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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.