BOX TRUCK TOW WITH ROTATOR

[@roberthamilton7177]

Ron, you are very detailed on what you are doing in the video

[@RonPratt]

I try to be. Thank you and God Bless.

[@curtisclark201]

Hey Ron as a fire fighter I have to say I have very much respect for you guys and I love your videos and the tow truck is awesome stay safe brother and god bless

[@RonPratt]

Thank you and God bless

[@mesochiefy72]

you have a great attitude especially for 3 in the morning. Be safe out there.

[@RonPratt]

Thank you and God bless

[@jaymoney1995]

Ron Pratt I watch all of your videos I like them all keep up the great work

[@christinahorton3721]

Ron you are very professional god bless you

[@markverloop8890]

No rest for the wicked ..LOL

[@artfordlowery490]

Ron it definitely is a pleasure witching your channel, please keep up good work and be safe.

[@N734NJ]

Always saw the big trucks out there, fascinating to see the process of towing and recovery.

[@RonPratt]

Hope you enjoy. Thanks for watching and God bless.

[@carjoyfish4918]

Hi Ron ... I know this isn't the correct video for this comment ... but yes the volume was considerably louder that I had to turn my volume down. I also wanted to say I have learned almost everything you have to do to hook up one vehicle to another. I LOVE TRUCKS !!! Thanks for your channel I'm trying to watch them all ... GOOD JOB & BE SAFE :-)

[@veulmet]

Although I enjoy seeing the rotator extracting things I'm happy to see it actually towing something for a change.

[@lukegiles2073]

You doing the best job I ever seen for tow truck driver you done very good job on it I wish you could be my trainee on the big truck

[@typashley5394]

Hi Ron glad to see that you use a backboard to lay on I never bothered now I suffer from back and knee problems never listened to the older guys, when I tell the young guys to get something to lay on they never listen to me . Stay safe out there.

[@RonPratt]

I will certainly try. Thanks and God bless

[@maudwelford7919]

A nice guy to travel back with! 😍👍🙏👏👏🇬🇧

[@RonPratt]

Thank you for watching and God bless

[@jenniferpratt4822]

i love the lights on the truck

[@RonPratt]

Thank you

[@north_driven_welder9876]

one dedicated tow truck driver nice job Ron

[@evs-if1tc]

Hi Ron, very nice interesting vids watching the skills needed for this job. It seems also very rewarding towards and from people you assist and help.

[@RonPratt]

Yes, I enjoy helping people. That's a big reason that I love my job.

[@monteconnally7706]

Ron could you give do a video of equiment you have inside the cab of the 1150R, thanks for the videos, as always be safe

[@jamesdearman814]

This vid shows how handy the helmet light is - toting and holding a flashlight while working is no fun! Perhaps you could paint a black link on the safety tow chains - yellow - every foot to get them equal length more easily. Two very cool things - the remote operated light bar and the raptor remote - awesome.

[@GeorgeZ213]

Ron you and family simply must come to WA state! Not just Seattle. Center of the state has incredible beauty.

[@wbijshoutout9787]

good day Ron as i sit here and watch this video in the am . I see it not a job you just jump in and you have it and know what you are doing so you be safe and god bless

[@RonPratt]

Thank you...Yes it is a dangerous job.

[@docpedersen7582]

Know nothing about towing, but might I suggest throwing some ziplock freezer bags in your impact driver kit... for bolts. Freezer bags cause they are thicker.

[@RonPratt]

I have them and have used them for years. Thanks for the suggestion, though. Sometimes, when the bolts and straps aren't greasy I will simply lay them on a towel by the driver's seat like I did here, but normally I will use the Ziploc bags. Thanks again. God bless.

[@mikea1893]

Ron as a truck mechanic it would be nice if you would rap some electrical top around the ujiont caps to keep them on. I now you ck one to see if it was tight but you never now when one will fall off. not trying to tell you your job just saying and WA st is beautiful place to live but the traffic is starting to suck.

[@rustyclam238]

Yeah, that’s what I said more or less in a previous video.

[@treyduvall6826]

Hey Ron keep up the good work

[@Drew6709]

Ron, I thought "caging the rear brakes" was mandatory. Only from other videos on KZbin. You have a Beautiful Rig.

[@RonPratt]

There are many options of releasing the brakes. Caging the Spring brake chambers is one option. Another option is to supply air to the truck you are towing from the towing unit and then release the parking brake by simply pushing in the knob/knobs on the dash of the towed vehicle. This is the preferred method if towing an air ride suspension.

[@mariom1090]

u only do that when u brakes are seized , then u cage ur boosters

[@joestout6088]

Hey Ron you mentioned my neck of the woods Washington State. I was in Missouri 19 years ago at Fort Leonard Wood for army training

[@davidelsea8945]

GREAT JOB RON

[@stevencrane9259]

Does anyone besides me, try to look under the truck, on the monitor? I feel silly!

[@roberttuttle5963]

Yep. Cause I want to see what engine is in what he is towing

[@joestout6088]

Yup

[@tuckergreen2818]

Steven Crane I do the same thing. I am looking for a body

[@trellenrussey6293]

Yup

[@Skyryder47]

Sure, I want to see what he sees

[@rockymartin2179]

you make towing look so easy. very skilled plu as iamnot that nice at 5 a.m. lol

[@charlieporter6830]

hey Ron my name is Charles Porter I live in Greenhead in Chipley I watch your videos great job I would love to meet u keep safe out there

[@RonPratt]

Hello Charlie, you are quite a ways from us but if ever in the neighborhood look me up. God bless and thanks for watching.

[@richardtiffany521]

Hey Ron love your channel one thing I noticed in my part of upstate New York the concrete pump truck they use a flat piece of heavy plywood under the outriggers if you had the room god bless

[@janetbender9656]

I wish I had the money to buy you a large spot light, sure would make life easier at 3 am

[@dakobygg]

Nice Job Ron

[@nobull-dozer3356]

Drivers in the uk , sometimes go in to high beam whilst passing a slower vehicle so they know they're there Ron ... could be an expat .

[@RonPratt]

That's interesting, we do that here as well. There are so many differences between our worlds and I am glad viewers share with me. God bless.

[@tedbownas2748]

Nice job, as usual. Are there other manufacturers whose safety chain setups work better than Miller's? Their rotator and heavy tow bodies seem very well designed, except that it always looks like a hassle to hook up and adjust the safety chains. Thanks for another great video.

[@RonPratt]

We also have a Vulcan, which is still a Miller product, but its safety chains are much easier to pull out and adjust. They have a much larger opening for the chain pocket and it is also lower on the bed which makes it easier to access.

[@michaellamberson5469]

other than the rotator is awesome, what made you choose it over the single axle for this job?

[@RonPratt]

I was told that this was a large, loaded box truck. Had I known, I would have taken a smaller tow truck.

[@michaellamberson5469]

Ron Pratt thanks, I was just curious. great job as always!

[@dennislang2591]

thanks for the response I love the peterbilt btw.

[@RonPratt]

You're welcome.

[@jackamo427327]

Working at night it would seam that inexpensive LED light that strap to your head or mounted to your hard hat would help see what you are doing and allow you to be more hands free. Your local parts store probably has them.

[@scottbridges67]

mining headlights would be a great deal of help. they are a bit more money then your regular headlight that you see people have. but they are well worth it

[@bobclarke2705]

Ron forgive me Im no expert but why do you drop the prop shaft when you have the front wheels off the floor. Surely it wouldnt matter if when towing , the rear wheels turned the shaft while the gearbox was in neutral ?

[@RonPratt]

I don't mind answering. Actually there is danger to the transmission gear box if the prop shaft isn't removed. The upper shaft inside the transmission receives lubrication from oil carried upwards by the gears when the transmission is in any gear except neutral. In neutral, the gears do not spin and therefore do not carry any lubricant to the upper shaft and the bearings that it spins through. While towing a truck such as this, the prop shaft turns as the wheels turn, which also turns the upper shaft in the transmission, which is not receiving lubricant and can lead to catastrophic failure of the transmission gear box fairly quickly. Hope this helps to explain things. Thanks and God bless.

[@meagain8882]

When I'm in my semi and I pass a large wrecker that has his beacon on... I lose site of the road... could be why he turned on his highbeams... Just sayin (I understand you may be required to use them while in tow) Thanks for the videos ... Love your channel

[@RonPratt]

You could be right....that may have been why he high-beamed me....I'm not certain. I definitely wasn't trying to blind him. I know my emergency lights are very bright. Glad you enjoy my videos. Stay say out there and God bless

[@wssides]

In BC, Canada we are discouraged from using our beacons during a tow unless traffic needs to be warned of protruding parts or ?. 4way flashers on the towed vehicle were the normal warning.The last 4 years or so a beacon requires the public to slow to 70 Km/hr. In Alberta and Saskatchewan the speed limit is 60 Km/hr when passing emergency vehicles. I wish we would drop ours to 60. Had to many close calls in the good old days. Icy roads are very bad as too many drivers brake at the last moment.

[@kylegray311]

You forgot to mention/check to make sure driveshaft had play before removing, even though engine is running there are a lot of people on here that may not know the circumstances of removing a stiff driveshaft.

[@RonPratt]

Good point. Thanks.

[@chrisdewolf9517]

mr. run it was nice of you to take that young man for riding your rotator because I did like that video and I do like watching your videos and I hope to communicate with you somehow one of these days if that's okay

[@RonPratt]

Thank you and God bless.

[@joekinkead180]

What kind of ratchet strap you used to hold up the drive shaft

[@RonPratt]

It is a Reese Secure 6' self retracting strap

[@alanbean8222]

Ron I would like to know why you towed this truck with the engine running, also if I ever need a tow I hope I get someone like you very nice and polite be safe

[@docdevin]

Mr. Pratt, I've noticed that you carry a big work pad on your truck, but I've never seen you lay on it. Why carry it, if you're not going to use it? I also would like to know why you never tape the end caps on the universal joint? I'm guessing you never lost any? Love your videos & glad to see a Christian man for a change!

[@dylanrodgers1538]

Don't know if you have used them but sunex makes a nice set of driveline sockets

[@RonPratt]

I've got a Matco set. I used Snap-on sockets for a while but they didn't hold up as well as the Matco set does. The Snap-On sockets were always warrantied, but the local dealer didn't keep them on the truck, so I'd have to wait a week or two to get a replacement. I've had the Matco set now for about 4 years and haven't broken or stripped a socket yet. Thanks for the suggestion and God bless

[@MrLordwrecker]

Nice tow.

[@RonPratt]

Thank you.

[@iverytrotman2624]

Thanks

[@Devourer221]

Man it would be nice to be able to use an impact driver on the shaft. Very rare you can get one on any of the trucks I generally tow =/

[@markverloop8890]

No traffic whizzing by, NO OVER HEAD WIRES !! & IT IS IN A LIGHTED AREA ! ! Easy job. Stay safe .😀☝ Edited:And it's at a gas station

[@dennisschepers7033]

Would it be possible to have the halo light pulse multiple colors

[@tophauler8626]

i notice in south carolina a lot of heavy wreckers are towing vehicles without using their strobes or beacons daytime or night

[@RonPratt]

Odd. I wonder if there is a state law regulating the useage of them only when they are on the side of the road???? Each state has different laws regarding tow vehicles. Missouri is one of the few that recognize us as emergency vehicles and allow the useage of red/blue lights and sirens in emergency situations. Thanks for watching and God bless.

[@spanksir8900]

you will also find that most drivers do not care since the tow trucks are local they figure no one will say anything to me.

[@brianpeterson9751]

ron love your videos have u ever considered putting police spotlights led on your trucks think they would help u a lot at night! both sides keep posting the great vids!

[@johnw1541]

stay safe mate 👍

[@RonPratt]

Definitely will try. Thank you and God bless.

[@Quadflash]

There must be a bazillion different axle, drive line, brake combinations that you have to work with. Gotta be a constant challenge.

[@RonPratt]

There are quite a few different styles. I have the tools for the most common ones.

[@tophauler8626]

ron is it bad to tow a tractor trailer short distances without disconnecting the drive shaft

[@RonPratt]

Yes, I suggest disconnecting the drive shaft for any tractor tow where the drive tires are on the ground. If it has an automatic transmission, disconnecting the shaft is a must. Even if it is a manual shift transimssion, the only way the upper bearings get lubricated is when the transmission is in gear. The oil is carried up the gears as they turn and therefore lubricate the system. If the shaft is not disconnected, the upper shaft and bearings inside the transmission are constantly turning without any lubrication, which can lead to a very rapid failure. Some tow operators prefer to remove the axle shafts rather than the drive shaft. Personally, I don't for several reasons, but to each their own....Thanks and God bless.

[@cars2809]

What is the reason for disconnecting the driveshaft? and what happens if you keep it connected and put the truck in neutral and just tow it that way?

[@nbrowser]

If the towed vehicle is an automatic transmission equipped one, the spinning driveshaft will turn parts inside the transmission. However the fluid pump in the transmission won't be pumping fluid through the trans to lubricate the insides correctly due to the engine not running, not disconnecting the driveshaft will simply lead to transmission failure in the towed vehicle. This is why light duty vehicle tows that require the drive end to be the on the ground end, the tow operator will usually dolly the wheels off the ground to prevent transmission damage.

[@TheSwampdoggydog]

cars2809 even if it isn't an automatic gearbox the transmission will try to destroy itself as the oil won't circulate unless driven by the input shaft

[@RonPratt]

Both answers are correct. Also, if it is a manual transmission, the upper bearings are turning anytime that the driveshaft is turning. If you tow the unit with the driveshaft in the unit, the bearings are constantly turning without receiving lubrication. They receive lubrication when the unit is in gear and the oil is carried from the bottom of the pan, up the gears, to the upper bearings. Towing a manual without removing the driveshaft will result in the upper bearings burning out.

[@alancreamer1610]

Like to see some service. U do on ur wreckers

[@haydensmith1043]

What's the digital keypad you touch slightly above and left of your cb?

[@RonPratt]

That is a control pad for the lights and PTO system.

[@haydensmith1043]

Ron Pratt I know that was probably a stupid question but thank you

[@dennislang2591]

do you have a light on your dash that tells you what beacon lights you have on or is that a reflection?

[@RonPratt]

There are indicators for all the different lights that I have.

[@MW-gs8wz]

Why do you have to take the.drive shafts out? I’m new to this channel.

[@donaldromine4134]

Ron I gotta a question have you ever had to tow one of your own trucks back to the shop for repairs? And is Talon your son? God bless you for all you do god bless.

[@RonPratt]

Oh yes. I've had to tow our trucks in before. If it's mechanical, especially with electronics, it's gonna break down at some point. It is embarrassing, but it does happen. Talon is married to my daughter, so he is my son-in-law. Thanks for watching and God bless

[@moparman8254]

y don't u cross your safety chains?i have to when im towing a trailer. i was told that was a state requirement?

[@randyogburn2498]

I'll try this one a year later. You cross safety chains on the trailer so they will cradle the tongue if it should come off the ball. If the chains aren't crossed then the tongue could dig into the road causing a serious accident. In the case of towing this truck it would land back on its wheels & you only need the chains to keep it from rolling away out of control.

[@borderreiver3288]

why do you disconnect the drive shaft...surely if it is out of gear it should turn freely...

[@RonPratt]

It will turn freely, but the gears and bearings inside the transmission, especially the upper bearings will be turning without lubrication.....a manual transmission gets lubrication by carrying oil up the gears as they are turning. When in neutral the gears are not carrying oil to the upper part of the transmission, yet the upper shaft and bearings are turning as long as the drive shaft is in place. So to eliminate the risk of transmission damage we remove the drive shaft. If the transmission is an automatic, not removing the drive shaft can destroy the transmission in a very short distance. Thanks for watching and God bless.

[@BigWest115]

great hook , God bless

[@charlieporter6830]

hey it's Charles Porter where do u live because I would like to meet u in person and see your rotator truck and u do a great job and be safe out there

[@RonPratt]

We are in Scott City, MO. Give us a yell if you are ever in the neighborhood. God bless.

[@CrossAnchors]

I remember when I broke down in a 13T fully loaded that needed a front end suspended tow, but the recovery guy never took out the drive shaft as you do, on my occasion, he withdrew the half shafts on both sides, the guy was very clearly none too happy at being called out at 4.00am, and he banged about and threw tools around making me feel quite awkward, as if it was my fault, and so I never bothered asking why he withdrew the half shafts, would you know why he do that Ron

[@richardcline1337]

The BIG difference between a true professional like Ron and a wannabe amateur!

[@melvin2675]

👍👌☝

[@howardnielsen6220]

Why is the Box trucks engine running

[@christophertindall8275]

can you pull out the rear axle instead of the driveshaft?

[@RonPratt]

Yes, you can pull the axle shafts instead of the drive shaft. I have several reasons for pulling the drive shaft over the axle shafts. But, to each their own...as they say. Thanks for watching.

[@christophertindall8275]

Ron Pratt how many wreckers do run beside the rotator?

[@spanksir8900]

Some folks do not know that some rear ends have a special screw that has to be installed before you take the axles out. If not you will have to take the rear end apart and replace some of it. Before you ask I use to deliver brand new Tractor (power units) from the factory to the dealer.

[@christophertindall8275]

Spank Sir thanks for the heads up

[@scottrjmatmsncom]

Why do the drive shafts need to be disconnected?

[@jamesedwards8063]

Prevents Damage to the Transmission and there is always a chance of the truck engaging a gear while being towed, either will end up presenting you or your employers with a very large bill for repairs or replacements, UK we normally pull a half shaft, US seem to prefer to pull the drive shaft both have the effect of isolating the transmission and engine.

[@Whitefeather008]

Pulling the half-shafts seems like way more effort. Any idea why that is the preferred method?

[@jamesedwards8063]

Either method will achieve the desired result of decoupling the transmission from the road wheels, all depends on preference of the towing agent and you do get 'Area' preferences, as to why this is done, Few realise that gearbox lubrication while in the main is achieved by simply splashing oil around items like the needle bearings cannot by fully oiled this way so are 'Force' fed by a low pressure pump machined into the support shaft and driven by the input from the engine, Towing the vehicle does not turn this shaft but the train still rotates so, in reality, is doing so without proper lubrication flow to those bearings, Results can at the very least shorten the life of the box and stories of exploding gear trains on vehicles under tow in the past were not uncommon to hear, either way a very expensive oversight on the part of the towing agent.

[@ScottandTera]

did the driver leave th etruck running if so why?

[@RonPratt]

Yes he did. If I remember correctly, he said the starter was out and if he shut it off he couldn't restart it.

[@ahgfl007]

The answer is on the side of his truck. Every time I took any long hauls and was being passed by an Estes driver the idiots would flip their brights on just before getting to my cab, about blinding me.

[@Victormassano]

First and foremost great job Ron ,a question for you ... do you find it easier or more difficult to pull the axle shafts on the drives as opposed to the drive shaft?If I was younger I don't think I would mind being a swamper for a heavy.LOL

[@RonPratt]

Victor Massano. There is constant debate in our industry over this question. I prefer to pull the drive shaft rather than the axle shafts. I can usually have it disconnected and strapped up in a few minutes.....less time on the highway means less time in the danger zone. To pull the axle shafts, you have to be working on or near the white line for quite some time, which puts you in grave danger. Also, I don't like the mess that pulling the axle shafts creates......plus there is only a small amount of oil left in the hub for the bearings with no fresh supply of oil, which risks the wheel bearings burning out while towing. This is just my opinion. I know others differ. I have pulled the drive shafts for 30 years and never had a burnt transmission or wheel bearing while towing. Thanks and God bless

[@Victormassano]

I agree with your view and your opinion goes a very long way with me,I read in the past where the Volvo trucks with the I shift transmission that has a drive shaft with flex boots over the spline that are a bit of a pain to remove for transport some operators op to remove the axle for that model truck.I'm sure you have addressed any challenges with out any problems and have the experience to back it .Thank you for the professional opinion that is well respected.Be safe out there

[@ellisschoffstall5554]

ron, you said u weren't in the north west, you havn't seen the best part.

[@Qtip218]

Why not leave the truck run and put it in neutral instead of pulling driveshaft that's what I always do

[@RonPratt]

Because you risk burning out the upper bearings of the transmission if you don't pull the drive shaft. They only receive lubrication if the transmission is in gear, however, they are constantly spinning, even in nuetral, while you are towing. It is a HUGE risk and liability that you take by not removing the driveshaft or axle shafts. Just FYI.

[@Cowboy350]

Liked

[@rolandmalcome6684]

ron when do you sleep !!!

[@RonPratt]

Very rarely. Last night I had about an hour sleep. I have to take a vacation to sleep....lol. Thanks for watching and God bless.

[@tophauler8626]

we only went 10 miles but I didn't think it was right

[@RonPratt]

Did someone tow your truck and not pull the shaft?

[@tophauler8626]

yea company truck

[@RonPratt]

top hauler. It is a risk that some will take for short tows. I prefer not to take the risk. 15 minutes saved by not pulling the shaft could cost over $5000 for a new transmission.

[@tomogletree1]

Only thing worse than those little set back axle trucks is a motor home

[@RonPratt]

I hate towing motorhomes.

[@kens.3729]

NO job is too big for the TATOR.

[@ruthfry6738]

Good Morning Ron : I have a youtube chanel also I gave you a shout out on my video check it out

[@RonPratt]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

[@MW-gs8wz]

Why do you have to take the drive shafts out? I’m new to this channel.