The introduction of the Jerr-Dan 25-ton wrecker prompted us to “show it off” at tow shows across the country. As I recall, in that particular year there were 57 such shows on schedule for the season and, like NASCAR races, chronologically they skipped back and forth across the country. We made the New York show at Lake George and the California show in Las Vegas, the Wisconsin show on Father’s Day and a number of other shows before or after. But, making it to all 57 shows was an absolute impossibility.

Some shows, like the one in Montana, are an annual reunion of association members and they go overboard to make it a “family affair.” At the other extreme are the PWOF, American Towman and the like where towers come from almost everywhere, including Europe and South Africa, to see and be seen. But, from the vendors’ standpoint, it’s all about making money and some shows don’t even draw the local towers to the exhibit hall which is truly a waste of time and money. So, some innovative folks came up with a new idea.

A group of vendors got together, pooled what would have been their tow show money and offered it to their state association as payment for them to not have a tow show that year. The association said “yes” and the vendors were relieved of investing the time, money and effort into yet another non productive show. But wait, there’s more to the story.

After the payment was made, I am told the association decided to have a show after all and thus became one of the first “double dippers” in towing and recovery.

I don’t know that this is a true story, but was told to me as such.