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For the most part, maintaining rotators is the same as maintenance on conventional fixed-boom tow rucks with the exception of key features that make a rotator different.  Step 1 Rotator Turntable: The junction of the boom and the tow body is a critical maintenance area. Turret mounting bolts should be tightened per the manufacturer’s recommendations…

Chances are high that if a towing company provides light-duty towing it is working with one or more of  dozen or so motor clubs. That’s because the light-duty space is for the most part dominated by insurance companies. Here are some fast figures, based on Tow Times’ surveys of towing operators: 49% of towing companies…

Warning lights are often mentioned when addressing traffic incident management and roadside safety, particularly for tow truck operators responding to roadside calls and incidents. Tow trucks are authorized to display warning lights t0 warn oncoming traffic when the truck is in the roadway obstructing traffic, or a traffic hazard exists. The regulation of tow truck…

The Tow Times April issue is the official call for entries to the 2022 Shine ‘n Star beauty contest. Visit shinenstar.com for all the details on entering, prizes and more. This issue also addresses salvage vehicles with feature articles “Make Money with Online Auctions” and “Salvage Vehicle Loading Accessories.” Additional topics include tow truck warning…

“RVs come in all shapes and sizes”, Cain says. “The first thing is to narrow it down to the size of RV you are requested to move. Become familiar with the classes of RVs (A, B, C), and the types: rear pusher, tour bus conversion, etc.” Class A is the largest type, which is mounted…

The Tow Times March issue focuses on vehicles that will be increasingly seen on roadways with the arrival of spring — recreational vehicles and motorcycles. The issue contains items to consider when towing RVs, and do’s and don’ts for motorcycle towing. We also look at tools to use to find job applicants, and guidelines for…

Tashjian has just finished delivering a tractor and was driving north on the New Jersey Turnpike when he saw lights on the roadway. “I noticed a car off the roadway”, he says. “As I passed it vividly remember the tall grass up against the headlights, which told me the car crashed off the road.” he…

Wheel chocks are inclined-plane devices or wedges designed to prevent a vehicle’s wheels from doing what they were intended to do – roll. When a two truck is parked on a level surface, it’s basically held in place by gravity and a degree of tire resistance. Dial in any surface incline, the customer who left their…

The Tow Times February issue covers a lineup topics that include how heavy-duty tow calls will be generated in the future, choosing and using wheel chocks, top maintenance points on heavy-duty trucks and new CDL requirements. In our Recovery Review department, operators perform a “lift and swing” technique to recover a tractor and loaded double…

Gwen Null is at a turning point in her life. After decades in towing and recovery at the family-owned firm in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, she may be hanging up the chains in the not too distant future. “My husband and I are trying to fade into the sunset a little.” Unlike many other towing company owners…