Industry News & New Products

ITI Control Arm Skates are designed for use on a disabled or wrecked vehicle with a missing wheel or lugnuts, a broken ball joint, control arm, axle or other suspension components. See how easily they slide in this video from Zip's AW Direct.

Having the right u-bolt attachment can make a huge difference with your under-reach picks. Let one of our technical specialists explain the difference between our three most popular types in this video from Zip's AW Direct.

The federal government has declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national disaster and is making funds available for small businesses to apply for low-interest, long-term loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

New details are emerging daily, but we wanted to pass this information along to you--our loyal customers and trusted business partners--as we, together, navigate this unprecedented national emergency.

According to the SBA, potential borrowers can apply for loans up to $2 million for physical damage, economic injury or general assistance. Applicants need to follow a three-step process and can determine eligibility by clicking here.

Download the Three_Step_Process_SBA_Disaster_Loans.pdf for more information. You can apply for a loan online at the SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

“We are determined to weather this storm, and like our customers, we will emerge stronger than ever,” Zip’s AW Direct President Paul Rottinghaus said. “That's why we are passing this information along to you. We’re in this together.”

Zip’s AW Direct became a fully authorized Landoll dealer in February of 2020. This latest addition of heavy-duty industrial trailers complements Zip’s already impressive inventory of tow trucks, industrial carriers, rollbacks and service vehicles.

“We are excited about this new opportunity for our company and look forward to sharing Landoll’s extensive lineup of heavy-duty trailers with our existing and future customer base,” Zip’s President Paul Rottinghaus said.

Based in Marysville, KS, Landoll has been producing trailers and farm equipment for more than 55 years. In addition to traveling axle trailers, the company also builds detachable trailers, traveling tail trailers, bottom dump trailers, industrial tag trailers and more.

Zip’s is authorized to sell all types of Landoll trailers and replacement parts. Tow operators will find these trailers useful for large-scale recovery operations, and construction, rental and agricultural companies will appreciate how easy it is to transport their equipment with them.

Complete details are available in our Landoll Brochures and Landoll Parts Manuals. You can also visit our Industrial Trailers page at Zips.com to view our current inventory.

To purchase, contact one of our personal truck sales consultants at 800-222-6047 today. We look forward to working with you. 

More than 30 employees team up to fulfill close to 400 orders each day in the Distribution Center at Zip’s AW Direct in New Hampton. This includes small parcel packages as well as large freight shipments.

One of our dedicated shipping agents is Tiffany Fisher, a New Hampton native and our employee profile for the month of March. Tiffany has worked in the shipping department here for four years and takes pride in ensuring customer orders are accurate before shipping them out.

Her husband, Brian, also works at Zip’s as a lead heavy-duty body installer, and the family-friendly environment here is what Tiffany said she values most about coming to work every day. “I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the friendships I’ve made from working here,” she said.

In her spare time, Tiffany said she enjoys camping, hanging out with friends and “being out on the water.” Most importantly, though, she appreciates the time she can spend with her family. It’s what motivates her both personally and professionally.

“My kids and my husband are my motivation,” Tiffany said. “I always try to do what’s best for them and our family.”

Zip’s AW Direct has teamed up with NOCO to offer three sizes of portable jump starters. These compact units can power up gas and diesel engines in cars, trucks, boats, commercial vehicles and equipment. With an included 12V plug, the rugged and portable booster can also provide remote power to tire pumps, inverters and chargers. The USB port can charge personal electronic devices. Learn more here.

Keep the cable on your winch drum neat and tight through a weekly maintenance procedure known as power wrapping. This exercise will prolong the life of your winch line by preventing weak points caused by unnecessary kinks and flat spots.

“You should power wrap your winch at least once a week,” recommends Rene Jimenez, a technical advisor at Zip’s AW Direct. “You want to keep your wire rope tight on the spool so it doesn’t dive or kink and start what I call the paper clip effect, where the more it bends, the weaker it gets before eventually failing.”

Power wrapping works in tandem with the cable tensioner. As illustrated in this video from Miller Industries, the procedure is performed by free-spooling the winch line out and then winding it back up under a load by attaching the hook to another vehicle or deadman.

“As you pull the wire rope out, you want to keep at least seven wraps on that last layer so you don’t pull all of the wire rope out of the drum. That would create quite a mess,” explains Miller’s Billy Drane in the video.

Experts say power wrapping should be done regardless of the size of the winch: from car carriers to heavy-duty recovery vehicles. The procedure is effective for both wire and synthetic rope. In fact, according to Jimenez, power wrapping helps “set the braid” on a new synthetic line.

Power wrapping is “something that is very important to do,” Drane said. “What can tend to happen (when you don’t) is the loose wire rope going around the drum will cause the top layers to bury down (or dive) into the inner layers.”

“Once you get in the habit of doing this regularly, it really doesn’t take very long to do,” Jimenez said. “Take a few minutes each week to prevent a headache down the road.”

Be prepared the next time your car won’t start with a jump pack from Zip’s AW Direct. We stock handheld chargers for the consumer, and powerful jump packs for the professional. In today’s blog, we are going to review a few of the models we currently have in stock.

The first item to consider when purchasing a new jump pack is safety. Look for models with reverse polarity protection. This safeguard prevents usage when the cables are not connected correctly. You should also keep an eye out for battery packs that won’t function when the voltage setting is wrong.

Another factor to look at is cable length, especially with a larger jump pack. Be sure to account for adequate clamp reach so the jump pack can rest safely on the ground. This prevents the pack from teetering on engine components or fenders when the hood is open on the disabled vehicle. 

Cable length is also important when connecting to terminals located inside of a vehicle. This keeps the power pack away from interior upholstery and prevents an unnecessary mess. Let’s face it. Jump packs only look new and clean once.

Cranking amps and battery ratings are also important items to research when purchasing a jump pack. Handheld models typically have lithium ion batteries. Their ratings are based on engine size. Larger jump packs with internal lead-acid batteries normally list cranking amps for capacity. 

Based on size, here are some of the jump packs Zip’s AW Direct has to offer. Be sure to click on each name to link back to its respective product page for complete details. 

• On the smaller scale is one of our newest models, the NOCO GB150 Boost Pro. This 4000-amp unit weighs just 7.5 pounds and can handle up to 80 starts per charge. The USB port can also charge personal electronic devices. 

• Next up is the Weego Crankenstein. The lithium-ion battery here can last up to 30 hours and can recharge in just six hours. The Crankenstein includes an LED flashlight and can hold a charge for one year. The built-in voltmeter also comes in handy.

• Perhaps one of our more popular models is the Jump-N-Carry JNC660 jump starter. This low-cost model features 425 cranking amps and 1700 peak amps. The unit weighs 18 pounds and features a DC outlet to power 12V accessories.

• A close cousin to the JNC660 is the JNCAIR, which offers the same capacity as the JNC660 but includes an internal air compressor. You can fill one flat tire under eight minutes and up to four tires on a single charge. The coiled air hose stretches to 12 feet and delivers on-demand air. 

• Two 12V heavy-duty sealed AGM batteries provide "Best in Class" performance for Associated Equipment's 6296 jump starter. This unit features 720 CCA of power and has a three-position "On/Off" switch with Easy-to-read LED battery status indicators.

• The last battery pack we’re going to look at is the Rescue 2100 from Quick Cable. This commercial-grade model offers 900 12V cranking amps and includes a 15-amp circuit breaker, worklight, and warning flasher. The Rescue 2100 does weigh a little bit more but delivers enough charging power for most applications. 

We hope you find this quick overview of jump packs at Zip’s AW Direct useful. To view our entire lineup, click on ‘Jump Start Equipment’ under ‘Roadside Assistance’ under our ‘Products’ section at zips.com.

Tow companies enter the car carrier market for a variety of reasons. They may need a backup for the winter, their business volume has dictated a fleet expansion or they simply want to upgrade or replace a tired piece of equipment.

Zip’s AW Direct has rollbacks to fit any price point. We can build a custom car carrier to your exact specifications, or we can put you in a quality trade-in from our dealer lot. Another worthwhile option to consider is a PRIME car carrier, our exclusive work truck package that is reliable and economical.

We arrived at the word PRIME because this base model has the primary features that will satisfy your essential flatbed needs. Here, you won’t find an elaborate lighting system, aluminum beds, a lot of chrome or optional accessories like a side puller.

Don’t let the modest exterior fool you, though. A PRIME car carrier is a solid work truck. They offer steel decks with standard equipment, including wheel lifts, to get the job done. Select from five chassis manufacturers and from three package options. Enjoy the peace of mind of a factory warranty as well.

PRIME trucks do not compromise on safety or quality. They won’t break the bank either. They are budget-friendly and can save you thousands of dollars. Whether you lease or finance through us, we offer the options to keep your cash flowing and your expenses in check.

We have brand new PRIME carriers at our Michigan location ready for you to own today. You can fly in and drive out. We’ll pick you up at the airport in Detroit and can get you back out on the road in no time. If you can’t make it to our facility, we can have one delivered to you. Either way, we make it easy.

When you choose PRIME, you get a new car carrier for the price of a used truck. Take in-stock delivery today and put it to work tomorrow. For more information on a PRIME car carrier, contact one of our personal truck sales consultants today at 800-222-6047. 

Randy Wickman joined Zip’s AW Direct five years ago as a service writer and warranty rep. He was named service manager for our used truck division about a year ago. He now oversees repairs and reconditioning of used truck trade-ins and helps determine what repairs need to be made before resale.

Given his “intimate knowledge” of each used truck, Randy said he can offer support to the sales staff here and can also be a resource for the customer after the purchase. “I am always available to assist with each potential sale and provide advice on the unit’s representation,” he said.

In addition to sales and shop personnel, Randy said he works with several other departments at Zip's AW Direct, including the body shop, car carrier plant, finance, marketing and shipping and receiving. He described his co-workers as an “amazing team of people.”

“I work with each department to make sure our jobs get completed and out to our customers,” he said. “I enjoy my position in the service department because I get to interact with almost every department here.”

Randy said he is proud of the trucks Zip’s produces and enjoys seeing all of the Zip’s-built trucks on the road, making recoveries and taking care of customers. That pride motivates him to make sure every job he takes on is “done right” and to the best of his ability.

“At the end of the day, I drive home knowing that I did the best job possible with each project I take on,” he explained.

Home is now an acreage he and his wife recently purchased. When he is not busy settling in and making improvements, Randy said he enjoys racing motocross in his free time and rebuilding dirt bikes in his shop at home.

There are numerous factors to contemplate when buying a brand new tow dolly. Zip’s AW Direct offers a variety of Collins and In The Ditch dollies. We carry nine different models with capacities listed at either 3,040 pounds or 4,280 pounds, depending on tire size.

Today we break down the components of a tow dolly sets and explore how they relate to durability and maintenance. The blog post and video provide more information on the topic. The blog post provides a detailed outline of the key points.

Each featured part of a dolly offers benefits and limitations, both of which can affect the price range of $1,485 to more than $2,000 per set.

Tow dollies have 8” utility tires, allowing them to have a maximum road speed of 60 mph. Making them a good choice for short and medium distance travel. However, most operators prefer to stay at or below 50 mph for safety.

Based on your use cases, choose from 5.70 or 4.80 tire sizes with steel or aluminum wheels. Besides speed, tire sizes also affect load capacity: the larger the tire, the greater the load it can handle. Be sure to check tire pressures regularly on your tow dolly tires, for maximum safety and efficiency.

Dolly assemblies are made from steel and are available with aluminum or steel axles. Aluminum axles offer a weight savings that your operators will appreciate. Steel components can be zinc-plated or powder-coated with each offering its own level of durability.

Another item to consider is maintenance, especially this time of year. Tow dollies can often be neglected, and replacing a set may be the reason you’ve landed here. Zip’s AW Direct offers dollies with easy-to-lube grease zerks or with maintenance-free hubs. Featuring automotive sealed hubs and bearings, the latter can save you time and money and extend the life of your dolly. Choose what best fits your operation.

You can compare options and learn more by visiting our tow dolly section online at www.zips.com/towing-accessories. Here you will find detailed product descriptions as well as tables identifying which features accompany each model.

Also, don’t forget to check out our replacement dolly parts as well as our deck mounts and storage racks for your dollies when they are not in use.

Nancy joined Zip’s AW Direct one year ago as a Customer Service Representative. She was recently promoted as one of three new Key Accounts Representatives here. In her new role, she is looking to maintain “high levels” of customer service in ‘Rigging and Recovery’ parts and accessories.

“My motivation comes from addressing problems and obstacles and helping customers overcome them,” she said. “I want to empower my clients with the knowledge of parts and accessories in the industry. I look forward to becoming a leader within the rigging and recovery business and finding what motivates others.”

Nancy said she plans to cultivate relationships with current and prospective customers and will be relying on social media to achieve that goal. Her hard work and dedication have already garnered the attention of several of her customers, including Brandon Davis, owner of ABBA Towing & Recovery, Pawlsey Island, S.C.

“I started in the towing industry about the same time as Nancy did at Zip's AW Direct,” Brandon said in a review. “The first time I called looking for products for the tow company that I was working for, I was connected with Nancy.  I was unsure of exactly what I needed, but I had a customer service rep who was extremely knowledgeable on the phone to guide me.

“Her first priority has always been finding the best solution for my needs rather than being an ‘order- taker’ that just cares about making a sale,” Brandon added. “She, alone, has made me a Zip’s customer for life. She is second to none and goes out of her way to make me feel the same way.”

In between her phone calls, Nancy took some time recently to respond to a few questions for today’s employee profile. Her responses now follow:

Q. What do you enjoy most about working here?

A. The family environment. We all work together to ensure each and every truck and parts order is done to the highest standard.

Q. Is the glass half full or half empty?

A. I've always been an opportunist. Instead of the normal half full, half empty look, I like to think there's an opportunity to keep the glass full at all times.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

A. As a mom of three boys, my spare time involves going to football games. I also enjoy rebuilding and racing muscle cars. My current project is a ‘78 Camaro. I also love cross-country traveling and camping.

If you have any ‘Rigging and Recovery’ needs or questions, Nancy is eager to help. You can reach her at 800-222-6047x142.

Brothers Steve (left) and Sam McGuire drove 12 hours straight through from eastern Kentucky to New Hampton, IA, last month to pick up their new LCG 21-foot steel car carrier from Zip’s AW Direct. The Century 12 Series rollback was the family’s first purchase from us.

The brothers said they spared no expense on the exterior of the red 2020 Peterbilt and were planning to dress up the interior as well. The polished aluminum bed rails, stainless steel toolbox doors, shiny wide bumper, chrome bug shield and chrome visor were just a start, they said.

“We’re shooting to make it back home in one day, but we have to stop by the chrome shop first,” explained Sam, who described himself as the “older and prettier” of the two siblings.

“The interior is just too plain for us,” Steve joked, confirming their first stop of the return trip will be the famous Iowa 80 Truckstop two and a half hours away.

The brothers hail from McGuires Towing, a 32-year-old towing and recovery company that is now well into its second generation. They operate out of Ashland, KY, and serve the tri-state area of Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio.

“Dad started out with just one truck in 1987 with a homebuilt bed, and we’ve kind of grown from there,” Steve said. “We’re just the next generation to keep it going.”

“It has definitely evolved over years,” Sam added. “Dad has stepped back and given us the reins.”

Their latest truck purchase joins a fleet that includes a Miller 1150 rotator, a heavy-duty straight stick, three car carriers, two tractor-trailers and other light-duty wreckers.

Besides all of the exterior jewelry on this newest addition, the lighting package--highlighted by an LED message board--is sure to grab your attention as well. There’s also an SP9000 Sidepuller, GoJaks, storage trays and synthetic winch line.

“We went a little overboard with this one,” Sam admitted. “We figured it’s just easier to do it now when it’s being built.”

The brothers said they put together their shopping list for their custom car carrier by attending various tow shows and by researching Zip’s options online. “We’ve been following your trucks on social media and on your website for a long time now,” Sam said.

Both Sam and Steve said their first time working with the staff at Zip’s AW Direct has exceeded their expectations. They were able to stay at the company’s complimentary on-site hotel suite and were very appreciative of the red-carpet treatment they received during their overnight stay here.

“This has been a great experience for us,” Steve said. “You come to a place, and you usually don’t know where to stay, where to eat or anything like that. It’s nice to come here and meet all these nice people. They treat you like family here.”

“We want to thank you guys for the hospitality,” Sam said. “We’re very grateful, and we’re definitely looking forward to doing business with you guys again.”

To see the custom truck in person, visit our booth at the Tennessee Tow Show in Chattanooga Oct. 10-12.

Carrick Johnson serves as our equipment sales order entry manager at Zip’s AW Direct in New Hampton, IA. He has served in his role at Zip’s for the past three years. His primary responsibility is to take equipment sales quotes and then transfer them to a production order to initiate the build process. He orders all of our chassis and truck bodies and ensures the compatibility of the parts sold.

When not at work, Carrick describes himself as an avid hunter, fisher and trapper. He said he also likes to “tinker” in his shop with metal and woodworking. Let’s see what else makes Carrick tick:

Q. What do you enjoy most about working at Zip’s AW Direct?

A. The people and work environment make Zip’s a great place to work.

Q. What motivates you professionally and personally?

A. I always try to improve upon a process using the skills I’ve acquired in my career. It motivates me to also help others with their professional roadblocks. I tend to see if there is a “simple” answer to a complex problem.

Q. Is the glass half-full or half-empty?

A. Half full, if you made me choose. But I feel I am more of an optimistic realist. I see the best in people but have realistic expectations of situations based on my experience.

Sacramento tow operator Ted Chima is bringing his fleet into compliance with new air-quality rules planned for 2020 from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Starting next year, carriers domiciled in California with trucks older than 2011--or using diesel engines manufactured before 2010--will need to meet the state's new Truck and Bus Regulation. Non-compliant vehicles will be blocked from registering with the DMV starting Jan. 1.

Founded in 1987, family-owned Chima's Towing currently operates 15 tow trucks, including light-, medium- and heavy-duty wreckers, carriers and rotators. Over the last 18 months, Chima has worked with the sales staff here at Zip’s AW Direct to update five pieces of equipment.

His company’s latest purchases replace their 1998 and 2007 medium-duty car carriers. Chima’s son, Iran, currently operates a new Century flatbed with a sidepuller, and his father was in New Hampton, IA, last week to pick up a 2020 International 21-1/2 foot medium-duty car carrier.

“We really weren’t looking to replace either one of them. There was nothing wrong with them, but the requirements in California are making me,” Chima said as he inspected his new red-and-white rollback waiting for him on the lot.

Chima said he began working with Zip’s a year and a half ago as a result of the company’s quick turnaround time on truck orders.

“That’s how our relationship started,” Chima explained. “We told them what we wanted, and they had it ready in a month. That was it. We needed a truck quickly, and they were able to do it.”

Chima said he plans to be back at Zip’s at least two more times, and he said he appreciates the personal service he receives when he’s on site. It’s the main reason he said he chooses to pick up his new trucks instead of having them delivered.

“When something is wrong, they deal with it right away,” Chima said.

 
Jeremy and Alicia Ray of Cozy Corner Towing drove 12 hours from Colorado to New Hampton, IA, last week to pick up a light-duty wrecker from Zip’s AW Direct. The new Chevrolet was the couple’s fourth purchase from Zip’s in the last year and a half.

The timing of the Aug. 16 delivery was especially fitting for Alicia, coming the day after her late grandfather’s birthday. Bob Swaney founded the Lafayette, CO-based company more than 30 years ago, and Alicia is now a third-generation owner of the business.

Inducted in October of 2003, Swaney is a member of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in Chattanooga, TN. He was instrumental in organizing the Widows and Orphans Relief Fund in their state, and with their latest purchase, the Rays are planning to pay homage to the company founder.

“Everybody has their own story to tell, but this is a pretty big deal to us,” Jeremy said. “I was never able to meet my wife’s grandfather, but our newest truck will be an ode to the person who started all of this…who started our company.”

Swaney passed away 10 years ago. He was an active member and past president of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Colorado. The Rays said they plan to keep the truck primarily white in honor of Swaney’s original company colors and will name it ‘Bobbie Joe’.

The decision to minimize the decals on this latest truck purchase is in stark contrast to the rest of their fleet. Their other three trucks feature full decal wraps, displaying their support for various causes which are “personal to us and our families.”

One truck features ‘Slow Down. Move Over’ decals and is dedicated to the Widows and Orphans Fund and the Wall of the Fallen tow truck operators' memorial. Another is decaled in support of breast cancer research, and a third calls attention to autism awareness.

In addition to their moving billboards, they also donate a percentage of the revenue from each truck to its respective charity. They said it’s a way to promote the organizations they care about and to help improve the image of tow truck operators to the motoring public.

“We just want to give back,” Jeremy said. “We don’t come from rich families. What we got is what we got. But being able to do something like this is one small thing we can do for others.”

Having started nearly two decades ago, Kevin Einck has seen Zip’s with only 60 people grow into what we now know as Zip’s AW Direct, which now employs 260+ people. He’s gone from being a car carrier installation tech to a manager of 17 mechanics in 7 crews, plus an off-site crew in Charles City. He’s seen how much the company has grown just by looking up from his work.

Working as a car carrier installation tech for ten years, he learned the trade and the business. He began working under a manager who taught him the ropes. He worked under him for “6 to 8 months” before Kevin ended up in his own stall with his own crew. For him, it’s been a major sign of growth that the people he’s trained have gone on to train more crews.  

Nowadays, Kevin ensures “the techs are doing a proper job of installing the carriers … in a timely manner.” He also schedules the jobs that come into the shop, double-checks that they have the right parts from Miller to build the carriers, fields calls from the service department on issues that might come up and does what he can “to solve any issues that may arise during a build.” He has one goal in mind, and that is “to assure the customer is getting the best product that Zip’s can provide.”

In his position he doesn’t “see an end … anytime soon for car carrier builds.” He sees them as Zip’s bread and butter. It’s what we do best, and in his eyes, we make them the best. We put out a quality product because that’s what gets people coming back. That’s what the business is, customer satisfaction. Whether it be “the minimal builds” or “the tricked-out, flashy builds” they have to be the best. It’s a point of pride for Kevin to watch “top-notch trucks going out to customers daily.”

Paul Rottinghaus, President of Zip’s AW Direct, has told Kevin many times, “You can and you will figure it out, there is no I can’t figure it out.” It’s a sentence that Kevin has taken to heart. Kevin does everything he can to get the job done while ensuring he has given the best he has because to him, what he does is more than just for a paycheck. He views Zip’s as part of his family.