How to load and unload a car from a flat bed tow truck

Demonstration on how to properly load and unload a car

[@doubleatowing1035]

Thank you for the awesome video brother , I have watched your videos and start my own towing and doing well since tow years, you have all the credit for my success

[@youngone566]

Do you need a class a or b to operate a roll back

[@t.real_adams6898]

Let’s get a Testimonial Sample video

[@Kumi_Stephen]

"I'm not out here to support this government...I pay my taxes & that is all they need from me!" - Donald Chastain What a legend! 🎯👏🏽😎

[@donaldchastain6847]

I feel the same way you do to hell with them

[@emerymarcus3710]

Sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@marleygus9738]

@Emery Marcus instablaster =)

[@Cryptobuilt]

Good video, I’m 26 years old. Just bought my first flat bed tow truck. Trying to learn all the steps before the tow truck gets delivered. God bless

[@haunntt]

Just picked up a tow job and I’m in training. Appreciate your videos, been watching them to pick up some new tips and keep my mind refreshed on my days off. You’re a huge help man!

[@donaldchastain6847]

I am glad you got the job do me a favor and always keep your head on a swivel watching out for your self

[@ETNMusiq]

I just got a tow job too and in training! SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@donaldchastain6847]

Be safe my friend

[@towlife440]

Same here just started last week a d between learning freedom the 3 guys that been showing me different ways. Be safe and full the next video

[@nathanu.2061]

I just got me a rollback job and had no experience but this help out a lot thanks for the video you helped a lot of us newbies out I start Monday 7-5-2021

[@shanebryan8151]

Absolutely amazing!!! I ve been driving a fuel tanker for 30 years, tomorrow I start training to be a two truck driver. I like and appreciate your style! Neat and clean! Thank you very much!

[@donaldchastain6847]

My friend thank you for watching my video if you want one good piece of advice for me is take your time and keep your head on a swivel

[@TheHalfieFTW]

Great video. I start my new towing job this week and I dont want to look completely clueless lol.

[@donaldchastain6847]

thank you my friend good luck on your new job

[@heatherdelk7316]

Good luck on your new profession sure this road is the road you want to travel twenty year veteran speaking it's a lifestyle you have to love.

[@matrinn9636]

Same lmao

[@jacobhubbell6608]

That’s why I am here, nice video brother

[@mimief7969]

Mad respect. Wish every call was this straightforward. Stay safe out there 💖☺️

[@franker1111]

Great 👍 job brother. Fellow flatbed drivers drop the man a like help him out

[@happysawfish]

When I wake up at 5am and want to watch some towing How-To, I tune in Big Don.

[@donaldchastain6847]

I appreciate that thank you my friend

[@adamwrightTheCarGuy]

Thank you for the awesome video. I just bought a rollback yesterday to ring in the new year. 2021 will either be a blessing or a train wreck. 😂

[@mklockley]

How is it coming along for you?

[@adamwrightTheCarGuy]

@@mklockley I just got all of my paperwork finished and DOT inspection passed last Friday. My truck hasn’t stopped moving since Saturday last week.

[@mklockley]

@@adamwrightTheCarGuy God bless you brother god willing I will be in the game soon too. Stay safe

[@mklockley]

@@adamwrightTheCarGuy what type of roll back are you running?

[@adamwrightTheCarGuy]

@@mklockley I’ve got an old school Ford with a 7.3 idi and a 17.5 foot jerrdan bed with 12,500 lbs winch and a wheel lift. I have to pass on the four door trucks but I stay busy with cars, small trucks and small SUVs. One of the oldest tow companies in town throws me stuff he can’t get too because he likes me I guess. only thing he wanted in return is to take care of his customers like they were my own. I’m thankful and grateful for the work.

[@deeirv9631]

I’m getting a tow truck next month with little to no experience, just some assistance and training with a family member, I appreciate this video and the comments section.

[@Matt-gt3lr]

Me to nice bought one today

[@donaldchastain6847]

Please be safe take your time and watch your back

[@donaldchastain6847]

@@Matt-gt3lr Mister mat please be safe

[@deeirv9631]

Donald Chastain I’ll take every safety precaution at my best thanks

[@deeirv9631]

Matt that’s awesome, stay safe and I hope for the best in your new truck

[@boussolefire]

Been towing for 25 years. You got this

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Do you happen to have a link to the chain / strap combos you use? Just bought a 99 C3500 rollback for my own use. Thanks!

[@dopeysims7630]

My 4point tie down has a 8 point lock down to the bed. So I never have to put them away. Saves time. Also I never put it in park because some of these newer cars have a weak parking pin. Nice video though

[@donaldchastain6847]

Thank you my friend I appreciate you watching my videos

[@vuonanhhaicantho4993]

This is the first video I watch. I am thinking about having a tow truck. I just retired 25 years of working on automobile and running a shop. I want to have free times when I don't need to work, so I can enjoy with my family. Thanks

[@aaronproctor4745]

Thanks, I’m thinking about buying a truck and starting a tow business. This video is very helpful

[@beebeebearbear]

Thanks Donald. I reviewed your video and found it very informative and helpful. I am looking to work for a garage service that has a flat bed tow truck and this video helped me very much. I will get more training from the company but its nice to go there knowing this stuff ahead of time and to be organized like you.

[@midwestrc8839]

starting my new job as an operator this was helpful !!!

[@jhavonwebber7223]

Very educational and pure. I just love how it’s not rehearsed just sharing the knowledge. I appreciate that. Much love

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Sorry for picking a nit on you, but the pull / push rod at the front of the bed is not connected to your PTO. It's a release that uncouples the drum from the winch's worm drive. The PTO is hydraulic pressure actuated at the transmission. It is controlled by the dash switch and the neutral safety switch.

[@blackmap3963]

J W i thought thats what he said? Its a brake release for the drum? I heard him Say the PTO was the switch in the cab?

[@realtalk3962]

if customer is standing there and you hit their car against your truck no you have not just bought a car,you sir, have just purchased a tennessee ass whooping here

[@murraymachado401]

@@realtalk3962 I thought that you weren't suppose to free wheel the winch too?

[@josephbrown2564]

I’m a tow truck driver and I can point out at least 10 things he did wrong.

[@josuegalvez1]

@@josephbrown2564 make your own video then !

[@springpowerwashing]

This is good and everything, but how do you do it when the owner is trying to fight you?

[@arthurgarcia4389]

Thank you brother. I start monday on my own. Ive had good training these past 2 weeks my trainer showed me alot. Im just trying to learn as much as I can by watching good videos like yours. Thank you and God bless you sir! May he keep you safe everyday especially when on the road.

[@ladonnahilton8996]

Thank God I found your video, Im just starting out so of course I want to work smart not harder! And I'm really short so fighting with straps n chains is not fun 🤣😂😅

[@donaldchastain6847]

Just take your time and keep your head on a swivel

[@jairpantoja1957]

Just bought my first truck thanks very good video

[@estafonmcphee2214]

Lol I liked this video about 2 years ago lol

[@firesafetyclass2903]

Thanks for this video!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@danielgalindo2714]

Appreciate the video showing the basics I'm sure its not always that easy. Im a truck driver for the last 12 yrs working for a beer distributor and now I'm thinking to get in the tow industry to put $$$ on my own pocket and not someone's else's pockets hopefully lol Quick question, would you recommend getting a new or used truck?

[@donaldchastain6847]

That's a hard question to answer I guess I would have to say it all depends on your pocketbook a new truck will run you about $80 to $100,000 dollars you can pick up a perfectly good used truck between 20 to $50,000 but then you have to have a million-dollar insurance policy on the trucks I have always wanted to own my own truck and work for myself but for the upkeep the insurance payments just too much of a hassle for me but keep in mind driving a tow truck is pretty easy job just have to learn a few things about doing it but if you want to make money I spend about 80 hours a week in my truck so that's something to think about good luck

[@adamstone3433]

New , But Work For Some One 1st , Just to See . It's Not Always Nice .

[@obfuscated3090]

Visit the tow411 forums to learn from (many) pros. You'll want professional recovery training such as Wreckmaster because dealing with modern vehicles has its quirks.

[@donaldchastain6847]

Thank you so that advice but I've never had a car roll into my headache rack

[@romancedennis4041]

Donald Chastain can i drive a tow with a class c

[@j.angelgarcia3132]

I always tie down the vehicle before loading the bed horizontally because if I have a car that the parking brake is weak and the transmission won't go in park it won't roll on me when I load it up. And I leave a bit of tension on the wench to snug down on the wheel straps. It keeps the car more secure especially when driving on a long haul and bumpy roads.

[@adana.arriazas.1111]

Thank you for showing all of us how to professionally load/unload a car and making sure no damage occurs to your load when transporting it. Thanks. Arriaza family in San Francisco California!

[@hammah_tow]

That’s why you roll down the window a bit so you can leave the keys in the car (cup holder) otherwise you’ll be wasting your diesel and time driving back to deliver a key from a job you just finished how ever far it was from A to B in the 1st place. Who knows how far you’ll be by the time you remember you have the key in your pocket.

[@ryancrowley7707]

Thank you I'ma bout to get let loose with the flat bed your teaching helps alot

[@devinmyers8430]

I have an interview tomorrow to drive for a recovery company. I've never drove a rollback before. Closest experience I have is a box truck. This was very informational and gave me alot of insight. Something I would recommend to add in the future is 1. Where to stop backing up when loading a vehicle 2. When to start tilting your bed, whether it be loading or unloading. Thanks for the rest though it's given me slot of confidence.

[@donaldchastain6847]

thank you my friend

[@larrygonzales7410]

I come from the same background

[@williamstamper442]

Don't do it like the guy who delivered my snap on tool box to my then new job in 2017... I was right there nervous as hell as we made it across town. I'm on the ramp gonna guide the handle down slowly. He released it and it went rolling hard. Made it on two wheels without tipping over then curved into my new bosses car broadside. I caught it last moment as it slowed down about 6-8 inches from the side of bosses car who I didn't even know yet. Yeah I got that tow for free because I filmed it on my phone and showed HIS boss.

[@ghostridahdawarrior1120]

Over here my friend

[@frescabigblock]

Hi Don, I have a 1986 Chevy C30 Danco rollback with a stinger/ tow bar. Do you have any videos on how to use the stinger/ tow bar?

[@Moradach]

Donald, thank you so much for your video. Very informative and went step by step. I appreciate that alot.

[@dman357]

Great video. Im not out here to support the government, I pay my taxes and thats all they need from me. That statement is a classic. 😂😂

[@supchurch8055]

Bridal ... Choke the bridal ( shortenin up the chain ) sheesh . Important if you dont wanna pay for bumper covers ... Leave enough slack , the center hook stays clear . Once its on the deck chock the wheel till a saftey chain is within reach of an eyelet ( especialy if you load in front of a cruiser ) otherwise ... 4 wheel 1500-6000lbs cannon ball . Cross the rear chains or straps ( unless you basket the wheels ) keeps rear of load centered , even tension on securements ... no need for wratchets at the rear that way , a bit quicker and more secure , just synch an inch ( dont misalighn the car being an ass with the winch ) first and last things i use wether loading or unloading saftey chocks or chain.

[@subradiant_music]

The proper way to tow. Unlike the scumbags that all do it in park and or in gear and smash awd systems because they didn't use dollys

[@clusa3721]

Many thanks for the instructions. At the end though, ... seeing that you just placed the hooks in that hole for that purpose and not pulling the chains so these, being lose and the bumps on the road could come up from the hole and start jumping and reaching the edges ... well, if you are in a highway and at high speed it could become dangerous for the rest of the drivers around you.. I have seen lots of videos of people forgetting tools, etc and things that for not being tight and secured enough... have cause accidents and even deaths. please, do not forget that. Thank you.

[@jamesmunn4689]

Put your front wheels locked down first when taking off you unlock your back wheels first as many a dead tow truck drivers who did it this way you do it my way and you'll live as old as I am and I've been Towing before they had flatbeds and wheels when we first started telling it was with a come along an homemade boom

[@hermanodell2704]

You forgot one thing before you unload the car show me the money I'm not to far from you in saint Joseph mo thanks for the video getting some info and fresh up skills it's been 20 years since I've been in a tow truck and getting ready to jump in one to help a good friend out be safe out there and I Hollar at you again

[@normanwells2755]

That answers my question. I heard many people say you can't tow a car with automatic that won't start. But obviously you can for the 20 feet or so it takes to get it up on a deck.

[@invisible.spectra5809]

Thank you fellow Missourian, thanks to you I won’t look too clueless on my first day. Edit: I’m not completely green to towing but I’ve never run a rollback, so getting to see a step by step with lil tips is very helpful

[@Deesaigh]

I watched it in full, you’re an awesome instructor ever. 😊 Thank you for taking the time to show us how is it made😂😂👍👍👍

[@johnstoessel2791]

I'm being trained in rollback my self minute the vehicle on ramp which ever side I'm on always strap the front wheel first before moving bed

[@gruesomely2760]

I start training tomorrow I’m excited! I won’t be dealing with road recoveries or repos simply auction vehicles.

[@KW-CCCO]

Thanks, I am getting ready to buy out a local tow company. He is providing some training as part of the purchase agreement but a little more won't hurt. Maybe even look like I know something from the start.

[@donaldchastain6847]

good luck to you my friend

[@KW-CCCO]

@@donaldchastain6847 Thanks. I'm going to be a owner by the 15th of Jan. Closing my shop after 20 years at the end of this month. Sick of turning wrenches and need a change.

[@KW-CCCO]

@@donaldchastain6847 Finally am up and running since yesterday afternoon. Took my insurance a week to get the info to the PUC proving I have sufficient coverage, garage keepers etc.. ! Thanks

[@tharealsugardaddy]

How is it going now?

[@jackielee5815]

I like it.you are very good man take care the car going up flatbed tow truck .you are very carefull put car on to flatbed tie it up and untie car.you should own tow truck company for your self.i am pround of you do good job.

[@hustlinsteaks5320]

Thanks👍🙏😇

[@swfdrone7854]

Dude killer video! Thanks buddy I learned a lot.

[@johnw8103]

Throwing them straps over, doesn't sound good. "What if" Awesome video other than that.

[@martinmcdoniel4551]

Safety chains are always good 5 places of attachment at a minimum in my state and I do the exact same as you in fact I've gotten ideas and tips watching your videos. Been doing it for 25 yrs

[@donaldchastain6847]

I appreciate you watching my videos when I'm glad I could give you some tips I've been doing this since I was 15 years old I am now 48 years old be safe brother

[@jcottcgraves3009]

I dont never ever put my straps on half way. Why would you only put straps over a tire. Less then halfway. . Hes cool for trying

[@tylerkoontz9171]

Question. How do you know when to start tilting the bed to put the least strain on the hydraulics and truck itself?

[@SwedishNutLathe]

Our wheel lift tow truck is down and I knew enough to be safe in a flatbed, but I knew I was fighting myself every time with strap tightness and unloading the trucks. This video has me moving smooth and using my body a lot smarter. Thank you so much! -Young Fleet Mechanic

[@donaldchastain6847]

Thank you for watching my video I'm glad it helps you out some

[@dominictv5275]

Man you are awesome thank you very much this video was very helpful and informative

[@juangaytan8467]

We just purchased a flat bed and we are on our way to take my girl ex boyfriend sqautted shitbox

[@bryancooper2684]

Awesome video I love learning from old dogs like you! I climb cell towers now, The older guys knowledge is priceless. Made me real good at what I do. thinking about doing some towing. knocking down the climbing hours, Getting rough on the body. You look like a tough horse! Stay safe out there brother.🤙🤙 You have a gift that most people dont...common sense! Say hi if you're ever near Chicago.

[@donaldchastain6847]

My friend I appreciate you thank you be safe

[@wallyjohnson8143]

I let my son watch your videos,before he gets in the truck and practice...these kids LISTEN to Donald but they dont listen to me the ole man.

[@donaldchastain6847]

My boys are the same way they won't listen to me for nothing but they listen to everybody else

[@stevehansen6792]

My son is a Veteran Cav Scout 19D and won’t listen to but he’ll listen to every bar flie lol

[@philiprosenstock9667]

What happens if the cable breaks when you have the bed titled not cool,maybe you should rethink that

[@mperez46222]

Thanks u explained so clearly. Im going to my interview tomorrow to get me a job towing.

[@donaldchastain6847]

Thank you my friend for watching my videos good luck on your job interview

[@georzas]

i keep the wich tight i feel its safer that way, and when i winch the car on the bed i strap which ever tires are on the top off the bed first then pick up the bed. then i do the second set off tires and last i tighten the winch more

[@irishcowboy6908]

Wheel Lift straps are being uses as a cargo straps .... ur city must not have pot holes ???

[@Juliussmoothie]

I appretiate the video, I’m new to trucking and most jobs you get seem to be learn as you go and most guys don’t want to teach you lol. Thanks!

[@donaldchastain6847]

I've I've never fully understood why companies would put drivers in the truck and not knowing really what they're doing that leaves too much room for somebody to get hurt

[@Juliussmoothie]

I completely agree, sadly it’s like that in my area. My second day doing towing and I was on my own lol

[@irishcowboy6908]

NO GLOVES NO KNEE PADS NO FLOOR MAT NO SAFTEY GLASSES ! SAME HANDS ON INTERIOR OF THE CUSTOMER VEHICLE????

[@toddabel13]

Are all states the same? I drove a rollback in Maryland and we were required to leave the cars in neutral.

[@justice8563]

What if you can’t get to the front of the vehicle? Can it be loaded from the back?

[@leogonzalez5846]

Thank you sir 🙏 great video

[@christophershawnmaddox6892]

Thank you 🙏 for making the video it was a great teaching tool I am getting started

[@donaldchastain6847]

My friend you are more than welcome be careful

[@jordanjay1479]

Don't losen the the winch. Straps can break and theres always a possible someome could rear end you at high speed.

[@donaldchastain6847]

It could happen

[@cashus68]

Thank you very much i have to get a mini pickup now i know how to :)

[@cody8432]

Hey man love the videos I’m from leesummit mo not far from u and hoping to start towing soon

[@Burt12359]

Thanks for this video! Much appreciated 👍

[@batsactionsports4429]

This is a great video. For added safety and security I keep my tools in the side compartments and on the passenger side because I do alot of freeway work. Makes me feel like a human bowling pin. Then when I go to lunch they are already locked in their compartments

[@donaldchastain6847]

I tell everybody that I've ever trained when you start working your own truck to set it up how you want it cuz everybody sets the others up differently to make it more efficient for them

[@rctopfueler2841]

towing looks fun ,can i get a job there too?

[@gazof-the-north1980]

So I take it this type of truck is predominately for recovering vehicles that have BROKEN DOWN. Its not really intended to recover vehicles that have crashed and are laying on their side in a ditch? Thanks

[@donaldchastain6847]

I do it all with these flatbed trucks to me you couldn't ask for a better truck to use than a flatbed

[@sylvesternelms1557]

Need a new camera person. They are too close. A mess, but good content.

[@marshad.9149]

Thanks! I start tomorrow. Wish me luck.

[@offsimon]

European cars (cars sold for the European market, not just cars made in Europe) usually have just one hook to tow or a screw-on hook or nothing at all. Most of the time there also aren't any usable holes in the chassis. Long story short not a lot of options. So many times I simply hook the cable on the low loading arm (unless it's aluminum).

[@donaldchastain6847]

You are right about not having no choices I usually just use a soft wrap around the lower a arm

[@raptorburro8527]

No need to tighten the bridle you should have plenty of room only time I see this step useful is on a full side pickup but even then I’d grab from the rear axle or the frame. Then again your bed is smaller so I can see why also I usually grab from the A-arms and the keys stay in vehicle with window down unless raining or dead batter. You should never pull bed up until you have a front safety chain and the rear chains are tight then bed goes up. However. This is the way we do things and like you say everyone is different whatever works for you.

[@donaldchastain6847]

So very true everybody does things differently different Straits different cities have different rules

[@mikeburton1703]

good job and i learned a couple things that i will now use when i am working my truck......

[@emmanuelcaban4129]

You need people work for you

[@donaldchastain6847]

I would love to have my own company but here in Kansas City there's way too many Towing trucks

[@haiderk3246]

Thanks to you sir 🙏

[@donaldchastain6847]

You are more than welcome thank you for watching my video

[@lucasmarcilio2725]

Hey boss man your videos are very helpful I’m looking to buy a tow truck and I’ve been watching a lot of videos .they are very helpful thank you so much!!

[@donaldchastain6847]

I am glad I can help you be safe

[@karage1035]

Well explained,, very bad video. Fire the camera man.

[@youknoweverything7643]

Thanks for video I just got my first towing job I have used a pto abd flat bed truck before but never as a job so wanted to see how a pro does it they know I never worked as a driver before abd told them i dont know anything so I can learn as much as possible

[@donaldchastain6847]

Glad I could help BE SAFE

[@irishcowboy6908]

DOT IN TEXAS SEE HIS EQUIPMENT AND SKILLS , THEY WILL COMMIT SUICIDE

[@lukes2219]

This is really good. I’d just like to add that the laws generally require 4 tie downs minimum. Not including the winch.

[@donaldchastain6847]

YES THEY DO

[@cristianabreu7797]

Tips that this guy missed, safety first Make sure your light are on, use your cones, set ebrake before turning on THE PTO, shock block the rear tire of your truck, get familiar with the locking point of your flatbed, while loading the vehicle stay away from traffic using the control away from traffic, don’t turn your back on coming traffic. I can write a book of things that a tow truck driver need to know an understand.

[@angelbaez6756]

I like this guy lol thanks for the video . Here in 2022

[@CodyOsborne-i8e]

I just need this guy to say, "dammit Bobby!"

[@eric20234]

On lower cars how does the chain not rub the bumper of car?

[@chuckmiller9469]

I seen s couple of outfits that don't know what they are doing. You look like you know what you are doing Good luck.. Look out for those speering cars

[@donaldchastain6847]

Thank you my friend I appreciate that

[@doubleatowing1035]

Thanks for the useful information I am using in my towing business

[@icemanredback979]

Thanks for take the time to do the basics that helps a lot to people the are new in the business ,Cheer's

[@donaldchastain6847]

You are more than welcome I'm glad I could help you

[@platec4798]

Thank you for posting. Plate C

[@demariodixon716]

Thank you my friend I just got hired at AAA

[@stevemarroquin9766]

Just got into towing recently, awesome video. Biggest learning curve so far has gotta be the ratchet straps

[@erikcaldwell2913]

How do you find cars that need toed without an address, or the stranded driver can't tell you the name of the street? Oh, and do you use your phones gps, or a road map?

[@donaldchastain6847]

Sometimes it's hard to find people just because I have no idea where they're at but I have GPS on my phone I also have a Garmin GPS and sometimes I have to have them go on their phones on their Google and send me a PIN to show me the location sometimes it's a lot of fun finding people

[@rosariopistone5843]

Thank you for this video I am just starting to do time and the guy who has been training me has called me everything you have in the video all truck is slightly different but practically the same I did not know that you could put the PTO brake on to let the chain move down when you had the bed come with a chain stay down fighter surprise my boss with that one thank you for this video you are a great teacher