Let’s take a deeper look!

Tires with the correct load rating and proper inflation

Whether you’re driving a light-duty or heavy-duty truck, it’s important to know how to find the right tires with the correct load rating and proper inflation. It’s possible to run into trouble if you don’t know what you’re doing. Thankfully, there are a few easy tips that can help you identify the best tires for your needs.

The first thing to know is that light truck tires typically have a Load Range C, D, or E on the sidewall. These tires are designed to carry loads at 65 to 80 PSI. These are the recommended pressures for most light trucks. However, if you drive a mid-sized pickup or a half-ton truck, you may need to inflate these tires to a higher pressure.

In addition, the tires have a load index, which is a numerical value that gives you a specific weight capacity for the tire. This load index is important for backcountry travel.

Properly loading the cargo and balancing the weight

Due to cargo, towing a pickup is much different than say, towing a motorcycle.

Having the right kind of cargo in your truck can make a big difference to how well it handles. This is why it is important to know the right way to load and unload your cargo to keep your cargo from tumbling out in a heap and causing a collision. The best way to do this is to have the proper load in the first place.

If you have a truck with a long wheelbase you will be better off weighing your cargo by front and rear axle weights. This is particularly important if you plan on loading your cargo from front to rear and will help ensure you have the best possible load distribution.

It’s also a good idea to take advantage of your truck’s capabilities to load the cargo using the most efficient means possible. This is especially important if you plan on hauling cargo of any kind. As a general rule, you want to avoid storing heavy loads on the roof of your truck or in the bed of your truck.

Properly securing the trailer hitch

Using a trailer hitch is an important safety step. It can also help prevent whipping and violent swaying. If you are not sure about how to use a trailer hitch, ask a professional or ask your local trailer rental company. Ensure that you are using the right equipment and the correct size hitch.

There are many different types of adjustable trailer hitches. Some are lightweight and can be adjusted to fit various size trailers. Others are more compact and made for quick adaptation.

You should also check the lug nuts on your trailer wheel. These should be tightened to the appropriate torque.

Another important safety measure is to have the lights on your trailer work. This is especially true if you are towing a boat. You can check this by walking around your trailer and ensuring that the lights are working. You can also check to see if your vehicle has an automatic light check system.

If you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s a good idea to call upon the help of professional towing services near you.

Backing up the vehicle

Trying to back up a vehicle when towing a large pickup truck can be tricky. Luckily, there are some easy steps you can follow to help get you back in the right direction.

First, ensure the vehicle’s brakes are on and the tires are properly inflated. You may also want to consider installing a backup camera. This will give you a better view of the rear of the trailer.

Next, move the steering wheel to the left until you reach the middle of the road. This will allow you to back up in a straight line. You should also have a spotter, especially if you are new to towing. You will need to look over your shoulder and through your back window to see the trailer’s rear end.

The tow vehicle should then be placed in the parking brake. This is to prevent it from rolling while backing up. You should also take precautions when going up and down hills. Keeping your doors closed is also important. You should also check the lights on the trailer to make sure they are working properly.

The decision generally comes down to these four choices:

• Buy a truck and regular trailer or dump trailer
• Operate with a box truck
• Buy a used junk removal truck
• Purchase a new truck with a new body installed

Pickup with dump trailer

The cheapest choice is purchasing a pickup and trailer. For those on a tight budget and/or have bad credit or zero credit history, you will likely go in this direction. You can find a dependable truck for about $5,000 to $7,000 and add a trailer for $2,000.

There are a few downsides to going with a trailer, however. We should know. Our junk removal company in east Pittsburgh, PA started with one.

One con that goes with using a trailer is that you will unload everything manually. In other words, once the truck is loaded, the job is just halfway finished. You will need to hand unload at donation centers, recycling centers, transfer stations, dumps, and landfills.

Trucks and trailers are also more difficult to back up. This becomes a big issue when you hire helpers. Most will not know how to back a trailer. Or worse, they’ will say they know how and proceed to get in an accident.

Second, signage is not as noticeable on your trailer, thus you will probably get fewer jobs from people seeing the truck out and about.

Last, prospective customers may not take you as seriously or believe you are able to haul as much junk. There is nothing more frustrating than arriving to a customer’s job and hearing them say, “Oh, I figured you had a big truck.”

But if you’re short on money, you will have to suck it up for the time being. Focus on making money quickly for funds to upgrade your ride.

Used box truck

The second option is acquiring an old box truck. Used U-Haul, Budget, Ryder, and other rental trucks often can be bought for $10,000 to $15,000.

The box truck is only a small upgrade from the truck and trailer. You may choose to have large graphics installed on the truck to make it look more professional. However, you still will have to hand unload trash.

A box truck is solid for donations as it keeps contents dry and away from the elements. Many junk removal companies have a box truck in addition to a dump truck for donations, but they don’t work alone for full house cleanouts.

If you can’t afford a dump truck, begin with a truck and trailer and upgrade to a dump truck as soon as you can. Used dump trucks costs only a small amount more than the box truck and will pay for themselves in no time with increased efficiency.

Used dump truck

Option No. 3 is to invest in a used dump truck. You can typically find a solid truck online at Truckpaper.com or commercialtrucktrader.com. We also suggest looking on Craigslist.

If you can, avoid trucks that have been used in harsh weather conditions and coastal areas. The rust from those trucks increases maintenance costs.

When looking at used trucks, you likely see an Isuzu NPR or a GMC W4500. They are the same truck. The only difference is one says “Isuzu” and the other “GMC”.

We suggest buying a truck with a model year of 2005 and more recent. The 2005 model was the first year of the 4HK1 engine, which more power than its predecessor, the 4HE1. Additionally, many of the parts are cheaper (though still expensive).

Models from 2012 and later use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), which has to be refilled a lot. The DEF tank is also an area for inexperienced drivers to do damage by adding fuel to the DEF tank and not the fuel tank.

The 2007 and older models are lighter in weight. The 2008 and newer models are more comfortable, However, with added comfort comes increased weight and decreased payload weight for your trucks.

Brand new

The last option you have is buying brand new and installing your choice of truck body.

We recommend Isuzu NRR trucks, which can be purchased at your local Isuzu dealer. NRR’s have a 19,500 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) compared to an NPR, which has 14,500 GVWR. In other words, an NRR can haul 5,000 pounds more than an NPR. That’s possible because the suspension and brakes are more heavy-duty.

NRR’s also have fewer maintenance costs. Their brakes generally last twice as long because they are larger. It is also easier to keep from overloading an NRR.

In a lot of instances, you will operate an NPR overweight, which is illegal and not safe.

The NRR costs $5,000 more upfront, but you will likely be financing or leasing. Thus, your monthly payment won’t be much higher. It is worth the cost.

Final word

We suggest purchasing a used truck or buying a new NRR. It depends on your finances. If you can afford new, do it. You will be able to do more jobs because less repairs will be needed. Besides, there is nothing worse then a truck that fails when you don’t have another as a back up.

Ensure That Your Car is Parked at a Safe Spot

If your car stopped in the middle of the road, it may block the traffic flow and you would want to pull over so you will not cause other accidents. If the engine of your vehicle is malfunctioning, you would want to push the car off the road. If necessary, turn the hazard lights on.

Turning On Your Car’s Hazard Lights

The car’s hazard lights can be found on your dash and its symbol is red triangle. If you have noticed something wrong, you should turn on the car’s hazards lights. It will signal the other drivers that you’re having some difficulties. Even if it is daytime, you must turn on the lights and it’ll also help tow truck to distinguish your vehicle.

Call Authorities

If you’re involved in a road accident, you should contact the authorities to report incidents. Failing to report accidents may have some serious legal implications. Apart from that, if you like to file a claim with your car insurance company, you’ll require a case number. Although the accident occurred because of the other party’s fault, the claim number would be needed by your insurance company.

Remove All of Your Valuables

While you are waiting, take some time removing all your important or valuable items from your vehicle. It goes for the things with a sentimental value. It won’t only give you peace of mind, but also it would ensure that you have your valuables and you do not need to make trips to the location your vehicle is being stored while awaiting for the tow truck. Your chosen towing company isn’t responsible for loss or damage of your personal items in your car.

Stay Inside the Vehicle

If there’s nothing you could do except wait for a tow truck to arrive, it’s recommended that you should stay inside your car for the reason that it may be dangerous to walk around your car or stand on a highway.

Stay Calm

It’s recommended that you should not wear out the battery of your phone. You might have to make another call. Never forget to stay hydrated and if you’re close to the city, tow truck might take several minutes to arrive. On contrary, if you’re away from the city, it could take sixty minutes or longer for a towing service to reach you.

The trouble with long distance driving can be the wear and tear on your vehicle, caused by the weight of passengers and luggage, as well as caravans and bike racks which can be quite heavy on your car. To ensure you arrive safely and that your car is up to the task at hand, it’s best to check a few things over before you set off:

Secure your load

The weight of luggage will slow your car down but also increase drag so you’ll, unfortunately, use up more gas. This can be combated somewhat by using a towing trailer instead of using a roof box. Cycles stored on the rear of the car are also advisable. With any storage method, you should make sure that they are secured or shut properly. Caravans should be secured connected to the tow bar as well as wing mirror extenders attached to your car.

Fill up your gas, oil and tires

These three elements of your car are the ones who are most likely to suffer the most punishment; you’ll need to fill up your gas tank if you’re going any distance as well as having some spare, just in case you lose your way or get stuck in traffic. You do not want to rely on costly roadside assistance.

Oil levels should be checked before any long trip as the engine is likely to run for a long time than usual, as well as the tires too. Inflating the tires to their recommended levels before leaving is essential considering the use they are about to experience.

Plan your route

Many people have GPS devices now that will guide you to your destination easily, but sometimes GPS devices can lead a lot of drivers on the same route, it’s worthwhile seeing you can avoid heavy traffic by planning an alternate route of your trip. A map may look shorter in the distance but with a lot of other like-minded drivers on the road sometimes taking the long distance route can bypass the crowds and get you there quicker.

As well as these key tips there’s plenty of other advice for road-trippers this summer such as leaving early to avoid rush hour traffic on the motorways and packing plenty of food and drink for the trip to keep the passengers happy as long as you take extra care over your driving and other factors such as considering the extra load on your car then you should have no problems getting to your holiday destination.

If for any reason you need towing help this summer contact your pros: https://www.towingclevelandoh.com

Price

One of the major factors when considering a towing truck for sale is the vehicle’s price. These trucks can be quite expensive, particularly when purchased new, and the potential buyer must also factor in the cost of insurance, as well as the finance charges, as most buyers cannot afford a cash outlay for such a large amount of money. Many owners find that used tow trucks are often the best way to save as much as several thousand dollars. Additionally the potential buyer can consider the savings over the immediate depreciation of a new truck.

Specifications

There are many places, both online and offline, to find a towing truck for sale, and comparison shopping is made simple on many of the selling companies’ websites. However, these trucks have a wide range of variety when it comes to features and types. The first thing a potential buyer must consider is the actual purpose they have in mind for the vehicle. Recovery scenarios may require heavier trucks with more equipment than those trucks that will be performing basic road service and repair shop tows. The buyer must consider the type of truck for their individual needs.

Financing

Another serious issue to consider, the financing of these trucks can require several choices. Potential buyers usually have the option to purchase or lease their tow trucks, and the terms for both of these choices can vary according to the sales facility and the financial institution. Some sales facilities will finance the vehicle on-site, but the terms for this may mean the buyer will end up paying more for the truck than if it was financed through a bank or other more traditional means of financing. Leases are often done on-site as well, but the buyer should remember to carefully review all the terms and conditions of any lease or financing agreements.

Warranties and Service

Many selling companies will offer warranties and even extended warranties on both new and used tow trucks. These can vary widely throughout the industry, although some standards do apply, such as a tow truck chassis manufacturer’s warranty, and a one-year body manufacturer’s warranty. Many sellers also offer service plans for repair and maintenance on new trucks, and some offer limited service and repair options on used trucks as well. These plans may be included with the cost of the vehicle, or there may be an extra fee for them. Some are free in the beginning, but charges may apply after a certain specified period of time.

Overall, buying a towing truck can be expensive, but are an essential investment in equipment for a towing company owner. When purchasing one of these vehicles, a buyer should be proactive in exploring different types of financing. They should also make sure that vehicles will be covered if repairs are needed so that their livelihoods are not sitting idle in case of breakdowns.

If you are the customer make sure you request and check references from previous customers, before hiring the services of a towing company just because they have nice and new trucks.

Remember: it is not hiring a company with a bunch of tow trucks, is dealing with professionals and experienced staff what will protect you.

Below, I’m going to tell you some quick things to consider:

1) Make sure every precaution is taken to guarantee that your customer vehicle is safely and securely strapped before it is transported. If it is not, the being towed car could detach and move causing scratches to the body.

If you are requesting a towing service hire companies with tow trucks that are properly equipped and will not cause damage to your vehicles, this is very important because usually, it is in a moment of emergency when we hire a towing service and we tend to overlook these details, make sure you hire professional and experienced companies.

Make sure you hire a company with good record in providing damage-free towing service.

2) Make sure the proper tools will be used; hey notice I’m telling you “will be” and not “are used”. What I mean by that is check in advance the tools that will be used are properly designed for the task.

For example, did you know there are special and professional car opening tools that should be in any tow trucks or at least available when required? The time for the “screw driver” guy unlocking your car is gone.

It does not necessarily have to be a company with new trucks, it could be a company with well used trucks, but the important is their equipment.

3) If you are operating a towing service company make sure you arrive on time when requested a service, there is nothing more frustrating for a person in need, than waiting for the service and seeing tow trucks passing by and being asked whether he or she (the customer) needs help (which obviously is the case), but the customer is just waiting for the “trusted towing company”.

I honestly doubt this person will call the same tow trucks operators again.

4) Charge exactly the quoted amount. It is amazing the huge amount of comments and complains from unsatisfied customers about being charged “more” that originally quoted for a towing service.

If you treat your customer just thinking in how much money they will provide you, I advise just go and put up your trucks for sale, because again: the business is not about having “a bunch of tow trucks” but the business is about “the service you will provide to your customers”. Make sure you charge exactly the amount quoted not more.

On the other hand as a customer, review what you’re being charged for and understand well the implications and scope of the service you will receive. Use your most valuable tool: “Ask questions!”. If you do not understand something simply ask.

Article by Towing Service Englewood, CO