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Jerr-Dan 8.5 Ton XLP

Con-Expo-2014-8.5-Ton-Carrier

Con-Expo-2014-8.5-Ton-Carrier

This unit appeals to those who need a lower deck height for transporting taller loads that would otherwise be over height on a standard height deck.

Con-Expo-2014-8.5-Ton-Carrier-2

In addition, the lower deck height makes tying down a load more accessible from the ground. The 8.5 Ton XLP also gives the operator additional capacity and deck length over a standard carrier for more flexibility on the job.

Also, improved load angle another benefit of the design that accommodates loading low clearance vehicles or other equipment.

This product is a medium duty cross over carrier that bridges a car carrier with a heavy industrial carrier, creating a multipurpose unit and offering more versatility. It has increased deck and wheel-lift structural capacity for heavier equipment/vehicles.

Baltimore-2013

“The introduction of the Jerr-Dan 8.5 Ton XLP continues the expansion of our low profile carriers into the medium duty product line,” said Jeff Soldner, Product Director for Jerr-Dan. “This gives the customer additional options when selecting a carrier that fills the needs of their particular application. The main benefits being increased payload capacity, lower deck height, lower load angles and increased wheel lift capacity that allows the customer to maximize their productivity.”

XLP benefits:

  • Low load angle
  • Low deck height
  • Lowest maintenance and cost of ownership in the industry
  • Exclusive No-Lube ™ pads and pivot points
  • Galvanized steel cross-members
  • Galvanized wire rope standard on aluminum beds
  • Patented Steel Beam Technology™
  • Standard 3 year warranty
  • Optimized deck design for maximum payload
  • High strength materials
  • Roll formed steel/ extruded aluminum rub rails
  • Deck, subframe, tilt cylinder saddles and tow options
  • Exclusive 6 inch cross-members (steel deck)
  • 3,500 lb low profile wheel-lift
  • 5,000 lb high capacity wheel-lift
  • Designed for long life and durability
  • Advance hose/ wire cable-tracking
  • All standard LED lighting
  • Both supply & return hydraulic filtration
  • Automotive grade electrical system
  • 12 standard key-slots for maximum flexibility
  • Dual lighted, corrosion resistance control stations with hydraulic pressure gauge

American Towing and Recovery Institute presented a check to Alabama Towing & Recovery Association

American Towing & Recovery Institute Presented with a Check

American Towing & Recovery Institute Presented with a Check

Fayetteville, North Carolina, March 4 – American Towing and Recovery Institute proudly presented a check for $4,765 to the Alabama Towing and Recovery Association on February 24, 2014, to help benefit the towers of Alabama.

These are the proceeds from an ongoing joint relationship between Alabama Towing & Recovery Association and American Towing & Recovery Institute from Training & Certification courses held by both groups in 2013.

Alabama Towing & Recovery Association is a nonprofit trade organization that serves the interests of the professional towing operator in Alabama. Activities include Training, Legislation, Networking and Civic volunteer projects.

American Towing & Recovery Institute is a not for profit membership-based organization founded in 2013 to promote safety, education, positive public relations and networking within the professional and business minded Towing & Recovery Industry.

ATRI provides and promotes live hands-on towing & recovery education seminars, Public Service Announcements promoting issues of common concerns between motoring public and the professional towing industry, exclusive member discounts for products and services, business consulting, expert witness, recovery bill mediation or review, networking opportunities between member and outside clients and community events (i.e., toy drives, etc).

For additional information on Alabama Towing & Recovery Association, call 205-314-8989.

For additional information on American Towing & Recovery Institute, visit www.americantowingandrecoveryinstitute.org contact us at 910-747-9000 or info@americantowingandrecoveryinstitute.org.

Pictured left to right: Lynn Hurst, President of Alabama Towing & Recovery Association, Wes Wilburn, Founder of American Towing & Recovery Institute

LiftAll® 3”W & 4”W Cargo Straps/Corner Guards

AW Direct Cargo Straps

AW Direct Cargo Straps

LHS12, LHS13, LHS14, LHS20, LHS30, LHS40, LHG110

USA-made, LiftAll® Cargo Straps and Corner Guards are perfect for securing loads during over-the-road transport. Flat hook styles fit under rub rails and into stake pockets. Triangle styles fit over load pins, and the chain end styles lock into stake pockets or attach to D-rings. All straps have a 5,000-lb. WLL and require a ratchet or cargo winch for tightening. Imported Corner Guards are made of rustproof copolymer and fit webbing up to 4”W. Guards come in a package of 10.

QuickCable® 12 VDC Portable Jump-Start Pack Rescue, Model 1800 – QCJP03

AW Direct Jump Pack

The QuickCable® Rescue Portable Power Pack 1800 is our best value: it’s both heavy-duty and affordable. Perfect for use with all 12 VDC engines. Features 4000 peak amps, 62”L/2G cable, built-in overcharge protection, AC charge cord, on/off switch, 2 internal batteries, DC outlet, voltmeter, built-in work light, LED indicator, test switch and more.

(800) 243-3194
www.awdirect.com

T3 Power Plug Pro 30

T3 POWER PLUG PRO 30

T3 POWER PLUG PRO 30

Serving the Lifting, Rigging, & Load Securement Industries

FEATURES & BENEFITS

  • Extra Long 30’ Cables with 5’ Truck Harness.  Made with Tangle-Free Vutron Cable.
  • Fits Top and Side Post Batteries.
  • Standard Plug is Interchangeable with Most Popular Brands.
  • Protective Coated Steel Clamps with Ergonomically Designed Handles.
  • All cable connections are sealed with heat shrink tubing. 
  • All Mounting Hardware and instructions are Included.
  • Heavy 4 Gauge Conductors Made with 100% Copper Wire.
  • Built in Polarity Indicator.  When Green Indicator Light is Lit the Cables are Properly Connected.  If Indicator is Not Lit, Check for Proper Connection.
  • Replacement Parts are Available.
  • 500 AMP Capacity.
  • Designed for Heavy-Duty Demands.

BA-Products

B/A PRODUCTS CO.
8925 McGaw Court
Columbia, MD 21045
(800) 327-3301
WWW.BAPROD.COM

Crashfilm for Temporary Protection

Crash Film

Crash Film

Crashfilm is a self-adhesive protective film. It applies easily to vehicles that have been involved in a collision, (broken windows) in auto storage, (preserve interior) or repair (body shops). Easily applied by one individual.

The blue roll is 36”x 200’ and has a 45 day UV protectant. Apply to a clean dry surface to protect the interior from rain, dirt and snow. Crashfilm is temporary protection that will release without leaving residue.

Boxes 4 U
1401 E. Plano Pkwy.
Plano, TX 75074
888-672-2548
www.crashfilm.net

Larson Electronics Offers Wrecker Lighting Solutions

Larson Lighting

Larson Lighting

Larson Electronics’ LEDP5W-30-TP1-50CR is a portable LED light tower that comes complete with a 150 watt LED light head, an aluminum quadpod and a 50’ retractable cord reel. Operators can easily stow this collapsible light tower after using it for temporary scene lighting. The LED floodlight creates a total of 14,790 lumens of bright white light that provides coverage for an area 540’ long by 480’ wide and retractable cord reel keeps the cord clear of trip hazards.

Larson Electronics, LLC
800-369-6671
www.magnalight.com
sales@magnalight.com

Steck’s Super Easy Wedge

Super Easy Wedge in Action

Super Easy Wedge

Many of today’s new vehicles may require additional pressure and surface area to spread the force along the door when performing unlocks.  New vehicles are being built with sturdier window frames that may require additional pressure when unlocking the vehicle.  Larger vehicles have larger doors, which also may require additional pressure when performing unlocks.

Super Easy Wedge in Action

Super Easy Wedge (PN 32923) is a larger version of the Easy Wedge to be used as an accessory with our BigEasy Lockout kits. The Super Easy Wedge, as well as our Easy Wedge, is inserted to create a controlled opening of the vehicle door. Once inserted, inflate the wedge to the desired size, and you can insert your BigEasy tool to safely unlock the vehicle.  Our bigger wedge can provide more power, as well as a bigger opening to be able to maneuver the BigEasy lockout tool.

Super Easy Wedge is made in the USA and is a 7 x 9” inflatable wedge made from ballistic nylon, preventing slippage in extreme weather. The Super Easy Wedge will also have a taffeta print on the exterior with a 30 gauge polypropylene insert for stiffness, which will lead to ease of insertion into the vehicle. The Super Easy Wedge has a contact area of 2-1/2 x 4-1/2, giving the wedge 168.75 pounds of force. The bulb has been increased by 50%, allowing for fewer compressions to fill the wedge.

Labor/Material Savings: Provides more power and has a larger surface area, allowing for larger openings and better weight distribution, resulting in a smaller chance of damage to a vehicle when trying to unlock it.

Steck Manufacturing Co.
1115 S Broadway
Dayton, Ohio 45417
800-227-8325
www.steckmfg.com

Towmate at the Florida Tow Show

Towmate

Towmate

It’s that time of year again to break out the flip flops and sunscreen and head to the Florida Tow Show! As always, there will be a number of authorized dealers carrying the latest TowMate wireless tow lights and cutting-edge LED products. Look for scorching hot deals and be sure to stop by to see what’s new. Often imitated, never duplicated…stick with the best!

www.towmate.com

Ph: (800) 680-4455

TRAA Launches New Website

TRA Website

A New Look for Our New Chapter

TRA Website

The Towing & Recovery Association of America (TRAA) is pleased to announce the launch of our new website, www.traaonline.com. This new site will enhance TRAA’s interaction with our members with the ability to easily update the content, keeping the site new and fresh. We thank towPartners for their tremendous assistance with the development of this new and exciting site.

“Our goal is to continue to build this new site to become a clearinghouse of information for the industry. This will be a central location for state associations to list their upcoming events, share ideas and reach out to our members,” states Cynthia Martineau, TRAA Executive Director.

TRAA plans to add even more features to the site in the near future. As with all technology, it is a “work in progress.” A new element is our Affiliate Member Event page, providing the opportunity for our members to post state association/industry events and meetings.

“Love the new site! It really pops and is filled with easy to find and valuable information,” states Chuck Schmidt of C Schmidt & Sons, Roslyn, NY.

TRAA has been the “The Voice of America’s Tow Truck Industry” for over 35 years. Our mission is to serve the needs of the towing and recovery industry through legislation, education and communication.

Working diligently with state associations and members, we strive for professionalism and a fair and profitable industry. Our National Driver Certification Program (NDCP), developed through a grant from the Federal Department of Transportation, is recognized as the national standards for tow truck operators. TRAA is proud to have contributed to the safety of our industry through the certification of over 15,000 tow operators across the country.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Cynthia J Martineau at 888.392.9300 or email at contact@traaonline.com.

700 12th St NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20005

Tru-Balance

True Balance Wheel Centering Products

True Balance Wheel Centering Products

When mounting hub-piloted wheels, all the weight of the wheel and tire rests on the top pilots, creating a gap in the bottom pilots, leaving the wheel off center.  A small gap the size of a business card can result in an off center wheel and an “egg-shaped” motion upon rotation.  This uneven motion results in tire vibration and irregular tire wear.  Even if you balance the tires, the wheel is still off center.

The TRU-BALANCE products bypass the hub-pilots and center the wheels back to the wheel studs, which is the true center of the wheel. When the wheels are properly centered, the result is increased tire life, increased fuel mileage and an unbelievably smooth ride.

Contact us at 866-686-9285 or visit us online at www.tru-bal.com.

Windshield Cam’s 4 Camera Professional Truck Video Security

Side Cam

Side Cam

Windshield Cam Deck 4 Camera 300 dpi

Windshield Cam is the original and the leader in Multi Camera Truck Video Security for commercial trucks with long 300 hour recording time. The 4 Camera Windshield Cam System records all 4 sides of the truck & trailer, protecting you 24/7 against theft, vandalism, hit & runs, traffic accidents and road rage. The 2 side mirror cameras are very important in providing proof in sideswipes and merging accidents. The Rear Camera records all activity behind. Nobody beats our cameras at night. To view Windshield Cam truck video footage, please visit www.WindshieldCam.com or call Ron at (403) 616-6610.

Zip’s Road Service Body

Zip's Road Service Body

Zip's Road Service Body

Zip’s is very excited to debut the revolutionary Road Service Body (RSB).  The RSB was specifically designed by Zip’s Truck Equipment with the Mobile Service Industry in mind.  Along with the premium quality of construction, the RSB will greatly improve call efficiencies by maximizing storage capabilities and uniquely customizing each and every unit to meet the service provider’s specific needs.

The all-aluminum constructed RSB allows for tool access from the ground; however, it also has a large indoor space with a work bench and even more ergonomically friendly storage.  With over 6 feet of head room, you can comfortably perform any task while staying out of the cold or rainy weather.

Zip’s has meticulously designed adjustable shelving & custom storage for items like filters, brake chambers, fittings, hoses, and hand tools, so daily inventory is now an option – bringing more money directly  to the bottom line.  Also, by having a place for each and every item, your operator will be much safer alongside the road due to less time in the line of traffic.

Whether you’re maintaining your own large fleet or aiding a stranded customer on the side of the road, the RSB will definitely work for you.  A custom fit RSB allows for endless options, including a fuel transfer system, tail lift gate, and a “4-in-1” generator, compressor, welder, and starting unit – all while maintaining ample storage space for consumables and more!

The RSB can be installed on any chassis configuration with a cab to axle length of 84” or 108”, a GVW ranging from 19,500# – 26,000# GVW, and 19.5” Wheels.  Zip’s can source the chassis of your likings for you or install an RSB on a truck provided by your local dealer.

Get your RSB exclusively from Zip’s by calling (800)222-6047 or visiting www.zips.com to order your RSB today!

Professional Tools for the Professional Towing and Recovery Operator

iTow In Logo

ITI Products developed by a tower for towers help with difficult jobs while promoting a professional image.

The sound of a smooth sliding car, no scraping on concrete, no gouging of asphalt, no metal on aluminum or steel scraping noises, reinforce the image of the professional towing & recovery operator  in the eyes of the customer and the repair facility technician.  ITI products accomplish that and more.

With more innovative products on the way, ITI provides the right tool for the job.  The original all-purpose skate (APS4), the Control Arm Skate (CAS6), and the Container Skate (CSP.5) are just a few in the ever growing ITI product line.  ITI takes pride in its ability to introduce tools to the towing industry that enhance the image of the towing operator.

ITI Skate products reduce resistance, some as much as 66%, creating less stress on the winch and attachments, eliminates further damage to the disabled vehicle, reduces or eliminates damage to the carrier bed and the blacktop or concrete is not gouged during the recovery/ loading and unloading process.

ITI’s goal is to provide proper tools to make the job easier and safer for the people who choose the towing industry as a career, and have those in this field regarded as “Professionals.”

What Do You Get from Your Tow Association?

Towing a car with Tow Lights

Belonging to an association has many benefits. It’s sometimes hard to recognize or justify the cost of joining. The California Tow Truck Association (CTTA) is one of the largest and most successful in the towing industry. Often people immediately look at the cash outlay and ask if they’ll get their money’s worth. We’ll try to explain what goes into a successful association and the value of membership.

First and foremost is the safety and professionalism for an industry like ours. We often operate in very dangerous situations, and it requires ongoing training and a focus on legislative issues, such as the “Slow Down, Move Over” laws, to protect our members and their employees. As for professionalism, the consumer is almost always in a negative situation when we begin our relationship. Whether it’s their vehicle being impounded by a police agency (and we are the ones contracted to take it away), they’ve broken down, or been in an accident, all are emotional events, and we must present the best customer service of any business, all while in these stressful situations. Not as visible, but equally important, is understanding the technical part of towing, whether it’s operating the equipment or performing within the complex legal guidelines on impounds, general tows, etc.

The legislative piece is often the most complicated and hard to manage. We clearly want to be heard on protecting ourselves, but frequently this comes with the burden of facing more stringent compliance guidelines for doing business. Often we must also become the enforcer. An excellent example of this is the recent enactment of bill AB 306 in California, requiring a company picking up a vehicle from a tow yard to provide a copy of their Motor Carrier Permit. The intent is to keep rogue operators with no Worker’s Compensation or Liability Insurance off the highway. The police agencies and DMV don’t have the resources to administer this, so we now become part of the solution by carrying out the change. On the other hand, while we were excited to partner with Caltrans (highway maintenance in CA) on getting our version of the “Slow Down, Move Over” bill passed, it is very difficult for the various law enforcement agencies to oversee.

Education is critical. Everyone sees the value in learning how to roll that semi back upright or get a Jeep out of the ravine. However, it’s also about teaching safety and customer service skills to a driver or dispatcher, how to look professional, and, if the business is to be profitable, teaching the owner how to be successful. Being successful includes managing expenses, payroll, HR issues, marketing and advertising. Education comes at a cost: writing and producing the manuals, paying for instructors, and the facilities to do the training.

Tow Association Mixer

Member benefits programs are often how the typical owner measures his association’s value. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some of the companies and programs just offer a discount, and some pay back to the association. An association like ours has dozens of vendors offering price breaks, assistance in problem solving for owners, and other help. It’s unfortunate that we end up comparing the “price of membership” against the “discounts and savings” to get owners to commit.

In reality, the association’s value is beyond measure. How do you put a price on a single driver saved by safety training, the number of customers satisfied by quality service, or the security of knowing your fellow towers must have the same insurance and qualifications as you do to be on scene working alongside you?

Hino Leads the Way

Hino

Hino

Turn the steering wheel and see for yourself. The unique design of the Hino 258 steering components gives it a wheel cut of 55°, one of the most accommodating in the transportation industry. And the Meritor Easy Steer front axle and TRW steering gear not only reduce steering effort, but also contribute to long component life.

The 258’s standard dual driver side grab handles, large non-skid steps and the widest door openings in the industry (88° of swing) make it easy to get in and out of the truck. It also makes it safer, especially when the driver is entering and exiting in hazardous weather.

The 2014MY Hino Trucks lineup welcomed a new addition to the family:  the 195 model.  This 19,500 GVW cab-over engine chassis configuration is available as a diesel-only (195) and is also available with a diesel-electric hybrid (195h) option. Both models are also available in an extended double-cab (195-DC, 195h-DC) configuration.

The 195 boasts excellent sight lines and second-to-none maneuverability that one would expect from a COE offering, but there is more to the story. What really drives the 195’s success is the Hino J05 engine that powers it. The J05 engine features 210hp with 440 lb.-ft. of torque with a 5L displacement. The 195 / 195-DC model is also eligible to receive HinoCare benefits free of charge to the customer, which is Hino’s preventive care program for the truck’s first 2 years or 60,000 miles.

Visit www.hino.com for more information and to locate your nearest Hino dealer.

In Memoriam of Donald J. Mesaros, Jr.

Donald J. Mesaros, Jr.
Donald J. Mesaros, Jr.
Donald J. Mesaros, Jr.
Donald J. Mesaros, Jr.

Publisher’s Note: We asked Cheryl Mish and Tug Brock Mish to help us pay tribute to Donald “Donny” J. Mesaros, Jr., an industry leader who we recently lost. Cheryl (close friend) and Tug (stepson) share their meaningful thoughts with us.

Cheryl Mish: Donald J. Mesaros, Jr. passed away on January 11, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Don was proud to become a member of The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame Class of 2011….almost as proud as the museum was to induct him! Don was a very quiet and humble man who was loved and adored by hundreds. His family was truly blessed to have him, and his friends were blessed even more to know him. There are so many wonderful things that can be said about Don throughout his life. He always put the feelings of others first. He stood back in the shadows and let everyone else shine in the light that he always seemed to create. His spirit always glowed with happiness, and his heart always broke with sadness. He loved deep, and he gave everything unselfishly. He always stood strong and proud – even to the end. His legacy will go on – he will never be forgotten, and he will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him. A great man indeed!

Tug Brock: “Donny was always the type of man that put others first. He would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar out of his pocket, no matter how cold or hungry he might have been. Though he never had children, he and I hit it off right away, and we quickly developed a father/son relationship almost overnight. He treated his grandchildren Jacey, Alex and Colton, especially Colton, as his own. I don’t know what his and Colton’s connection was, but Donny stopped everything he was doing when that little boy was with his Poppy. When Colton was born, Donny got to hold him when he was about 4 hours old. We remember him saying that he’s never held a baby before.

Donny was the quiet, humble type. He honestly never spoke bad about anybody, I don’t care who it was. If he didn’t like you, you’d never know it, and neither would anybody else. He cared about the towing industry more than anybody I may ever meet in my lifetime. Donny was instrumental in many changes to the industry, and nothing pleased him more than seeing towers working together as an ally.

In one personal experience that I had with Donny, I had towed a van for the local police. The vehicle had broken down, and the family was from out of town. I towed the vehicle back to our shop. They had a little girl with them, about 7 years old, who had a rare skin disease, and she was en route to Childrens’ Hospital in Cincinnati for treatment. Once we diagnosed the vehicle, the husband told us to go ahead and make the repairs and that he had to try to call back home to borrow the money. Donny gave the family a ride to Childrens’ for treatment and told them to call us the next day when they were ready to come back. Upon their return the next day, the man had several credit card numbers in which to pay his bill. Donny tore up the bill and told the man to take care of that baby girl.

Once the man left, I looked at Donny and said, “That was very nice of you.” To which he replied, “Karma, Son, Karma” and out the door he went.”