Towing Best Practices Module 1

Automotive Towing
Best Practices
Module One

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Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Various Uses of Tow Trucks

Tow trucks have been around for over 100 years.

Although primarily intended for the towing and recovery of disabled vehicles, they have been used for things such as lifting airplanes and boats, installing signs and poles, helping cows and horses out of wells, and even helping stranded whales back to sea.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Various Uses of Tow Trucks

With that in mind, operating a tow truck requires skill and an operator must always be mindful of the hazards of the job.

In North America, a towing and recovery operator dies while working on the job every seven days.

Therefore, always follow safety precautions and never use a tow truck or its equipment for a job it is not capable of handling, or that you have not been authorized or trained to do.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Various Uses of Tow Trucks

A tow truck typically consists of:

• Cab and Chassis
• Booms and Winches
• A truck body
• Other ancillary equipment such as a wheel lift, dollies, hitches, under-lifts, and slings.

Tow trucks typically are divided into three main classes:

• Class A: Light-Duty
• Class B: Medium-Duty
• Class C: Heavy-Duty

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Various Uses of Tow Trucks

Light Duty

Designed to tow and recover automobiles, light-duty pick-up trucks, and small vans. They typically have a cab and chassis GVWR that ranges between 10,000lb and 15,000lb (some classifications go as high as 19,500lb).

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Various Uses of Tow Trucks

Medium Duty

Primarily designed to tow and recover small buses, medium-duty trucks, and recreational vehicles. They can also be used to tow and recover smaller vehicles. Medium-duty tow trucks typically have a GVWR range of 15,000lb to 33,000lb.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Various Uses of Tow Trucks

Heavy-Duty

Primarily designed to tow and recover large buses, large trucks, and trailers. They can also be used for the recovery of some heavy equipment. They typically have a GVWR range of about 33,000lb to 62,000lb.

B. Booms

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

A. Power systems

C. Winches and other ancillary equipment

D. Structure

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

A. Power systems

Power for a tow truck is supplied either hydraulically, mechanically, electrically, or electric-hydraulically. Hydraulic power systems are the most common today and have the greatest versatility. Full feature hydraulic systems have Power Take Off (PTO) mounted on the transmission. Located in the cab, a PTO must be engaged in order to operate the towing and recovery equipment.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

A. Power systems

To engage a PTO with a standard transmission:

1. Depress clutch pedal.

3. Pull the PTO switch.

2. Put transmission in neutral.

4. Let out the clutch.

5. To disengage the PTO, push in the control knob.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

A. Power systems

Mechanical tow trucks are less common and not as versatile as hydraulic power systems.

Power is supplied only to recovery winches through a PTO mounted on the truck’s transmission.

Recovery booms are mechanically operated.

Winches are usually the only component powered on the truck and booms are fixed (some designs may feature manually adjusting booms).

Electric powered tow truck systems are
limited to light-duty trucks and they have
no PTOs.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

A. Power systems

Electric-hydraulic tow trucks are trucks with hydraulic power systems that are driven electrically and therefore do not have a PTO.

They do not have the power and versatility of full-featured hydraulic trucks, but can work within
their limitations.

Hydraulic trucks have greater versatility
than mechanical ones

Their booms can be raised, lowered, extended, or retracted under a load. Hydraulic controls and levers operate all components.

Pumps driven through PTOs mounted on the transmission supply power; some automatic transmission trucks use a belt driven system.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

B. Booms

Most trucks have one boom. Booms enable an operator to lift vehicles free and clear off of the ground, and are used for lifting causalities (wrecked vehicles) in order to recover or position them for loading.

Booms on most light-duty trucks are fixed, but on larger trucks they may be extended, retracted, or rotated (called a rotating boom).

It is important to always check the boom as part of your start of shift.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

B. Booms

Booms on most hydraulic trucks use controls to lower, raise, extend, or retract the boom and are usually located near the tailgate.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

C. Winches and Other Ancillary Equipment

A winch is a device that is used for winding or unwinding wire rope used to pull, hoist,
or raise a load free off the ground.

Most trucks have either one or two powered winches.

Some trucks may also have a drag winch or
auxiliary winch typically mounted on the front
or rear of the chassis.

Some trucks may also have a manually powered winch to raise or lower a boom.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

C. Winches and Other Ancillary Equipment

Winches have two types of controls:

1. The engagement/disengagement control (free spool).

2. The in-out control.

Power is supplied to the winch via the PTO, which is a device that transmits power from the engine/transmission to the auxiliary equipment.

The engagement/disengagement control engages and disengages the winch drive.

It must be engaged before the winch can operate under power.

When it is disengaged the rope can be spooled freely by hand.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

C. Winches and Other Ancillary Equipment

The in-out control powers the rope in or out and is usually located near the rear of the truck.

The control has two operating directions. When returned to its center position the winch will stop.

Normally, when you release the control, it automatically returns to its centre position, which stops the winch. However, if the switch is not working properly, it may stick when released, which will cause the winch to keep moving. Never release the control without ensuring that the winch has actually stopped.

Always keep an eye on the winch when it is under power to ensure it is winding properly.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

C. Winches and Other Ancillary Equipment

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Wire Rope

Steel wire rope (sometimes incorrectly referred to as cable) is used for pulling and supporting a load.

Care must always be taken to wind the rope evenly and tightly.

Loose or uneven rope can become damaged, compromising safety.

Always keep several (3 to 5) wraps of rope on the winch drum because if the rope completely unwinds it may pull lose from the winch and drop the load (see Winch Ratings for more.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Wire Rope

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Snatch Blocks

A snatch block is a single or multiple pulley system that is used to reduce line tensions or change line direction.

A single rope system can be rigged with a snatch block to create a two-part line.

Always keep several (3 to 5) wraps of rope on the winch drum because if the rope completely unwinds it may pull lose from the winch and drop the load
(see Winch Ratings for more).

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Snatch Blocks

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Chains

Chains are used for tie-downs, lifts, support, and for pulling loads.

A single rope system can be rigged While there are many different types of chains available, not all are suitable for towing and recovery.

Only Grade 80 alloy chains or greater should be used for recoveries.

Safety chains should never be used for recoveries.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Chains

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Download Here

For more on operating winches see OHS Responsibilities and Industry Supported Safe Work Practices, Recoveries, page 61.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Recovery Straps

Recovery straps are typically made of nylon or Dacron fabric.

When all the fibres work together, recovery straps have immense strength and elasticity.

When using recovery straps, you should never strap around any sharp edges or protruding objects.

If this is unavoidable, you need to position protective material such as a floor-mat, mud-flap, or strap pad between the strap and any sharp edges or objects.

If fibres are torn or cut, the straps should not be used. It is important that you always check recovery straps before you use them to recover a load.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Recovery Straps

J-hooks

Used on older vehicles, light-duty trucks, small vans, or used with a tow sling or tow bar. There are no specified slots or holes for J-hooks and they are typically placed behind the lower control arm of a disabled vehicle’s suspension or connected to the rear axle.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Hooks

There are several different types of hooks used in towing and recovery operations:

Clevis [Grab] hooks

Designed to grab onto the chain; they are not designed to hook onto the structure of a vehicle. They are primarily used in recoveries.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Hooks

There are several different types of hooks used in towing and recovery operations:

R-hooks

Can be inserted into T-hook slots. They need to be manually installed and uninstalled.

Mini J-hooks

Small J-hooks that can also be inserted into T-hook slots.

Cluster hooks

A combination of R-hooks, T-hooks, mini J-hooks, and clevis hooks.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

The Basic components of Tow Trucks

Hooks

Other Common Hooks:

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Structure

Cab and Chassis

A chassis cab or cab chassis is a body style and type of vehicle construction often found in commercial trucks.

Instead of supplying the customer with a factory pre-assembled flatbed, cargo container, or other equipment, the customer is given the vehicle with just "chassis" rails and a "cab".

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Manufacturer Equipment Rate Plates:

Every tow truck should be equipped with information on ratings.

If you cannot locate where your truck’s ratings plates or decals are listed, you should contact the manufacturer for one (as a new operator you should always consult with your supervisor).

Chassis manufacturers provide ratings for the truck. Equipment manufacturers provide ratings for components such as the winch, boom, and wire ropes.

Other devices will have their own ratings separate from the truck.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Understanding the Ratings:

People often mistakenly interpret the rating to mean it equals the weight of the load a truck can tow, pull, or carry.

For example, a tow truck that is rated 5,500kg does not necessarily mean it can tow another vehicle rated at 5,500kg.

So what do the ratings mean?

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Understanding the Ratings:

Tow trucks cannot typically tow their own weight due to the limitations of their chassis.

Chassis limitations are expressed as GVWR, GCWR, and GAWR.

Chassis ratings are typically located on the driver’s door or inside the doorframe.

GVWR: the gross vehicle weight rating as specified by the manufacturer is the maximum operating weight of the vehicle, including the vehicle chassis, body, engine, fluids, accessories, driver, and cargo (does not include a trailer). Curb weight is the GVWR less the passengers and any cargo. It describes the weight of a vehicle ‘parked on the curb’.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Chassis Ratings:

GCWR: The gross combined weight rating, also referred to as the gross combination mass (GCM), gross train weight (GTW), or maximum authorized mass (MAM), is the maximum allowable combined mass of a road vehicle, the passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle, plus the mass of the trailer and cargo in the trailer.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Chassis Ratings:

GAWR: The gross axle weight rating is the maximum distributed weight that may be supported by an axle of a road vehicle. Typically, GAWR is followed by either the letters FR or RR, which indicate front or rear axles respectively.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Chassis Ratings:

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Chassis Ratings:

GVWR, GCWR, and GAWR apply when towing a vehicle. However, other apparatuses such as slings or wheel lifts may also limit the amount of weight you can tow. You will learn more about these ratings further on in your training.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Recovery Ratings:

Recovery ratings apply to the pulling capacity of the boom and winches, rope, and other recovery equipment.

The ability to stabilize a tow truck during a recovery will also play a role in the amount of weight you can recover.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Boom Ratings:

Tow truck boom ratings indicate how much weight the boom can support.

If the boom is extendable it will have two ratings: one retracted and one extended (the extended rating will be lower than the retracted rating).

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Winch Ratings:

Winch ratings denote the amount of load the winch can withstand without breaking.

You must always stay within the WLL of your equipment.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Wire Rope Ratings:

Working Load Limit (WLL) is the limit that an operator should work with as it allows for wear and condition of use.

You must always stay within the WLL of your equipment.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Ratings

Manufacturers design their products to safely handle loads up to the limits they specify.

They usually allow for some extra weight as a safety factor.

Some operators falsely assume that this allows them to exceed the manufacturer’s rating.

Safety factors are in place to allow for variations in craftsmanship and materials, for normal wear and tear, or shock loads.

They are not a license for a tow operator to exceed them.

For more on operating wire rope ratings see OHS Responsibilities and Industry Supported Safe Work Practices, Recoveries, page 59.

Download Here

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Lights:

Tow truck lights consist of:

• Flashing beacon or warning lights

• Flood/work lights

• String lights (wireless tow light bar)

Controls for these lights are usually inside the cab.

The engine speeds for most light-duty trucks should be set for 1,200 to 1,400 rpm, but can be higher depending on the equipment.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Throttle Control/High Idle:

A throttle/high idle control is used to set the truck engine RPM.

The engine rpm controls the speed and the torque of the tow truck components.

Engine speeds affect the ability to supply power to the truck components.

Mechanical booms are not usually powered and can be raised, lowered, or extended. and retracted manually.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Boom Controls:

A boom elevation control is used to raise and lower the boom. The extension control is used to extend or retract the boom.

These controls are typically near the tailgate of the truck and a second set may be provided on the opposite side of the truck

When the controls are in their center position, the boom is stationary and will remain in place, even while loaded or when the PTO is disengaged.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Stiff Legs:

Many light-duty tow trucks have rear jacks (stiff legs).

They are intended for use when lifting vertically with the boom.

Their use prevents the front wheels from lifting off of the ground when lifting heavy loads.

They may be operated manually or powered depending on the truck.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Stabilizer:

Stabilizers are used for lifting heavy loads in recovery operations.

They can be used straight down or angled away from the truck.

In either position, the foot of the leg must rest on solid ground.

The truck must never be driven when its legs are extended.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Wheel Chocks:

Wheel chocks are used to prevent the truck from sliding during a recovery.

To use them, place them on the ground behind and touching the rear wheels.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Wheel Lift:

A wheel lift is used to lift a vehicle by its wheels. While their features will vary with the manufacturer they consist of four essential components:

• Under-lift

• Crossbar/T-Bar

• L-arm

• Wheel straps

Wheel lifts are hydraulically powered and can be raised, lowered, extended, and retracted.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Tow Sling:

Tow slings are devices that are used for lifting and towing vehicles with part of the load supported on rubber belts.

They are used for towing damaged vehicles, typically automobiles, light trucks, or small vans.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Other Operational Equipment

Dollies:

A dolly is a four-wheel carriage used to support the trailing-end of a towed vehicle.

Dollies are sometimes used to tow a vehicle with damaged tires or for lifting vehicles by their drive wheels.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Start-of-Shift Inspections

Before you begin your shift you should thoroughly inspect your truck and all its components to ensure that there are no conditions that may affect your safety.

When inspecting your truck use a checklist. Your checklist should cover all major components including:

• Parking brake holds at 1,200 rpm

• Steering mechanism

• Lighting devices and reflectors

• Tires

• Horn

• Windshield wipers

• Rear-view mirrors

• Coupling devices

• Wheels and rims

• Emergency equipment

• Load securement devices

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Start-of-Shift Inspections

Also inspect the following equipment:

• Chains

• Wire rope

• Sling and/or wheel lift

• Hydraulic cylinders and hoses

• Horn

• Dollies: PSI at manufacture recommendations

• Snatch blocks

• Steering wheel tie-down devices

• Wheel chocks

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Start-of-Shift Inspections

In addition:

a. All fluids should be part of your pre-trip inspection;

b. Check all towing device controls to ensure they are in proper working condition;

c. Check all winch parts including wire rope; and,

d. Ensure all accessories are properly stored and secured so they cannot swing free when the truck is in operation.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Start-of-Shift Inspections

It is important to keep records of your daily trip and maintenance inspections.

You should never attempt repairs on anything that you have not been properly trained to repair.

Leave repairs to those that have been trained and are certified to repair the equipment.

Even if you have received training in mechanical repair, it may be against your company’s policy for you to do so.

Module One: The Anatomy of a Tow Truck (Wrecker)

Start-of-Shift Inspections

It is recommended you use a four-point or 360° walk-around when conducting your inspection.

This entails beginning your inspection at one point (typically a tire) and then walking around the truck until you have come 360° back to where you started.

Any damaged equipment should be reported and should never under any circumstances be used until properly repaired.

You should also be aware that extreme weather conditions can affect the performance of your equipment.

Extreme cold temperatures can affect hydraulic systems and moisture in the oil can separate and freeze in the pump.

Automotive Towing
Best Practices
Module One

Thank you. This concludes Module One.

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