Industry News & New Products

Joe Karpel started his family about the same time he opened his auto and towing business in his hometown of Owego, NY. He is proud of both, and as he battles Parkinson’s Disease, he is grateful his youngest son, Matt, has stepped up to take over day-to-day operations. Not every business owner is that fortunate.

“There’s a saying that some people work to live and others live to work,” Joe said. “I believe we built what we have today because we answered the phone on nights and weekends. A lot of people aren’t just willing to work like that these days. I tell our guys this is not a job. It’s a lifestyle because you have to be willing to go the extra mile for your customer.”

Inspired by his father’s work ethic, Matt said he also likes to lead by example and hopes to pass his enthusiasm for the towing business onto their employees. “Something I learned from my dad is to always answer the phone,” Matt said. “I also feel it’s important to show up ready to work every day.

Future growth

Joe credits his son’s influence and drive for pushing their operation into the information age. Matt has been in charge for the past five years and is committed to future growth. He said he will continue to serve customers when and where they need it.

“Some of the insurance companies we work with have the demand,” Matt said. “They reach out to us and say we need help in a region, and we go there to help them. In the future, I’d like to open some more locations, adding more trucks and equipment. I think we’re just going to keep growing, and we will continue to work with Zip’s because we have a good relationship with our salesman.”

After over forty years of putting in work, you notice the changes and similarities in a place. That’s what John Kuhn, this month’s ‘Meet An Expert’, feels. Having been working at Zip's AW Direct for over forty years, Kuhn now works as General Manager.

Kuhn grew up on a dairy and row crop farm outside of New Hampton, Iowa. While growing up, he helped out on the family farm with anything that needed to be done - from chores to running equipment. “I feel like my farm background helped stage my interest in machinery and general operations,” said Kuhn.

In 1982 Kuhn started working at Zip's in sales where most of his time was spent sending out photos, writing specs on different trucks, writing quotes and following up with customers on the phone. Some would reference to him as the general jack of all trades.

By the mid 90’s, Kuhn transitioned more into managing inventory control. Nowadays, he works closely with our sales staff to layout the specs of a truck to ensure the customer's vision is met. He will then order the chassis and wrecker bodies for the truck build.

Of course, that’s not all he does. "Everyday is a learning day," said Kuhn. A good chunk of his job is answering the phone to solve a problem. 

Kuhn's favorite part of the job is giving company tours to community schools and organizations while bring awareness to the blue-collar skills to the next generation. "Zip's has some of the best installers, body technicians, and painters in the industry. Be able to showcase their craftsmanship and employment opportunities to the youth is pretty rewarding." 

Pretty safe to say Iran Chima grew up in the family business. He was born a month after his parents started their Sacramento towing company, and as a kid, he insisted his bedroom was located on the side of the house facing the shop. That way he could hear the wreckers start up any time there was a call.

Humble beginnings

As immigrants, the elder Chimas intentionally kept things simple early on and concentrated on their “local” service area. They were fiscally responsible and performed as much of the work as they could themselves. Company growth was very measured, and capital improvements were not made without careful consideration.

“We kept a pretty low profile back then,” Ted said. “If we had the money, we did it. If we didn’t have the money, we didn’t do it. We were a very hands-on operation. It was very simple and tight-knit.”

“We had to make sure we could afford things back then,” Monica added. “We were old fashioned. That’s how we worked in those days. We learned everything as we went. We didn’t take any classes. It was that way for many years.”

Their conservative business model began to change after Iran became more involved in the operation and assumed more of a leadership role within the company. He built an online presence and worked to increase their market share in northern California, especially over the past 10 years. His dad said he moved the company “forward.”

“When Iran came on board, that’s when everything got out of the box,” he said, later joking they once advertised their company by placing stickers on pay phones. “Iran is more open minded. What we did back then, we couldn’t do now. We couldn’t have grown like we did. The internet has made a big difference in the towing industry. Anyone can find you now.”

“Iran really put us on the map,” Monica added. “Before, we were just doing local tows in small towns. He took us to a different level, and we can basically handle anything now.”

Solid work ethic

With an inherited passion for the business, Iran said he pretty much “expected” to join the family company full time once he finished schooling. He described the transition as a “natural progression,” and while his parents credit his vision for their growth and expansion, Iran said he appreciates the work ethic they passed down to him.

“The most important skill I’ve learned from my parents is if you want something done properly, do it yourself,” Iran said. “That’s the work ethic that they’ve had. That’s really translated to me and the amount of effort they put in. I have to mimic that effort as well. That’s really shown as we’ve grown as a family and the company itself in its second generation.”

“The towing business has been very good to us,” Ted acknowledged. “We like it, and we’ve been at it for more than 30 years now. We probably could have been better at taking some breaks along the way, but we just kept working at it.”

Chima’s Tow now operates from two locations in the greater Sacramento area. Supported by a team of dedicated employees, the company offers towing, recovery and transport services, and their signature red-and-white fleet features car carriers, light and medium duty wreckers as well as heavies and rotators.

Zip’s customer since 2018

A customer for five years now, Iran said “99 percent” of their current trucks has been purchased through Zip’s. Working closely with sales rep Eric Albertson, the Chimas have developed “a build platform” with Zip’s so each truck is built to their unique specifications, no matter what type or size of the equipment they order.

“What keeps us coming back to Zip’s is the level of customer service we get,” Iran said. “They listen to what we need and how we want it done. Zip’s can take our vision and make it a reality. Our equipment is very important to me. It’s all spec’d a certain way. We can make a phone call, and Zip’s can put it together fairly easily for us.”

While he said he loves all of the company’s trucks, Iran said his primary truck is the Kenworth 880 Century 1150 Rotator. It’s his personal ride, and he worked closely with Eric and the team at Zip’s so it met the requirements of his home state.

“All of them are really my favorite because they all have our name on them and they’re painted red and white, but this rotator was a special project that took two years to complete,” Iran said. “It was built specifically for California. California has a lot of challenges when it comes to weight laws and axle spacing. That was a real challenge getting that right.”

Training and networking

The Chimas do not believe in taking shortcuts. They make sure their trucks meet or exceed professional equipment standards, and they belong to several towing organizations, including the California Tow Truck Association (CTTA). Iran also works closely with the Emergency Roadside Service Coalition of America (ERSCA).

“Being an instructor for ERSCA has helped me be in the forefront of what comes out as far as industry training,” he said. “We get the information first and then pass that information onto other towers in the region. We are always updating our guys on the technology that comes along.”

Iran said employee training is very important for their company. It keeps everyone safe and helps with employee retention.

“My first goal is to make sure new employees understand the equipment they have and how to apply it to the job that they’re doing,” Iran said. “That could range from towing an electric vehicle all the way up to a rollover recovery. At the end of the day, they need to know the equipment that they have, and knowing how to utilize it is important.”

Iran said the recent growth in EVs is becoming the industry’s primary challenge at the moment.

“That’s what we’re dealing with right now nationwide,” he said. “It presents a shift in learning and dealing with that stuff. We have to start from scratch on how to tow them and how to deal with them. That translates to the office and staff as well as to what questions they need to ask when a call comes in and to the drivers and training them. It’s all fresh and new to us.”

Like they’ve done for the past 36 years, the Chimas will continue to adapt.

“In the towing industry itself, it’s really hard to predict much,” Iran said. “It’s a constantly changing industry. There are things that my parents did back in the day that probably wouldn’t work today and vice versa. The biggest thing we need to understand and keep in mind is that change is constant. You have to be willing to adapt to conditions.”

Brian Booker lives by the Golden Rule. He treats others the way he wants to be treated. He credits that philosophy for the growth of his towing company, Wes’s Towing Service, in the Chicagoland area. It’s also the reason he’s been buying trucks, parts, and apparel from Zip’s AW Direct over the last 10 years.

“If I had to describe Zip’s in one word, it would be ‘excellent’,” said Booker, owner and director of operations at Wes’s. “My salesman is great and communicates with me on everything. Zip’s really provides a great all-around experience. Customer service is how businesses grow. Even with my business, it’s all about customer service.”

Prior to purchasing the business, Booker had actually left Wes’s to form his own tow company back in the early to mid 2000s. He said he left on good terms, and he and Gass remained in regular contact. In fact, Gass twice tried to recruit Booker back to his company. The first time was in 2006 after Gass served as a pallbearer for Booker’s father. The second time came two years later with an ownership offer.

Wes’s Service remains located on the original property, which still includes the original building. In 2020, the company expanded with a brand new facility. Including Booker, the company currently employs 31 operators, dispatchers and technicians, and their service territory covers all of Chicago and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana.

The company’s fleet includes heavy-duty wreckers and rotators, car carriers, light-duty wreckers, service vehicles and transport trucks. Booker bought his first truck, a 50-ton rotator, from Zip’s in 2014 and has worked with sales rep Lon Schlader on a number of other purchases, including a Century 3212, Century 5130, a 75-ton rotator and an RSB service truck.

“My guys all love the new trucks,” he said. ”You want to keep your equipment up to date, so your drivers have the best equipment available to do their job and it isn’t breaking down all the time. You give them good tools so they can perform their duty. That goes a long way with all my guys.”

Besides providing them with the tools they need to succeed, Booker also considers himself a resource for his employees to reach out to if they encounter a situation they may not know how to address or resolve. His own background includes more than 20 years of experience in towing, which helps his credibility as an operational leader.

Each tow you go on can be a challenge, and no tow is actually the same. Every tow you go on, you gain some type of knowledge.
—Brian Booker

“Each tow you go on can be a challenge, and no tow is actually the same,” Booker acknowledged, specifically recalling a time he had to recover a fire truck which had fallen into a sinkhole and was teetering over a gas main. “Every tow you go on, you gain some type of knowledge.”.

Booker regularly reminds his employees to provide good customer service when they head out. He realizes his operators may be going into a situation where a customer may be upset they were involved in an accident or that law enforcement is having their vehicle towed. He said it’s important to remain professional on the scene.

“The most rewarding aspect of this job is when you go out and rescue that family or change that flat tire so they can finish their trip. Those are the good ones,” he said.

Booker said he also builds goodwill for his company by remaining active in his community. His equipment is regularly entered into parades, and his staff often passes out t-shirts and toy diecast wreckers at community events, such as National Night Out with the local police department. They also work closely with emergency personnel on training exercises, like vehicle extrication.

“Whenever any of the towns around us has an event, we try to take a truck there and give out stuff. The kids and the adults both love seeing our trucks,” Booker said. “You want to be surrounded by good people. I’m part of the community and the community is part of us. We’re all one family.”

Chase Leonard remembers going to the Wisconsin Tow Show as a kid with his dad. The flashing lights, the colorful paint schemes and the big iron were always a sight to see. Now, as a third-generation tow operator, Chase is returning the favor, showing off his company’s equipment and inspiring the next wave of towers.

His latest entry is a two-tone Vulcan V70 straight stick mated to a 389 extended hood Pete. Besides its custom paint job, the Zip’s-built heavy features underglow lighting, plenty of work lights and other personal touches. His family’s towing company, Floyd and Sons, has been a customer at Zip’s for nearly 40 years, and Chase said he appreciates the effort put into his dream truck by sales rep Danny Mathews and the entire team at Zip’s.

“They pretty much gave me anything I asked for,” he said. “This truck is me. Everything on it was built to my spec, down to where the screwdrivers go to where the chains hang. It is my first new truck all to myself, and I am very proud of it. That’s why I asked Zip’s to build it. They have superior builds with superior paint quality, and we have a pretty great salesman.”

Along with his mother and brothers, Chase manages Floyd and Sons Towing in Racine, WI. The company was founded in 1959 by his grandfather and company namesake, Floyd Leonard. After an initial stint as a Texaco service station, the company entered the full-time towing business in 1981, eventually expanding with a satellite location south in Kenosha in the mid-1990s.

Growing up in the family business, Chase said he and his brothers learned everything they could about the business from their father, Rick, and uncle, Skip. As kids, they helped out when and where they could, either grabbing a broom, cutting the grass and washing the trucks before eventually wrenching on the fleet and working the winches themselves.

“My brothers and I have done every job in this place to help the business grow,” Chase said. “My father was here most of his entire life. He passed away six years ago. He was pretty much our fearless leader and handled everything, helping to get us to where we are now.”

My father was here most of his entire life... He was pretty much our fearless leader...
—Chase Leonard

Taking over in his father’s absence, Chase currently serves as the terminal manager for the company, and when he’s not on a call himself, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the family business. He said it was an adjustment to step into a management role following the death of his father.

“We learned a lot very quickly,” he acknowledged of the transition. “You’re the guy now. You’re the first call people make when they’re in trouble. If dad saw the business today, I think he would enjoy certain parts of it and shake his head at others. We are two different kinds of people.”

“We continue to grow day-by-day, but predominantly, we are into heavy-duty towing,” he said. “I enjoy the rush and the steady work. You never know what you are going to get into. That keeps me going in the family business. It’s important for me to keep our legacy going because we are three generations deep. I enjoy everything that comes with it.”

An inherited passion, Chase admits towing has always been in his blood, and the early memories of attending tow shows still motivate him. Their towing company belongs to the Wisconsin Towing Association, and its annual show around Father’s Day weekend is a great way to honor his dad and bring back memories of attending shows together back in the day.

“We’ve been part of this community for nearly 65 years, and we still consider ourselves a local company, so we like to give back when we can,” he explained. “We want to be remembered as a company that does what they say they’re going to do when you make the call.”

When operating a heavy-duty wrecker, you never know what you’ll run into. Being prepared is just part of your job every day. Lucky for you, we have some fantastic products that can make being prepared a breeze.

We’ve come up with a list of 10 items that’ll work to keep you ahead of the game. They’ll make a great addition to your wrecker supplies while also being a huge help in your daily operations.

Buy it!

Essential to heavy-duty tow operations, these fittings allow tow operators to tie into the existing air systems on Class 8 commercial trucks to supply air to the brake system when the power unit is disabled and can no longer perform this function. Using air supplied by the rear of the tow truck, this application allows the tow operator to release the truck’s brakes and prepare it for towing. The kit includes a variety of couplers, making it a great addition to your truck’s supplies.

• 8-piece kit w/ hard-sided carrying case
• Fits Mack, Volvo, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Prostar, International & more
• Can supply air to airbags

Buy it!

The SafeAll Remote Brake Assist makes for a great addition to any heavy-duty wrecker’s kit. The brake actuator is connected to the brake pedal and is secured in place by claws to the steering wheel. Air is supplied to the actuator by a line attached to the back of the heavy-duty wrecker. Therefore, when you press your brake pedal, the vehicle you’re towing engages its brake. Your brakes will thank you for not overworking them by distributing some of the pressure to the casualty's brakes. Not to mention, a remote brake assist is required to remain in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The law states that when towing vehicles or motor vehicle combinations, you must be able to decelerate at a rate of 14 feet per second and from a speed of 20 miles per hour and be able to stop within 35 feet or less. We know you tow extremely heavy truck combinations all day long, so stay safe and in compliance and equip all your heavy-duty wreckers with the SafeAll Remote Brake Assist!

• Works with air brakes
• Decreases stopping distance
• Improves FMCSA compliance

Buy it!

Variety is the name of the game when it comes to towing. When you roll up to the scene, you may need to pull a camper, horse trailer, converter dolly or even a gooseneck flatbed. With this seven-piece kit, you can easily tow a trailer without any issues. The included gooseneck trailer adapter, pintle hook, fifth wheel attachment, and king pin attachment can be stored in a side storage compartment while not in use, meaning you can take it to every job.

• Welded construction
• Powder-coated safety yellow
• 3/4" plate steel

When you’re dealing with heavy-duty tows, you never know if and when you’ll need some air. Whether it’s filling up a tire or operating a wide variety of pneumatic tools, air can be essential while towing. Luckily, this heavy-duty hose reel can help get you that air while holding up to the hardships of the road.

• Corrosion-resistant powder coating
• Compact design
• Dual pedestal design to provide vibration resistance

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Why ruin your back and shoulders when removing the driveshaft of a commercial truck? When it’s time to tow, simply pull out your SafeAll Driveline Pro from your toolbox and ensure the driveshaft stays safely in place. The hanger bar is adjustable both horizontally and vertically by using its basket rope. The width allows it to fit any frame for a variety of truck makes and models. While the rope will allow operators to position the height on the driveshaft to make towing easier. With the easy-to-use and very lightweight SafeAll Driveline Pro, you can save yourself from unnecessary injury and wasted time.

• Easily adjustable hanger bar - No tools necessary
• Snap clips and cinch ratchets for quick installation
• Lightweight and user-friendly

Sometimes, products are common, but that’s not a bad thing. In fact, chains are great at quickly tying down axles and securing vehicles. Using the ratchet from this axle chain kit, you can quickly and easily secure a vehicle. Plus, it has a 25% higher working load limit than a grade 80 chain would have.

• Chain sizes: 3/8" - 1/2"
• Chain length: 6'
• WLLs: 8,800 lbs. - 15,000 lbs.

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Being underneath a massive vehicle can be terrifying and dangerous. If anything goes wrong, that vehicle could easily crush you. That’s what this wheel stand is for. Able to handle up to 10,000 pounds per wheel lift, you can count on it to hold the vehicle up for you as you secure the vehicle from below.

• Each stand has a rating of 10,000 lbs.
• Met the ASME PALD-2009 testing standards
• Weight: 17 lbs

Buy it!

Communication is important when you’re driving. Letting people know when you want to turn or stop can save their lives and yours, and when you’re towing, a trailer that can be even more important. Ensuring you can get that signal is easy with the American-made TowMate TBOX Wireless Trailer Light-Powered Controller. This battery-powered adapter allows you to use the trailer’s factory lights. As a result, you can skip hanging a tow light.

• Weather-resistant housing
• Utilizes TowMate's 'red antenna' receiver
• Exclusively powered by Milwaukee 8-amp M18 battery

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Rust and corrosion can be common problems for a lot of different lifting hardware. Luckily, RimSling offers a solution. By making their slings out of synthetic rope, you don’t have to worry about rust and most corrosion. Plus, they’re tough enough to handle whatever heavy-duty task you have in front of you, so why go with metal when you can get better?

• Special braid guard at the center of sling for extended life
• 5:1 Safety Factor
• Rated for overhead lifting

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You never know what you’ll find when you come across a wreck. Sometimes, you’ll encounter a chemical spill that you weren’t expecting. Luckily, using the Spill Tackle fluid absorbent, you can pour it out and clean that spill up quickly and easily. This will make the environment safer and easier for you to tow the casualty you came for.

• USDA bio preferred (sustainable)
• Absorbs petroleum fluids off the top of water
• 4 - 6 times more absorbent than clay

No two jobs are ever the same, so having a wide variety of tools for every job matters. It lets you be prepared for whatever comes your way. With the constantly shifting field of towing, you’ll always need to be on your toes.

Hopefully, with this list, you can expand your toolkit and stay on your toes. At Zip’s AW Direct, we carry plenty of helpful, durable tools that can expand your tow truck supplies exponentially. Feel free to explore Zips.com, or check out our other blog on 10 items for your light-duty tow truck.

When you’re out on the road, you never know what you’ll run into. Being prepared for any situation is essential for every operator. This means you should always hold onto a few items to make every job easier.

Today, we’ll introduce you to a few of our phenomenal products. Together, they make for great additions to any existing truck’s toolbox. They all provide some utility that you may not have thought of.

Buy it!

Speed and safety are essential on every call. Being able to adapt to whatever comes your way is a lot easier with the Zip’s Side Puller Recovery Tool. This towing accessory gives you 180 degrees of cable angle side-to-side and 90 degrees downward, allowing you the ability to tow from almost any angle, regardless of the situation. It’s also easy to install. All you need is to drill a 2" hole for an aluminum bed. On a steel deck, you don’t even need to drill a hole. Add this essential tool to your flatbed supplies today.

• 9,000-lb. capacity
• Compatible with a majority of manufacturers
• Removable when not in use

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Whether you come across a disabled vehicle or a locked vehicle that needs to be moved, you need to have a solution. The best way to do that is with the ITI Rollback Master Kit. This kit comes with a variety of skates — all of which are made from extruded plastic — that help you get locked and disabled vehicles onto the back of a flatbed. Not only are they stronger than wood, but these skates are also rot, wear, oil and grease resistant. Make this kit part of your truck’s supplies.

• (4) ITI Automotive Skate Ki
• (2) ITI Big & Tall Automotive Skate Pair
• (2) ITI XL Big & Tall Automotive Skate Pair
• ITI Control Arm Skate
• ITI Height Extender for the Control Arm Skate
• ITI Axle Tube Height Extender for the Control Arm Skate
• ITI Lockout Wedge
• ITI Trailer Jack Skate

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Sometimes you show up at a scene and realize you need to tow more than just a car. Lucky for you, Zip’s Receiver Hitch for Chevron 408 Light Duty Wrecker can easily be put directly onto your Autogrip autoloader on your Chevron 408 light-duty wrecker. This works with bumper hitch campers and toy haulers, and it comes with an optional pintle hitch and tri-ball attachment.

• 8,000-lb. tow capacity
• Solid welded construction
• Easy bolt-on application

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Taking care of safety should be a top priority. Being seen is a big part of that, which is why this bright light can be placed right on your shoulder for maximum visibility. Thanks to its multiple modes, you quickly stand out. With its ability to flash in different patterns, it’s hard to be ignored. This magnetic light can also be placed on whatever metallic surface is available in order to light up whatever you need it to. Be seen for miles with the Guardian Angel Micro Series Safety Light.

• Four different light controls provide maximum lighting versatility
• Four different brightness settings-low, medium, high & MAX
• Rated up to 3+ miles of visibility using high-powered LEDs

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When somebody locks their keys in their car, they’re having a rough day. The kind of day that needs a quick, easy fix. Luckily with this toolset, you can easily find the right tools to make their day better. Each vehicle is a little different, so knowing you have different tools to handle different situations is great. With its variety of tools to help you recover your customer’s keys, the Access Tools Contractor’s Lockout Kit is a great addition to your tow truck supplies.

• Includes a handy carrying case
• Three tools have a scratch-proof coating
• Fits conveniently under or behind a seat

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Whether you need to turn or stop, letting other drivers on the road know what you’re up to is important for your safety and theirs. This wireless tow light allows you to send those signals from the car you’re towing simply by setting it on a magnetic surface. With rubber boots to protect your customer's vehicle from scratches and bright LEDs to signal your intentions to other drivers, this tow mate proves why it is a top-selling wireless lightbar.

• Four choices of transmitters
• Durable PVC housing
• Up to 10 hours of use between charges

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Winch lines can be dangerous if they snap, yet they’re essential to every tow driver out there. Being able to pull a car up shouldn't have to include the risk of getting struck by a different vehicle or the winch line, if it snaps. With the SafeAll Car Carrier Proportional Remote Control System, you can control it remotely, while having precise control over the vehicle with the use of your wrist. Unlike other remote control systems, it doesn’t interfere with tow lights. Easily control your winch lines while staying a safe distance away.

• Rugged and weatherproof actuator design
• Bluetooth technology aids in actuator synchronization/calibration

Buy it!

Let’s face it, there are times when all you need to fix a car problem is to give it a quick start. That’s made easy with the JNC660 portable jump pack. Regardless of where you’re at, this dependable jump pack will get that car started and running. Plus, it’s easy to use and has 1700 peak amps and 425 cranking amps to make the process as fast as possible!

• 46" heavy-duty #4 cables
• Built-in charger
• Battery status indicator gauge

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When a car has flipped onto its roof, it’s already had a bad day. Having to flip it back over shouldn’t make the day worse. With the Roll King, you can easily flip the car right back over. This adjustable pole is able to fit multiple vehicle sizes, and with its grab hooks, fixed eye and clawfoot grips, you can easily flip over the vehicle with just one operator.

• 29" steel tube with pair of welded grab hooks and fixed eye
• Extends to 3 lengths with removable safety pin
• Clawfoot grips pinch welds better than wood 4x4s or PVC pipe

Despite only weighing 22 pounds, this hydraulic jack can lift up to 4,000 pounds. That’s right. This small jack can easily get a car up off the ground. This makes it easier to find a place to attach your line or to change a tire. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in the trunk of a car, so it will definitely fit in your truck’s toolbox.

• 100% factory vertical load tested for reliability and safety
• 360° rotating saddle
• Corrosion-resistant

Knowing what to bring when you’re out on a job is essential. Towing is one of those fields that is constantly shifting; no two jobs will ever be the same. Having the towing accessories and wrecker supplies you need to handle what comes your way is essential to every tow truck operator.

Hopefully, this list has helped you expand your toolkit to handle any job you get. At Zip’s AW Direct, we carry plenty of helpful, durable tools that can expand your tow truck supplies exponentially. After you’ve picked up everything on this list, feel free to browse our site to find even more to help you out.

To clean your straps, soak them in warm water with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and scrub to loosen any dirt and debris. Rinse and let air dry. Lubricating the ratcheting mechanism will also prolong the life of your straps.

• Position the ratchet strap in the desired location.
• With the handle open, thread the tail end of the ratchet strap under the mandrel and back through the slot.
• Make sure the strap does not interfere with the handle operation.
• Pull the ratchet strap tight and take up the slack.
• Begin ratcheting with the handle to tighten the strap.
• Contain excess loose webbing with a bungee or zip-tie to keep it from flying in the wind as you head down the road.

Once you have reached your destination, you can now loosen the strap for unloading. On the handle, locate the release mechanism and simultaneously pull up on the release and push down on the handle to get the strap to unspool from the mandrel. This may take some effort, depending on how new or how well lubricated the ratchet is.

Once loosened, remove the strap from the load and remove the hooks. Be sure to take the time to neatly wind the strap for storage. Not only will it take up less room, this housekeeping measure will prevent damage from other objects while in storage. Smaller straps can be hand wound, but for larger straps, strap winders are available to simplify the process.

Following these steps will help you to use a ratchet strap correctly and safely. It is important to remember to choose the right ratchet strap for your load and to inspect the ratchet strap before each use. Make sure you double check the ratchet strap after you have secured the load to make sure it is secure and safe for transport. And lastly, always follow safety instructions when using ratchet straps.

Eleven-year-old Jace Tapp dreams of playing in the NFL someday. If that doesn’t work out, his fall-back plan is to follow in the family towing business. Sounds like his dad will save a spot for him at Central Iowa Towing and Recovery. In fact, there’ll be room for everyone in the family if that’s what they want to do when they get older.

“I kind of fell in love with towing and started managing and growing that side of the business where I was working,” Dustin said. “I then reached the point where I wanted to do my own thing and bought my own truck. We started out with one rusty old tow truck out of a run-down, old farmhouse by Nevada, and it’s kind of escalated from there.” 

In less than 10 years, the Tapps have grown Central Iowa Towing into one of the largest towing and recovery businesses in the state. Based in Ames, the company operates two locations there and has expanded into the Des Moines and Marshalltown markets. They also recently partnered with a towing company in Waterloo.

Serving the heart of Iowa, their fleet consists of heavies, car carriers, light-duty wreckers and mobile service vehicles. The family favorite, according to son Jace, is the Century 1150 twin-steer rotator. Strategically located by Interstates 35 and 80, the crew stays busy responding to rollovers, breakdowns and weather-related incidents, including a 70-car pileup one winter.

“We can do everything from your small car lockouts to tractor-trailer rollovers to underwater recoveries,” Dustin said. “We can do just about anything you can think of. I hope we’re remembered as providing the total package...that when our guys showed up, they got the job done.”

“Central Iowa Towing is different because we take pride in what we do,” Rickie added. “Our trucks are clean, and we put a lot of effort into making sure our employees are taken care of.”

The Tapps credit their team of operators, dispatchers and mechanics for the company’s success and solid reputation. Among those dedicated employees is Bailey Metzger, who has served as the company’s dispatch manager for the past three years. She makes sure all calls get routed correctly and in a timely manner.

“I monitor all the calls that come in to make sure we’re getting accurate information for every call,” she explained. “Over time, you learn what information we need for certain situations. Once you’ve been through those scenarios, you remember what to do the next time.”

“The most challenging aspect of running this company is managing employees,” Dustin admitted. “One of the best ways to manage our growth is by hiring the right people and trusting those people to do their job. I definitely went through a period of being a micromanager. It took me a lot to release everything, but once I did, it was the best thing I ever did.

One of the best ways to manage our growth is by hiring the right people and trusting those people to do their job.
—Dustin Tapp

“We’ve been fortunate enough to hire some really good people and put them in the right places,” he continued. “But it’s tough nowadays trying to find young adults who want to put in the physical labor.”

Hoping to buck that trend, the Tapps eagerly involve their children in the family business, and leading by example, they hope to pass their work ethic on to the next generation. Besides Jace, the family includes eight-year-old daughter, Carson; oldest son, Gage, 16; and youngest son, Cade, 6. Although still school age, the Tapps’ children help out when and where they can. 

Rickie said working together as a family has strengthened their bond both professionally and personally.

“Most proud, I would say, is seeing how Dustin and I have grown together,” she said. “Working with your spouse isn’t always easy. There have been ups, and there have been downs. Our relationship has really grown just by learning things that we basically have had to figure out on our own.”

Besides the commitment from their employees and the support from their family, the Tapps said they also appreciate the response they’ve received from the communities in which they serve. To return the favor, they believe in giving back and regularly support school activities and community organizations by volunteering and giving donations and sponsorships.

“There were plenty of other wrecker services when I started, but our home community, as a whole, took a chance on us, and I feel the best thing to do is to give back,” Dustin acknowledged.

The Tapps said they are also grateful for their relationship with Zip’s AW Direct. Their company has been a loyal customer of Zip’s since they started, and whenever possible, the Tapps continue to purchase trucks, apparel and gear from their fellow Iowa-based company. Service before and after the sale also goes a long way, and first impressions make the difference.

Nearly 10 years ago, “I walked into Zip’s with nothing to my name and told them I want to start a towing company. They took a big chance on me and let me drive a truck home that day with almost no money down,” Dustin said. “That’s one of the reasons why we are so loyal to Zip’s because they gave me a shot when nobody else would.”

Before any of that, if you’re new to hitches, you may need a little vocabulary lesson before diving into the details. For example, tongue weight capacity is the amount of weight the hitch can take directly on top of it, while towing capacity is the amount that the hitch can tow.

Ball Hitches

5th-Wheel
These hitches are for people who need the most heavy-duty hitches around. They designed these massive hitches for pickup trucks and flatbed trucks. They typically have a towing weight between 12,000 and 20,000 pounds and a tongue weight capacity between 1,200 and 1,700 pounds.

Pintle Hitches

Other Hitches

Steps in Buying

It’s called Mountain Recovery for a reason

Lured by the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Charlie Stubblefield moved his family from Wisconsin to Colorado five years ago. He said they were looking for a change of scenery and found it. Little did he know he would be making a career change as well when he got out there.

With a background in construction, Stubblefield said he initially relocated three states west to pursue an opportunity in custom home building. When that didn’t pan out, the former paramedic and firefighter felt a calling back into service, this time helping motorists who were stranded or looking for assistance in the mountains. The need was fairly obvious, he said.

“In the Midwest, you really don’t see a lot of crashed or broken down vehicles along the side of the road because they get towed and cleaned up very quickly,” Stubblefield explained. “But out here, I noticed there were stranded vehicles everywhere. I had to figure out what that was all about, so I started stopping to check on cars to see if I could help.”

Settling in the Vail area of Interstate 70, Stubblefield said he was “mechanically inclined” enough to help motorists with heating and cooling issues, tire changes and other roadside assistance calls that first summer. Then when snow arrived on the mountain passes, he would sell and install tire chains to commercial drivers at the chain-up stations.

“I was doing pretty basic stuff at first, but I eventually made enough money to put a down payment on my first heavy wrecker from Zip’s in July of 2020,” he said.

Since then, Stubblefield has grown his company—aptly named Mountain Recovery–to include 25 trucks and just as many operators, dispatchers and mechanics. Headquartered in Vail, his fleet currently consists of six heavies, four car carriers, three mobile service trucks and a few support vehicles, including a command car and an off-road machine with a 30,000-lb. winch box. 

“We definitely do a lot of off-road recoveries,” he said. “We’re in the mecca for outdoor recreation here and are busy with those kinds of toys no matter the time of year.”

Not afraid of heights

Mountain Recovery operates west of Denver between two of the tallest and steepest grades in the U.S.: the Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass. Both are at roughly 11,000 feet in elevation, and according to Stubblefield, “they are super steep up and super steep down.” To keep up with demand, a second shop was strategically added in Silverthorne, CO, “so we can service both hot spots within a 15-minute ETA.”

In the winter, Stubblefield said his operators stay busy with pull-ups and jacknives on the 7% grade, and in the summer, they spend plenty of time dealing with CMV brake issues and pulling OTR trucks out of runaway ramps. He said most of the recoveries are the result of “driver error,” either ignoring to chain up during storms in the winter or selecting the wrong gear for the descent in the summer.

“You would think we’re the busiest during the winter months, but the work is pretty steady all year round out here,” he said. “The winter months are just more sporadic, depending on the weather. We can do 50 to 100 pull-ups in a day when the weather’s bad. Summer time is just as busy, but more consistent with runaway ramp jobs, brake fires, overheating and radiator issues."

Good operators are key to success

In less than five years, Stubblefied said he has grown Mountain Recovery into one of the largest towing and recovery companies in the state of Colorado. They have also expanded into Wyoming. He said good employees are the key to his success. “I realized very quickly if you put a good operator in a good truck in this market, you will be able to make money,” he said. “We’ve been able to keep that snowball rolling, and here we are today.”

Stubblefield said he tends to hire experienced operators for the heavy wreckers and is willing to train inexperienced operators on the light-duty carrier side. He usually pairs a new hire with an experienced operator for a few weeks for training purposes. “Once they feel comfortable and we feel comfortable—which varies from person to person—we can start to turn them loose in their own truck,” he said.

“Light-duty work is definitely more entry level,” Stubblefield continued. ”On the heavy side, most of our operators have come to us with experience. Those greener guys work more light-duty calls and get to as many hook-ups as they can. Then on their days off, they can run with heavy-duty operators and shadow them.”

Including a new 25-ton wrecker last fall, Stubblefield estimates 80 percent of his fleet has been built by Zip’s. He said he takes advantage of the in-house financing and also orders parts and supplies through Zip’s. He said he’s been approached by other vendors but remains committed to his relationship with Zip’s and sales rep, LeRoy Gossling.

How to Select a Ratchet Strap

A ratchet strap is an adjustable strap used to secure freight, vehicles, materials and equipment for transport. Each assembly includes a short strap attached to a ratchet and a long strap to reach over the load. Both sections include an end hook fitting to secure the cargo to the other side of the truck or trailer.

Made from polyester webbing, the straps are available in varying widths. Professional truck drivers typically use 3”W and 4”W straps to secure their freight on flatbeds or inside van trailers, while tow operators commonly use 2”W straps on their car carriers and wheel lifts. Weekend warriors often use 1”W straps to tie down off-road recreational vehicles.

The size of the strap dictates the amount of weight it can secure, otherwise known as the Working Load Limit (WLL). Each strap should have its stated capacity stitched into the webbing or affixed to an identification label. For obvious safety considerations, the WLL should be never be exceeded. Here are some common per/strap capacities:

In addition to the end hook fitting, the length of strap is another consideration. Truck drivers typically need 20’ of length, while the recreational enthusiasts can usually get by with 12’. The length you need, again, depends on what you’re hauling. Please note the length does not affect the WLL.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, we take a moment to recognize some of the patriotic wreckers and carriers we've produced over the years, courtesy of the custom wraps and paint schemes commissioned by our valued customers. Enjoy some eye candy with your hot dogs, burgers and sparklers this Independence Day.

P.J.’s Towing - Lansing, MI

Leading the parade is this star-spangled entry from the Great Lakes State. Besides the stars and stripes wrap, this light-duty wrecker will also catch your attention with the SafeAll Traffic Commander perched atop the pylon.

Collins Brothers Towing - St. Cloud, MN

Up next is this viper red heavy with color-wash grill, tanks and steps. Up top you’ll find the sparkling Code 3 18-head LED light bar, and nestled inside a side storage compartment is an American Eagle 8-drawer toolbox.

Precision Towing - Madison, WI

Precisely built for Precision Towing, this flag-draped extended cab features a 94" aluminum crossover tunnel box as well as a self-loading Auto-Grip II wheel lift and motorcycle towing bracket. Also take note of the orange synthetic winch line and Truck-Lite 3/4" LED lights.

Hunter Auto & Wrecker Service - Charlotte, NC

This blacked out rotator keeps the flag flying in the middle of its 180" tri-axle body. Besides three-stage low front outriggers, this black beauty features a knee boom street Low Rider with an impressive 157" reach along with a Miller shackle kit and a Hella side lamp.

Lawrence Towing - Holland, MI

Take a minute to appreciate this car carrier with its flag-themed storage boxes beneath a 21.5' aluminum deck. This rollback features a low center of gravity as well as Buyers LED interior strip lighting and a Zip’s Side Puller Recovery Tool.

Wes’s Service - Calumet City, IL

This five-axle salute features a twin-steer front with a tandem-tag rear. The business end offers 360-degree continuous boom rotation and a 20-ton equalizer swivel. Complementing the graphics is an array of custom lighting, including M6 split-color lights from Whelen.

Hitz Towing - York, NE

The longer wheelbase and shorter bunk accommodate a 36" crossover tunnel box in front of the main body. This bonus space includes a toolbox shelf, chain rack and custom rollout storage to keep everything organized and within reach.

Area Towing & Recovery - Taylor, MI

Old Glory gets a makeover on this 21.5' car carrier. In addition to the orange, black and gray color scheme, this patriotic rollback is accented by Maxxima’s 3/4" round marker lights, and its steel bed is controlled by SafeAll’s Proportional Remote.

Homer’s Towing and Service - Milwaukee, WI

This blue-collar heavy has earned a day off but probably won’t take it. In addition to 360-degree boom rotation, this rotator features an SDU-4 Low Rider underlift, Miller Under Body LED strip lighting and McKissick Evolution Series snatch blocks.

Mighty’s Towing & Recovery - Plainfield, IL

The tri-axle body upgrade on this heavy includes a 36" aluminum saddle-style tunnel box at the front. The body offers plenty of storage for such accessories as Miller’s pintle hook adapter. On top of the pylon is Whelen’s 72" 20-head LED light bar.