Another great vid brother. I started out a long time ago, back in the 80's, back then we really didn't even HAVE flatbeds, we had mostly sling only wreckers, no hydraulics, FB's were rare and mysterious, and all the cars had steel or fat aluminum bumpers anyway, dollies covered you. but then the early 90's created the issue, cars with actual plastic and fiberglass, no polymer bumper covers yet, pain in the ass, but wheel lifts kinda stepped up and handled it. but FB's started showing up everywhere, and EVERY customer decided their car needed a FB! the days of using WL's only at a tow co were coming to an end. I think you still need both, wreckers are still a valuable tool (try to tow a one ton dually or a big sprinter on you 19ft bed), but FB's are really the truck that you lean on today. But I say you still need both.
yep, and remember blocking the belts with under frame blocks, so belts rested on wooden blocks, and not harm the delicate bumpers, until 1 of wood blocks rolled lol, yeah idiot driver slam on brakes in front of you after cutting you off, and almost guarantee wood would roll, when wheel lifts came out, used cable from the winch to lift the wheel lift, used 1 a few times, but old days there were the ramp trucks, but i never used 1 of those, did use rollbacks thought, I prefer a wrecker, but im planning first buy to be a rollback, then if I make it, ill look for a wrecker
It’s been a while since I have watched one of your videos and as always you have given great advice and I definitely agree 100% stay safe and keep up the good work.
I find that dealing with vehicle owners they all think that they know best when it comes to the type of truck that they require... of course they are all experts and know far more about towing than someone that is experienced in the business! It's very frustrating for the operator when you show up with a wrecker and knowledge and are perfectly capable of providing professional assistance and the customer automatically thinks that you are incapable or incompetent just cause you show up with a wrecker and some uneducated person told them that a flatbed was the only truck that can do the job... totally miss informed. It can happen the other way too ... sometimes you show up with a flatbed and the person requested a Wrecker even though the manufacturers recommended flatbed. Customer still chastise you. General public thinks that flatbed is the answer to everything... it's not!
I did 56 calls last week and this is only my 5 week n but I’ve been killing it I brought in. Almost 5k for my company and I get 30% of that which isn’t much but it s enough to get me through the week for now I need more money and want to start my own business I know I could do it with only one truck but if I had two trucks I would build quicker I drive a 2019 ram 5500 flatbed and I’ve been making this money every week for 5 weeks str8 since I started with them and I keep making more each week!!!!
Who do you work for and are all the calls coming from your company or motor clubs? Just curious.. I started my own towing business and honestly there’s some days where I want to throw in the towel 🥴🥴any advise??
What about Crane rotator wrecker vs rollback? Is it better to have a crane truck you can pull a trailer with or wheel lift or just a heavy duty rollback? What would bring you more money faster?
Thanks man. I’m currently 17 starting my own towing and wrecking company I can’t do everything until I turn 20 though due to my state laws but I’m going to buy quite a few trucks coming up soon.
I think both are good to have great vids bro & you should do a vid about how to keep us dot up to date & what u have to do for inspections an how to make your dot safe on the safer site snap shot
Hey man! Your doing an amazing job in helping us. Do you know of any good motor clubs that will accept startups excluding Agero. Any way I could talk to you on the phone or email I have been in business for about a month and wanted a little more Intel please.
Hey dope videos I have a question you probably answer it already but I just discovered your page but I wanted to know what will be better to start off flat bed or Wrecker ... ??? Thanks for taking time to read my comments
Hi, nice video. am happy to come across your vid. I am thinking about getting into the business. My question to you is how much should i charge a customer?
I mean............ Flatbed for quick ass tows on cars with AWD or 4x4...... But wreckers can do just about everything... Flatbed is my choice usually but I hate showing up to a wreck when I need a wrecker and dispatch fails me...
I'll answer that one FOR my man here....and the answer is sure, he would still have made it, but there is no such thing as BAD experience....you need that too. Learning what NOT to do is just as important as learning the right way to do things. I worked for about a half dozen tow co's before I went out on my own (I was one of those arrogant young drivers that thought I knew it all), @@Fasttowpro, and I learned a little something from every one of them, some things on what to do, some things on what not to do...ALL important. not just techniques, but style, people skills, how to do paperwork, customer relations, marketing, everything.
I love the flatbed but the other day my boss decided to throw me in a wheel lift when my flatbeds turbo blew 🤦🏾♂️ but teaching myself the wheel lift and so far loving it but flatbed all the way
@@muthrfuqrjonz3530 most businesses dont make it to the 3 year mark. The biggest killer for start ups is the motor club trap. The low pay and high insurance cost is why most go under. The 3 year mark is crucial because that is when you can shop around for other insurance. If you can make it to the 3 year mark you are golden.
hey man, anyway i could talk to you through email? i'd like to get your opinion on a few things. ive been in the business all of 2 months and have been studying your vids
Flatbed more expensive... maintaining them can be expensive and time consuming. Wreckers are generally speaking less expensive than flatbeds but depending on the wrecker options they can be more. Wrecker maintenance is relatively low. Hoses and wiring on flatbeds are a constant nightmare.
Tim Everett that was my guess. I would assume there's a lot of rollers to grease on a flatbed, and of course hydraulic lines everywhere beyond the ones for the wheel lift on both types.
@@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550 Not too much to grease, We grease our trucks every oil change and do probably 30-40 grease fittings. (Guess didn't count just a rough guess)
My issue is finding commercial auto insurance that isn't sky rocket high. Just starting off with my business and calls are not coming in quick enough. Urgently & Honk provide a few calls a day. While the NAC does not send any. I'm trying to get on with agero swoop right now.
Let's say a Ford 150 was totaled in the front end. Is it possible to tow this truck with a wrecker? I'm about to buy a truck and just want to make sure I'm getting the most capable truck for the money?
From England: over recent years, legislation has outlawed 'spec' lifts, as we refer to them! When you see slide beds struggling to pick up vehicles, looks like hard work!
Towed over 20 years, wrecker hands down. Nothing vehicle wise i couldnt get with a wrecker. Awd, dollys. Parked in wrong way, double hook. Too heavy for dollys, drop the driveshaft. Too heavy for L arms, frame forks or use the tow bar. Ran an intertrashinal with a jerr dan 12 ton bed. Universal wrecker body, hauled minis and fiats on the wheel lift all the way up too condo sleeper cascadias on the tow bar. Winches were strong enough that i used it for "light" winchouts of tractor-trailers in the snow when all of the 25 and 50 tons were busy.
@Nick D. I have a 12 ton international 4300 wrecker body I was wondering can I use the frame forks on it ? because the truck didn’t come with it I don’t know if they stole them or if that 12 ton don’t come wit forks ?I’ll appreciate your response thanks brother
@Nick D. I have a 12 ton international 4300 wrecker body I was wondering can I use the frame forks on it ? because the truck didn’t come with it I don’t know if they stole them or if that 12 ton don’t come wit forks ?I’ll appreciate your response thanks brother
@@kesdersontheodore9887 depends one the under reach. If its a 12 ton, it should have an under reach capable of using frame forks. I have seen some older wrecker bodies that they "built". They would pit a 12 ton boom on a truck that was a light duty and still onky had a 4k wheel lift.
Nick D. Thanks king I highly appreciate it … when you say underneath are you talking about the wheel lift ? Because it can tow big cars wit the wheel scoop it’s just I can’t get It off it has the two things on each side of the wheel lift to loosen it to extend for the size I want for the tire with wheel scoop but every time I un loosen it it don’t come out for me to even put the forks … or maybe I need to hit it wit a hammer or something to see if it comes off … do u have a email or phone number I would love to send you a picture
Im a fan of there product from what I see on social media. I did send one of my friends there to get a Lift installed and he had nothing but negative things to say about the craftsmanship and customer service.
@@towuniverse2443 I found a nice 21.5’ rollback so hopefully I can get that one but it has been tough finding a good running used truck for under 40k. I don’t want to finance a new truck but if prices stay this high it might be better to buy new then trade it in every 2 years
I love you wreckers that won’t use a dollies on AWD cars. I always try to get in contact with the owner and make sure they test their transmission for damages and file an insurance claim so you can get sued
How did you get the idea that he’s not using the flatbed for AWD cars? He has both, and I’m sure he knows enough to know what needs to be used. Also, certain AWD systems can be towed with the rear rolling (old Subaru’s and some Volvo stuff IIRC, but I dolly them anyway). Don’t judge someone for something you didn’t see them do.
Another great vid brother. I started out a long time ago, back in the 80's, back then we really didn't even HAVE flatbeds, we had mostly sling only wreckers, no hydraulics, FB's were rare and mysterious, and all the cars had steel or fat aluminum bumpers anyway, dollies covered you. but then the early 90's created the issue, cars with actual plastic and fiberglass, no polymer bumper covers yet, pain in the ass, but wheel lifts kinda stepped up and handled it. but FB's started showing up everywhere, and EVERY customer decided their car needed a FB! the days of using WL's only at a tow co were coming to an end. I think you still need both, wreckers are still a valuable tool (try to tow a one ton dually or a big sprinter on you 19ft bed), but FB's are really the truck that you lean on today. But I say you still need both.
yep, and remember blocking the belts with under frame blocks, so belts rested on wooden blocks, and not harm the delicate bumpers, until 1 of wood blocks rolled lol, yeah idiot driver slam on brakes in front of you after cutting you off, and almost guarantee wood would roll, when wheel lifts came out, used cable from the winch to lift the wheel lift, used 1 a few times, but old days there were the ramp trucks, but i never used 1 of those, did use rollbacks thought, I prefer a wrecker, but im planning first buy to be a rollback, then if I make it, ill look for a wrecker
Thank you for your information is important to know this situations before going in to the towing business in the next few months!
It sounds like with a flatbed, you're evolving into what I call a Hot Shot type service.
It’s been a while since I have watched one of your videos and as always you have given great advice and I definitely agree 100% stay safe and keep up the good work.
I appreciate that!
I find that dealing with vehicle owners they all think that they know best when it comes to the type of truck that they require... of course they are all experts and know far more about towing than someone that is experienced in the business! It's very frustrating for the operator when you show up with a wrecker and knowledge and are perfectly capable of providing professional assistance and the customer automatically thinks that you are incapable or incompetent just cause you show up with a wrecker and some uneducated person told them that a flatbed was the only truck that can do the job... totally miss informed. It can happen the other way too ... sometimes you show up with a flatbed and the person requested a Wrecker even though the manufacturers recommended flatbed. Customer still chastise you. General public thinks that flatbed is the answer to everything... it's not!
Our profession is like law enforcement. People are quick to judge us.........
Great video, man, excellent points. Liked and subscribed.
Good advice, Can't go wrong with a flatbed. Keep it rolling driver.
Love how your really good a details and explaining things thank you so much I definitely subscribed
Thank you for supporting the channel
Thank you for your honest review
My pleasure 😊
Thank you for the video sir.
Thank you!
Wrecker because it's a flexible unlike a flatbed
def want to get a flat bed first
Do you have a video on different ways to make money with a tow truck for a start up company?
I did 56 calls last week and this is only my 5 week n but I’ve been killing it I brought in. Almost 5k for my company and I get 30% of that which isn’t much but it s enough to get me through the week for now I need more money and want to start my own business I know I could do it with only one truck but if I had two trucks I would build quicker I drive a 2019 ram 5500 flatbed and I’ve been making this money every week for 5 weeks str8 since I started with them and I keep making more each week!!!!
Who do you work for and are all the calls coming from your company or motor clubs? Just curious.. I started my own towing business and honestly there’s some days where I want to throw in the towel 🥴🥴any advise??
Is that $5000/week, or over 5 weeks?
@@yareliestrada2564 I scrap cars in between calls, it's a big money maker for me.
What about Crane rotator wrecker vs rollback? Is it better to have a crane truck you can pull a trailer with or wheel lift or just a heavy duty rollback? What would bring you more money faster?
How can I contact you personally?
Thanks man. I’m currently 17 starting my own towing and wrecking company I can’t do everything until I turn 20 though due to my state laws but I’m going to buy quite a few trucks coming up soon.
Contact me
If you aren't doing wreck rotations just grab a flatbed for starters imo
I prefer a wrecker, grab and go, fits in tighter places.
Congratulation on your success. I just came across your page. Respect
Thanks for watching.
@@towuniverse2443 No Problem
I think both are good to have great vids bro & you should do a vid about how to keep us dot up to date & what u have to do for inspections an how to make your dot safe on the safer site snap shot
10 4
@@towuniverse2443 your the man brother
Nice video, Just bought my first flatbed. Definitely will be adding a wrecker to the fleet once im comfortable
Right on!
How has business been since you started??
you are right by me! fellow tow op here
Flatbed is best. For the most part. Forklifts, equipment, motorcycle, Palm trees etc. lol
So how do you tow a Air Ride vehicle 🤔 that is Slam to the ground...?
Hey man! Your doing an amazing job in helping us. Do you know of any good motor clubs that will accept startups excluding Agero. Any way I could talk to you on the phone or email I have been in business for about a month and wanted a little more Intel please.
Hey dope videos I have a question you probably answer it already but I just discovered your page but I wanted to know what will be better to start off flat bed or Wrecker ... ??? Thanks for taking time to read my comments
If you can only get one start with a wrecker. Make sure you get a nice self loader wheel lift
How to email you I got questions
Is a 1997 isuzu wrecker a good truck to start out with especially if I can buy it at a good price
Isuzu and all them japanese cabovers are great. Pretty much bomb proof.
Hi, nice video. am happy to come across your vid. I am thinking about getting into the business. My question to you is how much should i charge a customer?
As much as you would charge your neighbor then add $100 for your insurance costs
I mean............ Flatbed for quick ass tows on cars with AWD or 4x4...... But wreckers can do just about everything...
Flatbed is my choice usually but I hate showing up to a wreck when I need a wrecker and dispatch fails me...
Hey good content! Did you start off with a company or go straight in? And was your first tow vehicle a wrecker or a flatbed in your business?
I worked for a company for a few months, than i went out on my own
@@towuniverse2443 do you think you would have made it without that knowledge from that company or would you recommend that route?
@@Fasttowpro honestly that company did everything the wrong way.
@@towuniverse2443 thanks for your insight you're awesome and keep up the good work!
I'll answer that one FOR my man here....and the answer is sure, he would still have made it, but there is no such thing as BAD experience....you need that too. Learning what NOT to do is just as important as learning the right way to do things. I worked for about a half dozen tow co's before I went out on my own (I was one of those arrogant young drivers that thought I knew it all), @@Fasttowpro, and I learned a little something from every one of them, some things on what to do, some things on what not to do...ALL important. not just techniques, but style, people skills, how to do paperwork, customer relations, marketing, everything.
Hello, what would you recomended to start my business two fat bed or one and one wrecker ? thanks Roy
Did you watch the video and read any comments? Buy one of each
I love the flatbed but the other day my boss decided to throw me in a wheel lift when my flatbeds turbo blew 🤦🏾♂️ but teaching myself the wheel lift and so far loving it but flatbed all the way
Wrecker operators tend to be better operators over flatbeds. A little more finesse to operate a wrecker
Do you have any advice on what rough annual salary of a wrecker versus a rollback for an owner operator?
Thats a tough one. I honestly did not start paying myself until about 3 years in business. 50k ish
@@towuniverse2443
So let me get this correct, You’re saying that you don’t profit or make any money for three years???
@@muthrfuqrjonz3530 most businesses dont make it to the 3 year mark. The biggest killer for start ups is the motor club trap. The low pay and high insurance cost is why most go under. The 3 year mark is crucial because that is when you can shop around for other insurance. If you can make it to the 3 year mark you are golden.
hey man, anyway i could talk to you through email? i'd like to get your opinion on a few things. ive been in the business all of 2 months and have been studying your vids
What is the difference in cost between a wrecker and a flat deck?
Also which is lower maintenance.
Flatbed more expensive... maintaining them can be expensive and time consuming. Wreckers are generally speaking less expensive than flatbeds but depending on the wrecker options they can be more. Wrecker maintenance is relatively low. Hoses and wiring on flatbeds are a constant nightmare.
Tim Everett that was my guess. I would assume there's a lot of rollers to grease on a flatbed, and of course hydraulic lines everywhere beyond the ones for the wheel lift on both types.
@@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550 Not too much to grease, We grease our trucks every oil change and do probably 30-40 grease fittings. (Guess didn't count just a rough guess)
My issue is finding commercial auto insurance that isn't sky rocket high. Just starting off with my business and calls are not coming in quick enough. Urgently & Honk provide a few calls a day. While the NAC does not send any. I'm trying to get on with agero swoop right now.
Try my Buddy at Langtree Insurance in NC. Tell him Luis referred you.
I have progressive, very reasonable.
For a first truck would you recommend a wrecker or a flatbed?
Flatbed, it opens you up to other revenue streams other than cars
Let's say a Ford 150 was totaled in the front end. Is it possible to tow this truck with a wrecker? I'm about to buy a truck and just want to make sure I'm getting the most capable truck for the money?
The only thing a wrecker can do that a flatbed can't do is lift.
Where is Luis? long time i haven't heard from him
Still here my man. Business blew up and im running like crazy!! Thanks for checking in
From England: over recent years, legislation has outlawed 'spec' lifts, as we refer to them! When you see slide beds struggling to pick up vehicles, looks like hard work!
How do I learn to drive a Tow truck?
Ride with someone for a while
Get a job with a tow company that is willing to train you, or buy the videos that show you how to load/tie down cars.
Towed over 20 years, wrecker hands down. Nothing vehicle wise i couldnt get with a wrecker. Awd, dollys. Parked in wrong way, double hook. Too heavy for dollys, drop the driveshaft. Too heavy for L arms, frame forks or use the tow bar. Ran an intertrashinal with a jerr dan 12 ton bed. Universal wrecker body, hauled minis and fiats on the wheel lift all the way up too condo sleeper cascadias on the tow bar. Winches were strong enough that i used it for "light" winchouts of tractor-trailers in the snow when all of the 25 and 50 tons were busy.
@Nick D. I have a 12 ton international 4300 wrecker body I was wondering can I use the frame forks on it ? because the truck didn’t come with it I don’t know if they stole them or if that 12 ton don’t come wit forks ?I’ll appreciate your response thanks brother
@Nick D. I have a 12 ton international 4300 wrecker body I was wondering can I use the frame forks on it ? because the truck didn’t come with it I don’t know if they stole them or if that 12 ton don’t come wit forks ?I’ll appreciate your response thanks brother
@@kesdersontheodore9887 depends one the under reach. If its a 12 ton, it should have an under reach capable of using frame forks. I have seen some older wrecker bodies that they "built". They would pit a 12 ton boom on a truck that was a light duty and still onky had a 4k wheel lift.
Nick D. Thanks king I highly appreciate it … when you say underneath are you talking about the wheel lift ? Because it can tow big cars wit the wheel scoop it’s just I can’t get It off it has the two things on each side of the wheel lift to loosen it to extend for the size I want for the tire with wheel scoop but every time I un loosen it it don’t come out for me to even put the forks … or maybe I need to hit it wit a hammer or something to see if it comes off … do u have a email or phone number I would love to send you a picture
Can someone help me that detroit wrecker hercules Isa good choice or not
Im a fan of there product from what I see on social media. I did send one of my friends there to get a Lift installed and he had nothing but negative things to say about the craftsmanship and customer service.
@@towuniverse2443
That helps me alot , Thanks bro
NEVER GiVE UP.🎹
The real question is what size bed can I tow I long bed Crew cab f-250
These days you want 22ft. That will cover you on all aspects. Unless they have a snow plow they take up a good portion of my 25ft bed
@@towuniverse2443 I found a nice 21.5’ rollback so hopefully I can get that one but it has been tough finding a good running used truck for under 40k. I don’t want to finance a new truck but if prices stay this high it might be better to buy new then trade it in every 2 years
Why did you sound so down?
Commuter Vehicle in a Commercial Vehicle. 😁
Been sick for a few weeks.
Wow. I hope you get better soon!
Thanks for info hope you feel better,hows business been for you guys up there?
It's starting to pick up.
Sometimes you give bad advice especially when it comes to motor clubs.
My advise might not work for everyone. My person experiences is usyally what i share
I love you wreckers that won’t use a dollies on AWD cars. I always try to get in contact with the owner and make sure they test their transmission for damages and file an insurance claim so you can get sued
How did you get the idea that he’s not using the flatbed for AWD cars? He has both, and I’m sure he knows enough to know what needs to be used. Also, certain AWD systems can be towed with the rear rolling (old Subaru’s and some Volvo stuff IIRC, but I dolly them anyway). Don’t judge someone for something you didn’t see them do.
Also, pulling drive shafts is a thing. And very easy on most AWD suvs and other high clearance vehicles
Lil D crew right there
Skates smarts and skills seems to solve this issue.