I Bought a 1999 GMC Tow Truck for Dirt Cheap! Will it Make it Home?

[@joeblowe5813]

Hey Randy, just my opinion, I think you might want to consider fixing it up and keeping it. You put maybe a couple two or three grand more into it, new serpentine belt, tune up, sort out the electrical issues, fix the hydraulic leak, new lug nuts on the wheels that need them, maybe a tire or two, and you’ve got yourself a great tow truck and one hell of a workhorse too. Just think of all the money you could save on delivery fees from not having to get vehicles delivered to you. Someone said to put a “NOT FOR HIRE” sign on the truck. I think that’s a good idea-I would put a sign like that on both sides. That way you don’t have to worry about getting commercial insurance, DOT inspection, an MC number, none of that. Over time, the money you save on delivery fees will eventually start covering at least some of what you put into the truck. There are tow trucks that are only wheel lifters (that don’t have the aluminum bed that yours has) that go for $50,000 and up depending upon how they’re equipped. So if you ask me, I think you got a great deal on that truck. Congrats, brotha!😊😊😊

[@Daniel-cz4lv]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@ToddMills801]

I’m laughing my ass off my wife was raised by her grandparents and spent a lot of time in the garage with her grandfather who ran heavy equipment. As you’re asking what PTO meant she’s yelling power take off. When you were commenting on the greasy handprints on the hood she was yelling it’s a GD work truck a tow truck for Gods sake. Thank you for my afternoon entertainment 😂🤣

[@bama216gaming6]

😂😂😂

[@nayyeriqbal7142]

hahahahahahaha

[@lovellmills7959]

hehe

[@randomazmatt]

You should definitely keep this truck and clean her up and use it for your CO part runs. Tune her up and freshen the lights up! It will be a pretty sweet rig man!

[@charleshoward2685]

P. Power /T. Take./ O.Off. ingages the hydraulic pump that operates the winch and lift cylinder .

[@icerazar713]

The big square "oil" tank is actually the tank for the hydraulic fluid for the bed and the wheel lift. The pull knob under the dash is to hold a high idle to operate the PTO (power take off)

[@kristoffermangila]

This tow truck's a keeper, especially for the Copart runs, fix it up nice, and it can haul the non-runners (and the run-and-drives) easy.

[@davidedelman2137]

I would personally keep it especially since you like to buy a lot of non-runners and it would be nice to haul too at a time 12,000 was a pretty good deal for it

[@wyattshoulders1794]

My question is where's the adult supervision anytime Randy and Mike are around each other things get interesting for sure 😂

[@KevRalph]

It's like two middle schoolers minus the "that's what she said"

[@williamcochell9889]

Great comment! So appropriate

[@mexicanspec]

@@KevRalph Don't give them any ideas.

[@Rocky4959]

No self respecting adult would want any part of that supervision. 🤣🤣

[@martinmoore8730]

Funny 😁

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

You got a fair deal on the tow truck. I would keep it so you could haul 2 cars at a time.

[@phoenixman8569]

these guys have been together in so many videos lately, they should have a page together. i like their chemistry, they work well together!!!

[@MonkeyWrenchMike]

Thanks!! Great idea!

[@jgill1175]

Randy I spent many years running these very trucks but with repo lifts. 12k is a pretty good deal, esp with 194k miles on it. You could pull the bed and hydros and get nearly what you paid for it. I would look the Eng/Trans over hood chances are pretty good one or both have been replaced. Biggest issues with those trucks are wiring gremlins and the king pins wearing out, thus why the steering is like that.

[@joshmallery2620]

Randy U need a multi function switch to fix the turn signals hazards and wipers my 2000 Silverado had the same issue that’s why the screw is in there if u move it the right way the signals will work just be careful don’t let the screw pop out

[@matthewboyd443]

That's a pretty good deal, keep it fix it up and use to tow, you get cars that don't run. Saves money for tows

[@Duckswag87]

I’ve owned 4 of those OBS Chevy/GMC trucks and I absolutely love them. My first car was an 89 Chevy 1500. My favorite was my manual 1994 GMC K1500

[@hotrodit]

Just need to get someone who knows about them to show you everything and how it works. Pretty sure it has a wheel lift on back so you can haul two vehicles at once. It’s definitely a good buy at that price

[@jumbomarkercreations]

You can haul two cars with that rollback. It would be rather useful & worth fixing the few broken things on it for content in my opinion

[@sixtee5cuda98]

Absolutely! "Rollback doesn't do anything I can't do with the TRX and trailer." Oh? They can haul 2 cars at the same time?

[@Max91614]

You definitely got good deal, I am a tow truck driver in Sacramento California and I run a 2018 international 4300 flatbed with 285k miles already and it’s still worth about $70k

[@TylerDuysen]

pto is a power take off its just a hydraulic pump to run hydraulic functions and those hooks are called j hooks. the hooks hook to the suspension on the car for pulling. the gmc seems like a decent rig

[@TylerDuysen]

12k is more than this is worth but its too late now

[@justlilerick4863]

You should definitely keep this. It would be cheaper to haul cars with this

[@FoxyThePirate]

Ya never know what randy is gonna bring home lmao I love it 💯

[@snowblind.]

I was really hoping to see some mulit sequence red leds in that light bar. You can find some cheap light bars online. Get a universal code runner, replace the halogens and give us another night video!! Awesome truck!!

[@Jamal2fresh]

That should be the AR rescue truck!!! 👌👌👌 keep it Randy!!!! 🫡👌👌👌💪💯

[@rlsr4501]

Great video. I would love to see you towing your new cars from COPART with this truk. It will be double interesting, like 2 videos in 1, jajaja. Good luck Randy and Mike.

[@rogertrudeau4169]

Randy you have the stinger on it so you could haul 2 cars at once !! When ya go to the auction you could haul 2 cars and make the trip worth while !

[@darylkik777]

Two of the quirky features of this GMC are (Doug Dermiro) the most interesting of all ever found on a truck. They are called Randy and Mike. They both will make you smile, make you think, make you want to cry at times but still make the show a favorite of mine. I give it a "Doug Score of Perfect" First time ever seen from him. lol

[@Duckswag87]

Those tow trucks, like cop cars are run for a lot of hours but usually meticulously maintained. I love it

[@madhatter3564]

Power Take-Off, or PTO, gives a truck versatility beyond its usual function of providing transportation for materials. It directs power to the auxiliary equipment to perform work at the site and/or enroute

[@MrTalovell]

You need to find the bars for the wheel lift "stinger" on the back if they are not in the toolbox or behind the seat. You can tow 2 vehicles easy with that rig. I grew up with my dad and grandfather owning a body shop and junk yard for over 50 years just get that leak fixed

[@JUST_ONE_ID10T]

If you get it fixed that would be a keeper for the non runners to get them home. Body looks good

[@janieberta8513]

Randy, it's a fair price considering the condition of the bed. It probably needs a new multifunction switch.

[@flipper0172]

Before spending 26 years in a semi I drove tow trucks. Nice rollback brother ..... I'm loving it

[@chrisperez8092]

I love it!!!!! My daily driver is a Chevy c3500, 350/ 5 speed. 363k I’d drive that truck anywhere anytime, just take a little longer to get there😂 and park it.

[@ketstang]

Wipers on this gen GM pickup is a common problem. Had the same issue with my 3500. It's all over google.

[@derrickburton75]

Randy, I can walk you thru anything on a rollback. I can answer your questions, for instance that belt is special, not one you can get at a local auto parts store usually.

[@DotWorld80]

I’m proud of you keep the dreams coming true.

[@VL1975]

Always have a tow truck around especially with what you do.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

That rig is so cool and useful to have!

[@collinpolhill6920]

Hi Randy I recon you will make 15grand on that truck it’s nice and clean and tidy to add modern to

[@jeffblackburn2653]

I think You should fix this tow truck up, completely! I get what you were saying about the TRX and trailer but this thing is cool and would be an awesome rebuild

[@billreckers7134]

That's a good deal Brandy you should keep it

[@briancripps186]

You probably need a new multi function switch for the blinkers, wipers and cruise control to work common issue on those old Chevys

[@jackb1000]

I think you got a great deal. Fixing it up won't take much then you have something nice to haul around the crap you get at CoPart.

[@daviddavis4444]

My brother has a 1988 F450 Rollback with a 6.7 Diesel it finally blew a head gasket at 550,000 miles. He know longer has a shop but that rollback sure is handy we've used it to move storage sheds, tookboxes even my piano once.

[@Felix24148]

Here's what I'd do. I'd get this truck mechanically sound, get everything fixed, give it a tune-up. Then take it to Maaco and have them paint it. Put it back up for sale and you'll get every penny back and more for it. Hell, you could even paint it that Pull Me Over Red that you like so much.

[@neilmurphy845]

I like 90s cars so I think I would trust that truck And the car wizard said those engines are very very good.

[@darkwing4475]

Well Randy,,,, Spent about 30 minutes looking at used roll backs for sale web sites,, (there are a lot of them),,,, And in my opinion You have paid what your truck is worth,, Another responder suggested that you keep it for hauling 2 vehicles at a time, I think that we all would like to see you make the few cosmetic and superficial repairs that it needs,, new tires,,, and maybe let your detail guy play with it,, Good video content there,, And something different to look at for a change,, plus is hard to go wrong with a square body chevy,, You and monkey wrench mike have great chemistry together,, Keep it up,,, :-)

[@nayyeriqbal7142]

Keep it you will need it, the kind of work you do Sir. Stay safe and be blessed always

[@alwynrose6078]

It's a nice truck I hope it's easily fixed up, those are the ones we use in Jamaica because of the corners not trailers

[@CodyRyanK05]

Cool rollback. I love that era of GM too, I had a 97 extended cab 1500 z71 and did a lot of work to it myself over the years I had it. It was about 250k on it when I bought it and about 350k on the odometer when I sold it, still roasted the tires.

[@philiptissington2872]

Love the truck get it road worthy belts oil indicators then sell it after having some fun .

[@TXREDVR6]

12k is a little high. Need a medium duty tow truck like a international or Peterbilt with the wider bed. You can put your company name just put not for hire on the side. But I don’t know how that stuff works in your state.

[@kennethmiles4263]

Replace switch for turn signal on steering column may take care of horn,turn signal,wiper and 4 way flasher button.

[@Rocky4959]

Having sold commercial trucks. The slide back body is worth more than the chassis. A slide back body can be swapped multiple times and usually are by tow companies. Find a used Ram 4500 or 5500 with Cummins Diesel and swap the slide back.

[@michaelyates234]

We had a 2001 gmc rollback we bought with our dt466 international and surprisingly it came with the 8.1 vortec never knew those existed till that day

[@IKhanNot]

Monkey Wrench Mike's wheezy laugh is the best.

[@cousinjohncarstuff4568]

The tow truck has wheel lift on the back where you can pull 2 at one time? I think if you put "Not For Hire" on it might be in the clear?

[@bagoluis]

The turn signals, no cruise control, no horn and all not working is due to the missing hazard light button. You’re going to have to replace the turn signal switch. I had the button break off on my tow truck and eventually it starting burning when I was on a tow. I had to shove a screw driver in the hazard light bottom and it stopped burning. Eventually I replaced the switch and it all worked like new.

[@alexcamron4136]

It was a good deal. That tow truck is maybe 1 of the best investments you can make with what you do.

[@steveosgood9182]

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more ”..with the dynamic duo of youtube

[@dragonslayer19695]

Put your Decals on it, but also letter it as NOT FOR HIRE, PRIVATE USE ONLY to get around all that red tape

[@stevesamuel6603]

Steal of a deal on a beauty of a big rig man !!! You scored and clean and freshen her up and little fix and service she will serve you forever!!

[@jurybonsenor5479]

Very good buy, little love to her, she will take you to California 3 or 4 time. Never thought a old truck.

[@ericware1040]

The hazard light switch with the screw in it will mess with the turn signals

[@troyoser5911]

You can haul 2 cars one on the bed and one on the wheel lift

[@fishingandcampingchannel8682]

You made my day when the windshield wipers got stuck it was funny

[@jacobgeiger2137]

i personly would love to see it used for hauling some cars before you sell it! and i think you got a okay deal not the best but not the worst! good luck randy i know you can fix it up with your magic cause it seems like a good truck with many years of service left in it i can't wait to see what you do with it!

[@KevRalph]

When you and Mike get together, it's like two middle schoolers but I like it. Entertaining..

[@tommyhall2768]

You got a deal on the roll back would cost a lot more in south Carolina good luck

[@jennifermouse4137]

I think you got a fair deal I think it's worth the money everything works

[@2DogsVlogs]

I bet the multi switch is bad for the wipers & indicators. The truck has the spec lift which would add a lot more. I was going too mention that pull lever. I wouldn't worry about having it DOT inspected. If it can be registered all the inspection is just too make sure it's maintained.

[@thegoprogroup3420]

I say keep it because it looks cool and then you can use it for vehicles that you win!

[@wes11bravo]

I'm pretty sure the bed on that is worth a good bit of your purchase price for the whole truck.

[@rickygambill723southsideki7]

I used to drive one of those when I worked for a local tow company and they are easy to operate and it looks like not all the lights are working properly and there should be some behind the grill to

[@neilmurphy845]

If you look at the picture on the gauge there's a little arrow beside the fuel ⛽ icon That tells you which side your fill is on

[@letaloudone]

Looks to be a nice tow truck for a car repair shop. But you are right about the truck and trailer. You have the cats meow for a trailer. The winch is the best thing to have. You tow truck also has the stinger so you could haul 2 vehicles same time. In my opinion that gm is the best for a tow truck chassis.

[@larrywinemiller794]

I bought a new F550 super duty ford in 2000 and had a new Jerdan 19 foot bed with a rear wheel lift and a 7.3 powerstroke diesel for around 45 thousand dollars total. the bed alone installed was 15000 dollars. The used bed on yours is worth about what you gave for the whole truck.

[@daveondre4892]

Thanks for the details. I know nothing about the bed, but familiar with the chassis. Figured this is worth probably more split up, running truck chassis with bed worth about the $12K.

[@TheKing-zb7cw]

I know that this video was about the tow truck. But I noticed that maxima sitting behind it and I’m considering getting one so that’s definitely a video I’m looking forward too.👏

[@johnnyrotten3175]

Like the intro of this video verses just coming right to you welcoming us to your video.

[@martinmoore8730]

PTO is power take off ,its to operate peripheral equipment added on that is not used for driving down the road, in this case the operation of everything to get a vehicle on the back.

[@commonsence1129]

Loved the video man. I would fix the turn signals, wipers, and replace the belt then see how it halls a car at least once before you sell it.

[@gr3ndl3r]

Honestly, it runs, it drives, sort out the lights and the hydraulic leaks and you have a decent co part hauler. $12190 is not a bad deal considering the mileage, but it's your money. I love the TRX but it did take almost twice as much to fill it up.

[@Ghostcotton]

Personally I would keep it. Paint it black with tinted glass and have “not for hire” put on the doors. Every car guy should have a beater roll back to haul all his ghetto cruisers and hoopty gold. Cool content brother, you are definitely living the life. 🏴‍☠️🍻

[@jaythomasanhk]

Randy keeps a bunch of surprises and I love it lol

[@qaysalshwaiyat905]

And for the flat bed for it to operate quicker you can raise the pto rpm if it has a rpm raiser usually it has to do with the cruse control button maybe not

[@tryandtakealaska3797]

PTO = (Power Take Off) and yes i think 12k was a bit much you can find the for 6k to 15k with nothing wrong with them. the expensive tow trucks are the ramp truck around here that are really high prices. and the black bar rear bumper looking thing is a wheel lift the trx would have fit on it. thanks for sharing

[@BuffaloChicken]

The tow truck is cool! I'd like to see more.

[@jackanthony7786]

When I worked at a tow company my rollback was a 2016 f650 6.7 power joke and had 450,000+ miles so I was surprised to see that low on a 99

[@toolzshed]

You gotta call this the Hooptie Hauler Randy!!!! 😂🤘🏽🔥

[@arlandolaw4899]

the Doug voice “THIS” , was spot on 😅😅

[@mattchewynichols5217]

Some people might not know but oil tank is hydrolic oil to raise n lower bed off the pto

[@korbelkiller7106]

That little lever with the black circle on it underneath the dash should be I believe in idle to idle it up. When you're trying to use the bed, you might need to replace the multifunction switch in the steering column and then replace the windshield wiper motor. Yes, it sounds like it's exhaust leak, but it could be a lifter tick too

[@thelifeofjessejames]

12k for a working rollback is phenomenal! You could haul cars on the weekends and make your money back so fast. It looks operational for the most part too. I'm saying good buy!

[@bigccentertainment4892]

If you decide to keep it I would put NOT FOR HIRE stickers on the doors so people don't think your in service.

[@glenjamindle]

You don't need those

[@chrisreust7540]

As a rollback driver, I love it! Lol but I also see a black maxima at AAR.. 👀👀 can’t wait to see that car

[@cookingismypassion81]

Yes keep it and put some basic work into it. And save the money on driving 2 vehicles for copart..

[@mcbride991]

This is the video I’ve been looking for and it came from AAR. that’s why I love ya. & this is a keeper for real this is one you don’t sell

[@ShawnT_1JZ]

this would be the dream tow rig, this is super cool man, id love to own this

[@todddenio3200]

The power brake system is known as a HydroVac and work great. They used to be commonplace on bigger trucks with hydraulic brakes, and that exact same setup was used on some mid 70's full size Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln cars, and if you find an old Ford with it and you can get it cheap enough, buy it because they are expensive to buy these systems if yours fails.

[@jasonnoteboom4489]

Hydroboost uses a hydraulic booster, usually powered by the power steering pump (having a backup accumulator, sometimes having a backup hydraulic pump/motor on the larger trucks). Hydrovac uses a single circuit master cylinder linked to a remote vacuum booster/secondary master cylinder. This truck’s setup is the Hydroboost, and is there because it is more powerful than a vacuum boosted system, whether traditional, Hydrovac, or otherwise (not because this engine provides less vacuum than any other engine). My C40 had the Hydrovac system. Parts are near impossible to find, so I converted it to a traditional firewall mounted vacuum booster/dual circuit MC (for now).

[@todddenio3200]

@@jasonnoteboom4489 yes, I mistakenly said hydro vac instead of hydroboost. I know what they are and how they work but right now I get a bit distracted. I have had 2 spinal surgeries within the last 30 days, and have another more invasive one coming up within the next 2 weeks so am on some pretty potent meds

[@jasonnoteboom4489]

It’s all good. My wife went through a fusion in her lower back and recently in her neck. The meds are no joke! To make it worse, she gets treated like an addict when she tries to get relief, all while trying not to become addicted. Good luck with your recovery!

[@NoahClay6]

Pretty good deal actually for that GMC. I would try and clean it up and maybe sell it for more since it could be valuable and has a working flat deck on it. Once everything is working again it could bring more honestly. Keep up the great videos👍.

[@joewebb4836]

So funny, had the same problem with my wiper/turn signal stock switch on my 94 Topkick !