There seem to be a couple of common questions and I will attempt to answer them with this comment. One of the questions is "Why did I have to lift the trailer rather than just dropping the trailer on it's legs like a normal trailer?" This is a valid question. This particular style of leg is called either a "drop" or "peg" leg and they are not designed to handle the weight of a loaded trailer. They are only designed to support a trailer when it is empty. The second question is "Why didn't I charge the air system on the disabled truck rather than caging the brakes to allow it to be pulled out from under the trailer?" Also a valid question. Either way would have worked and airing up the tractor was my first choice. I edited out that section from the main video, but if you watch the "time lapse" at the end you will see me with the truck's hood open and looking at the air system. Long story short, my fitting to tap into the air system in front of the check valve on this truck was missing. I could have aired it up by other methods, but chose to simply cage the spring brakes. I hope this answers those questions clearly. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Ron Pratt also the tow company I work at installed the Century 1150R on the trucks just 2 years ago. I drive a 05 Kenworth W900L it had a older model unit on it probably was a Jerr-dann rotator. So now I have the same unit u have on your rig. Mine is 05 but it got a brand new unit on it. The company I work at, only has two brand new rigs, and only two older trucks got a new unit installed because they were the best condition. It’s a great unit. I see in your videos that u do good with the truck. :) I learned things so now I got tips from u that I can try out when I work with my new Rotator unit. The old one I’m very used too so I’m still getting used to the new one. So I’m pretty much learning to use it from u man. :) keep it up. And once again your a great guy. Keep it up with your vids. I know you can’t make daily videos because u have things to do and stuff. It’s all good tho. There isn’t rotator jobs every single day. At my job I don’t get rotator jobs every single day too.
Kevin Weil Dump trailers are almost never separated from their trucks. They only work on trucks with extra hydraulic drives, and disconnecting and reconnecting them takes a LOT of time. They are also very rarely 'long haul' and usually work short distances, plus can unload in seconds without much interaction from drivers. So the ability to drop a loaded trailer is not really useful on these rigs. Peg Legs are also lighter, cheaper, and less likley to fail. They also dont need regular maintenance. They are a good choice for this kind of a rig.
As always wonderful professional work Ron, I do hope you and your crew were finally able to get some rest that day, and always thank you for sharing part of your life with us, we or I do enjoy watching you.
Ron, I have been viewing your professional accomplishments for several days and have enjoyed everyone. You are a true professional in a dangerous job. Each video has all the elements necessary to lock a man down in his seat. As a former project manager in the Dept of Defense for 41 years I have always enjoyed dealing with realtime logistical tasks, especially when it involves 'big boy tools in the tool box". During my employment time I understood the need for clear communication, indepth understanding and respect all around. You certainly show those same skills and then some. After watching so many videos I feel I could pass a test to know what hardware is located in what cabinet on the 1150R and how too cage brakes. Knowing the location of all equipment was necessary when I was a VFF in the '70's/'80's around the suburban Maryland. Your upgrades in video equipment really enhance the videos. Looking forward to future videos. Stay safe and enjoy each day the Lord gives you.
Wow.. you are one busy man. I think your customers think they have found an angel in you. As tired as you were, you came through for them and helped them solve a HUGE problem. :) I know your customers are blessed with such a wonderful person.. you. :) Now I have to wait for Part 2. lol Hope you got some sleep after this one. And so ends another episode of A Day In The Life of Ron Pratt: Tow Truck Driver. Stay tuned for Part 2. ;) Hugs and God Bless.
I am always impressed with the size of your rotator plus it is always shiny clean. You and your equipment constantly appear very professional which begets confidence in your service. Your clients are assured of getting what they pay for and I can not imagine there is a better towing service anywhere. Keep up the great service to those in need of HEAVY lifting and towing.
Thank you very much. It is our belief that our trucks are a direct reflection of our business and they act as rolling "billboards". I appreciate the kind words. Again, thank you and God bless.
Very well Orchestrated team work. A better day when the customer helps out. Thanks Ron fer the video Bud. Keep the shinny side up and them wheels a rollin.
Yes it is much easier when the customer is knowledgeable and helpful. I have known Mark for a very long time and he is both of those and more. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Nice job. Heavy lifting. Plus nice to see drivers helping u out and the perfect communication to get the job done safe and easy by smart working. God Bless.
Hi again Ron yet another one of your videos to enjoy watching & thanks for your comment on me commenting on one of your previous jobs ,when you said about me having been doing heavy recovery work fo at least 50-years but i am now getting close to 77 years old & still doing it & loving every minute of it. when i aventualy get to the point where i cant do it, then they might aswell dig a hole & bury me ij one of my wreckers. I would not be happy with life if i cant do heavy recovery work of all types & I specialize in doing site work jobs like sunken diggers, bulldozers etc. in fact i recently bought & imported a caterpillar D* bulldozer with a massive hyster winch on the rear & i mported it from America. Now i have had built on it a rearly big strong pair of ground anchors & believe me it will pull out vertualy anything. The heavier & deeper the casualty is the better i like the challeng. Anyway now on to looking at some more of your videos. good luck ,take care & keep safe. Brian.
I think I will be the same as you. I won't be happy unless I am doing what I love. God bless you brother and may you be able to do what you love for as long as you wish.
Every time I see this wrecker, I'm in awe. The design must of taken a long time, the truck is complex being it's hydraulic and electronic combined operation. I'm amazed at how much weight it can lift high into the air, but most I'm exasperated at what this truck much cost brand new. You got to do a lot of towing to make the payments on a truck that complex. If you had to start out with a little tow truck and work your way up in profit to be able to afford a massive truck like Ron's, if must of taken awhile, perhaps years. What else is wild, it's not your only big truck, but I think is the biggest in the fleet.... Nice job as always, and thanks for your time here in producing the video. God Bless you back..
This was a wonderful video Mr Pratt thank you for all you do i know how dangerous it is i lost my uncle to towing about a year ago in west virginia he was hooking up to a semi in the mountain when another semi hit the trailer of the broken down one he was smashed in between his truck and the semi he died on the scene but he died doing what he loved and i know where he is thank you ron for spreading the word of slow down and move over till next time god bless.
Great job Ron, looked like an easy bunch of guys to work with, everybody working together, good team work job well done. And an awesome job organizing the fundraiser for Mrs Ayers car repairs. stay safe. pat. uk.
Yes, I have worked with Mark, the tall gentleman wearing the ball cap, for many years. He is great to work with. As for the fundraiser, that was my viewers' idea. Gotta say, I have some excellent, caring viewers. I am truly blessed. As always, thanks and God bless.
Thanks. I get a lot of positive comments about the extra footage so I've started trying to do it every chance I get. Hope life is treating you well. God bless.
Thanks Ron on the 2 common Q's. Lucky you were on this lift. Lots of years on experience to do this one. Our trailers are drop legs. My truck got sold for $5,500 for a '99. It's not destined for the road ever again. Clutch went so its scrap. As always keep safe and God bless you and those around you.
You need a few pieces of rail road tracks to shove under the trailer, then chain up the railroad tracks on either side to lift straight up. At the top you can have another piece to keep the chains spaced out enough from the trailer walls forming a triangle above the upper rail towards your crane hook. Not sure if thats a good idea, because you would probably have done so by now :p
I worked for a crane hire company in London UK, if I was on police call duty I would take it home. The office would call me and often a police motorcyclist would be waiting at the end of my road, to escort me to the emergency. mostly we would only be moving and or loading the truck load. Guys like you would take care of the unit and trailers. After a while I got into a repore with the guys and we would assist one another to get the job done safe and quickly. Some jobs were pretty gruesome but had to be done, I can tell you sleepless nights followed. Especially if kids were involved.
Really enjoying these, and thank you for posting them You answered one of my questions in your last post. I have never seen peg leg type landing gear in a road going truck here in Australia. Had this scenario happened to me I would have been cranking for 30 mins, as no boss I've had would pay for you to come out. Couple of comments: I salute you for having such a well organised truck, it's a credit to you. I am amazed and amused by your blue and reds and sirens. On a wrecker! Here in oz that would be a hanging offence, as only the "emergency services" can have those. I have done a bit of recovery in the past, but not at this level. Gee, heavy tow trucks have come on. Your Pete is incredible. Keep 'em coming. I'll sub for sure.
I used to pull a 60 foot spaghetti rack (rebar) that had the same kind of legs back in the 60s. One outfit I worked for the tractor and trailer were never separated in all the years he owned them. Same thing when I was hauling equipment on a 50.5 foot float.
for a very skilled set man i am very inpress with your work i know nothing about towing but i sort of do know a couple of things about mechanics my uncle is a diesel mechanic but i come here every day to learn something knew
I'd bet dollars to doughnuts it will be helmet-cam'd. Or maybe Ron has a clip-on cam for a baseball cap. Either way, I'm pretty sure it will be recorded, and I myself can't wait to see it, too.
I have been attempting to contact her since yesterday, 11/4/2017. I am excited to surprise her. I plan to video everything and hopefully she will agree to allow me to post the video. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Hey Ron, another save the day! Been watching your videos a little while now a little off subject for our profession but I enjoy your rigging. You take pride in your hauling just as every cdl driver should regardless of there haul. One thing I have noticed is no lanyard or shoulder strap for your controller?! We have several pieces of equipment and trucks with similar/valuable controller as yours and a simple binoculars double shoulder strap works great! They make really nice ones now affordable, adjustable, and easy to find at any outfitter or online. Just make sure it has good quick clips to the controller. Stay safe. Keep rolling!
He has the straps that came with it but never really uses them since he often as you watch crawls into tight or otherwise snug places where it would just be in the way, so he just hand holds it when he needs to control or reposition the lift.
One bit of related experience I can add is using about a yard of 3" rope as a wheel chock; in a previous job moving aircraft about the size, weight and tire size as a class 8 truck we used those particularly when we were moving an aircraft with no brakes because it doesn't take precise aim or getting in the path to get them into place.
Heavy work seems much more fun then the lightweight tows I've been on.though I haven't gotten my first roll over yet or good winchout eather. Good work Ron!
Yup yup, I know the feeling being stuck with the truck needing towing service. Happened to me just yesterday reversing badly. American Truck Simulator is so unforgiving 😁
We don't have to wait all week for part two, do we? I don't know if I can wait that long!! I'll have to come for a visit! I'll bring the sweet tea and tater salad, if you'll fry up some yard bird!
That truck of yours :D Amazing piece of machinery. Trucker with bearlights on top... now thats not entirely what happened to Rubber Duckey from Alberquackie in "Convoy" :D
It is dangerous work. That is why I do the calculations first and then set my rigging so that I am working well within the safe working load limits of each piece of rigging. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Ron Pratt ... Major respect for always erring on the side of caution and safey. All your customers can have total peace-of-mind knowing you are THE total Pro. I wish we could clone your business ethics, gentlemanly respect and experience across the planet. The world would certainly be a much better place.
You do awesome work when rolling a caged brake truck I always have the driver put the truck in like 3rd or 4th gear key off and use the clutch as a brake
DPFE is going to be the death of the diesel truck. I bet there is nothing wrong with it except the DPFE system is messed up. I also see a $10K+ repair bill generated by this "failure". So sad. Great job as always Ron!
Emission system problems account for more than half of our standard breakdown tows. It is sad. We have problems with our newer trucks and the emission systems as well. Thankfully, we have the software, tooling, and ability to repair most of our own issues. Thanks for watching and God bless.
i'll say "choo choo". which means place large freight back on rails, it's always made more sense to me than tons of trucks running all willy-nilly everywhere. granted trucks are still needed!
Seems all logic has gone out the window with this militant clean air garbage of the past 9 years. They're killing the working man's bank account! I've had asthma my entire life - I had it in the 70's when we still used leaded gas, and most cars on the road had nothing but a PCV system for an emission device ... and I STILL have it today, with 95% of every vehicle on the road loaded with emission software, and hardware. I'd be the first to go if the air was as bad as the powers that be tell us it is. I'm still breathing! When is enough going to be enough? I fear it NEVER will be. As soon as every vehicle is electric and emissions are down to ZERO, they'll invent some other crisis to harp on. Too many are making money off our backs on this garbage.
Yes it cost about $1500 to clean the DEF filter/catalytic converter,every 250000 miles!,there goes our pay raise,can you say DEF delete. REDICULOUS.Ron making it look easy,I would have not have thought of hooking from the front,thought Ron was going to hook from each side. :)
I couldn’t help but cringe at seeing the pickup trying to pull the tractor from the ball. Too many times I’ve seen those snap off and go through something. Otherwise as always, great video and very professional and kind. Keep up the great work!
Great team work..Nice job holding that trailer for that 5th wheel. Just wondering if you were able to show, how...That 5th wheel and the trailer pin lock together. I am a driver and understand. Those that have never seen,or understand how the unites hook together. .That's why I say... You guys did a great job. That truck of yours is a work horse. LOL Peterbuilt :-) God Bless Be safe.
Great job as usual Ron, One question from someone that knows very little about a big truck, why couldn't you hook air from the wrecker to the air lines coming off the broke down truck and build air pressure enough to move the truck out of the way,
i have watched you channel for a wail now and found it very interesting how you do the recoveries when you lifted the dump trailer off the truck i did found usual to have to lift the trail that way. i did can across jacks to be able to lift the trailer up the link of the web site is prairie farm report look for high- clearance sprayer jacks. just wonder if they would work faster the lifting the trailer we will be looking at the jack for our own use for the sprayers we have and other use around the shops.
You know I do not understand people that watch these videos only to give it a thumbs down. Why watch if you are not enjoying it, or is giving a thumbs down their enjoyment?
new wire (cable) in one of your last video's looked liked it had been kinked ( I think it was blue line).? before I retired I had 30+ as millwright. back in the day I would love to have had a crane with half the capacity and versatility .
Ron, I've been meaning to mention a great idea that I saw while I was watching another company like yourself also in America, they use rotators and the same sort of mixture of crane's that you have, anyway I was watching them get a truck mixer that had gone down a bank and into the front of a house, very interesting to watch and then you could see an aerial shot and I was trying to hear the helicopter but there wasn't one, no he was using one of those radio control flying cameras and you could see how this mixer went down the deep bank, lucky nobody was hurt. If you had one of those cameras it would help you so much and you could make your videos much more interesting, if that's possible, a Ron? Just a thought my friend. Take care.
You bet your butt, teamwork,precision,effective timing (I can’t tell ya how many times I’ve watched you literally jog to the rig). 5 stars, this is beyond MSTV. I watch this over corny Canadians on Discovery which I actually pay for. Love the professionalism and work ethic (clean rigs 24/7). Shoot, what more can ya ask for from such whole hearted employees. Ron, you in particular were born for this, the Good Lord has Blessed you. One more cable clip question...sorry...how long does it take to receive and install new cable? Thanks
Just a question or taught did you happen to check air governed to see if had spot to fill air tanks to save from putting in T bolts in brake campers Sorry for miss spelling few words. Or put a ball valve in to air tank fill system , or hook up to red air line to back fill air tanks
It’s hard to put videos like this on line because you open yourself up to critique from all kinds of people. Experienced and none experience. But truth is, unless your there in person doing it, it’s hard to say what should of could of been done.
As well as enjoying your videos Ron, I really admire just how you work out not only the best way of doing whatever job you're doing, but you also always seem to be working out the safest of ways to work whatever it is you're doing, we have an old saying in Scotland, "You didn't just pick that up off the street" which means, you were either very well trained by a very good tutor, or, you studied very carefully to do what you do, and I hope you've no objections to me asking, which one was it?
Have you considered adding a lift beam to your equipment? If you had a simple (adjustable) beam you could slide under these type of trailers in front of the legs. You could beam out and lift directly from above the trailer.
I'd like to hear about the billing process. Just curious how that all works. Like how do you figure out what to charge in all these varying jobs and complexity levels?
There seem to be a couple of common questions and I will attempt to answer them with this comment. One of the questions is "Why did I have to lift the trailer rather than just dropping the trailer on it's legs like a normal trailer?" This is a valid question. This particular style of leg is called either a "drop" or "peg" leg and they are not designed to handle the weight of a loaded trailer. They are only designed to support a trailer when it is empty. The second question is "Why didn't I charge the air system on the disabled truck rather than caging the brakes to allow it to be pulled out from under the trailer?" Also a valid question. Either way would have worked and airing up the tractor was my first choice. I edited out that section from the main video, but if you watch the "time lapse" at the end you will see me with the truck's hood open and looking at the air system. Long story short, my fitting to tap into the air system in front of the check valve on this truck was missing. I could have aired it up by other methods, but chose to simply cage the spring brakes. I hope this answers those questions clearly. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Thanks for explaining.
Ron Pratt well said Ron but you shouldn’t have to explain your actions !!!! Your Ron Pratt !!!!! People need to recognize !!!!!
Ron Pratt also the tow company I work at installed the Century 1150R on the trucks just 2 years ago. I drive a 05 Kenworth W900L it had a older model unit on it probably was a Jerr-dann rotator. So now I have the same unit u have on your rig. Mine is 05 but it got a brand new unit on it. The company I work at, only has two brand new rigs, and only two older trucks got a new unit installed because they were the best condition. It’s a great unit. I see in your videos that u do good with the truck. :) I learned things so now I got tips from u that I can try out when I work with my new Rotator unit. The old one I’m very used too so I’m still getting used to the new one. So I’m pretty much learning to use it from u man. :) keep it up. And once again your a great guy. Keep it up with your vids. I know you can’t make daily videos because u have things to do and stuff. It’s all good tho. There isn’t rotator jobs every single day. At my job I don’t get rotator jobs every single day too.
Why would they make trailer legs not strong enough to support the loaded trailer, what is advantage to that.
Kevin Weil Dump trailers are almost never separated from their trucks. They only work on trucks with extra hydraulic drives, and disconnecting and reconnecting them takes a LOT of time. They are also very rarely 'long haul' and usually work short distances, plus can unload in seconds without much interaction from drivers. So the ability to drop a loaded trailer is not really useful on these rigs. Peg Legs are also lighter, cheaper, and less likley to fail. They also dont need regular maintenance. They are a good choice for this kind of a rig.
Lots of folks don't get this close to see these rotators at work, if I can call it that. So thanks for letting one of those folks ride along with you.
I like being on Ron's shoulder. Only I can not see as far ahead as he does----"there it is"----oh yeah?
Its nice to see that the customers are willing to help rather than just sit there and watch you.
Ron, that was a safe lift. Your careful, deliberate approach is a joy to watch.
Thank you sir.
As always wonderful professional work Ron, I do hope you and your crew were finally able to get some rest that day, and always thank you for sharing part of your life with us, we or I do enjoy watching you.
Ron, I have been viewing your professional accomplishments for several days and have enjoyed everyone. You are a true professional in a dangerous job. Each video has all the elements necessary to lock a man down in his seat.
As a former project manager in the Dept of Defense for 41 years I have always enjoyed dealing with realtime logistical tasks, especially when it involves 'big boy tools in the tool box". During my employment time I understood the need for clear communication, indepth understanding and respect all around. You certainly show those same skills and then some.
After watching so many videos I feel I could pass a test to know what hardware is located in what cabinet on the 1150R and how too cage brakes. Knowing the location of all equipment was necessary when I was a VFF in the '70's/'80's around the suburban Maryland.
Your upgrades in video equipment really enhance the videos.
Looking forward to future videos.
Stay safe and enjoy each day the Lord gives you.
Wow.. you are one busy man. I think your customers think they have found an angel in you. As tired as you were, you came through for them and helped them solve a HUGE problem. :) I know your customers are blessed with such a wonderful person.. you. :) Now I have to wait for Part 2. lol Hope you got some sleep after this one. And so ends another episode of A Day In The Life of Ron Pratt: Tow Truck Driver. Stay tuned for Part 2. ;) Hugs and God Bless.
I am always impressed with the size of your rotator plus it is always shiny clean. You and your equipment constantly appear very professional which begets confidence in your service. Your clients are assured of getting what they pay for and I can not imagine there is a better towing service anywhere. Keep up the great service to those in need of HEAVY lifting and towing.
Thank you very much. It is our belief that our trucks are a direct reflection of our business and they act as rolling "billboards". I appreciate the kind words. Again, thank you and God bless.
always done carmly and safely and very enjoyable to watch thank you Ron Pratt.
Very well Orchestrated team work. A better day when the customer helps out. Thanks Ron fer the video Bud. Keep the shinny side up and them wheels a rollin.
Yes it is much easier when the customer is knowledgeable and helpful. I have known Mark for a very long time and he is both of those and more. Thanks for watching and God bless.
+Ron Pratt mark is a good guy, sand company is lucky to have him.
Nice job. Heavy lifting. Plus nice to see drivers helping u out and the perfect communication to get the job done safe and easy by smart working. God Bless.
Hi again Ron yet another one of your videos to enjoy watching & thanks for your comment on me commenting on one of your previous jobs ,when you said about me having been doing heavy recovery work fo at least 50-years but i am now getting close to 77 years old & still doing it & loving every minute of it. when i aventualy get to the point where i cant do it, then they might aswell dig a hole & bury me ij one of my wreckers. I would not be happy with life if i cant do heavy recovery work of all types & I specialize in doing site work jobs like sunken diggers, bulldozers etc. in fact i recently bought & imported a caterpillar D* bulldozer with a massive hyster winch on the rear & i mported it from America. Now i have had built on it a rearly big strong pair of ground anchors & believe me it will pull out vertualy anything. The heavier & deeper the casualty is the better i like the challeng. Anyway now on to looking at some more of your videos. good luck ,take care & keep safe. Brian.
I think I will be the same as you. I won't be happy unless I am doing what I love. God bless you brother and may you be able to do what you love for as long as you wish.
Good to see good people helping other good people in their time of need.
I missed seeing the rotator. That is one of my favorite trucks.
Every time I see this wrecker, I'm in awe. The design must of taken a long time, the truck is complex being it's hydraulic and electronic combined operation. I'm amazed at how much weight it can lift high into the air, but most I'm exasperated at what this truck much cost brand new. You got to do a lot of towing to make the payments on a truck that complex. If you had to start out with a little tow truck and work your way up in profit to be able to afford a massive truck like Ron's, if must of taken awhile, perhaps years. What else is wild, it's not your only big truck, but I think is the biggest in the fleet....
Nice job as always, and thanks for your time here in producing the video. God Bless you back..
This was a wonderful video Mr Pratt thank you for all you do i know how dangerous it is i lost my uncle to towing about a year ago in west virginia he was hooking up to a semi in the mountain when another semi hit the trailer of the broken down one he was smashed in between his truck and the semi he died on the scene but he died doing what he loved and i know where he is thank you ron for spreading the word of slow down and move over till next time god bless.
I always look forward to seeing the next video from you Ron. Another job well done.
Love what you do Ron for the community you live in. Thanks for the service
This would have made a great, "This day in Ron Pratt and Midwest Truck history" moment in the community tab.
I like those chamber caps the caging bolt actually fits in the end to be able to pull the cap off slick design
Thanks for watching and God bless.
WELL DONE, I think the company that builds the 1150 R should make you their spokesman and give you a discount on future purchase
I would LOVE that!! I've mentioned it a couple of times when I spoke with the factory. ;-)
Ron Pratt You deserve it, would be a perfect fit Stay Safe
They could use some of his videos as training or advertisement for how versatile the Rotator is.
We love Ron Pratt! ❤ we are geeks & watch him every night. Watching from Clearwater Fl.
Enjoyed this video as always. Waiting for part 2.
Thanks for watching and God bless.
Great job Ron, looked like an easy bunch of guys to work with, everybody working together, good team work job well done. And an awesome job organizing the fundraiser for Mrs Ayers car repairs. stay safe. pat. uk.
Yes, I have worked with Mark, the tall gentleman wearing the ball cap, for many years. He is great to work with. As for the fundraiser, that was my viewers' idea. Gotta say, I have some excellent, caring viewers. I am truly blessed. As always, thanks and God bless.
you have to take a little credit, I think your been modest, your a good man. god bless
Love the boom-cam footage (and the dash-cam footage) that you tag on at the end.
Thanks. I get a lot of positive comments about the extra footage so I've started trying to do it every chance I get. Hope life is treating you well. God bless.
Stan Patterson ..... I totally agree. The bonus at the end is a total win-win for fans. Great idea, kudos to Ron yet again.
And putting it at the end saves a lot of editing time.
Job well done, I like how you always make sure that everyone is safe,keep up the good work Ron. Hope you get some sleep
Thanks Ron on the 2 common Q's. Lucky you were on this lift. Lots of years on experience to do this one. Our trailers are drop legs. My truck got sold for $5,500 for a '99. It's not destined for the road ever again. Clutch went so its scrap. As always keep safe and God bless you and those around you.
Another tricky job.Keep up the good work Ron.
You need a few pieces of rail road tracks to shove under the trailer, then chain up the railroad tracks on either side to lift straight up. At the top you can have another piece to keep the chains spaced out enough from the trailer walls forming a triangle above the upper rail towards your crane hook. Not sure if thats a good idea, because you would probably have done so by now :p
I worked for a crane hire company in London UK, if I was on police call duty I would take it home. The office would call me and often a police motorcyclist would be waiting at the end of my road, to escort me to the emergency. mostly we would only be moving and or loading the truck load. Guys like you would take care of the unit and trailers. After a while I got into a repore with the guys and we would assist one another to get the job done safe and quickly.
Some jobs were pretty gruesome but had to be done, I can tell you sleepless nights followed. Especially if kids were involved.
😊 nice new music. Love the sped up ending. Thanks, Ron.
Glad you like both. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Great job you make it look so easy
Great video as always brother. Stay safe out there.
I can watch these videos all day. Love your truck.
Ron you are one patient man. I am Christian also but older. To many cooks in the kitchen for me. God Bless You. Jim in Yosemite, Ca.
man caging brakes is a dangerous job, God bless Ron
Excellent job! Thanks for the video.
Awesome to see some familiar territory on youtube. Those guys wear out 72 for sure. Stay safe out there as always!
Really enjoying these, and thank you for posting them You answered one of my questions in your last post. I have never seen peg leg type landing gear in a road going truck here in Australia. Had this scenario happened to me I would have been cranking for 30 mins, as no boss I've had would pay for you to come out.
Couple of comments: I salute you for having such a well organised truck, it's a credit to you.
I am amazed and amused by your blue and reds and sirens. On a wrecker! Here in oz that would be a hanging offence, as only the "emergency services" can have those. I have done a bit of recovery in the past, but not at this level. Gee, heavy tow trucks have come on. Your Pete is incredible.
Keep 'em coming. I'll sub for sure.
I used to pull a 60 foot spaghetti rack (rebar) that had the same kind of legs back in the 60s. One outfit I worked for the tractor and trailer were never separated in all the years he owned them. Same thing when I was hauling equipment on a 50.5 foot float.
I watch your video's from the Philippines!! Originally from outside of Detroit!!
Your soap opera is better than a tv soap opera.
The Variety of things you do on a weekly basis keeps your job Fun and quite Interesting. 😬
Never a dull moment. God bless and thank you for watching.
GOOD ... GOOD ...JOB MR. RON..BUEN ...BUEN ...TRABAJO SR.RON.....JOSE R MOLINA.HIDALGO TEXAS...
Thanks for watching and God bless.
Hi ron great job that was am good life stay safe buddy
I'm addicted to your channel.
Hey Ron keep up the work
That customer seems like a good guy. helpful
Yes he is. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Ron Pratt God Bless you and the people in Texas
God bless you Ron you are a good man
job well done ron. stay safe.
Thanks for watching and God bless.
for a very skilled set man i am very inpress with your work i know nothing about towing but i sort of do know a couple of things about mechanics my uncle is a diesel mechanic but i come here every day to learn something knew
also, congrats on the successful funding on that kind womans car, hopefully you can do an update at some point in the future :)
I'd bet dollars to doughnuts it will be helmet-cam'd. Or maybe Ron has a clip-on cam for a baseball cap. Either way, I'm pretty sure it will be recorded, and I myself can't wait to see it, too.
I have been attempting to contact her since yesterday, 11/4/2017. I am excited to surprise her. I plan to video everything and hopefully she will agree to allow me to post the video. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Ron Pratt
Good news! I had wondered how that was going.. Bless everyone that was able to contribute.!!
Great work, Ron
Thank you. God bless.
Hey Ron, another save the day! Been watching your videos a little while now a little off subject for our profession but I enjoy your rigging. You take pride in your hauling just as every cdl driver should regardless of there haul. One thing I have noticed is no lanyard or shoulder strap for your controller?! We have several pieces of equipment and trucks with similar/valuable controller as yours and a simple binoculars double shoulder strap works great! They make really nice ones now affordable, adjustable, and easy to find at any outfitter or online. Just make sure it has good quick clips to the controller. Stay safe. Keep rolling!
He has the straps that came with it but never really uses them since he often as you watch crawls into tight or otherwise snug places where it would just be in the way, so he just hand holds it when he needs to control or reposition the lift.
Wow, another tricky job! Lucky you had some grey-beards to help. Was just wondering what Ron was up to, then ding!
Always nice to have good help. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Good job RON thanks for sharing , your videos very,interesting !!!!
Brilliant work, well done everyone.
always tons of fun giving a fully loaded trailer the heave-ho.
Yep. I love it. Thanks for watching and God bless.
One bit of related experience I can add is using about a yard of 3" rope as a wheel chock; in a previous job moving aircraft about the size, weight and tire size as a class 8 truck we used those particularly when we were moving an aircraft with no brakes because it doesn't take precise aim or getting in the path to get them into place.
Heavy work seems much more fun then the lightweight tows I've been on.though I haven't gotten my first roll over yet or good winchout eather. Good work Ron!
The heavy winch-outs and recoveries are dangerous and challenging, but that's what I love doing. Be safe and God bless.
Yup yup, I know the feeling being stuck with the truck needing towing service.
Happened to me just yesterday reversing badly.
American Truck Simulator is so unforgiving 😁
New music.....nice! Must have been a good size sandbox. lol
Thought I'd switch up the music a bit. Glad you like it. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Sound like Bubba Sparxxx - Deliverance
Sounds like Bubba Sparxxx - Deliverance
Finally caught one early! Great work ron!
Thanks Ron,love the sky cam.
Glad you like it. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Wow. This has to be one of the heaviest lifts in the series of RonPratt's videos;
Fantastic job well executed
We don't have to wait all week for part two, do we? I don't know if I can wait that long!! I'll have to come for a visit!
I'll bring the sweet tea and tater salad, if you'll fry up some yard bird!
That truck of yours :D Amazing piece of machinery. Trucker with bearlights on top... now thats not entirely what happened to Rubber Duckey from Alberquackie in "Convoy" :D
Scary operation, lots of weight, make no mistakes.
It is dangerous work. That is why I do the calculations first and then set my rigging so that I am working well within the safe working load limits of each piece of rigging. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Ron Pratt ... Major respect for always erring on the side of caution and safey. All your customers can have total peace-of-mind knowing you are THE total Pro. I wish we could clone your business ethics, gentlemanly respect and experience across the planet. The world would certainly be a much better place.
Good informational video thx for uploading.
Great video Ron thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching and God bless.
You do awesome work when rolling a caged brake truck I always have the driver put the truck in like 3rd or 4th gear key off and use the clutch as a brake
DPFE is going to be the death of the diesel truck. I bet there is nothing wrong with it except the DPFE system is messed up. I also see a $10K+ repair bill generated by this "failure". So sad. Great job as always Ron!
Emission system problems account for more than half of our standard breakdown tows. It is sad. We have problems with our newer trucks and the emission systems as well. Thankfully, we have the software, tooling, and ability to repair most of our own issues. Thanks for watching and God bless.
i'll say "choo choo". which means place large freight back on rails, it's always made more sense to me than tons of trucks running all willy-nilly everywhere. granted trucks are still needed!
Seems all logic has gone out the window with this militant clean air garbage of the past 9 years. They're killing the working man's bank account!
I've had asthma my entire life - I had it in the 70's when we still used leaded gas, and most cars on the road had nothing but a PCV system for an emission device ... and I STILL have it today, with 95% of every vehicle on the road loaded with emission software, and hardware. I'd be the first to go if the air was as bad as the powers that be tell us it is. I'm still breathing!
When is enough going to be enough? I fear it NEVER will be. As soon as every vehicle is electric and emissions are down to ZERO, they'll invent some other crisis to harp on. Too many are making money off our backs on this garbage.
Yes it cost about $1500 to clean the DEF filter/catalytic converter,every 250000 miles!,there goes our pay raise,can you say DEF delete. REDICULOUS.Ron making it look easy,I would have not have thought of hooking from the front,thought Ron was going to hook from each side. :)
William Kelley I think it’s more than emissions since it wouldn’t start
Nice lift...smooth as silk
Thank you sir. God bless.
I would love to work with you any day! You would be a great boss and amazing person to work for and with! God bless you!
Thank you very much. God bless.
Hi Ron I love your video 📷 the are so good 👍 and God bless you from you tube
Thanks for watching and God bless.
Loving the new intro music!
Hey Ron was wondering why you didn't just run an air line from your truck and air that pete up. Sure would save alot of work.
I couldn’t help but cringe at seeing the pickup trying to pull the tractor from the ball. Too many times I’ve seen those snap off and go through something.
Otherwise as always, great video and very professional and kind. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching and God bless.
You never put out a bad video. Thank you.
As always .... Awesome!
Thanks for watching and God bless.
Great team work..Nice job holding that trailer for that 5th wheel. Just wondering if you were able to show, how...That 5th wheel and the trailer pin lock together. I am a driver and understand. Those that have never seen,or understand how the unites hook together. .That's why I say... You guys did a great job. That truck of yours is a work horse. LOL Peterbuilt :-) God Bless Be safe.
Good job Ron good job. Coming at ya from Thailand.
Thanks for watching and God bless.
Life's a Beach! (27K worth)... Well done Ron!!!
Great job as usual Ron, One question from someone that knows very little about a big truck, why couldn't you hook air from the wrecker to the air lines coming off the broke down truck and build air pressure enough to move the truck out of the way,
I could have done that as well. Either way would have worked. Thanks for watching and God bless.
You are one heck of a wrecker owner/operator. Im on interstate 55 just in arkansas in a city called blytheville.
i have watched you channel for a wail now and found it very interesting how you do the recoveries when you lifted the dump trailer off the truck i did found usual to have to lift the trail that way. i did can across jacks to be able to lift the trailer up the link of the web site is prairie farm report look for high- clearance sprayer jacks. just wonder if they would work faster the lifting the trailer
we will be looking at the jack for our own use for the sprayers we have and other use around the shops.
I like the new intro. Nice work
Glad you like it. Thanks for watching and God bless.
You know I do not understand people that watch these videos only to give it a thumbs down. Why watch if you are not enjoying it, or is giving a thumbs down their enjoyment?
new wire (cable) in one of your last video's looked liked it had been kinked ( I think it was blue line).? before I retired I had 30+ as millwright. back in the day I would love to have had a crane with half the capacity and versatility .
Ron, I've been meaning to mention a great idea that I saw while I was watching another company like yourself also in America, they use rotators and the same sort of mixture of crane's that you have, anyway I was watching them get a truck mixer that had gone down a bank and into the front of a house, very interesting to watch and then you could see an aerial shot and I was trying to hear the helicopter but there wasn't one, no he was using one of those radio control flying cameras and you could see how this mixer went down the deep bank, lucky nobody was hurt. If you had one of those cameras it would help you so much and you could make your videos much more interesting, if that's possible, a Ron? Just a thought my friend. Take care.
You bet your butt, teamwork,precision,effective timing (I can’t tell ya how many times I’ve watched you literally jog to the rig). 5 stars, this is beyond MSTV. I watch this over corny Canadians on Discovery which I actually pay for. Love the professionalism and work ethic (clean rigs 24/7). Shoot, what more can ya ask for from such whole hearted employees. Ron, you in particular were born for this, the Good Lord has Blessed you. One more cable clip question...sorry...how long does it take to receive and install new cable? Thanks
It is really good to have the equipment to do the job
Thank you, yes it does make a huge difference. God bless.
Just a question or taught did you happen to check air governed to see if had spot to fill air tanks to save from putting in T bolts in brake campers
Sorry for miss spelling few words. Or put a ball valve in to air tank fill system , or hook up to red air line to back fill air tanks
It’s hard to put videos like this on line because you open yourself up to critique from all kinds of people. Experienced and none experience.
But truth is, unless your there in person doing it, it’s hard to say what should of could of been done.
As well as enjoying your videos Ron, I really admire just how you work out not only the best way of doing whatever job you're doing, but you also always seem to be working out the safest of ways to work whatever it is you're doing, we have an old saying in Scotland, "You didn't just pick that up off the street" which means, you were either very well trained by a very good tutor, or, you studied very carefully to do what you do, and I hope you've no objections to me asking, which one was it?
Have you considered adding a lift beam to your equipment? If you had a simple (adjustable) beam you could slide under these type of trailers in front of the legs. You could beam out and lift directly from above the trailer.
Love the intro music :D
Thought I'd switch up the music a bit. Glad you like it. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I'd like to hear about the billing process. Just curious how that all works. Like how do you figure out what to charge in all these varying jobs and complexity levels?
Hello Ron,
I'm curious why you didn't try to charge his air tanks to release the brakes?
As always, keep up the great content!
Thanks!
I could have, but my fitting was missing. That was my first choice. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Good job