Purchasing Tips for Synthetic Tow Truck Winch Lines

On tow trucks all over, high-performance synthetic winch lines are rapidly replacing their wire counterparts. It’s a change driven by efficiency and safety. Synthetics are lighter, easier to handle, and just as strong or stronger than the same diameter steel wire rope; yet if they do fray or part, they typically do not pose the same threat wire does of injury from razor-sharp kinks or violent snap-backs. If last year’s harsh polar vortex gave your wire winch line a beating, or worse, made it a safety hazard, you may want to check out your synthetic options.

When you do, be sure to visit Yalecordage.com to find a local certified distributor. They’ll help you determine the right synthetic fiber for your workload, budget, and climate. Environmental conditions and the primary weight, volume, and frequency of use largely determine the ideal fiber. Choose the best construction for your working environment. Rain, freezing temperatures, sand, wind, heat, and sun exposure all play in to the type of braid you need.

Align the strength of your rope with the capacity of your rig, typically five or more times the rated capacity of your rig.

Analyze your work practices to determine energy absorption needs, ascertained by studying a stress-strain curve of load vs. elongation. Understand the splicing requirements of your lines. Many of the newer synthetics have proprietary splicing techniques. Keep up-to-date on usage techniques to keep you safe out on the road. Most distributors offer ongoing training and technical support. Take them upon it.

www.yalecordage.com
(207) 282-3396

Winter is coming, and we all know that means JUMP START SEASON. Worldwide Equipment Sales knows your pain, and we have a powerful yet small answer to avoid lugging around that huge jump pack or dragging out those tangled cables just to add that extra boost your customer’s car needs to fire up. The POCKET JUMP STARTER is a super small yet powerful booster pack with 200 cold cranking amps, a USB port to charge your phone or computer on the road, along with a supplied cable with multiple ends to fit most uses. It also includes a short jumper cable set to help start vehicles, utv, snow machines, etc. The POCKET JUMP STARTER will fit in you glove box and it Lithium-ion battery technology will hold a chargefor a very long time and includes a nice flashlight feature to make this an all-in-one answer to nighttime jump starts. Worldwide Equipment Sales encourages you to check these items out as a major time and space saver. Visit Store.NewTowTrucks.com or call 815-725-4400 for the POCKET JUMP PACK and thousands of other parts and accessories.

The True Tilt 5th Wheel Quick-Tach is a heavy duty under lift that has the most extension, most retraction, more lift and the most lifting capacity of any lift on the market. It has a lift rating of 45,000 pounds retracted and 24,000 fully extended. It has a clear extension of 140” to the center
of the axle forks and nearly 160” to the center of the Heavy Duty Wheel forks when used. The unit will tilt the full rated load in the given positions.

The hydraulic hoses are all “hidden” in the unit, encased in a nylon tracking chain to keep them in place free from wear and tear. Our crossbar is made of a one piece solid steel casting made of 100,000 pound steel. The tongue it rotates in is also one piece cast steel (100,000 pound steel).

We have standard wireless radio built into the unit. The radio is a standard feature with a 6 function controller, which will control the lift for up-down; in-out; and tilt up-tilt down operation.

Our unit pricing includes either an electric/hydraulic pump or a valve pac to tie into your truck’s PTO pump; the 6 function wireless radio control plus a 25’ hard wired remote control; 4 sets of axle frame forks; the parking stands; and all necessary hardware to mount to a road tractor.

www.triplekindustries.com
800-624-2892
SEE US AT OUR BOOTH IN BALTIMORE

The biggest problem is _________ . The most stress is caused by________ . The largest waste in a tow business is__________.

We know owners and managers are looking at how to improve their businesses, how to answer these questions. While all tow companies have these issues, some will live with them and some are going to fix them.

Tracker Management Systems, Inc. has spent over 28 years researching what the issues within a tow operation are and what the best solutions are.

We have helped thousands of owners, managers and employees run a smoother, more efficient and ultimately more profitable business.

One of our major focuses for the last two years has been to fine tune our Tracker Mobile application. Based on feedback and a clear understanding of ways to solve the issues a tow company – your tow company – has, we have developed superior solutions. A direct quote from one of our customer’s dispatchers is, “It [Tracker Mobile] really shortens the amount of time it takes to dispatch to our drivers, saving us radio time, which, in turns, saves us money.” And a quote from a driver, “TrackerMobile has simplified every aspect of communication between dispatch and operator. My job is more efficient, and unnecessary radio traffic asking questions about my next call have become a thing of the past. Everything is right at my fingertips.”

So, if you want to solve the big problems in your business, then you really owe it to yourself to look at and talk with the folks that just might be able to help you. Call Tracker Management at 800-445-2438 or visit www.trackermanagement.com.

Powerbilt Wreckers, located in the heart of Missouri, is nationally known for its quality in customized wreckers. Powerbilt owes its success largely to being owned and operated by individuals who know and understand the needs of the towing and recovery industry. With more than 30 years of experience and service in the field, Powerbilt Wreckers understands the needs of today’s high-stress demands for durable, dependable and safe equipment in the rapid recovery arena.

Built with you in mind, our standard options will outlast and out perform any of our competitor’s vehicles. Built in the “show me” state, we are no strangers to the phrase. No matter your needs, we aim to please and build to suit. We also have a large selection of used wreckers to choose from.

Nationally recognized in 2009 as the winner of the Show ‘n Shine award, Powerbilt Wreckers promises to deliver quality, dependability, safety and eye-catching appeal. Years of experience in the industryhave led to quality design and, most of all, safety integrated into every build.

Contact a Powerbilt Wrecker representative today for your top-of-the-line, professional, customized wrecker.

www.powerbiltwreckers.com
(800) 660-7312

Larson Electronics’ LED10W-1X4LT is a fully portable and rechargeable light tower that produces a wide flood of light. Operators can easily transport this 35lb unit with a convenient built-in carrying handle and set it up as temporary scene lighting. The telescoping aluminum mast can be adjusted to 8 feet in height for optimal illumination and will withstand high winds. Additional tower stability is provided by collapsible polyethylene legs that provide a 30-inch support base when deployed. The four 10 watt LED light heads produce a total of 3,200 lumens covering an area 150 feet long by 150 feet wide. These lights are IP68 rated waterproof to three meters and constructed of extruded aluminum with polycarbonate lenses for ultimate durability. This unit can run for up to 10 hours on a single full charge of its onboard batteries. An included AC charger (wall charger) allows operators to easily recharge the battery from normal wall outlets. This unit also accepts low voltage input from vehicles and other battery packs to power the light or recharge the battery. There are no loose parts, and all connections are already secured with no need for additional wiring. Larson Electronics can customize this light to fit the customer’s specific needs. Please give us a call at (800) 369-6671 or send us an email to discuss any special requirements. For more lighting options and information, browse our collection of products on www.larsonelectronics.com.

IT’S A STEEL WITH MORE FEATURES THAN ANY TRUCK IN ITS CLASS

MPL-NGS VERSATILITY
Whether you’re towing low-clearance sports cars or motorcycles, the MPL-NGS’s customizable wheel lift packages let you take on more jobs, faster.

MPL-NGS EFFICIENCY
With it’s rotating cross bar and standard adjustable Level Stop Assist System®, the MPL-NGS gets youinto the perfect position quickly and allows you to tackle tough picks.

MPL-NGS DURABILITY
A steel diamond plate painted deck is built for a rugged, long working life and combined with Jerr-Dan’s exclusive No-LubeTM technology reduces maintenance, saving time and money.

FEATURES
• Steel body
• Steel diamond deck
• Low-maintenance No-LubeTM technology
• Steel pylon
• LED DOT lighting
• Remote underlift and winch controls
• Winch includes manual free spool and tensioner
• Adjustable underlift Level Stop Assist System®
• Back-up alarm
• Multiple grid options:
– Manual / fixed L-arms
– Hydraulic self-loader (including the patented LOCKLINK® over-center locking mechanism)
– Manual / pivoting L-arms

CHASSIS
• Minimum RBM (Resisting Bending Moment) – 460,000 in.-lbs.
(230,000 in.-lbs. per frame rail)
• Minimum Usable CA (Cab to Axle centerline) – 60”
• Minimum GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – 11,000 lbs.
• Maximum unloaded frame height – 36”
• Minimum frame length behind the center of rear axle – 36”

ACCESSORIES
• Aluminium 24” tunnel toolbox (84” CA required)
• Fifth wheel & gooseneck trailer adapters
• Motorcycle towing adapter (hydraulic grid only)
• Tow sling
• Headboard work lights
• Fold-down light bar
• Tow dollies & storage brackets
• Body stone guards
• D-rings
• Tow lights
• Rubber wheel chocks
• Fire extinguisher
• Safety triangle kit
• LED emergency lighting
• Wireless remote control

CAPACITIES
• Underlift
– 4,000 lbs. fully extended
• Winch
– 8,000 lbs. – 3/8” x 75’ wire rope
(single worm)

DRIVE A HARD BARGAIN

The MPL-NGS wrecker from Jerr-Dan® has exactly what you need to do your job quicker and more efficiently, including an unbeatable price. It’s designed to help you get in and out quicker, and features the revolutionary Level Stop® Assist System, the same technology found on Jerr- Dan’s top of the line models. And its Negative Tilt Underlift feature is perfect for securing vehicles in parking ramps. Best of all, it’s a Jerr-Dan—so it’s built better than any truck in its class to help you get in and out, day in and day out.

For more information, visit www.jerrdan.com.

In The Ditch Towing Products has released the all new ITD1347 Car Carrier Dolly Mount. This hybrid mount, made from steel and aluminum, stores the Speed® Dolly on a car carrier at an easy-to-remove and replace angle. Having a Speed® Dolly Set on a car carrier provides more adaptability and preparedness for any type of recovery, or multiple recoveries that might arise. The Speed® Dolly slides into the Car Carrier Dolly Mount for easy storage. The mount features an integrated locking system that can be pad-locked. The Car Carrier Dolly Mount can be adjusted to fit all 4:80 x 8 tires.

“Many of our customers have been asking for us to design a way to store dollies on a car carrier,” says Chuck Ceccarelli, president of In The Ditch Towing Products. “We answered the call with the new Car Carrier DollyMount.”

In The Ditch Towing Products brings products to the towing and recovery industry that are innovative and allow towing professionals to work efficiently and effectively. To learn more about the Car Carrier Dolly Mount, part number ITD1347, visit www.intheditch.com or call any In The Ditch authorized distributor.

In The Ditch Towing Products is the manufacturer of American-made, quality towing equipment, organizational products and truck and shop accessories. For more information on In The Ditch and the Car Carrier Dolly Mount, please visit www.intheditch.com or find In The Ditch Towing Products on Facebook.

2014 OPEN HOUSE
B/A Products Co. will hold its 8th Annual Open House on Friday, November 21 from 9:00 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. Shuttle transportation will be provided to and from the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore. Come see how we “Make It & Break It.” There will be live product demonstrations, along with factory tours and destructive testing demonstrations throughout the day. Food, drinks, giveaways and good times await you! All are welcome, and we hope to see you there.

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum announced that AW Direct, a leading direct marketing company providing equipment and supplies to the towing and service vehicle market, presented a donation of $10,000 to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund. The funds will provide financial support to families of those lost in the line of service.

Tom Welsh, Brand Manager for AW Direct, said, “It is a great honor for our organization to support theSurvivor Fund, and we are proud to support the Towing Industry with this donation.”

The Survivor Fund helps provide immediate financial help to families affected by tragedy in the line of service. The entire AW Direct team is proud to be a part of this great initiative. They know that people depend on the towing community, and they’re proud to show their support.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of AW Direct in supporting our Survivor Fund,” said Jeffrey Godwin, ITRHFM Board Member and Survivor Fund Committee Chairman. “As we work to provide funds for families when tragedies occur, we are also working to create an investment position to allow our Fund to meet the needs of our industry on a perpetual basis. Corporate donations like the one from AW Direct are key to our success in reaching our $1,000,000 goal.”

On average, close to 60 road service professionals are killed each year assisting stranded motorists on the side of busy roadways or performing their duties in towing and recovery. The Survivor Fund, founded in 2006 and managed by the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, was started to offer financial support to the families that have lost a loved one in the line of service within industry. Since its inception, the Survivor Fund has approved and paid out over 150 claims to support families in their time of need due to tragic accidents.

About ITRHFM
The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups. To learn more, visit www.internationaltowingmuseum.org.

By Jason Starr

Automated Fuels is a small business, just like most of the towing companies across the United States. What separates Automated Fuels from the rest of the Fleet Fueling Industry are consultation and customization. There are many large fleet fuel cards available in the marketplace today, such as WEX and Comdata. These giants may offer some level of convenience, but card fees and transaction fees can add up and increase your Total Costs of Fueling!

Automated Fuels has been servicing customers in the towing industry for a number of years, but recently has seen a great increase in the number of companies in the industry it is serving. Automated Fuels has towing industry customers from Pennsylvania to Illinois, and south to Alabama and Georgia. With over 1,250 locations in the Pacific Pride fuel network, Automated Fuels can help you almost anywhere in the United States.

Many owner/operators in the towing industry are still using cash or credit cards for their fueling needs. There is a better way, and Automated Fuels can show you how!

Consultation
Automated Fuels, Fleet Fuel Consultants will work with you to see what options are best for your company. They want to get to know you. Every business has unique needs, even if they are similar businesses. What works well for Joe’s Towing Service might not work for Steve’s Wrecker
Company. Automated Fuels wants to learn about your business. Once we understand the needs of your business when it comes to fueling, we can customize a system that best meets those needs. We are not going to fit your unique needs into a standard box like some fleet fuel companies; we want to build a box that fit your needs perfectly!

Customizations

• Flexible Billing Options
• Restrict Fuel by Type
  (i.e., Diesel or Gasoline; why would a diesel wrecker operator need to buy unleaded fuel?)
• Restrict Fuel Purchases by Time
  (If your company only operates from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., why should anyone be allowed to get fuel when they should not be operating?)
• Restrict Fuel by Day
  (If your business doesn’t operate on Sunday, then your fuel cards should not access fuel on those days!)
• Restrict Fuel by Transaction
  (If the truck has an 80 gallon diesel tank, why would they need to get more than 80 gallons per transaction?)
• Eliminate Non Fuel Purchases
  (Credit Cards can be used anywhere; Automated Fuels cards can only be used an accepting network fuel locations.)
• Save Administrative Time
  Comprehensive Fuel Management Reports that include the following:
  • Track Purchases by Vehicle and/or Person
  • Track MPG (Miles Per Gallon) for Each Vehicle
  • Complete Tax Summary on Every Report
  • No More Sorting Receipts
  • No More Data Entry
  • No More Credit Card Billing Statement to Convert

Here is what a few of Automated Fuels customers are saying about them. “Automated Fuels has helped us save money on our fuel cost. We have a couple of tanks on site, but their program works so well for our company, we purchase our fuel at Pacific Pride.”
Mike – Indiana

“I was sending my drivers with cash each day before I started working with Automated Fuels. Looking back, it was a nightmare with all of those receipts and creating reports. Automated Fuels has helped me manage my fuel costs and save me a lot of headache with their weekly fuel management reports.”
Jeff – Pennsylvania

“When I branched out and started my own company, I knew from my past experience with another towing company that Automated Fuels – Pacific Pride would work for me. Their customer service has been top notch!”
Paul – Indiana

“We were using one of the large fuel card companies for our fuel purchases. After working with our Fleet Fuel Consultant at Automated Fuels, we have been able to save time and money because they customized a fuel program specifically for our needs.”
Dan – Tennessee

Automated Fuels works with companies in many industries, but they understand some of the challenges you face in the towing industry. Let their 30 years in the fleet fueling industry help your business save time and money!

Automated Fuels
800-288-6383
www.automatedfuels.com