Wow Factor!

Highlights from a Towman’s First Visit to a Tow Show

By Pete Goydich

It was an offer I couldn’t refuse, the chance of a lifetime. After 30 years as a tow operator, my employer, Larry Campbell Towing and Recovery in Charlotte, N.C., gave me the opportunity to attend American Towman’s Las Vegas ShowPlace. How could a man say no?

Back on an early Sunday morning in late April, it was wheels down on in Vegas. WreckMaster school for rotator training wasn’t until Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., so I had some time to kill. My hotel included a room with a view, and there was still snow on the mountains. Down to the casino I went, and a few drinks and a few slot machines later, I was winning. I never thought for one minute, two weeks earlier, that I would be in Las Vegas going to rotator school and hitting the jackpot, towing-wise.

After enjoying some of the highlights at South Point casino and resort it was time for classes to start. The WreckMaster rotator training course was a lot more than I expected. After a half-day of classroom learning, we were supposed to go out for hands-on training, but due to the extreme heat, the schedule changed. The instructors, Bruce and Jeff, decided to do all the classroom instruction on the same day and then continue with hands-on learning early the next morning—and I mean early! 6:00 a.m. to be exact. It was a very good choice as by 10 a.m., the temps were pushing the high 80s.

Worth Every Penny

The WreckMaster training course was an eye opener for me to see what others have been doing wrong. The education that you can get from taking this class is hands-down worth every penny. It provided me with the knowledge on how to properly level a wrecker for optimum performance, also covered cribbing techniques for the down riggers on both hard ground prep and soft, wet ground operations. I have been on a few jobs with a rotator and realized that things had not been done the way they should be. Meeting and getting to know a lot of guys from all over the country was an added bonus.

After the first day of instruction, which was fantastic by the way, it was time for the American Towman Cactus Feast that was free to all. The food was phenomenal, and the room was packed. My minor complaint was the long lines for the bar. How could they not be? With the things we do and see in the industry we all need a drink on occasion.

The next thing I wanted to do that night was to catch Recovery Theater. Another free event sponsored by American Towman. I arrived just in time to hear James Bennett, Jr. explain with photos how a recovery was done at “The Great Texas Pileup.” He went step-by-step, showing the difficulties encountered and the equipment used. He is extremely knowledgeable and presented photos of everything that was done from start to finish.

After seeing approximately five or six recoveries, and realizing what another company went through on the highways of America, it opened my eyes to the fact that others experience the same things that I do. What an extraordinary day it had been, beginning with a class in rotator training, and then capping it off with the Recovery Theatre.

HANDS-ON HOW-TO

After a couple drinks I was back to my favorite slot machine. But I didn't stay out late as rotator class started bright and early the next day, and out to the parking lot we went. Two gorgeous twin-steer rotators were

2020 Peterbilt 348 2NP3LJ9X2LM701956 Cottrell 5 pack car hauler

PX-9 350HP, allison Trans, Air ride and brake, Alum Wheel. • 2022 Peterbilt 348 1NP3LJ9X7ND763006

Cottrell 5 pack car hauler Paccar PX-9 350HP, allison Trans, Air ride and brake, Alum Wheel.

• 2020 Peterbilt 348 2NP3LJ9X4LM701957

Cottrell 5 pack car hauler

Paccar PX-9 350HP, allison Trans, Air ride and brake, Alum Wheel.

CONTINUED FROM P.75 used for the hands-on portion of the rotator training. We learned how to rig a 40-foot container in order to pick it, using the latest equipment available to the industry. We also covered line-rigging calculations and weights for the distance of moving the container.

The instructors showed us how the load would change the rigging stress by using load cells. I honestly didn’t even know they existed. Modern technology these days! After going through the equipment that was on hand, and applying the new knowledge, it was time to set things up.

Lifting the container, and extending the wrecker boom outward was an experience. As the load went out further the stress on the load cells showed the numbers. Having the proper rigging and achieving a goal safely is extremely important.

After moving the trucks, and rerigging, we moved the container from between the trucks to the other side of them. What an experience that I will never forget!

The course provided valuable tips that I had never considered over the years. Now I like to stop and look at jobs differently. There is always something to learn from someone else. It was a great lesson for me.

The WreckMaster training courses, which I have been to before, never disappoint. I highly recommend that every wrecker operator should attend them. Jeff and Bruce did an outstanding job in their delivery and execution of the course training. At 10:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, after packing up the wreckers and walking back to the hotel, I had an hour before the big show.

WHATTA SURPRISE!

Having never been to a tow show, when walking through the doors I was immediately taken aback by the overwhelming crowd of people that came. There were tow trucks wall-to-wall, and even to the ceiling as one outfit had a large wrecker on lifts. I think every possible towrelated vendor was there. The show was far more than just tow trucks and the manufacturers that build them. I saw everything from GPS units to systems for new cars that alert drivers to accident scenes ahead. Hand-held body massagers and wheel straps seem to be a thing as well.

Before leaving the event, my wife Cynthia told me to make sure I grabbed all the free goodies from the booth displays. She told me there would be plenty, and she was right, as I came home with two full bags of them. After walking all the aisles, I headed back to the room for my swim trunks. I reminded myself that I was also on vacation, it gets hot in Las Vegas, and as a tow truck operator you have to force yourself to enjoy some down time.

The next day of the show my time was limited since I had a flight leaving in the afternoon, but I came across the American Towman monument which I have never seen before. After looking at it for a minute, it made me realize who I have become as a longtime towman.

Now it was time for my return back to North Carolina and get back to crawling around in the ditches of the highways and byways. To my surprise, a beautiful 25-ton Peterbuilt wrecker had arrived at the shop. I can’t wait for what each new day might bring and also to apply my new knowledge on the job.

Next stop, Baltimore, November 16-19, for the American Towman Exposition!