceremony to be held at 6pm on Saturday, October 10th, 2020 at the Westin Hotel in Chattanooga, TN. A full weekend of activities will be held to celebrate this year’s inductees.


For more information on the induction ceremony, or to order event tickets and/or make hotel reservations, contact the museum at 423-267-3132 or visit them on the internet at towingmuseum.com.

TowMateTV is Our new Online Source for Information about New Products, Company Highlights, and News Within the TowMate Universe

TowMateTV, Tow Mate, TowMate

TowMateTV, Tow Mate, TowMateOn TowMateTV, we will be introducing our newest products and explaining them in detail, shown both in-studio and in-use. You will get to meet our staff and find out why they do what they do, and why they love to help you stay safe. You will also learn about our next ideas for growth, change, and the next level of technology that will evolve the towing industry into a new era. Check our YouTube channel and Facebook page for episodes!

Live broadcast soon with live comments and question from the audience will be available! Subscribe to our channel and like our page to be the first to get and interact with the newest content!


Go to www.TowMate.com/dealers  or call (800) 680-4455 to find a dealer near you to order.

Jerr-Dan Side Recovery System

Jerr-Dan, side recovery system, SRSThe Jerr-Dan Side Recovery System (also known as SRS) series offers product versatility by adding unparalleled recovery capability to any unit. The SRS is available for wreckers and carriers. On a carrier, the SRS-8 and SRS-10 are the strongest and most durable in their class.

Jerr-Dan, side recovery system, SRSThe SRS-25 and SRS-35 offer maximum pulling capacity and add versatility to the heavy-duty product line. On any SRS model, the pivoting recovery boom makes recovery from either side of the vehicle possible.


To learn more about Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com.

FlowStop’s Hazmat Products

FlowStop’s Hazmat Products, “ Equipment & Supplies,” are designed by a veteran of the towing, recovery, and spill response service for a quick and easy solution to minimize exposure when dealing with roadside mishaps. FlowStop has a proven track record for dependability for the task at hand.

DOME LID CLAMPS

  • Designed for MC 306 / DOT 406 Tank Trailers
  • Quick & Easy Deployment for Rapid Results
  • 5 Aluminum Locking Clamps

AIR DRILL KIT

  • Reversible Air Drill
  • Infrared Temp Gun
  • Lennox 2’’ Hole Saw
  • Lennox 4’’ Hole Saw
  • 2) Oatey 2’’ Plugs
  • 2) Oatey 4’’ Plugs
  • 50’ X 3/8’’ Air Hose
  • Storage/Carry Case

Cargo Tanker Vac Stinger
Achieve 3 Separate Lengths with 2 Vac Stingers!

  • 3’ x 2” Aluminum Vac Stinger
  • 3’ x 5” Aluminum Vac Stinger
  • 8’ x 2” With Both Stingers Connected!
  • 3” Sight Glass to 2” Vac Pipe
  • Aluminum Strainer
  • Fits Through 4”
  • Opening with Easy Lock Couplers
  • Grounding Tabs on Stingers
  • Aluminum Dust Caps for Male Couplers Pelican Case for Storage & Transport

VAC PUMP CADDY

  • Yamada 1” Dual Diaphragm Pump Aluminum Housing Excellent for Hydrocarbons & Light Chemicals
  • 1-Year Warranty
  • Air Regulator
  • 2 Aluminum VAC Stingers: 1, 48“ and 1, 30”
  • Aluminum VAC Wand 30“
  • 4, 25’ x 1” VAC & Discharge Hoses
  • 50‘ x 3/8“ Air Hose w/ Quick Couplers Mounted Plastic Tool Caddy for 90 Degree ELL & 2” Plugs
  • Mounted on 600-lb. Handtruck
  • Pneumatic or Hard Tires (option)
  • Ideal for quick evacuation of damaged saddle tanks, IBC’s, and drums.

Check out the FlowStop Product line at www.flowstop.net or call us at 877-356-9767 for details and pricing.

Custom Built Manufacturing

Custom Built Mfg. LLC came to be after 30 years in the Towing industry and 35 in the Auto Body industry as Dangelo’s Auto Body and Repairs.

At Custom Built Mfg. LLC., it has always been about three things:

1)The Customer, 2) The Customer, 3) The Customer

That has carried over into the heavy-duty towing vehicles manufactured in Kane, Pennsylvania with the care and pride that only the small town attitude brings to the table. That being true, team work and the very BEST our trucks can be all of the time. Quality is number one at Custom Built Mfg. LLC. using quality American made; steel, aluminum, fasteners, hydraulics, cables, winches, lights, rings and pinions for our rotators, and as many accessories whenever possible. Custom Built means just that, hand-crafted and hand-fit for precise long life operation. From metal forming, welding to assembly, our technicians have eyes on every step of the maufacturing process as well as Derek Dangelo’s (Owner) personal supervision occurs at every step of the manufacturing processes. You will even see Derek involved in hands-on when issues arise.


For more information, visit www.custombuiltmfg.com