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Volume 14 • Issue 9 • 2025 www.towprofessional.com

FUEL4THOUGHT COMMUNICATION INSURANCE

B U I LT T O T O W

BECAUSE THE WORK DEMANDS IT

TOW PROFESSIONAL

CONTENTS

Volume 14 • Issue 9 WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

32 COMMUNICATION

72 | EMCI WIRELESS 24 | Interview with George Kuntz, owner of Ace 24 Hr Towing in Bismarck, North Dakota

INSURANCE

FUEL4THOUGHT B Y D . J . H A R R I N G T O N C S P ///

28 | Moving On Up!

74 | Austin Insurance 75 | Wichert 76 | XInsurance

76 IN EVERY ISSUE

4 | Publisher’s Letter 77 | Dealers Place 79 | Market Place 80 | Ad Index 2

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

PUBLISHER’S

LETTER

Volume 14 • Issue 9 WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM

Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

Happy New Year!

appy New Year to our valued vendors and Tow Professionals! I start off this new year with a heart that is filled! Tow Professional has grown in this market over the past 14 years, and that is because of the loyal vendors, and awesome readers that are loyal to our vendors. Our 26,000+ owners that not only read the publication have been loyal to our vendors year after year, and we thank you for that! I’m extremely thankful for DJ Harrington, and Dan Messina editors for the last 14 years, and loyal friends that have always had ears to listen to my needs, and words of wisdom for my steps forward. The real story of these two is that DJ and Dan have a heart of service and a love and passion for this industry. I have met some of the people and heard the stories of what they both have done, many times over, to offer a hand-up to others! They both have a servant’s heart and have been a gift to me and the industry. I am also very thankful to Michelle Sukow with her incredible writing talent, and passion for showcasing the hearts and courage of our Women of Towing. Michelle has given women in our industry a national voice with her features on “Women of Towing.” Her passion and excitement to not only addressing topics like the day-to-day juggle of home and business, to in-depth articles highlighting our valued women of towing. Surrounded by this dream team is a blessing from God, and I appreciate them greatly! In this issue we showcase some of the top product and service providers across the towing industry! We hope this helps you in choosing the best products and services that fit your company’s needs. We also take a look at some of the current insurance providers, as you start planning for 2026. We pray for our vendors and readers, and our nation. I pray that no matter how tough the year has been leading up to 2026, that your house, business, mind, and spirit be blessed in this New Year, 2026!

Owner/Publisher Tow Professional

OWNER/PUBLISHER Darian Weaver Publisher darian@towprofessional.com

PRODUCTION Sheila Maynard Editor Derek Gaylard Creative Director derek@ryecroftcreative.com Cody Webb BLP Media & Design Digital Director cody@blpmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Al Thomas Todd Austin Tyler Austin John Borowski DJ Harrington Tom Parbs

Executive and Advertising Offices 1005 Mountain Trace Birmingham, AL 35242 Toll free: 888-802-8544 Fax: 205-978-1550 www.towprofessional.com Tow Professional is published nine times a year by Over The Mountain Media, Inc., 1005 Mountain Trace, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. Tow Professional is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. Tow Professional is distributed to qualified Towing & Recovery’s Top Decision Makers. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.

For a new free subscription, address changes or corrections, please visit www.towprofessional.com and click on the “subscribe” tab.

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

FROM THE DESK OF BOB NELSON

Q4 2025 Industry Update gaining confidence and taking advantage of available opportunities, including year-end tax incentives, to add new equipment to their fleets. Training and Support Jerr-Dan recently hosted its last large rotator truck training class of the year, and it was a great success. While that event wraps up our major sessions for 2025, our team continues to conduct smaller, one-on-one trainings through Q4 to support recent purchases and dealer needs. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re refining and expanding our training programs to better support the needs of both heavy-duty and light-duty operators alike. Delivering the Trucks Customers Want To Our Friends in the Towing and Recovery Industry, As we close out 2025, I wanted to take a moment to share an update and a few reflections on where we stand today — and where we’re headed in the new year. A Strengthening Market We’re seeing clear signs that the towing and recovery market is getting healthier. Inventory levels at our dealers are diminishing, retail sales are picking up and the overall mood across the industry feels more optimistic. It’s encouraging to see increased activity heading into 2026, with customers

Our dealers remain well stocked with new Jerr-Dan® trucks, and our manufacturing teams continue to deliver units built to customer specifications. The focus remains on building each truck to meet the performance, reliability and quality standards operators expect from Jerr-Dan. A Strong Finish to 2025 — See You in Baltimore! The Baltimore Tow Show in November was an important pulse check for the industry and a great opportunity to connect before heading into Q1 2026. One of the highlights of the show was the debut of our all-new JD35/40 Ton Rotator Truck, officially announced

on October 17. This was the first opportunity for many to see the truck in person, and we were excited to showcase it with a strong Jerr-Dan presence — our engineering, sales, marketing, customer support and dealer teams will all be onsite to support the launch. And yes — by popular demand — Jerr-Dan socks were back as our giveaway item this year! We enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces (and plenty of those socks) around the show. Looking Toward Winter and Beyond As winter approaches, we know the season tends to bring its own surge in demand; after all, as we like to say, “When it snows, we tow.” We’re preparing for that increase in activity and stand ready to support our customers as they respond to the challenges and opportunities the season brings. We’re also already looking forward to reconnecting with many of you at the Orlando Tow Show in April 2026, where Jerr-Dan will bring even more trucks, accessories and options to explore. On behalf of the entire Jerr-Dan team, thank you for your continued partnership, dedication and trust. Here’s to a strong finish to 2025 — and a bright 2026 ahead. Best regards, Bob Nelson, Vice President & General Manager, Jerr-Dan

“We’re seeing clear signs that the towing and recovery market is getting healthier. Inventory levels at our dealers are diminishing, retail sales are picking up and the overall mood across the industry feels more optimistic.”

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

2025 TPRNC Mid Atlantic Tow Expo

he North Carolina tow show this year was a blast! This now is 3 years being indoors and has been a great success! TRPNC’s Mid Atlantic Tow Expo is held in Raleigh, NC at the Jim Graham center. This has been a game changer that has brought many companies in from across the nation. Let me tell you the entire board of TRPNC has knocked it out of the park with this show, and their attention to detail. This year the show to 70 + vendors and over 900 attendees. This is a huge step in the right direction, and from the feedback from the attending vendors it was a great success for them as well! The Jim Graham building is a beautiful facility that has a lot of room for growth, but affordable rates that allow vendors to make the most of their efforts! TRPNC did an awesome job again with the Silent Auction, raising funds to pour right back into our industry for training, legislation, and support. The show floor consisted of 70 + booths, a wrecker beauty pageant consisting of 40 + gorgeous trucks representing all manufactures in the

industry, and an area set aside for kids to enjoy a host of activities. The kids’ corner consisted of tables for coloring, painting, face painting, and a huge blown-up bouncy house for all the kids to play in. Families were able to sign their kids in, visit vendors and look across the show floor and see their kids having the time of their life supervised by certified professionals. There was also a night at the Drive Shack. This was an awesome event for all, lots of laughs, food, drinks and time to just enjoy our friends in the industry. TRPNC did an awesome job aligning fun, and family friendly events all within minutes from the show. This will be a great opportunity for vendors to expand their earnings in 2026 and reach more tow professionals throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We hope to see you there at the Mid Atlantic Tow Expo in 2026! The Towing and Recovery Professionals of NC (TRPNC) were proud to present this year’s NC Tow Truck and Trade Show for our Members and the men and women who work in the

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

towing industry. A lot of planning and hard work have gone into this event, to bring you top-notch training, access to the industry’s top vendors and to encourage networking with your peers. Plan now for next year’s 2026 TRPNC Mid Atlantic Tow Show! N.C. State Fairgrounds September 11th-12th, 2026 Jim Graham Building 1025 Blue Ridge Rd Raleigh, NC 27607

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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

THE GREATEST “FAMILY” TOW SHOW IN THE US

“Midwest Regional Show”

ou ASKED…they HEARD…It HAPPENED… As most of you know, through no fault of our own, we had to relocate the Midwest Regional Tow Show in 2023 for two years. In Sept of 2025 the loyal exhibitors and attendees returned to Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio for our 47th Annual Midwest Regional Tow Show!!! The show returned with a “BANG”, with many speakers, training and great events. This show is an association show, and the funds from the

show go back into the Towing Industry, fighting for the rights of our family of towers and not going in pockets. The vendors and tow professionals support made the 1st year back at the Great Wolf Lodge a great success! There was something for everyone to take part in at this show. TRAO brought the golf event back, which is always a great time for all! This show has it all: Light shows, live auction, seminars, safety fashion show, a tremendous beauty contest, lil towers events, its all there!!! Mark my words 2026 will

be a banner year in participation and attendance, make sure you drop by the Tow Professional booth and say hi, Tow Professional has been a proud sponsor of this event for 14 years and its our favorite family show! In 2026 TRAO will be back with the 48th Annual Midwest Regional Tow Show. The dates in 2026 will be September 24th-26th, and I will guarantee you do not want to miss it! Make sure you and your family mark your calendar, and plan to attend the greatest family Tow show!

Save the Date…September 24th -26th, 2026. I can’t wait to see everyone there!

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

INSIDE THE ENGINE ROOM: A Conversation with the Head of Operations at WORLDWIDE EQUIPMENT

goal is to streamline operations,” he said. “If our teams can focus on serving customers, we’re winning.” John Pens

n the world of heavy-duty trucks and commercial equipment, precision isn’t optional—it’s the standard. At Worldwide Equipment, that precision is shaped every day by the steady leadership of its Head of Operations, a role that sits at the crossroads of logistics, customer experience, and the nonstop demands of a rapidly evolving industry. I sat down with John Pens, the person responsible for keeping everything synchronized, teams supported, and customers—ranging from owneroperators to national fleets—powered and on the road. What followed was a candid look at the heartbeat of a company built on hustle, grit, and unwavering service. A Day Built on Momentum Operations at Worldwide Equipment is less about routine and more about responsiveness. When asked what a “typical day” looks like, John laughed knowingly. “There’s no such thing as typical. Our job is to stay ahead—whether that’s forecasting customer demand, improving shop efficiency, or making sure our customers get the uptime they depend on.” He describes his days as a constant rhythm of problem-solving, team support, and strategic planning. “My

Supporting Good, Hardworking Customers Something became clear early in our conversation: the operations team feels a genuine connection to the people they serve. Worldwide Equipment’s customer base is built on hardworking families— fleet owners, technicians, drivers, and small businesses keeping America moving. “These folks don’t have time for excuses. They need reliability, and we owe them that. Everything we do—from inventory accuracy to shop flow—is about respecting their time and their livelihood.” Building Systems That Scale As the company continues expanding, the operations team is focused on creating systems that grow with it. Technology, training, and communication aren’t buzzwords—they’re necessities. “We’re investing heavily in process. He emphasized that operations is never just about efficiency; it’s about clarity. “People do their best work when expectations are clear, tools are easy to use, and communication is tight.” Leading Through People, Not Processes What stood out most was his leadership style. Despite overseeing

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

massive operational infrastructures, he speaks not in terms of spreadsheets or workflows, but of people. “Our biggest strength is our team. We have some of the most dedicated people in this industry. My job is to make sure they feel supported, heard, and appreciated.” He believes accountability and trust go hand-in-hand. “When you invest in people, they take ownership. And when they take ownership, customers feel it.” What’s Next for Worldwide Equipment Looking ahead, he’s focused on three priorities: elevating customer experience, strengthening inter-department cooperation, and continuing to refine operations as the company grows. “The future is about being proactive. Our customers’ needs are changing faster than ever. If we stay adaptable and keep our team strong, we can meet those needs and exceed them.” A Company Moving Forward Walking away from the interview, one thing was clear: operations at Worldwide Equipment isn’t just a department—it’s the backbone of a culture built on doing the right thing, staying organized, and serving the people who keep America running. And thanks to the steady leadership steering the ship, the company is driving into the future with purpose, discipline, and a whole lot of heart.

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

Rebuilding Unity in the Towing Industry: Change Must Start at the Top

he towing industry stands at a crossroads. For decades, those within the field have worked tirelessly, day and night, in every weather condition, to respond to emergencies, assist stranded motorists, remove hazards, and keep roads safe and open. Yet despite its importance and sacrifice, the industry remains fractured from within. Publications compete with other publications; trade shows undermine other trade shows; manufacturers and vendors struggle against each other for dominance in a market that should have more collaboration and innovation than territorial battles. And after all this infighting at the top levels, the message sent to the towers, the operators on the road, the men and women working the dangerous white line, is somehow that they are expected to get along, cooperate, and elevate the profession. There is a deep irony in that contradiction. We cannot expect unity at ground level when fragmentation at the top fuels division. Today, the towing community is often asked to operate as a brotherhood and sisterhood, to share knowledge, support fellow operators, champion safety, and present a professional image to the world, all while the leaders who influence the culture of the industry appear embroiled in their own rivalries. Towers are asked to lead with professionalism, yet the leadership ecosystem is not consistently modeling the example they should follow. If we want this industry to shed the “dirty reputation” that outsiders often unfairly assign to it…if we want cooperation between companies to be possible…if we want safety, training, communication, and respect to improve, then the change must begin where influence begins. Unity must become the standard at the top before it

can ever become the culture at the bottom. Competition, when healthy, drives innovation. It produces modern technology, more efficient processes, better equipment, and higher levels of customer service. But competition becomes toxic when it stops being about growth and becomes about supremacy; when it shifts from “be better” to “stop them.” Unhealthy competition creates consequences the entire profession feels: • Fragmented communication: There is no single voice the media listens to — therefore, the public narrative remains confused. • Lack of shared standards: When one event refuses to acknowledge another, or one publication refuses to collaborate with industry progress, uniformity collapses. • Diluted advocacy: Legislators are far less likely to create favorable laws when organizations representing towers are not unified. • Mistrust among operators: If leadership behaves like rivals rather than collaborators, operators adopt the same posture. In many ways, the infighting at the top strengthens the negative stereotypes the industry has been trying to overcome for decades. When the public sees an industry divided, it assumes the worst, and perception becomes reality. Tow operators already face misconceptions: that they are predatory, opportunistic, or solely interested in profit. Those narratives persist partly because the industry lacks a unified platform to combat them. A divided leadership cannot successfully negotiate nationwide safety initiatives, federal training standards, or PR campaigns that reshape the public understanding of towing work. Without unity, every voice becomes background

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

John Borowski noise. Every industry has a cultural chain of influence. Whether we acknowledge it or not, the mentality held at the leadership level becomes the mentality within the workforce. In towing: •T ow shows influence what companies value •P ublications influence what the public sees •M anufacturers influence what technology looks like •A ssociations influence what regulations get attention •V endors influence what operators feel supported, or abandoned If these groups compete more than they collaborate, that identity becomes part of the tower’s experience. But imagine the opposite: •T ow shows highlight each other rather than ignore each other •M agazines share contributors rather than protect silos •V endors invest in joint innovation rather than proprietary secrets that stall progress • I ndustry leaders sit at the same table and plan 10 years ahead, not three months ahead That kind of leadership does not just change perception, it changes morale. When leaders model collaboration, operators extend collaboration. When leaders show respect, operators adopt respect.

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

When leaders champion safety as one voice, policymakers listen. When leaders present towing as a profession rather than an afterthought, the world must respond accordingly. The towing industry has a once-ina-generation opportunity to redefine itself, not as a fractured network of competitors, but as a unified national profession with dignity, standards, courage, and economic influence. But that change will not rise from the bottom. It will not be achieved through scattered efforts. It must be intentionally built, deliberately led, and boldly demonstrated from the top. The reality that outsiders rarely acknowledge is this: Tow operators save lives. Tow operators stand inches from traffic traveling at highway speeds. Tow operators recover vehicles under crushing weight and unpredictable risk. Tow operators work behind the scenes of every storm, crash, and emergency. Many tow operators never make the news, except when tragedy strikes. So, when towers are portrayed as opportunists instead of responders, it is not only incorrect, but also offensive to the sacrifice these men and women make. But images are shaped by messages and right now, no one message exists. Without unity, the industry has no megaphone. Cleaning up the name of towing is not a branding job; it is a cultural shift. It requires: • Consistent training, recognized nationwide • Public education that shows what towing really is • Safety campaigns with unified messaging • Industry publications highlighting accomplishments, not simply products • National storytelling around heroism, sacrifice, and professionalism It requires showing the next generation, children of towers, new recruits, future industry leaders that towing is a profession worth entering with pride. And pride begins with reputation. But reputations are not rebuilt by silence, they are rebuilt by leadership that speaks loudly together. There is no longer room to wait. The challenges facing the industry, safety, legislative action, insurance costs, workforce 16

shortages, public misunderstanding, are accelerating faster than leadership is unifying. If the towing industry continues to operate like several small competing industries instead of a single national profession, progress will slow to a halt. And when progress stops, people get hurt not in boardrooms, but on roadsides. Every month we wait: • Legislators write laws without towing experts at the table. • Media reports stories without accurate context. • Other industries get priority at federal safety levels. • Towers risk their lives while the industry debates coordination. The clock is ticking loudly! The towing industry does not need another sales pitch. It does not need another expo hall with limited deals. It does not need another editorial arguing why one organization is better than another. What the industry needs is a shared mission, a shared voice, and shared respect. The question is not whether change is possible. The question is whether those in the highest seats manufacturers, publishers, show organizers, association leaders, are willing to lead change rather than wait for it. Unity is not achieved through speeches. Unity is not achieved through slogans. Unity is achieved when those with power use it for progress. If the leadership of towing can demonstrate cooperation, respect, and vision, the towers will follow. If leadership cannot, the division deepens. It really is that simple. The future of this industry depends on whether we are willing to put collective progress above individual rivalry. The public image of this industry depends on whether we are willing to clean our own house before asking the world to see it differently. The towing industry deserves better. The towers deserve better. And the time to fix this is not someday — it is now! Now, is the moment to change the future of towing. If you are a publisher, a manufacturer, a show organizer, an association leader, or a vendor — the eyes of this industry are on you. The next generation of towers is watching how we treat each other, how we communicate,

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

and how we build our future. Let us be the leaders who chose unity over ego. Let us be the decision-makers who sit down at one table, not competing tables. Let us prove, not through speeches, but through actions, that the towing industry is stronger together than it could ever be on its own. It is time to raise the standard, shape the message, and stand together with one voice. The future of the towing industry is waiting, and it will belong to those with the courage to lead it. Enough is enough! If you lead an association, event, publication, or product that influences this industry, then you are responsible for its culture. Division starts at the top, and so must unity. That means collaboration, communication, transparency, and shared objectives. Stop fighting battles that do not advance the industry. Stop playing for territory. Stop expecting unity from operators when leadership refuses to practice it. Sit down. Talk. Partner. Plan. If the leaders of this industry will not act, then they must stop asking operators to do what they themselves are unwilling to demonstrate. It is time to prove leadership with action or stop calling it leadership. Unity does not mean giving up individuality, innovation, or competition. It means respecting the shared foundation beneath us. It means understanding that while we may compete in business, we must collaborate in identity. So here is the call: • Let publications open their pages to perspectives beyond their own networks • Let show organizers support each other’s successes and align dates and agendas for the benefit of the industry, not the detriment of competitors • Let manufacturers and vendors champion joint innovation, not guarded isolation • Let associations advocate with one unified message, not several diluted ones We all want the same outcome, a safer, respected, advanced towing industry. The only question is whether we are willing to pursue it together. The first step is simple: get to the same table. The next step is listening. And the ultimate step, the one the industry has been waiting for, is action!

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

Big D’s Fabrication Heavy-duty Tow Dollies, the right tools to get the job done!

ig D’s Fabrication is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty towing equipment that is designed and “Made for TOWER’S by TOWER’S” for the towing and recovery industry. Located in Green Bay, WI the company crafts custom-engineered truck dollies and accessories tailored to meet the demanding needs of tow operators. Big D’s Fabrication offers a range of dollies with varying load capacities. Our largest dolly is the 44,000lb dolly and this dolly will hold both tandems. We’ve been asked to develop this dolly so that it can be used on garbage trucks, quad axles, loaded trailers for distance, and other things that need a larger capacity. We did our testing with a rotator weighing 44,300lbs on the tandems and provided a scale ticket (in the pictures). Big D’s Fabrication dolly sizes are: • 44K Dolly: 44,000 lbs. capacity • 40K Dolly: 40,000 lbs. capacity • 25K Truck Dolly: 25,000 lbs. capacity • 25K Camper Dolly: 25,000 lbs. capacity Each dolly features either a double or single pan design, depending on the model, and is engineered to raise the load height by 5 inches. Big D’s Fabrication dollies are designed for versatility, allowing for use both right side up and upside down, depending on the height requirements of the job. The heavy-duty dollies are also easily transportable by towing behind your vehicle. We offer several accessories… lifting sling/harness, bus fork brackets (attach to the dolly) and dolly fork pins, for ease of moving the heavyduty dollies around. All dollies can be painted any PPG-AUE370 color. For more information contact Big D’s Fabrication on their website at www.bigdsfabrication and check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/ bigdsfab for working pictures. Our newest release is the availability of aluminum and stainless-steel

44K Dolly

40K Dolly

25K Camper Dolly

25K Truck Dolly

sheaves for synthetic winch lines. Contact Big D’s Fabrication for available sizes or to get the specific size for your application.

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

For more information please visit www.bigdsfabrication.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

Zacklift Quick-Back Zacklift introduces QUICK-BACK quick-release tie-back system Now available at Zip’s AW Direct, the patented QUICK-BACK quick-release tie-back system from Zacklift provides convenient control and access to winch hooks on a variety of heavy-duty wreckers and rotators. Beefier than standard factory hook holders, the spring-loaded 2” square tube prevents damage to the holdback caused by operators grabbing the wrong levers, and cable from nesting during transit. The 2.5” jaws release the hook once a certain amount of tension is applied, saving time and providing quick hook access. Including bolt-on or weld-on installation, the single- or dual-line QUICK-BACK is available in numerous configurations for your boom or drag line and works well with several manufacturers. Choose your style at www.Zips.com. Item #: ZL-ZQB

DICA LevelRight Outrigger When operating heavy-duty wreckers or rotators, a stable level base is essential for safe and efficient recovery work. The DICA LevelRight Outrigger Pad provides adjustable leveling from zero to ten degrees, ensuring a secure base. A built-in bubble level allows operators to verify stability at a glance, while the rugged thermoplastic construction delivers long-lasting, corrosion-resistant performance. Explore the full details and order at www.Zips.com

SafeAll Universal Driveline Breaker Tool

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Zip’s Heavy Duty End Caps and Binder Securement Kit

Order this chain binder kit for your HD wheel-lift crossbar Safely secure commercial trucks in tow with this unique Heavy-Duty Crossbar Adapter from Zip’s. Designed as an economical, practical solution for HD towing operators, this pair of adapters gives your chain binder a solid and reliable point to grab onto when securing a vehicle on your wheel-lift crossbar. Each 5” x 5” welded steel end cap slides over the end of your crossbar to create a dedicated connection point for ratcheting binders, especially useful when running chain slings on rear picks. This kit can also be used with a 1” shackle to secure trailers with a 5th wheel attachment. Order yours today at www.Zips.com Item #: ZP-HDEC-BINDER 20

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Service technicians and heavy-duty tow operators will appreciate a revolutionary new tool from SafeAll designed to reduce the frustration of removing rusted and hard-to-reach driveshaft bolts on commercial trucks. Now available at Zip’s AW Direct, the patent-pending Driveline Breaker Tool features a contoured shaft with two precision-formed bends to provide the right angle and enough leverage to remove those stubborn bolts. Featuring a knurled grip, these engineered bends are designed to work around the driveshaft, allowing for direct and unobstructed access to bolt heads without interfering with surrounding components. At the working end, the tool incorporates dual proprietary shallow sockets, sized at 1/2” and 12mm, and machined specifically for driveline bolt profiles. Order your bar at Zips.com. Item #: SA-UDLBT. You can also order the bar with Item #: SA-DLP100-KIT in a kit with SafeAll’s labor-saving Driveline Pro driveshaft removal support tool.

INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY

9th Annual Slow Down, Move Over Rally

n December 7th, Wes Passmore of Classic Towing & Automotive held the 9th annual rally for “Slow Down, Move Over to honor fallen towers and raise awareness with the public. The rally, like many years before, started in Hueytown, Alabama in honor of John Hubbard, and to grow support behind “Slow Down, Move Over.” Tow Professionals from all over the state came together to promote awareness. Santa was on hand, along with food trucks, live music and a parade of 100 + trucks gathered and drove from Hueytown, Al to Tuscaloosa, Alabama raising awareness along the way. Today, the event continues to grow and brings in not only towers, but police, fire, and EMS, all of which attended this event to honor and promote towing safety. This year’s event was sponsored this year by: Towbook, Goodyear Towing, Allstate Roadside, Agero, Copart, Classic Towing & Recovery, Goodyear Towing, C.P. Wrecker Service, Eastern Diesel & Auto Wrecker Service, Alabama Towing Recovery Association,

and Tow Professional magazine. The support is appreciated and goes a long way towards educating the public, raising awareness, and as always, this

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shows our tow professionals that we have their backs! Thanks again for all that supported and attended the rally! We hope to see you next year!

JOIN US

48TH

SEPTEMBER 24TH-26TH, 2026 GREAT WOLF LODGE MASON, OHIO Hosted By

C E L E B R AT I N G 4 8 Y E A R S B E C A U S E O F Y O U !

Don’t Miss a Great Time at a Great Location

• Live Demos • Seminars • Light Show • Beauty Contest • Over 100 Exhibitors • Safety Fashion Show

For Show and Hotel Information, Contact Bruce Bender

513-831-7469 • bruce@trao.org

• Thursday — Golf Outing • Thursday — Live Auction • Friday Night — A Party to Remember with Zack Attack • Friday Night — Candle Light Vigil • Saturday Night — Miller Industries Customer Appreciation

midwesttowshow.org

Thanks for tuning in to this issue’s Safety Corner powered by HAAS Alert. Remember: SAFETY IS NOT A FEATURE, IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY!

missed us, but took out the mirror on the customer’s vehicle.

oday, we are speaking with George Kuntz, owner of Ace 24 Hr Towing in Bismarck, North Dakota, TRAA President, North Dakota Towing Association President, and Inductee #335 to the International Towing & Recovery Museum and Hall of Fame, to learn more about the importance of Safety in the towing, recovery, and roadside assistance industry. TP: Tell us about yourself and your company. GK: I have been in the industry for 42 years and have owned and run my own company for 36 years. We specialise in the Heavy side of the business. We run 27 trucks, and 13 of those are dedicated to Heavy work alongside the interstate. I love this occupation and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I am also a big proponent of the importance of safety in our industry. TP: Closest call you’ve had on the roadside? GK: This is a hard question, because as a Towing professional, we deal with close calls on a near-daily basis. One example that sticks out to me was in 2001, on Christmas Day, we were providing a service to change a tire on a snowmobile trailer. I had my truck turned around, facing traffic, and the beacons were on. It was a cold day, but very bright and with good visibility. As I am kneeling down working on the trailer, I hear the customer yell, “ Look out!” A minivan was barreling down at us, didn’t slow down, didn’t move over, and I had to jump on top of the trailer and then dove onto my wrecker to get out of the way. The minivan

TP: First thing you teach a new operator about safety? GK: The first thing I teach a new operator is to pay attention to their surroundings at all times. Think ahead, keep your head on a swivel. You MUST wear your protective gear on all calls, at all times. Everything we do, from the moment you start working with our organization, is safety-focused. And it doesn’t matter how much time you have in the industry, you will be on a probationary period where you are put through the full gamut of safety training in the yard, then on the roads, and we certify you ready to go out on your own because you have passed all of our safety criteria. TP: Tools or tech you never work without? GK: We never work without all of our safety gear, and we have a mandated safety inspection form filled out each morning before anyone hits the roads. We also use tracking services on all of our equipment. Our dispatch and safety employees are always paying attention to the calls our employees are running, and do check in calls with them when they are out on a job. We also believe towing companies should look at the technology that communicates directly with the motoring traffic that gets them to slow down and move over before they get to us working on the roads.

George Kuntz TP: One change that would make the job safer tomorrow? GK: There are a lot of things we can do as an industry to be better and safer. The main thing I would like to see is enforcement. The motoring traffic is not paying attention; they are not slowing down or moving over. Our Police counterparts are also stretched very thin. Enforcement isn’t just about writing tickets and going to court. We could pull them over and provide them with education materials, educate them on what “Slow Down and Move Over” means and what the law is. And if there are repeat offenders, then we can start ticketing and fining and using the courts. And while we are educating the drivers, we can bring this education to the schools. Influence the children and the kids before they get behind the wheel to create good habits when they start to drive.

TOM PARBS is the Vice President at HAAS Alert. Safety Cloud® by HAAS Alert is the largest and most trusted advance warning, digital alerting platform available worldwide. Utilized by several thousand organizations to alert motorists to slow down and move over to protect those who work the roadways every day.

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

TRPNC

MID ATLANTIC TOW E XPO

SEPTEMBER 11TH-12TH, 2026 JIM GRAHAM BUILDING | 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

The NC Tow Truck and Trade Show is an event designed for professionals engaged in the towing and recovery business. Attendees will be able to see the latest designs of towing equipment and accessories.

SAVE-- THE SAVE THE-- DATE To be the first to get information about exhibiting at the Show, please contact:

TOWING AND RECOVERY PROFESSIONALS OF NC PO BOX 206 • Elkin, NC 28621

trpnc@nctowing.org | (336) 975-0029

oor d n i y a d r a 2 ng: o f s u n i o J uri show feat tion Auc 3Silent affle eR 3Revers ty Contest eau B k c u r T 3Tow ng 3Traini re! h mo c u m d n a ...

Registration is now open for

Hill Day 2026! • Early Bird Discount (register by December 31, 2025) TRAA Member Pricing (subject to verification): $699 Non-Member Pricing: $899

• Standard Registration (January 1-January 31, 2026) TRAA Member Pricing (subject to verification): $799 Non-Member Pricing: $999

Registration closes on January 31st, so REGISTER NOW!

The Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc.® (TRAA) is “The Voice of America’s Towing Industry”!

For over 40 years we have taken that slogan seriously as we work to improve the industry’s voice in federal legislation, education, and communication. This is “your” national towing association. www.traaonline.com/hillday

2026 Tentative Event Schedule Tuesday, February 24, 2026

• 8:30 am Registration & Event Check-In • 8:30 am - 9:30 am Breakfast • 9:30 am - 10:30 am Legislative Workshop 1: Opening Session & Overview of Legislative Priorities • 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Legislative Workshop 2: Constituent Meeting Preparation • 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Federal Policy Session • 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm State Association Sharing

Wednesday “Hill Day”, February 25, 2026

• 9:00 am Constituent Meetings with Members of Congress (meetings facilitated by TRAA’s federal lobbying team) • 2:00 pm Member of Congress Meet & Greet on Capitol Hill • 3:30 pm Capitol Tour

Sponsored by

INAT O W I N G NETWORK

Simplified solutions, Superior service

Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

FUEL4THOUGHT B Y D . J . H A R R I N G T O N C S P ///

Moving On Up!

very time I hear the phrase “moving on up”, I remember the iconic show, The Jeffersons. They were in the dry-cleaning business. Mr. Jefferson desperately wanted to make it big, so he moved from the slums to the Eastside of the city. With some hiccups,

the Jeffersons were well on their way to making it big in the dry cleaner’s world. Mr. Jefferson was determined to do better than he had done in previous years, and he took the steps to make it happen. Speaking of moving...if you’ve ever moved before, whether it was

for your business or your home, you know exactly what I’ve been going through for the last 30+ days. It’s been challenging at times, especially because of my health issues. However, things are looking up because my daughter is in a better place with her life now. We had to do it quickly just to move forward. When moving, all the pieces have to be planned so everything gets done in a timely manner. Usually, a backup plan is needed just in case something doesn’t get done like it was planned. Utilities must be shut off and turned on again at the new place. All the moving pieces seem to be never-ending because you’re working around the clock, while working ahead of what’s needed to get everything completed by the deadline. However, good things don’t happen to those who wait. I know that’s not the correct quote, but it is so true. If you wait, nothing gets done. And certainly, now on cue. Now I don’t have to climb

Mr. Jefferson was determined to do better than he had done in previous years, and he took the steps to make it happen.

Cast of The Jeffersons, clockwise from top: Mike Evans, Sherman Hemsley, and Isabel Sanford (1975) PHOTO COURTESY OF CBS TELEVISION, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

FUEL4THOUGHT B Y D . J . H A R R I N G T O N C S P ///

22 steps up nor 22 steps down the stairs because I can just roll into my house. I thank my wife for her decision while I was in the hospital battling irregular heartbeat, a fib, heart murmur and a UTI at the time. As I thought about myself during this move I couldn’t help but think about the end of the year what I’ve accomplished, and for that matter what I plan for my business in 2026. People remark that I have a good outlook even with my recent diagnosis of CIDP diagnosis (ugly stepsister to GBS). In reality, your business is your life and for that reason your business goal should be very important to you too. It will be your road map for a successful 2026, and you’ll want to review what you were able to accomplish in 2025. What do you expect to accomplish in 30

2026? Maybe you want to spend more time with family next year. Perhaps you have to spend more time with your business because you don’t have the help in place that you will need to get through next year just yet. Maybe you need more parts, trucks or a bigger facility. Whatever it is, if you decide to grow your business, you should be putting it down on paper, giving it a timeframe of when you want to accomplish that particular part of your goal. Discuss what you want to accomplish in the new year with your team members who want to be alongside to watch it grow. They will appreciate knowing what you’re working toward. The decision is ultimately yours, but they may have some suggestions that could help get you where you want to be

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

in your business quickly. A word of caution though. I would discuss it only with those that think like you do. If there isn’t such a person at your business, then seek the advice of someone outside the business: whether banker, financial person, or a wise person that can help you strategize. It’s most important to avoid opinions from any Negative Nancy or Nathans you know when seeking advice. They’re talented at throwing cold water on warm ideas, and you don’t need that when you’re trying to move up. Remember that the first sale is for your family. You must sell them on what you want to do first. If you’re moving on up, then move up with help from those that care. I will see you on the next podcast.

Your voice for the Towing Industry!

Bringing the latest in technology, products and services. Giving you the information needed to grow your Business!

Find us everywhere podcasts are available.

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or www.towprofessional.com SPONSORED BY:

Every year, we give you our roundup of the hottest products and services that have come across our desks from manufacturers, dealers, and service providers in the towing market.

his year’s list spans an impressive amount of categories, including towing software, GPS, damaged vehicle movement systems, synthetics, tools, lights, and many others. This issue should be your company’s wish list going into the new year, as you continue to evaluate and select products to help you operate your towing facility more effectively and efficiently. In every issue through the year, every single product or service we cover in the magazine is there because we think it’s something that you will find useful, so we’re excited about each and every one in all of our issues. Our sole mission is to help you make purchasing decisions, so we’re all about products, all the time. This list reflects the “best of the best.” It is a great time to be an owner of a towing or repossession company, because the market is overflowing with options for great products and services for your facility. Here are some of the products and services that stood out to us this year:

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

JD 35/40 Ton Rotator The new JD35/40 Ton Rotator from Jerr-Dan® is engineered to give recovery operators a highly capable, mid-size heavy-duty option that blends strength, stability and operator-focused design. Rather than downsizing its flagship JD50/60 Rotator, Jerr-Dan built this model on a proven 7.4-million RBM torsion subframe and S130 outriggers, ensuring reliable performance on uneven terrain and during demanding side-pull recoveries. Large, multi-position rear spades add further stabilization for complex jobs. A 37-ft boom with continuous 360-degree rotation expands operational flexibility, supported by an intuitive load chart. Standard equipment includes dual 35,000-lb planetary two-speed winches and a 50,000lb drag winch, with optional 15,000-lb auxiliary winches for added

versatility. The unit is also compatible with Jerr-Dan’s 500 Series underlifts, enabling towing configurations from low-profile applications to bus and coach recovery. Operator-focused enhancements include a distributed hydraulic system that reduces hose runs, proportional EH controls, a wireless remote, and a simplified CAN-Bus electrical layout. Storage needs are addressed through JFB polypropylene bodies with roll-up doors and customizable rigging packages. Overall, the JD35/40 Ton Rotator offers fleets a lighter, more flexible alternative to large rotators while meeting evolving industry expectations for safety, serviceability and efficiency.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Towbook Say “Hello” to your newest employee, Towbook! Based in the cloud, and utilizing the latest tools and technologies available, Towbook has become the industry’s unquestioned leader in towing management software solutions. Our goal is to provide software solutions that impact the performance, productivity and revenue potential for your roadside assistance, towing, and recovery operations. Towbook is here to create a seamless experience for each job from beginning to end. You’ll be able to create quotes, receive jobs digitally from all major motor clubs, dispatch jobs to drivers, communicate with staff throughout the entire call, track calls on our mapping system,

manage impounds, billing, receive customer feedback via surveys, and so much more! With Towbook, we believe in transparency, so there are never any hidden fees! Training and setup assistance are provided at no additional charge for companies of every size and each Towbook subscription includes

unlimited user accounts. We’re known industry-wide for our coveted 24/7/365 Ultimate Support. This support includes live phone support and our “in-app” chat system that enables customers to interact with our team without having to pick up the phone and call. See for yourself and try it free for 30-Days at: www.towbook.com

DRIVEN BY PERFORMANCE

Manage your business from anywhere In the office using a computer or on-the-go using your mobile app, we’ve got you covered! Our cloudbased software was built for owners, managers, drivers, and dispatchers who live a busy lifestyle and need access from wherever they are.

FEATURE RICH Simple, Powerful Dispatching

Powerful Mobile Apps

Billing Made Easy

Comprehensive Reporting

Our billing features include the ability to invoice your motor clubs directly, automatically import payments, integrating with QuickBooks, and much more! With our intuitive workflow, your staff will save countless hours on billing.

With hundreds of options, our flexible reports make it easy for you to review company performance. See your daily activity, generate commissions, manage receivables, view truck expenses, and much more!

Our software was built with you in mind; save countless hours on training staff with our user-friendly interface and intuitive design. Accepting calls, assigning calls, tracking job progress, and managing vehicle inventory just got a whole lot easier!

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Use Towbook from any device! iPhone, Android, etc. You can use it on as many devices as you want to for no extra fee.

TowMate SS470UVA: UV Light Head for Enhanced Roadside Worker Visibility The SS470UVA is an advanced UV light head uniquely designed to increase the safety and visibility of roadside workers. This innovative device, equipped with the patented HINVII technology, emits a non-visible ultraviolet light that interacts with workers’ vests, making them glow intensely without impairing the workers’ vision.

The ADAPTABOX

• Provides seamless, wireless control of stop, tail, and turn signals, including all trailer marker lights. • Simple to use, just plug into the semi-truck trailer • Robust housing made of highly durable material • All-weather resistant for reliable performance in any condition • Equipped with a built-in 7-pin plug • Features a mount for the Milwaukee M18 battery (battery not included) • Compatible with any TowMate heavy-duty wireless tow light (wireless transmitter not included) • Utilizes TowMate’s ‘red antenna’ receiver for signal reception from 1000+ feet away (Made in the USA / Lifetime warranty on LED’s and Electronics)

TM36MDW “The TM36MDW Wireless Light Bar by TowMate® is a revolutionary addition to the 2023 automotive safety market. This 36-inch light bar, compatible with both Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt MAX20V batteries, streamlines roadside operations with its advanced, userfriendly design. It features integrated stop, tail, turn signals, side marker lights, and central DOT lights, ensuring high visibility and safety. The bar’s ease of use is enhanced by an intuitive transmitter and simple bungee straps for effortless mounting. Emphasizing prolonged usage times, the TM36MDW addresses the need for reliable, long-lasting light solutions in towing and emergency scenarios. This innovative product, available through TowMate’s dealer network, represents a significant leap in wireless tow light technology, meeting the evolving demands of roadside safety professionals.”

Saber Light Wireless Tow Light Bar

Versatile Lighting Options: Equipped with wireless stop, tail, and turn signals, and a high-intensity amber strobe function for distinct visibility during setups or emergencies. Plus, a bright white work light ensures you can see—and be seen—no matter the conditions. www.towmate.com www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Hino L Series Trucks The all new Hino L Series trucks, replacing our conventional lineup. Now known as the L6 and L7, you’ll immediately see the new exterior design including a bolder front fascia and optional LED headlights to make sure you’re able to safely navigate the roads in style. Open the door and you’ll be greeted with a re-engineered interior with highend automotive grade finishes built with commercial use durability and an eye towards increased functionality. New steering wheel controls, a large 7” LCD multi-information display, more storage and increased leg room all make your “office” safer and more comfortable. Speaking of safety, the new Hino L Series has integrated an entire suite of new safety systems to ensure you and your cargo get where they need to be quickly and safely. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Collision Mitigation System (CMS) Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Active Cruise Control (ACC) and a driver’s seatbelt sensor are all there to protect you mile after mile. Last but not least, the new L series is maximizing your business’s functionality with new wheelbase options, extended cab and crew cab configurations. No matter what your business needs, there’s a Hino L Series there to help you do more. WWW.HINO.COM

Hino XL Series The Hino conventional models have been the fastest growing medium duty trucks for years. It started with great aerodynamics, functionality, and durability, and has continued with leading edge connectivity. The great just got better. The Hino XL Series sports an all-new automotive grade interior, a host of new advanced safety equipment, and larger cab configurations for more versatility than ever before. Available in day, extended and crew cab configurations, Hino XL Series trucks are ideal for applications ranging from 33,000 lbs. to 62,000 lbs. GVWR. Factoring in the industry’s leading support of HinoWatch and available HinoCare and it’s easy to see why Hino is the fastest growing medium duty truck brand in the U.S.A. - POWER ON. WWW.HINO.COM 36

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Worldwide, Driving Innovation within the Towing Industry

In a rapidly evolving world, Worldwide is at the forefront, driving innovation within the towing industry. We are committed to collaborating closely with our suppliers to ensure that we can provide the best possible support for our customers. Today, we’re excited to introduce two groundbreaking products that will not only bolster your existing business but also open new revenue streams. Let’s dive into the latest additions to our product lineup, the Cottrell one and two car carriers. These versatile delivery vehicles are tailor-made to meet the specific needs of businesses, particularly those grappling with a shortage of available CDL drivers. These carriers have the potential to generate fresh revenue opportunities for your enterprise. Imagine, for instance, you own an auto repair shop or a body shop. With these carriers at your disposal, you can effortlessly pick up and deliver vehicles to accommodate your customers’ schedules, all while maintaining your core towing operations and minimizing the use of multiple trucks. What sets these carriers apart is their ingenious built-in ratchet system, which not only ensures the safety of your drivers but also reduces the risk of equipment loss. Their streamlined, lightweight design not only decreases the overall weight of the vehicle but also features integrated toolboxes that can be equipped with an electric vehicle (EV) charging system or a jump starter. Additionally, these carriers offer excellent branding opportunities with integrated body panels, enhancing your company’s visibility in the market. While they may not be traditional tow trucks, they have the potential to significantly enhance your customer experience and extend your service offerings. In line with our commitment to expanding your business capabilities, we present a range of versatile service vehicles designed to cater to your current customer base and take you into the realm of electric vehicle support. Whether you opt for a van, our Hackney service truck, or our roll-up door body, each vehicle is equipped with a standard set of features that includes Van Air’s “Epic system” EV charging system, the 12/24-volt Goodall “Super boost all,” and an Air20 compressor. These vehicles offer ample storage space for batteries, tools, and support

equipment, and they can be fully customized to meet your unique requirements. Best of all, they are readily available in stock. In a rapidly changing world, Worldwide is your partner in adapting and thriving within the towing industry. Our new products are designed to empower your business, create fresh revenue streams, and enhance your service offerings. Together, we can embrace the future of towing and vehicle support.

The IM Body is 12’ Polypropylene construction with two pass-through tunnels with side tray options (Front Compartment 49” and second 47”). It also has two side stationary shelved compartments and a rear compartment, totaling 7 areas to store much needed equipment.. www.wdelivers.com | 815-725-4400 www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Warrior Winches Warrior Winch Industrial Winch Range has quickly gained ground with serious recovery operators across North America. Designed from the ground up for high-duty cycles and extreme working conditions, these winches are purpose-built to support heavy recovery vehicles, rotators, and utility fleets working in the harshest environments.

T1000 Series, for example. Compact yet powerful, this industrial electric winch range delivers up to 25,000 pounds of pulling force in a streamlined package ideal for emergency vehicles, utility trucks, and lightweight recovery rigs. For applications that demand more sustained pulling under load, Warrior offers the hydraulic RV Series, engineered for continuous use and extended durability—perfect for tow fleets that operate around the clock. Speed and control are the hallmarks of the YP Series, a favourite among operators performing fast-response work where time and precision are critical. These winches are known for their extended drum to fit longer length rope and their efficient gearing and high line speeds, which help operator’s complete jobs faster without sacrificing safety. For tow companies with a diverse range of vehicles, the NH Series offers a flexible solution. It’s a goto choice for recovery professionals who want consistency across different platforms without losing performance. At the top end of the industrial lineup, the JR Series stands out as a true workhorse. Engineered for the most demanding applications and to meet SAEJ-706 Standard, this winch features heavy-duty planetary gearing, air and manual clutch operation, and the ability to operate under extreme environmental stress. It’s the winch of choice for industrial rotators and serious off-road recovery builds.

ARMORTEK SYNTHETIC ROPE Armortek synthetic rope—a modern alternative to traditional steel cable. Armortek is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), offering equivalent strength to steel at a fraction of the weight. It’s safer, too; unlike steel, synthetic rope doesn’t store dangerous amounts of kinetic energy, reducing the risk of injury if it breaks under load. With UV resistance, low stretch, and abrasion-resistant coatings, Armortek is built to handle mud, snow, heat, and whatever else the job throws at it—all while making line handling significantly easier and faster for the operator.

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Advanced Track Solutions

LEVEL UP YOUR BUSINESS! RESQTRACK ResQTrack (Standard) is designed to “lift” the vehicle preventing the need to use skates, dollies, or g-jacks, no skidding or dragging vehicles on or off flatbeds. ResQTrack will pick up the vehicle then both ResQtrack and the vehicle can then be placed on your flatbed for delivery to the dealer. While only using ONE truck! ResQTrack is capable of lifting any mid-size SUV and any mid-size sedan. Can lift vehicles up to 120” wheelbase. Works great for tight areas, parking garages, epoxy garage floors, and custom driveways. 26HP Honda Gas engine, standard 4,500 lb. winch (9, 000 lb. winch available) remote controlled, upper and lower LED work lights, upgraded nonskid tracks, standard color blue or yellow. EASYMOVER XL EasyMover XL is designed for moving vehicles within any hard surfaced parking lot or structure. The EasyMover XL picks up all 4 wheels off the ground. Ideal for AWD, electric, and hybrid vehicles. Works great for repair ships, body shops, dealers and manufacturers. EasyMover XL is fully electric, can operate 8-10 hours on a single charge. Capable of up to 125” wheelbase and up to 5,500 lbs. Can be operated on or off board, top speed of 6 mph. RESQTRACK XL ResQTrack XL is designed just like the standard ResQTrack only much larger, can handle up to 185” wheelbase. The XL unit has a Doosan (Hyundai) 50 HP inline 3 cylinder turbo charged diesel engine with intercooler. The ResQTrack XL comes with a 10,000 lb. winch, upgraded nonskid tracks, remote controlled, upper and lower LED work lights, standard color Blue. ResQTrack XL is capable of picking up vehicles such as the Tesla Cyber Truck and Hummer EV as well as full size pick-ups and SUVs. Both are perfect for hard to reach areas where tow trucks can’t go! For more information, visit www.advancedtracksolutions.com, sales@advancedtracksolutions.com or call: 605-799-3977 www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

FlowStop’s Hazmat Products

FlowStop’s Hazmat Products, “ Equipment & Supplies,” are designed by a veteran of the towing, recovery and spill response service for a quick and easy solution to minimize exposure when dealing with roadside mishaps. FlowStop has a proven track record for dependability for the task at hand. Check out the FlowStop Product line at www.flowstop.net or call us at 877-356-9767 for details and pricing.

Flowstop’s hydrocarbon pumps are designed for quick and easy deployment for roadside spill response. Aluminum pumps transfer all class 3 fluids with rapid results. Each FLOWSTOP’S HYDROCARBON PUMPS ARExOFFERED AS pump includes aluminum vac stingers of 30’’x 1’’ and 48’’ 1’’ & 2’’ APPLICATIONS 1’’. Flowstop’s 1’’ pump is also equipped with a vac mop and 1’’ PUMP ASSEMBLY IS EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM puddle wand, 2,pressure plugs ifVAC drilling tank is necessary. PUDDLE WAND, MOP,a30’’ VAC STINGER AND 48’’ VA 50’ Xmounted 3/8’’ AIR HOSE, FLUID Each pump has anSTINGER, air regulator on unitINLINE and 100’ of FILTER,1’’ FOOT VALVE,of 100’ OF1’’ VAC HOSE,(4) 25’ X 1’’ 1’’ SECTIONS vac hose in 4 separate sections 25’x an inline filter and CARRIES A 1YEAR MANUFACTURES WARRANTY foot valve ensure debris free HAS suction. 2’’ PUMP 2) 2’’ ALUMINUM STINGERS OF 3’ & 5’

LENGTH, 200’ OF 2’’ VAC HOSE, 2’’ SIGHT GLASS STORED IN PELICAN CASE The World’s Only True HazMat Pipe Plug With Or Without Flow Through Ports

DOME LID CLAMPS Designed for MC 306 / DOT 406 Tank Trailers Quick & Easy Deployment for Rapid Results 5 Aluminum Locking Clamps FLOWSTOP CHEMICAL PUMPS

FLOWSTOP’S AIR DRILL KIT REVERSIBLE AIR DRILL INFRARED TEMP GUN LENNOX 2’’ HOLE SAW LENNOX 4’’ HOLE SAW 2) OATEY 2’’ PLUGS 2) OATEY 4’’ PLUGS 50’ X 3/8’’ AIR HOSE STORAGE/CARRY CASE

AIR DRILL KIT Reversible Air Drill Infrared Temp Gun Lennox 2’’ Hole Saw Lennox 4’’ Hole Saw 2) Oatey 2’’ Plugs 2) Oatey 4’’ Plugs 50’ X 3/8’’ Air Hose Storage/Carry Case

Cargo Tanker Vac Stinger Achieve 3 Separate Lengths with 2 Vac Stingers! 3’ x 2” Aluminum Vac Stinger Fits Through 4” Opening with 3’ x 5” Aluminum Vac Stinger Easy Lock Couplers 8’ x 2” With Both Stingers Connected! Grounding Tabs on Stingers 3” Sight Glass to 2” Vac Pipe Aluminum Dust Caps for Aluminum Strainer Male Couplers Pelican Case for Storage & Transport 42

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

OFFERED IN 1’’ & APPLICATIONS Flowstop’s chemical pump is 2’’ ideal for acids and harsh SCHEDULE 80 PVC VAC STINGERS OF 30’’ & 48’’ FOR 1’’ chemicals and both 1’’ and 2’’ models can handle up to a 93% SCHEDULE 80 PVC 2’’ VAC STINGERS OFFERED AS 3’ & 5’ solution of sulfuric acid. pumps employ FORBoth 8’ OVERALL LENGTHschedule 80 pvc pipes and chemical hoses compatible with the pump. The World’s Only True HazMat Pipe Plug With Or Without Flow Through Ports

FlowStop Football, a spill containment repair plug - The FLOWSTOP Football-shaped, polyurethane impregnated, water activated foam plug is used to temporarily STOP the flow from a leak in anything from a pipe, to a tanker, to a rail car, even a boat hull! From an initially pliable plug ready to insert into a void, it quickly expands and hardens to fill the void - it can even be applied below the water line!

Custer Products 23” WIRELESS LIGHT-DUTY TOW LIGHT One of Custer’s highest selling items has been the 23” wireless light-duty tow light (LIW-LDTL). The steel handle on top and the 105 lb. pull rubbercoated magnets on the bottom make for easy onand-off installation. The LIW-LDTL is individually serialized which eliminates cross-talk and protects the owner against theft. This bar meets all DOT requirements, comes with a 3-year warranty and is proudly manufactured in the USA. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com

LED AMBER/WHITE ROOFTOP LIGHT BAR The LED Amber/White rooftop light bar which is available in 29”, 56” and 72” lengths to fit several different sizes of service trucks. This strobe light bar comes with thirty flash patterns all controlled from a multi-function control box. This bar comes with arrow stick/traffic control built in with seven different flash patterns for each function. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com

54-WATT WORK LIGHT/AMBER STROBE COMBO LIGHT One of Custer’s newest products is the 54-Watt work light/amber strobe combo light (WL54AW). Similar to Custer’s WL19F in size and shape, the WL54AW includes a 27-watt white work light in the bottom row of diodes and a 27-watt amber strobe light on the top. This light includes a 3-wire hook-up which allows the driver to operate the strobe and work light features independently.

LED CLASS I SURFACE MOUNT STROBE The LED Class I Surface mount strobe (STR-XL1) which is available in Amber (not pictured) and Amber/White. With very low-profile dimensions of 4.85” L x 1” W x 0.3” D, the STR-XL1 series is small in size but powerful in its brightness. This strobe light comes with 24 different flash patterns and can be synchronized with up to twelve other modules of its kind.

To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com

To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Will-Burt Will-Burt’s Night Scan HDT Light Tower The Night Scan HDT is designed for the Recovery and Towing industry, meeting unique requirements and demands. Heavy wreckers and rotators benefit from the height and light output of the Night Scan HDT Powerlite, now available with new LED light fixtures that are more affordable than ever before. Available as a surface-mounted folding version or vertically mounted model adding flexibility for the space available for installation. • Extends to heights of 15’ • Dual tilt light fixtures www.nightscan.com | www.willburt.com

I-SPECTOR UBL Under-Hood Cordless Rechargeable Light • Dual 180° ratcheting handles and 360° twist function to direct light exactly where you need it • Dual hanging hooks and strong magnetic bases for hands free use • Rechargeable and cordless via USB-C charging cable • Tough ABS construction • Virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lens • White light with 5000K color temperature • Battery status indicators www.willburt.com

TWINSTAR CONNECT 12K Multi-Angled twin head light with power tool battery adapters • Accepts batteries from 7 leading power tool brands • Quick and easy to setup • 2 x Power / Light mode switch, to turn on 1 or both light heads • Multi-angled light heads • 5,000 lumens of daylight illumination • Carry handle www.willburt.com

Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart Flares Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart Flares sequential road flares not only warn oncoming drivers, but they guide them around the danger. The rapid deployment system automatically turns on and synchronizes the flares for safe, quick, and easy use. Built, designed, and supported in the USA - the Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart flares withstand up to 30,000 lbs of pressure and are IP66 water and dust proof. • Rechargeable • No programming required / auto synchronization • Available in 6 or 10 pack www.willburt.com

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Tru-Hitch

Survival in our changing transportation industry requires towers to work smarter and more efficiently. Today’s faster pace demands light weight equipment that can safely haul heavy loads at highway speeds while still meeting the scaling requirements of the state(s) you are operating within. A Tru-Hitch fulfills this need. A Tru-Hitch Fifth Wheel Towing Device solves many of the traditional problems with heavy duty towing. • Tows Heavy Loads and Doesn’t Overload Drive Axles – The Tru-Hitch booms are extended and then connected to the towed vehicle at a point behind the axle on the vehicle being lifted. This connection point places the axle being lifted in the middle of the effort being used to lift the truck for towing. Less effort is needed to lift heavy weight. Once lifted, the truck in tow is secured to the booms creating a rigid connection. The truck in tow simply becomes a semi-trailer. Weight transferred forward is properly imposed down onto the fifth wheel. This is how your tractor is designed to work and means no overloaded drive axles. Other fifth wheel attachments are attached in a fixed manner to the after frame of tractor they are mounted onto and use a traditional stinger to lift at the axle directly. The lifting effort is out at the end of the stinger. This means the rearmost drive axle sees most of the weight and in many cases becomes severely overloaded. • No Special Tractors or Modifications Needed – A Tru-Hitch can be connected to or disconnected from any tractor in just a few minutes. The Tru-Hitch is simply connected at the fifth wheel, and when transported uses a small set of integrated travel legs that rest on the after frame of the tractor. When disconnected, the Tru-Hitch is free standing, without the need for support arms etc., ready to back under the next time you need it. Because the Tru-Hitch properly places weight onto, and pivots at the fifth wheel when towing, there are no special mounting brackets, binders, or fixed mounting points needed. Also, because towing with a

Tru-Hitch places weight properly onto the fifth wheel, there is no need to stretch the frame of the tractor in an effort to get weight forward off the rear axle. Nor does a Tru-hitch need to have additional lift axles added to safely lift tow. • No Lightened or Unsafe Steering when Towing – Because the load becomes a semi-trailer when using a Tru-Hitch, the steering axle of the towing tractor actually GAINS weight! Your tractor acts normally. This leads us to another important point. • No Uneven Braking – Because there are no overloaded drive axles and the steering axle stays properly planted to the road this means the brakes are evenly loaded. This keeps your driver, the load, and the people traveling near you safer. • There are no pinch points when towing with a Tru-Hitch – Towed loads are secured to the Tru-Hitch booms and pivots at the fifth wheel. You can make turns at up to 90 degrees without worrying about pinch points. And just like a trailer, the load follows you around corners. Other under-lifts that pivot at the stinger mean maneuverability is limited. When you turn left the load wants to go right and vice versa. This is never an issue with a Tru-Hitch. • Cost – Traditional tow trucks are heavy, long, and expensive to operate. Other fifth wheel attachments require modified wheelbase tractors and complicated bracketry to mount and use. A Tru-Hitch comes complete, ready to attach to a standard tractor, with no special mounting requirements or additional cost. It can run on its own self-contained hydraulics, or connect it to a PTO, it’s your choice. Radio remote control and rigging items are included. A Tru-Hitch can lift up to 32,000 lbs. and tow up to a gross combined weight rating of 140,000 lbs. Tru-Hitch is the safest heavy duty towing solution for the heavy-duty tower. Visit www.truhitch.com for more information, or call 860-379-7772 to order your Tru-Hitch today. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Steck Mfg BigEasy GLO With EasyWedge & Carrying Case • Comprehensive Lockout Kit: The Steck STC32900 Classic BigEasy Kit includes all the essential tools you need to handle various lockout scenarios, making it a complete and versatile solution. • BigEasy Tool: The BigEasy tool, included in the kit, provides a secure and efficient method for unlocking vehicle doors without the need for expensive and time-consuming techniques. • Non-Marring Design: The tools in the Classic BigEasy Kit are designed with a non-marring coating, ensuring they do not scratch or damage the vehicle’s paint or interior surfaces during use. • Durable Construction: Crafted from high-quality materials, the tools in the kit offer exceptional durability, ensuring they can withstand the demands of regular use in automotive repair settings. • Easy to Use: The Classic BigEasy Kit is designed for user-friendly operation, allowing both professionals and DIY enthusiasts to confidently handle lockout situations. • Compact and Portable: Despite its comprehensive tools, the Classic BigEasy Kit remains compact and portable, ensuring it can be easily carried and stored in your toolbox. EasyWedge 3-Bag Combo The durable, multi-use Inflatable EasyWedge Air Bag Collection is ideal for Emergency Vehicle Access, Vehicle Repair, Alignment, Leveling, Home Use and more. • Versatile tool for tasks such as door and window panel separation, gasket removal, trim work, window and door casement fitting, and leveling appliances • EasyWedge available in 6”L x 4”W, 6”L x 6”W, 9”L x 7”W & 3-Bag Combo • Compact size and lightweight build for easy insertion into tight spaces features a non-marring design, ensuring that surfaces, trims, and finishes remain unharmed

Tough alloy steel C-clamp locking pliers provide a quick temporary* steering repair for vehicles with outer tie rod end ball and socket separation. • Saves tow driver’s time by temporarily* fixing wheel alignment for easy loading and unloading • Allows mechanics to easily steer vehicles to repair bay • Innovative design - socket end and pointed spindle end. • Easy wheel pivoting by temporarily reconnecting ball and socket tie rods • Do not use Tie Rod End Pliers or Tie Rod Coupler at speeds over 5 mph or distances over 100 yards

Tough alloy steel tie rod coupler provide a quick temporary* steering repair for vehicles with outer tie rod end ball and socket separation. • Tie Rod Coupler eye-bolts secure the coupler to the broken tie rod by hand tightening or by using a small leverage bar. • Saves tow driver’s time by temporarily* fixing wheel alignment for easy loading and unloading. • Allows mechanics to easily steer vehicle to repair bay. • Do not use Tie Rod End Pliers or Tie Rod Coupler at speeds over 5 mph or distances over 100 yards For more information, visit www.steckmfg.com 46

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Zips The Firebox

Exclusively distributed by Zip’s AW Direct, the Firebox is a portable, steel structure tow companies and storage lots can use to protect their property from fire risks associated with accident-damaged EVs and conventional vehicles. Once filled with water to the proper level, the watertight container can control thermal runaway on EVs and minimize risk to other susceptible vehicles parked inside its sealed walls. This highly profitable unit eliminates the need for a buffer zone in congested lots and increases revenue to your bottom line by providing a specialized service to your community. Learn more at www.Zips.com Enter Item # FIREBOX

Cone Commander Cone Light Upgrade your traffic cones with the Cone Commander Cone Light. This rechargeable LED light fits securely over various cone styles and provides 360-degree visibility from up to one mile away. Featuring five single-color modes—red, green, amber, blue and white—plus multiple dual-color settings, this beacon enhances roadside visibility. With a 50,000-hour lifespan and military-grade housing, it’s built to withstand the rigors of roadside use. Learn more at www.Zips.com Enter Item # Cone Commander

Striker Tow Light Get in the strike zone with SafeAll’s new tow light. Cover all of your bases with the new Striker tow light from SafeAll, now available from Zip’s AW Direct. Offering more lighting options in a compact design, this new entry in wireless tow lights offers traditional stop, tail and turn signals plus the bonus functionality of warning lights and work lights. Compared to similarly-priced tow lights on the market, this 22”L LED tow light delivers a longer run time of 50 hours, and a battery status indicator will let you know when it needs to be recharged. Order yours at www.Zips.com Enter item # SA-STRIKER www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Azuga Azuga is recognized as the only telematics/camera system which is dedicated and focused on the Towing industry. Azuga is the preferred integration partner of Towbook. There is a deep integration tying your Towbook and Azuga together which opens several key features to help make your business more efficient. 1) With Azuga, your Towbook will track the truck instead of the App, meaning the driver cannot shut it off and the signal is much more dependable: 2) y our map and updates will happen every 30 seconds in Towbook instead of the normal 2-minute updates. meaning your vehicle locations, dispatch times and who is available will be much more accurate: 3) You will now always see the speed of every vehicle, Ignition on or ignition off, including idling times for all your vehicles.

that you tow. That photo is saved for 1 year inside Azuga. Azuga’s hardware is also HAAS alert enabled. Meaning, if you have Azuga’s Camera systems were designed with Towers in mind, with a Azuga’s hardware you do not need HAAS’s hardware you just need the rear mounted AUX camera to see the bed and records while your tower is HAAS subscription to assist you protecting your team on the roadside. doing their work. The camera footage is easy to access directly inside the Azuga is proud to be a Tow Professional’s Top Product of the Year and Azuga map for true Live view in real time, for all driving events such as we will continue to be focused on being a customer driven solution for harsh breaking, harsh steering, jolt, tailgating or accident. You can even the Towing industry. access non-event camera footage directly inside the system. When your PTO is engaged, a bumper picture is automatically taken of every vehicle azuga.com/towbook/ | 205-728-9135

Sales: 888 685 6327 Service: 833 695 1438 48

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

www.lodar.com

DISTRIBUTOR

Energy Security Agency The problem for tow and recovery professionals is you will interact with electric vehicles more and more. There are definite hazards and risks that you must be prepared to deal with to keep you and your staff safe from the dangers of damaged electrical systems, and the real possibility of thermal runaway after the incident is over. Stored energy is a real concert when dealing with damaged electric vehicles with high voltage systems. A quick Google search will produce dozens of articles about hybrid/electric vehicles catching fire hours and days after an incident, even after the fire department has extinguished the flames. Several storage lots and buildings had catastrophic losses due to EV’s reigniting on property. Because of these risks, and the increasing frequency of tow operators interacting with electric and hybrid vehicles, new federal standards designed to protect people and property have been set forth by NTSB, NHTSA, NFPA, and SAE. They call on tow operators to seek guidance and have risk analysis conducted by third party experts. Compliance with these standards is crucial from both a safety and liability standpoint. If something goes south, you do not want to be holding the hat of non-compliance when the courts and insurance companies start their investigations into what went wrong. Fortunately, the Energy Security Agency is here to help you stay safe and in compliance at no cost to you! In fact, if you enroll in our ESA Partner Program, we will pay you for each risk analysis we complete on the electric vehicles you tow. Our 24/7 response center is a phone call away to provide risk analysis of the vehicle and expert guidance on how to properly handle any electric vehicle you may come in contact. Risk analyses are easy to complete. Simply call the ESA at 1-855-ESA-SAFE and our trained Risk Agents will ask you questions about your vehicle, and any damage it sustained. They will then send you a link to upload photos of the vehicle right from your phone. The agent will assign a risk level of green, yellow, or red, and provide guidance on how to interact with the vehicle. To receive this free risk analysis

and guidance service, tow operators need to go ESA’s website EnergySecurityAgency.com and sign up under the risk analysis section. Remember, there is no cost to you or your organization .

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

There’s a Jump-N-Carry for Every Starting Need

The Jump-N-Carry line of jump starters serves the professional market by offering powerful, versatile units that can stand up to the rigors of everyday service shop and roadside assistance use. Built tough, Jump-N-Carry products lead the way when it comes to exceptional cranking power, extended cranking duration, excellent cold weather performance and long unit life. For more information, visit cloreautomotive.com

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Marking Pen Depot MPD-X Bold is the ideal marker for industrial marking in extreme conditions including on wet and oily surfaces and in extreme cold weather. The bold 1/4” tip leaves a bright, permanent mark on nearly any surface, and is UV resistant for up to 22 years. • Designed for the most extreme marking conditions • Writes on nearly any surface • Durable 1/4” mark • Removable from glass with a razor blade • Ideal for auto auction sites, impound yards, etc. • Available in blue, black, red, white, silver, and yellow • Pump-action paint marker with replaceable nib • Comparable to Unipaint PX 30 markers • Also available in medium and fine tip • All MPD paint pens are proudly made in USA

WITH

INGENUITY AND A DEDICATION TO CUSTOMER SERVICE!

MPD 30 Pro SP is the first marker designed specifically for the Towing and Auction Industries. This solid paint marker has been specifically designed for your Automotive needs with features including: • Excellent for permanent marks on nearly any surface including glass, metal, rubber, wood, concrete, and more • Writes through water, dirt and oil • Will not flake or fade from weather • Solid paint dries within minutes • Removes easily with a razor blade • 30% larger than the competition • Available exclusively at Markingpendepot.com • Proudly made in the USA

AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

custombuiltmfg.com www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

CW Mill Hydraulic Mounting Kits CW Mill Hydraulic Mounting Kits equip a vehicle with live hydraulics, meaning hydraulic pressure anytime the engine is running is achieved, regardless of engine RPM’s or gear selection, and can be used for a wide array of applications such as TOW TRUCKS, WRECKERS, salt spreaders, snowplows, hay bale beds, dump bodies, ground probes, airplane deicers, cranes, wreckers, rollbacks, hydraulic air compressors or tools… CW Mill also manufactures Compressor Kits for refrigeration truck boxes and Alternator kits which provide increased battery charging for vehicles equipped with an increased amount of DC electric powered accessories. Generator kits are available for vehicles adding AC power capability for items such as electric power tools but ultimately any AC powered device. 785-284-3454 | www.cwkits.com

Wichert Insurance is one of the largest tow agencies in the Midwest with over 30 years of

experience working with towing, recovery, and garage operations. Our knowledgeable staff are current on industry issues and are experts in the coverages your operation requires. Our relationships with multiple AM Best “A - Excellent” rated carriers allow us to offer competitive rates and interest-free monthly pay plans. As active members of state associations, we are industry advocates and a reliable resource. Our team’s experience allows us to create custom programs to meet your needs. From service trucks to extra heavy equipment, single location to multi-state operations, we will craft a program to meet your risk appetite at the most competitive rates. In addition, we act as your advocate when a claim occurs to ensure timely and fair outcomes. We offer in-house loss control specialists at no additional cost to identify ways to control and reduce risks. Clients who engage in our loss control and safety programs benefit from lower insurance premiums, increased profitability, and reduced accidents, injuries, and claims. See more at www.wichert.com or contact us today at 740-654-0532.

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Hide-A-Lift Viper Wheel Lift Need a quick and easy unit to tow most consumer vehicles? Viper costs less, is quicker than most competitive self-loaders, is easy to mount, and can be working for you in no time. • Fully hydraulic underlift (in/out and up/down) • Twin 3-½” lift cylinders • 4,000-lb.+ lift capacity • Suggested minimum 10,000 GVW chassis • Hydraulic claws (no springs to malfunction causing damage) • Self-centering head • Brass bushings on king pin • In-cab 6-function control • Double pump for speed and power • Extra frame stiffening recommended • Unique under-body construction

Cobra Wheel Lift Looking for a tow unit with a little more power? • Heavy-duty lifting 6”x 6” main beam • 4,000-lb.+ lift capacity • Suggested minimum 10,000 GVW chassis • 72” reach • Full 90-degree loading (great for parallel parked cars) • In-cab 8-function control • Quick connect for easy removal • Double pump for speed and power • Twin 3-½” lift cylinders for more speed and power • Hydraulic claws (no springs to malfunction causing damage) • Self-centering head • Brass bushings on king pin • 12,000-lb. winch available • Built-in frame stiffener • Extra frame stiffening recommended More info: www.hidealift.com/ cobra www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Golight GT & Stryker ST Series Spotlights GOLIGHT GT The NEW Golight GT Series remote controlled spotlight by Golight Inc. features: Wireless or Hardwired Remote Control Options, Permanent or Portable Mounting, 370° Rotation x 135° Tilt, and is UV Ray and Saltwater Resistant. Upgrades from the previous Golight RadioRay models include: Updated exterior housing design, Higher torque drivetrain and more precise pan / tilt control, Increased Ingress protection from dust / water (IP56), Permanent mount models boast a robust 14 gauge stainless steel mounting bracket and Portable magnetic models have 2X magnetic grip. Golight GT Series Light Output: Halogen, 225,000 Candela, Max Beam Distance 3,113 ft., 5.5 amps at 13.8V and LED, 544,000 Candela, Max Beam Distance 4,839 ft., 3.7 Amps at 13.8V. Golight GT Series has a 3 year limited warranty.

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Stryker ST The NEW Stryker ST Series Remote Controlled Spotlight features: Wireless Remote Control, Permanent or Portable Mounting, 370° Rotation x 135° Tilt, and is UV Ray and Saltwater Resistant. Upgrades from the previous Stryker models include: Multiple Unit Selector Function which allows for independent control of 2 units with 1 remote, Home Position Function (On-Command return to 0° home), New Wireless Technology Benefits including: Simultaneous Pan + Tilt, Multiple users can operate lights in close proximity without interference, Smart Programming Logic (Quick and simple pairing without dipswitches), and Fluorescent Remote Buttons Stryker ST Series Light Output: Halogen, 225,000 Candela, Max Beam Distance 3,113 ft., 5.5 amps at 13.8V and LED, 544,000 Candela, Max Beam Distance 4,839 ft., 3.7 Amps at 13.8V. Stryker ST Series has a 5 year warranty.

The Custom Built Manufacturing team is eager to collaborate with you to create the perfect tow truck, keeping your fleet modern and efficient. Together we will design your wrecker keeping in mind everything from rotator size and frame reinforcement, right down to accessories like chains and straps. • CUSTOM ALUMINUM BED SIDE FABRICATION • WRECKERS AND ROTATORS RANGING FROM 15 TON TO 80 TONS. • TRUCK FRAME REINFORCEMENT • TOWING ACCESSORIES Quality is number One at Custom Built Mfg. LLC using quality American made steel, aluminum, fasteners, hydraulics, cables, and as many accessories whenever possible. Custom Built means just that, hand-crafted and hand-fit for precise long-life operation .

Every minute counts. Time doesn’t stand still. Take advantage of every minute with the proven efficiency of the GUNI family of vehicle repositioning wheels. Slotted mounting holes adjust to several bolt patterns, so you’ll always have the right size for the job.

604-25-06

Custom Built Manufacturing (20 years of Tremendous Growth)

For more information, visit www.custombuiltmfg.com

Scan me!

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025 takes thirty days, depending on how quickly the business records are supplied. Along the way, most tow owners learn quite a bit about which business practices are creating true value for them, and are able to make adjustments to achieve their goals. George is independent, and typically represents sellers. He has sold towing companies of all sizes and varieties. This includes light-duty, Private Property Impound, repo, heavy-duty and Recovery, etc. Buyers may be other towmen, and for the bigger operations, he is in touch will virtually all of the professional investors who are building regional networks. Matter of fact, he has sold the original seed towing operation of several of today’s towing networks. The Tow Broker offers valuations for a flat fee, and will represent owners in marketing and selling the business on a commission basis. He gets paid at closing. • George educated us on the value of our business and simplified the process of getting the company ready for sale. He dealt

The Tow Broker Owner George Metos is a business broker focused on the towing industry throughout the United States and Canada. Call him to determine the value of your towing operation, and also when you want the most value for your company in a sale. He knows dozens of buyers interested in the towing industry. It all starts with a casual conversation to discuss the objectives of the owners. Owners may want to grow their business, sell it, or bring in an investor to continue the business and build a legacy. George analyzes the financial information of the business, the equipment and very importantly, the culture of the operation. The end result is a valuation that buyers will respect. The process usually

with all the potential buyers and saved us a lot of time so that we could continue working. He didn’t give up and ultimately found us a cash buyer. Things are working out just fine. – Pete Pedemonti, Laso Wrecker Service, Brooksville, Florida. • We’re very happy that we found the Tow Broker. We were too large to be acquired by most towers, and George showed us how he could bring in a financial partner with the means help us grow into a regional power in Heavy-Duty towing and recovery. He’s easy to work with and seems to know all the buyers and has a true understanding of how the industry works. He stuck with it to get a complex deal completed. Tony & Ronnie Lundin, Linmar Towing, Moreton Grove, Illinois. The Tow Broker George C. Metos (owner / founder) 801-440-3176 www.businessbrokergeorge.com georgemetos@aol.com

7088

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EV Road HERO The Smarter Choice in Mobile EV Charging LOWER COST Thousands less than other solutions — without sacrificing performance. CLEANER POWER We use an inverter generator ensuring clean, EV-friendly electricity, unlike other systems that may not deliver quality power EV’s prefer. GREATER PORTABILITY At just over 200 lbs., with wheels and a compact 29”x29”x29” footprint, it’s easy to load, move, and deploy — even from the back of a midsize SUV MULTIPURPOSE GENERATOR Purchase for your towing business and use it for yourself at home during outages. Adding miles of range to an EV battery is

far more complex than a simple “milesper-minute” promise. EVRoadHERO offers conservative, realistic estimates based on real-world factors—not marketing hype. When an EV battery is at 0%, as is often the case during emergency charging, the vehicle will typically limit how fast it can accept power. This is a built-in protection feature — and it applies regardless of how powerful the charger is. Even under ideal conditions, mileage added per minute depends on several variables: • The type of EV — Smaller, more efficient EVs (like a Chevy Volt) can add more miles per kilowatt-hour than larger models. • B attery status — A cold or depleted battery won’t accept charge as quickly. • Weather conditions — Cold temperatures slow everything down.

Turn Night into Day Powerful / Compact Light Towers Heights up to 15 ft. / 220,000 Lumens

nightscan.com

Rather than promising “up to” scenarios that only apply in perfect lab conditions, we give you realistic performance expectations based on how EVs behave in rescue situations — because that’s when you need accuracy the most. FAST CHARGING Our 9kW unit delivers ~5 miles of range in 11-12 minutes – plenty to get most EVs back on the road quickly. While 11kW units are 1-2 minutes faster, they cost thousands more and sacrifice portability. We offer the best balance of speed and cost. For more information please visit our website at evchargehero.com.

Portable, Rechargeable, Li-ion Powered LED Lighting Search Lights / Work Lights / Flashlights Hazard Lights / Smart Flares / and more!

330-684-4000 www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Hazmat Responder Network Offering Cargo Tank Awareness Training This training program covers structure, anatomy, appurtenances, piping, valves, loading and unloading connections found on DOT 406, 407, and 412 cargo tank transport trailers. Simulator models allow for hands-on experience through securing leaks, hot tapping, pressure transfer, and pump out. Ground and bonding of units. Contact: Perry Beaty at 877-356-9767 or Perry@Hazmetrn.com

• WHERE TECHNOLOGY MEETS THE TOWING INDUSTRY • ALLOWS YOU TO ACCESS HARD TO REACH PLACES • REVOLUTIONIZING HOW VEHICLES ARE MOVED • REMOTE CONTROLLED TECHNOLOGY CONTACT US

605-799-3977 • AdvancedTrackSolutions.com • sales@advancedtracksolutions.com 58

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

FastLane Auctions

Fast Lane Auctions brings a refreshed, modern platform, with an easy-to-use interface and enhanced features designed with both sellers and bidders in mind. New features, including proxy bidding, will allow bidders more control over their bids, making the auction process even more flexible and efficient. Fast Lane Auctions also introduces a 10% bidder fee, compared to the 13.5% to 15% fees often charged by other platforms. A $1,000 vehicle is only worth

$1,000, so why settle for losing more of that value? We’re still free to sellers, which means you can continue to list and sell vehicles without any additional cost. With our lower fees, you’ll get more out of every auction. We understand that change can sometimes feel daunting, but transitioning to Fast Lane Auctions is simple. Whether you’re familiar with Online Impound Auctions or new to the world of online vehicle auctions, our platform

is designed to make the process easy and straightforward. If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.. For any questions or to get started, visit FastLaneAuctions.com, call us at 888-532-8284, or email us at info@ fastlaneauctions.com. We’re here to ensure a smooth transition and to help you get the most out of every auction. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to working with you on Fast Lane Auctions.

Custom Insurance Solutions for the Towing & Repossession Industry > All-in-one policy approach > Limits up to $10MM, excess available > Available in most states > Flexible underwriting > Risk management expertise > 24/7 claims hotline > Agent friendly

Ask us about TRU Umbrella

Scan the QR code to get a free quote or contact 877.585.2853 quotes@xinsurance.com www.xinsurance.com

XINSURANCE is powered by Evolution Insurance Brokers, LC (“EIB”), an excess and surplus lines insurance brokerage. XINSURANCE is a DBA of EIB, which is domiciled in and has its principal place of business in Sandy, Utah. This insurance product is offered by an unlicensed surplus lines insurer. The NPN for EIB is 5464658 and CA license number is 0H93938.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Safety Cloud® by HAAS Alert Safety Cloud delivers real-time digital alerts to approaching motorists when tow operators are on-scene. The alerts activate automatically and are delivered to leading navigation apps and directly into the infotainment screens of select Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, and Volkswagen vehicles. Emergency Vehicle Ahead alerts received directly inside the vehicle cut through distraction, and immediately compel drivers to reduce their speed and give more room to tow vehicles and work crews on the roadside.

• Includes free real-time GPS, IFTA, Trips, Reporting, Dashboards, and more HA-Direct Integration • Activate Safety Cloud with your existing telematics or fleet GPS solution • Geotab, Samsara, Motive, Webfleet, Beacon, TOPS, and more • Connects to emergency flashing lights • No additional equipment needed • Budget-friendly when paired with existing telematics or GPS equipment

HA-7 Transponder • Equip on any towing vehicle • Connects to emergency ﬂashing lights • Easy installation, minimal vehicle downtime • Alerts sent automatically whenever lightbar is activated • No additional data plan or fees

TALK IN REAL TIME

With Apex Team Wireless Headsets you just talk. No buttons to push and no waiting for anyone else to stop talking. Microphones are live all the time compared to other brands that are voice activated. The most critical first couple of words may be missed.

Whether you are training or on a real recovery, communication is very important. With Sonetics you have features that the other brands cannot come close to. Bluetooth being able to speak privately on the phone while still being in contact with your team members. Situational awareness listen-through technology lets you be aware of what’s going on around you even though both ears are covered.

DLM LINK & SHACKLE CELLS NOW AVAILABLE! Take the guess work out of your next job!

For more information, call 315-730-6566 or visit rprecovery.com 60

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

Holly’s Towing Dispatch Holly’s Towing Dispatch answers and dispatches solely for the towing and recovery industry, and is available to you 24/7, 365 days a year. Your company chooses when Holly’s Towing Dispatch works best for your company. Do you need help on nights and weekends? 24/7? We accommodate your needs no matter what time of day. With 20 plus years’ experience, Holly’s Towing Dispatch takes and dispatches all calls directly to drivers, an on-call manager, or in-house dispatcher. Whatever works best for you, we can accommodate. Our goal and purpose are to get your drivers on-scene quickly by providing fast and accurate service. Give us a call today at 800-730-3909 to find out how Holly’s Towing Dispatch can help YOU. For more information, visit us at www.hollystowingdispatch.com

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Phoenix USA Air Compressor AC12V3PK • 12 volt • 3 gallon capacity • 3/4 hp motor • 0-120 psi in just 90 seconds • Portable design allows for easy fit into most underbody toolboxes • Suitable for roadside service calls - including tire changes • 1-year limited warranty AC12V3 NEW FEATURES • Lower profile design • Tank-mounted pressure gauge for more precise pressure readings • Ports on each end of tank for tandem configuration to expand compressor capacity

As with all Phoenix products, you get the cutting edge of industry knowledge and know how, along with the finest customer service

POWER YOU CAN DEPEND ON.

in the industry. For information, please call 1-931-526-6128 or visit us on the web at www.phoenixusa.com.

Towing operations that employ Jump-N-Carry jump starters know that no starting task is too daunting. They know from experience that every aspect of a Jump-N-Carry is designed to deliver extreme jump starting power, from the battery to the heavy-duty cables. Jump-N-Carry is all about power delivery.

Model JNC345 12V Lithium Jump Starter

• 3000A – Effective to -23˚F • 550 Start Assist Amps • 40” Cable Reach • DC Output Port • 2 USB Ports • USB-C Recharging

For information on Jump-N-Carry jump starters, visit cloreautomotive.com

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

PSS Innovations

pound of sand to each panel makes the cones very stable. On windy days, a standard cone will blow over unless you double the rubber ones up, but adding the extra weight to FirstGard allows them to remain stable even on windy days.” The fill port is designed for ease of use, durability, and leak prevention. Whether you’re managing a temporary lane closure, PSS, a leading innovator in safety equipment, is proud to announce an important improvement to its FirstGard foldable traffic cone with the addition of a fill port that offers greater stability and performance for users in the field. Designed to optimize portability and efficiency, FirstGard is trusted by professionals in emergency response, construction, and traffic control. Now, with the addition of a convenient fill port, users can easily add dry sand to ballast the cone for extra stability in challenging weather or high-speed traffic conditions. With this update, each of FirstGard’s three panels can hold up to 1.5 lbs of sand each, for a combined additional 4.5 lbs of weight. Customer feedback led PSS to incorporate the option for increased stability for more extreme environments. First responders answer the call of duty regardless of weather conditions. With this new feature, FirstGard is always ready to be at their side. PSS sent a prototype of the updated FirstGard to the Ann Arbor Township Fire Department for assessment last year and received feedback from Captain Lewis Kempf: “We have more miles of expressway in our township than any other in the county, so we are using FirstGard in high-speed areas as well as open wind areas; adding about a quarter

working on the roadside, or responding to an emergency, the enhanced FirstGard foldable cone is now even more adaptable to your safety needs. The improved FirstGard foldable traffic cone is available now through PSS distributors and at pss-innovations.com. For more information, please contact team@pss-innovations.com or call 800-662-6338.

FFOLDABLE OLDABLE C ONE CONE

» FOLDS TO JUST 1.5" WIDE » FILL OPTION FOR ADDED WEIGHT » 2X REFLECTIVE AS STANDARD CONES

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Lift & Tow Dolly Sets Lift and Tow offers lightweight, self-loading Lift and Tow Dolly Sets for towing jobs where there isn’t enough clearance for a regular breakover bar. Used in conjunction with our hidden tow attachments for trucks, you can recover disabled vehicles with improved safety and efficiency. From robotically welded axles and steel frames to aluminum coated steel wheels, these towing dollies offer exceptional strength and durability. Lift and Tow Dolly Sets feature a load capacity of 3,040 lbs. (1379 kg). Complete sets include: • 2 Lift and Tow Dolly frames in tuff coat black finish • Steel D.O.T. approved 4.80 x 8 wheels • 2 Telescoping aluminum axles • 1 soft-grip, lightweight break over bar

• 2 ratchet tie-down straps • We offer 4.80 and 5.70 tires Super Series Wheel Lift • The Super Series self-loader wheel lift is the most effective way to transform your pickup into a fully automated and operational tow truck for low-profile vehicles. Lift and Tow designs, manufactures, and distributes wheel lift towing equipment that is easy to install, stays hidden when not in use, and provides quick and easy loading. • Our innovative Super Series truck and car self-loader repo unit is a tow driver’s best friend, delivering a cost-effective solution that improves safety, speeds up the towing process, and eliminates manual labor. www.liftandtow.com 64

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

RP Recovery Consulting Wireless Headsets FASTER RESPONSE Operators and riggers talk to each other in real-time, hands-free. Deliver instructions clearly and answer questions directly while work caries on. No need to shout or use hand signals – clear communication helps get the job done faster. IMPROVED PRECISION There’s no communication breakdown between operators and riggers. On-scene precision and performance goes up as you reduce errors and avoid costly mistakes. ENHANCED SAFETY Instant communication allows for timely warnings, alerts, and instructions to the crew. Avoid job hazards and mitigate the risk of injuries and mistakes.

Advanced Technology That’s Easy to Use Full-duplex Communication Hands-free simultaneous two-way conversation. No more shouting – easily talk and work at the same time with your entire team. VISIBILITY NOT REQUIRED Far-side operators, talk with your riggers regardless of whether you can see them or not. LISTEN-THROUGH Sonetics Listen-Through Technology lets you mix in outside sound to get the right level of hearing protection and situational awareness.

SITE-COVERING RANGE 2 feet to 1,600. You can depend on the range – no matter what the incident requires. For more information, rprecoveryconsulting@gmail.com or call: 315-730-6566.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Watchcard Fuel Card Fuel nationwide and save With nationwide acceptance, you can shop for the best price on fuel almost anywhere with the Watchcard fuel card. Once approved, you can choose your controls and enjoy security by setting dollar limits and fraud alerts. Plus, get extra flexibility with the ability to manage and add multiple cards for your drivers. With the Watchcard fuel card, fueling your fleet has never been easier. • Save Money on Fees Enjoy no set up fee, report fee, or card order fee. • Fuel Nationwide Watchcard is accepted at 98% of fueling stations so you can shop for the best price almost anywhere you travel. • Exceptional Service Enjoy 24/7 control and monitoring of your account, easy online access to billing and reporting, and dedicated customer service. www. watchcard.com

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

7088

VALID THRU

Eckert & Associates Help your fellow truckers, and let them know they have rights! When tow trucks, semis, and trailers are hit and can’t be driven, large losses of income add up quickly. When your customer’s equipment is down due to an accident, suggest they pursue lost income from the driver that caused the accident. If your tow truck is damaged by another driver, you certainly want them to pay to repair the truck. But what about going after them to pay your lost net income while the truck is in the shop? What about pursuing your other out of pocket expenses? Eckert & Associates, PA can step in and fight to recover your true losses. We represent truckers, collecting their downtime/lost income. Lead attorney, Kelsea Eckert, champions small businesses in the transportation industry, so the big insurance companies and large self-insured fleets don’t take advantage of them. Owner Operator D. Faulkner said, “Eckert & Associates performed as advertised! Courteous, professional and won my case!” The initial consultation with a lawyer is free. Any attorney fees are paid at the end of the case, as a percentage of the settlement. Let us help you and your customers claim their rightful earnings. We would love to hear from you! Call 1-800-Downtime or visit www.DowntimeClaims.com

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Lodar “Lodar is the smartest move I ever made,” shares S&S Mobile. Our wireless actuator systems are the top performing product for 2019. Our systems wirelessly control your hand levers, so you can operate your truck from a safe distance. Choose from systems that work with air (up to 16 functions) or electric (up to six functions) levers. FIND US: www.lodar.com CALL US: 888-685-6327

Collins Hi-Speed® Dolly (HSD-G7X) Originally designed for Canada’s harsh, offroad winters, the Collins G7X Hi-Speed®Dolly is built for extreme conditions and heavy-duty use. While the Collins G7 is the ultimate in professional dolly towing, the G7X goes further with heavy-duty superpowers, including: steel hubs, high-capacity steel wheels, and steel cross-rail inserts. These are iron-packed for the roadside superhero tackling the toughest conditions and wrecker jobs. Maximum Strength Durable steel hubs and eXtreme capacity steel wheels–the strongest available in the industry. Maximum Span Only Collins’ patented, “True Positive Camber” T12 Hybrid Cross Rails, with steel centercambered inner components and adjustable aluminum outer components can eXtend to 104”. Maximum Capacity With aggressive, high-traction Load Range ‘E’ tires, an industry-leading 5,000 lbs. capacity, and a 75-mph speed rating, the Collins G7X Hi-Speed® Dolly is perfect for on-road, off-road, and eXpressways, towing eXtreme distances in eXtreme weather.

TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com

EMCI Wireless Faster Response, Safer Roads:

Motorola WAVE Push-to-Talk for Towing Professionals Key Benefits for the Towing Industry: • Nationwide Coverage: Stay connected with your fleet no matter where the job takes you—across the city or across state lines. • Instant Push-to-Talk: Communicate in real time without dialing or waiting for a connection. • Group and Private Calls: Reach the whole fleet instantly or speak privately with one driver. • GPS Location Tracking: Monitor vehicle locations to send the closest truck to a call, reducing response times and fuel costs. • Safe and Simple to Use: Dedicated PTT devices like the WAVE TLK 110 or TLK 150 are designed for one-touch operation, minimizing driver distraction.

• Scalable: Add or remove users as your business needs change—no complex infrastructure required.

10% OFF ONLINE ORDERS

WITH PROMO CODE TOWPRO10

BIGEASY DLX

Efficient Lockout Tool

Secure & Efficient Method for Unlocking Vehicle Doors

THE UNDERLIFT THAT HANDLES LIKE A SEMI-TRAILER • Attaches in minutes • No Permanent Connections • 32K Lift Capability • Safely Tows Up To 140K GCWR • Distributes Weight Properly • Scales When Others Can’t • Economical To Operate

Tru-Hitch Inc.

16 W. West Hill Road Barkhamsted, Ct. 06063

Toll Free 1-800-450-8659 www.truhitch.com

LITTLE EASY

Compact Lockout Tool Works on 98% of vehicles including Japanses imports

STC32908KIT

STC32955DLX

I-BOLT

TIE ROD COUPLER

Fits threaded holes with diameters from 1/2" up to 1-1/4".

Can be used in various automotive makes and models

STC71490

STC71470 STC32925

Load & Unload Vehicles Faster

Temporary Steering

VISIT STECKMFG.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 14 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL

TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2025

Roadsider Why Roadsider is Leading the Pack Roadsider isn’t just another towing/ roadside-assistance platform, it represents a next-generation leap in how dispatch, fleet management, and customer service are done. Launched on a cloud-based architecture and built with automation and real-time connectivity in mind, it brings together core functions that many services still handle manually. • Automatic invoicing & storage-lien handling — Roadsider calculates charges and generates invoices the moment a job is completed. No more manual billing chores. • Digital dispatch + real-time GPS tracking — Dispatchers see exact truck/driver locations, assign the closest resource, and manage jobs from a single dashboard. • Instant customer communication & transparency — Clients receive automated texts with location tracking, ETA updates,

and digital invoices — improving trust and satisfaction. By shifting from outdated, manual methods (phone calls, paperwork, spreadsheets) to a seamless digital workflow, Roadsider helps towing companies drastically reduce admin time and operational friction. According to industry analyses, modern dispatch platforms like this can cut response times, lower idle time, and optimize resource usage. That translates to faster call resolution, fewer missed assignments, reduced fuel/time waste, and ultimately, more volume handled with the same fleet. In today’s market, customers expect speed, transparency, and convenience. Roadsider delivers real-time location tracking, accurate ETAs, instant digital invoicing, and easy scheduling via web or app. For businesses, that often means better reviews, more repeat

customers, and stronger brand credibility, a major competitive advantage. Roadsider’s emphasis on cloud-based architecture, automation, and integration speaks to the future of roadside assistance. According to the company’s own mission, it aims to leverage “AI and big data” to support tow-operations, private fleets, and commercial dispatchers, making it not only modern, but forward-looking. That makes it one of the few dispatch platforms truly operating at a “next generation” level, ready to scale, evolve, and meet the demands of rapidly changing logistics and service markets. For towing and roadside-assistance businesses ready to move into the future, Roadsider offers a compelling, comprehensive solution. It streamlines dispatch, automates billing, improves communication, and gives peace of mind with real-time visibility. In a world where speed, reliability, and efficiency define success, it stands out as arguably the very best product available today for digital dispatch and fleet management.

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