Towing Best Practices Module 2

Automotive Towing
Best Practices
Module Two

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Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Over the years, carriers have become essential equipment for most towing companies.

They are widely used to tow badly damaged or salvage vehicles.

They have also become popular due to the increasing amount of all-wheel drive models on the road.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Most light-duty carriers have aluminum decks approximately 19ft to 23ft in length.

Their decks slide back and tilt to the ground. Carriers are used primarily for transport and are generally not used for recovery.

Light-duty carriers are primarily used for transporting automobiles, light-duty trucks, and small vans, but may also be used for hauling other types of mobile equipment such as a bobcat.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Many carriers are equipped with a wheel lift.

Wheel lifts are powered hydraulically and lift the vehicle for towing when the bed is lowered and in its locked position.

When a carrier’s wheel lift is used, all of the weight it supports is carried to the rear axle and causes the front axle weight of the carrier truck to become lighter.

See OHS Responsibilities and Industry Supported Safe Work Practices, Wheel Lifts, page 55.

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Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

When using the wheel lift on a carrier truck, you must always refer to the ratings.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Carrier ratings are as follows:

• Bed rating

• Winch rating

• Wire rope ratings

Wheel lift:

• Lift rating

• Tow rating

See Module One, Anatomy of a Tow Truck: Understanding the Ratings, for more information.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

A carrier’s load rating is limited by its chassis rating.

These ratings may be reached before the limits of its devices are reached.

The chassis should never be loaded beyond its manufacturer’s recommendations.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Light-duty carrier chassis typically range from 10,000lb to 19,000lb. However, carriers installed on a chassis of 10,000lb (4,500kg) are extremely limited.

Never apply any load to the carrier deck in excess of the carrier’s ratings.

Regardless of its bed ratings, never load in excess of the carrier’s GVWR or GAWR.

Never apply loads that are greater than a carrier’s winch ratings or that exceed the WLL of its wire rope.

Ensure that loads are distributed evenly and never apply concentrated loads to one section.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Never try to lift a vehicle that has a weight greater than the wheel lift rating at its point on the lift.

Do not use a wheel lift to tow a vehicle that has a total weight greater than:

• The chassis GVWR

• Any GAWR

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Equipment Controls:

Ensure that all equipment controls and ratings are clearly marked and identified.

If your carrier is missing any plates or decals you must contact the manufacturer to get replacements (see your supervisor first).

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Equipment Controls:

Use the throttle switch to control the amount of power being sent to the hydraulic system – this should be set to about 1,200–1,400 RPM.

Always set the throttle back to the normal speed when travelling.

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Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Equipment Controls:

The winch and deck controls are typically located on either side of the truck.

You use the deck controls to position the bed rearward, forward, and to tilt it. You should move the bed rearward about 12 - 24 inches before tilting it. You may then use the tilt control to tilt the deck.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Equipment Controls:

For carriers that have wheel lifts, two controls are used: one is for the in-out movements of the lift and the other is for the up-down movements of the lift.

These controls are typically found on either side of the truck.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Operating the Winch on a Carrier:

The hydraulic winch is primarily used for loading and unloading onto the carrier deck and should not be used for recovery purposes.

a. Never make any side pulls from the winch.

Observe the following rules when using the winch to load a vehicle onto a deck:

b. Never wrap the wire rope around any object. Always use a suitable tow sling on the object being pulled.

c. Never exceed the wire rope’s WLL.

d. Keep the rope tight and even to avoid damaging the rope and to ensure proper re-spooling.

e. Never attach rope or chains to any part of the vehicle not designed for that purpose.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

a. Place the object so that its weight is evenly distributed.

f. Always make sure that the deck is fully forward and locked before travelling.

Always observe the following when loading vehicles or cargo onto the deck:

b. When loading a vehicle or other heavy object, place it forward of the rear wheels as close to the cab as possible.

c. When loading multiple objects, place the heavier ones forward.

d. Always ensure the load is properly secured before transport.

e. Secure all loads to the bed. Key shaped anchor holes are provided in the deck to accommodate tie-downs. Use load binders to tighten chains used to secure cargo.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Procedures for loading a vehicle onto a carrier deck may vary depending on the type of carrier.

The following are general principles that can be applied to most carriers. However, in cases where a manufacturer’s recommendations conflict with these procedures, follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

The seven steps to loading:

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Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Positioning the Deck For Ground Level Loading or Unloading:

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Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Positioning the Deck For Travel:

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Always conduct a scene assessment prior to loading/unloading a vehicle.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Positioning the Deck For Travel:

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Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Unloading a Vehicle Off a Carrier Deck:

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Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Using a Wheel Lift On a Carrier Truck:

Using the wheel lift on a carrier truck is essentially the same as using one on a wrecker.

In addition to the procedures for towing with a light-duty wrecker wheel lift you should observe the following:

1. Ensure that the carrier deck is in a level position before and after loading.

2. Before loading, position the carrier so that the rear of the bed is about 2½ feet from the end of the vehicle that is to be towed.

3. After loading the vehicle onto the wheel lift, retract or extend the wheel lift to leave enough clearance that you can safely make turns. Remember that extending the wheel lift further than necessary will reduce the weight of the front axle.

4. Before transport, ensure that the carrier deck is all the way forward and in the locked position.

It is recommended that you do not transport any vehicle using the wheel lift without a second vehicle on the carrier deck. Doing so may result in the carrier's front axle weight being reduced below 50% of its safe towing capacity. It may also result in damaging the deck locks on light-duty carriers.

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Using a Wheel Lift On a Carrier Truck:

Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

For general safety precautions when loading or unloading a vehicle using a carrier deck see ARA OHS Responsibilities and Industry Supported Safe Work Practices for the Towing and Recovery Industry, page 45.

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Module Two: Carrier Deck Loading

Safe Work Practices:

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Automotive Towing
Best Practices
Module Two

Thank you. This concludes Module Two

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