Did you know that every curve in the road has a scientifically-determined “critical speed”? If you drive the curve faster than its critical speed, your truck will lose control and send you sliding into the ditch. In order to figure the critical speed you need [...]
Current engine oils are not inexpensive, but perform extraordinarily well. Because of their higher performance, some towers consider increasing the intervals between oil changes, a possible money-saving change in maintenance procedures made even more appealing by the substantial reduction in crankcase acidity due to the [...]
Failure to shut off or disable the 12-volt system on a crashed, burned or burning hybrid gasoline or diesel/electric high voltage vehicle prior to performing your duties could result in serious injury, even death from the unintentional deployment of air bags, severe burns, electrical shock [...]
When loading your car carrier, set the winch speed at idle or slightly above, says Peter Fuerst of the International Institute of Towing & Recovery. Setting the speed higher may increase winch line speed, but it can damage the winch, carrier bed or the vehicle [...]
When there’s a problem with the operation of hydraulic towing equipment functions, as when some or all of the hydraulic functions on the bed fail to work, or work slowly, don’t begin troubleshooting by replacing the hydraulic filter, except when there is an obvious failure [...]
The rating or carrying capacity of a tow dolly is usually determined by the size and load range rating of the dolly tires at a specific tire pressure. That’s why it’s important to only use dollies with undamaged tires at the correct pressure. See more [...]
How important is tire pressure on a set of dual tires? It’s critical, says Dave Jaeger in his November issue Tow Times article “Dual Tires — the Importance of Correct Tire Pressure.” If one tire in a set of duals is five PSI less than [...]
Should you cross tie-down chains or straps at the rear of vehicles being transported on car carrier decks? International Institute of Towing and Recovery contributing writer Peter Fuerst says caution should be used when crossing tie-downs for several reasons: The attachment hooks will probably not [...]
Did you know: The hook on safety chains should be self-latching to prevent it from disconnecting? The chains must be crossed, with enough slack, and secured so they do not drag? Get more safety chain tips in the Tow Times September issue.
In general, flares and traffic cones should be spaced approximately ten feet apart for each ten miles per hour that traffic is moving, and far enough back to warn oncoming traffic and allow motorists to merge safely. See “Setting Up the Scene for Safety” in [...]
