The Walkaround A Tribute to Towers

While we celebrate the independence of our great nation on July 4, American Towman would also like to celebrate the hardworking, dedicated, and brave individuals that make up our great industry.

Dennie Ortiz Publisher

This is a theme that we at American Towman practice 24/7/365, through the pages of the magazine, through the events and shows we produce, and to the sharing of daily news online at TowIndustryWeek.com.

In this issue we start off with a report from Brian Riker on the recent Slow Down Move Over Conference held by the Eastern Transportation Coalition. While reminding us of the grim statistics of responder’s roadway fatalities, and its causes, Brian also reiterates the need to always be mindful of your own safety, as he succinctly states, “take your own safety seriously!” He points out that distracted drivers are a main cause of injuries and deaths to those working the roadway.

For your protection, our Safety Editor, John Borowski, details specific traffic-control tools for you to consider to keep you as safe as possible on the job.

Our cover feature highlights a heavy-duty rotator extrication class for first responders, directed by Beard’s Towing and WreckMaster. There were valuable safety tips for all involved, with hands-on demonstrations of the capabilities of towmen and their wreckers.

You’ve all heard about synthetic rope, but what do you know about synthetic chain? Test your knowledge with Terry Abejuela’s evaluation of this innovative product and how its newer technology has some distinct advantages in certain applications.

For those towing history enthusiasts that appreciate a one-of-a-kind rig, be sure to check out a truly unique piece of equipment featured in this month’s Classic Wrecker department.

If you’re considering a trailer purchase, be sure to turn to page 70 as we explore the various types of trailers and the benefits they offer to tow owners looking to expand their business.

Speaking of expanding your business, many tow companies are family-run, so we have some practical advice from Michelle Sukow, an experienced tow company owner, on Parenting in a Towing Family.

Last, but certainly not least we have a guest writer, longtime tow operator Pete Goydich from Charlotte, North Carolina who shares his first tow-show experience from this year’s American Towman ShowPlace-Las Vegas. Pete provides a firsthand account of the events and education that he says brought him practical insights and appreciation of the job he’s been doing for over 30 years.

If you’ve never been to a tow show, then you need to consider visiting with us in Baltimore at the world’s largest towing exposition. Thumb through to page 35 to view all there is to do and enjoy at the American Towman Expo taking place November 15-18, 2023. This year in Baltimore we will be honoring the braveness of towers with a special recognition.

Thank you for the job that you do in keeping the roadways of the world moving, and as always, stay safe out there!

Heat’s On!

An oppressive heat wave settled over a wide swath of the U.S. South in mid-June. If this trend continues throughout the Summer, check out a few tech tips courtesy of the electrical engineers at Odyssey Batteries to keep your tow trucks on the road.

Steve Temple Editor

The service life of batteries is reduced some 50% for temps 95 degrees or higher. Extreme heat will accelerate electrochemical reactions and increase the risk of galvanic corrosion and sulfation, and the rate of self-discharge and evaporation of the electrolyte. Also, hot weather will add to battery drain from heavier loads, such as winches, communications systems and especially air conditioning.

To minimize these problems, batteries should always be fully charged, perhaps using a trickle charger. Also, be sure to add electrolyte, and do a routine cleaning and inspection of the battery case, terminals, connectors and cables. Be cool and stay hydrated!

Dennie Ortiz

Steve Calitri

Steve Temple

Randall Resch

Terry Abejuela

David Kolman

John Borowski

Mark Lacek

Brian Riker

George Nitti

Henri “Doc” Calitri

Publisher & President Editor-In-Chief Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Chassis Editor Safety Editor Repo Run Editor

Contributing Editor

Contributing Editor

Contributing Editor Editorial Board

Tommy Anderson

Roy Carlson

Debbie Collins

Belinda Harris

Bill Johnson

Kurt Wilson

Dallas, Texas Saint Paul, Minn. Las Vegas, Nev. Greensboro, N.C. South Hadley, Mass. Creve Coeur, Ill.

American Towman Staff

Henri “Doc” Calitri

Anne Ruzsilla

Dennie Ortiz

Ellen Rosengart

Peggy Calabrese

Ryan Oser

Lisa Ciraldo

Ilce Negri

Bryna Stankiewicz

Stephanie Marchese

Andrea Wynn

Emily Oz

Henri Calitri

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Copyright ©2023 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Media, Inc.

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