Heavy Tire Lift Tow

Using a heavy tire lift to tow a fully loaded tractor/trailer behind our 1150R Peterbilt. Includes installing and hooking up the tire lift and break-away chains.
www.paypal.me/RotatorRon If you like my videos.....tips appreciated but not required.
www.midwesttruck.net/

[@RonPratt]

One common question seems to be why I did not "tie" or "secure" the steering wheel. The answer is quite simple...the steering tires can't move once they are strapped into the tire lift, therefore there is no need to secure the steering wheel. Otherwise, on a front tow, the primary purpose for securing the steering wheel is so that the steer tires do not turn out while in tow. Securing the steering wheel for a rear tow is absolutely necessary. Hope this adequately answers your questions. Thanks and God bless.

[@steventhibault8837]

love your videos

[@gn02020202]

As as side note for folks who keep asking these questions, I had run across quite a few videos a few years ago where someone "forgot" to secure the steering wheel while towing backwards. In those videos the bus or car can "steer" to the side and easily take up multiple freeway lanes. Securing the steer tires is only needed when those are on the ground and we want them to travel in a straight line. With the front wheels off the ground, there is no need to secure the steering wheel.

[@MrShujinJonmichal]

Ron, can you please make a youtube video of showing how to cage an air or disc brake on a tractor and trailer? Jonmichal walker

[@JonTomCrist800]

Ron Pratt I love your video ever

[@Devourer221]

i have heard stories of the tires rotating on the wheel lift and falling down the gap, but never heard of it myself. I must admit I do it just as a safety precaution as I'd rather not find out. Definately don't think you're wrong however

[@daviddickey4331]

I really enjoy Ron Pratt videos because he explains alot of what's he is doing. He knows his towing skills,. Who wouldn't love to be his '' swamper & right hand towing helper. He also have a big heart. Everybody that watches his awsome channel leave him a thumbs up and always keep a prayer for him because it's a truly one of the world's hardest roadside jobs. Thank you Ron Pratt for the time for the great videos.............So keep them videos rolling !! God bless. Ol school 80's Trucker David Dickey '' Bonecrusher '' Richmond, Virginia '' Subscriber ''

[@RonPratt]

Thank you so much and God bless.

[@CLDiesel02]

I fell in love with these videos because of my grandfather. He ran a towing business in Illinois for 40 years and he loved every minute of it. I miss him.

[@MRHSDM316SD18186]

Ron, we all talk to ourselves when we need expert advice.

[@clydebalcom8252]

What really grinds my gears are drivers that ignore common courtesy and respect for first responders. You stay safe out there.

[@jimhubbell8364]

I've seen those hardhat halo lights on nighttime highway construction sites. They sure make the workers more visible. Good job doing everything you can to stay safe.

[@darrenslatta]

I wonder how many reports of ufo sightings there's been since Ron got the halo

[@realreviews4963]

I love how Ron and his team take such pride in every job they do. They never seem to be in a hurry and rushing to just slam bang a tow that ends up damaging a rig. I have no towing background but I can see the pride you and your team take in your work. God Bless and stay safe out there.

[@bigscout1584]

If you're to ask me, Miller makes the best truck equipment yet. Sometimes new ain't always better

[@Rags722]

Looks like that kind of front axle and a flat front tire could make for a real long night! Nice seeing you able to work without traffic blasting past at 70 MPH!

[@TarHeelBrit]

Well that wasn't what i was expecting LOL. I was expecting you to pull up on a low bed that had dumped it's load of tyres and rims for something like a Cat 797 and you had to pick them out of a ditch and back on the trailer. Thank you Ron and Tom for another excellent video.

[@2509498788]

One hell of a rig , you have .. amazing unit... You work it well Mr Pratt

[@annesadosky9856]

Those rollers to help with the break away chains are awesome. Save a lot of time

[@RonPratt]

They are quite handy. Thanks for watching and God bless.

[@DavidThomas-qu8mh]

Many hands make light work. Tom is probably the last of the old breed. It is so nice to see Tom working with you, Ron; he is an asset to the company.

[@rayo6779]

still amazed at what they can tow I drive a 1 ton wrecker for 17 years and towed the airbag trailer to many rollovers and always wanted to drive a heavy wrecker these trucks can move mountains lol thanks for the videos

[@davidschweikhart459]

I am absolutely impressed at the capabilities of that Wrecker. Wow!

[@johngritman4840]

One thing I like about these videos is your attitude toward your employees. Not much of a BOSS but a great teacher/mentor. I am helping my son in law build a trucking business for over-height, over-width, over weight hauls. What fun! I started out on Wall St. and ended up as a financial executive in manufacturing! So I ask a LOT of questions and force him to think things through. Mentoring for some is tiresome but for some of us is just plain fun. He'll starve for three and thrive in five. Thanks forr the great videos.

[@bengtkorswing5279]

I love you videos. Lost my job last week (last week of May2020) so now i need something to do to rest my mind before getting on with job hunting. Your videos are great, balsam for the mind :-)

[@jamesbarnhartsr5745]

From a 70 yr old 40 yr trucker retired 5 yrs ago. Sounds like the computer died. Had the same thing happen to a driver at a company i worked for about 20 some yrs ago. Pulled in to fuel fuel and truck would not start when finished. You got to love all the new stuff. At least the old ones we could usually get going again. Nice vids and very nice truck.

[@killer2600]

As stated in the video, fuel wasn't getting to the engine for whatever reason.

[@bobschannel60]

James, we must be about the same age... I am 72 & 30-year trucker... be safe & good health to you, my friend...!!!

[@jeffreycarpenter7485]

3 for reverse and 2 for forward horn "toots" is from the railroad days. Love it .

[@HuliMAKAflip808]

You know Ron, I religiously watch your videos and I truly enjoy them. I can tell you take such good care of your team because of the mutual respect. I can see how you and Tom have such great rapport with each other. A great leader makes for a great team. Keep them videos comin’!!! God Bless!

[@richardy1660]

Your videos are almost the only ones I will watch that are an hour long. The others are usually documentaries on a subject I have a real interest in. That said, thank you for the entertainment and information. I think I'll watch another one now.

[@DanielPerryRally]

I like Tom, he has a good sense of humor haha

[@momelendez8900]

I agree. Tom is one of the old timers that still does the job with a cig in his mouth. One of the last of his kind.

[@Not_brainwashed]

It was funny when he said I talk to myself and I'm not even on camera

[@brucehansen2124]

Daniel Perry Motorsports

[@RonPratt]

Tom is good guy, great heart and good worker. God bless.

[@richardcline1337]

Mauricio Melendez, the bad part is if, like me, you are badly allergic to cig smoke, working with someone like Tom can cost you at least a day's lost wages while you finish barfin' your guts out from breathing the smoke. You learn very quickly to stay "upwind" of them.

[@gundogger]

I learnt my trade as a British Master Mariner in the days of steam winches,using wire blocks on all derricks including heavy lift derricks of 25 tons. Our wires would flatten and kink after some use and would have to be replaced. And we did our own wire splicing!Watching your videos I am amazed at how long your wires are as your vehicle is not that big but must have winch drums of a very large diameter as there are no signs of bending stresses in the wire when you free spool. I find your videos fascinating.I particularly like the way you use snatch blocks much like the way we did when unloading heavy items stowed at the side or ens of our holds.But I do wish you Americans would pronounce the "T"s in such words as "interstate","butter" not "budder"! Otherwise I wish you well.Thanks for the clarity of description. Best regards,Terry

[@n830994k]

The reflective arrows and lighting on the inside of those doors was a smart idea! Ron, I’m so extra I probably have lined the arrows with a strip of yellow sequential LED’s for good measure, but reflection tape gets ‘er done! Im sure Nancy Baer was lucky to ride the Rotator!

[@teamstr259]

Excellent job as always Ron. I've driven wheel lifts on Lt and Md duty trucks. I've heard of Heavy duty (wheel lift) but i have never actually used one or seen one being used. I knew the concept was the same. I really enjoy watching you and your team work. You are very professional and knowledgeable. I haven't been in a tow truck in 5 1/2 almost 6 years and i must say i miss the excitement of police tows and testing myself with each tow or recovery. Watching you brings me right back and i feel like i learn something new every video. Thanks again Ron for putting up these videos i look forward to seeing seeing and learning more.

[@kthomas7895]

Ron & Tom make a good team. I noticed how both Midwest trucks and customer truck was nice and clean.

[@laszlodesimon4768]

Awesome video of a great tow. Unless I may have missed it, it would be great to have a tutorial video on your truck and all the things it comes with and what you did to make it so dog gone functional! I'm always blown away at how you have EVERYTHING needed to get the job done! You're amazing! Thank you for educating us on such a necessary task.

[@michaelhyde-parker6344]

I love how you teach people how & why you do things as you do them.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

ron is a true pro. always a pleasure watching. really like how he explains not only the "how" but the "why". look forward to the next one.

[@RonPratt]

Thank you and God bless.

[@gorillaau]

He does spot training right. No rushing anyone.

[@GMan-yv8cb]

I found/find The "WHY" to be incredibly important! I think it helps the lesson 'stick' a little better! IMO, It's a sign of a good teacher and Great Boss! It also caused me to HATE the all-too-common- "Why?" "Because! That's how you do it! Don't worry about it !" ( AKA:I have NO idea)

[@toddburgess1733]

Hey Ron I am from Ontario canada I enjoy watching ur videos I am a light duty towtruck driver so some of the stuff u do i.e winching out of ditchs I can put to good use be safe and keep towing

[@Kickinpony66]

@6:21 Sounding the Horn 3 Times... I'm a US Navy Submarine Service Veteran (5 July, 1990-5 July, 1996; Navigation Electronics Technician), and 3 Short Blasts from the Ships Whistle means "Propulsion Astern", or Backing Up. On a side-note...At least she broke down next to a Food Source (Mickey D's). I wouldn't have thought a truck would have Front Axle Air-Bags, I've only seen leaf and coil springs (I learned something new) :) I truly like your videos Ron. You always explain what you're doing, and why you're doing it. You always promote Safety, and new Safety Equipment (like the Halo).

[@123tylerwebster]

The night videos are my favorite, I love seeing all the Tator lights.

[@florestom4422]

Ron I personally think you make the most informative videos out there on KZbin I didn't know there was a wheel lift for tractor trailers again your tutorials are so informative I'm a retired truck driver and I love every one of your videos God bless you and God bless your work

[@mpccenturion]

PS - I always see you teaching staff, bringing them through real wrecks and both get to toss solutions, until you got the best set-up. Be Safe.

[@donaldlehman1479]

Am i a bad person for wanting people to break down so i can enjoy your awsome videos? *.~

[@farenheit4513]

I could easily slip into that category... I used to recover army vehicles, years ago, in a previous life. I just love the way he tackles a job, even it's not my way. Rock on Ron, doing it Country style.

[@buckeyesrule3664]

Donald Lehman it's not bad or good I mean I do too but he makes money so do t feel good

[@RonPratt]

Not at all, but thank you for wanting to watch. God bless.

[@RonPratt]

Thank you very much and God bless.

[@RonPratt]

LOL, God bess.

[@momelendez8900]

I was wondering in a previous video why you don't use those wheel lifts more often but now I see why. They are a pain in the butt. Great video as always

[@thomashouser9456]

There is so much to know and steps to do to tow those semis; much more than I would have imagined before watching your videos. Since I happened onto your site curiously looking for heavy equipment, I've watched many other people in your trade doing similar things. I'm not exaggerating to say that yours are the best videos. You are obviously very good at this, you have great equipment, you explain what you are doing (and why even, most of the time),. I haven't seen anything that comes close to these. I don't get to see these kinds of things in my daily life. And I appreciate that you take so much care on so many levels.

[@RonPratt]

Thank you so much for the kind words. God bless.

[@klyonsden]

Great help there! Nice to see us older folks are still needed!

[@kens.3729]

Thank GOD there are Great 👍 Companies like yours out there and able to help a Stranded Driver. Means a Whole Lot to the individual Stranded. Thanks!

[@mirrorimagecattleco]

I do believe if you look up professionalism in the dictionary, you will see a picture of Mr. Pratt

[@chrisfenner5949]

One thing miller doesn't do is set up back of truck for ease of air hook up. First thing I changed. All standard fittings and taps for different trucks. Got rid of those hard plastic semi hoses that come with it with odd fittings. Makes life so much easier when hooking up. Love your channel.

[@edwardpage8959]

Ron, Well done on adding the reflective arrows to the driver side compartment doors. Smart idea! Merry Christmas!

[@thomaspigg306]

Ron, if those Halo lights on your helmet start spinning any faster it's gonna take off towards outer space 😁!!! Another fine video and job "Well DOne!!!" God Bless Brother!

[@jondinnel5270]

My son & I love watching ur videos! Love ur compassion for the job and ur willingness to teach and be patient with employees wanting to learn

[@thomasdaniel9510]

hi ron,great video as usual..glad to see that u are serious about safety..some channels i see th tow truck operator doest even horn 3 times when backing up,no safety cones while at the side of a busy highway...those people can surely learn alot from you about safety

[@edwardfinneran5734]

RON great show on Heavy Tire LIFT Tow; keep the good work, the people really do need you. God Bless and be safe.

[@ruelreed2719]

I'd like to thank you for all your videos ron-they've given me a new outlook on what you gentlemen do for a living and I've seen you do some amazing things with the rotator but I never thought it able to be equipped to pick up a tractor trailer with a wheel lift that is just amazing be safe sir maybe I'll see you on the road someday

[@Jeddco66]

Listen to that Peter purrrrrrr--give me more boss.

[@hermanosamuel8744]

I love the show for both edification and entertainment. Some of us are just tool, gear and equipment kinda folks and just enjoy this kind of stuff. If I had the time and wasn't DOING related things myself, I could pretty much watch this, construction and, shop forging all day. Okay, maybe some puppies too. Lol. I also super appreciate your attitude. Thanks Ron and the rest of your crew. HS

[@aircooledtx]

That was long recovery, allot to do. Good job, Ron & Tom

[@tracywilliams4907]

The rotator is such a beautiful truck Ron God bless you and be safe.

[@dianekaminski4447]

I have been watching your videos for a while now, well... catching up on videos that you made two years ago. Always amazed at the way your mind tackles all these different jobs, and the seemingly endless amount of tools and accessories you have on your rigs.

[@PlasmaRaven]

thank god for having somebody to help u right Ron having help helps alot

[@beezser]

hi Ron, in my heavy recovery days in England in the 70s im sure we had a air connector at the front of trucks to charge the air system made it so easy to get air into vehicle just a short coil pipe required, again very professional job. thanks Karl

[@Northstar4653]

Another Ron Pratt great job and video... Have a safe and blessed Christmas Ron and Family. And to all the holiday truckers and travelers take your time have patience and a safe holiday.

[@Quadflash]

Ron, you're not going to need to go to the gym Monday. That looked like a lot of work!

[@albertoherrera7801]

Watching your videos make want to go back to towing I still do it but not recoveries and not every day keep the good work and be safe out there is not a easy job not everybody can do it God Bless.

[@stanleygriffiths2750]

Ron, it is interesting to watch the work you do with that big well equipped rig of yours, she sure can handle some tonnage !!

[@JohnniePokemonNj]

Ron I would like to say great videos one of your videos popped up in my feed and I watched it and been hooked I have been going thru all your videos watching and liking them all I always wanted to do the job you have but could never get my foot in the door so I became a mechanic in till a few years ago I got a job doing hvacr I would quit my job to get my foot in the door with a company like your great job

[@timrowland1490]

Ron Pratt and Tommy did it this time together! Job well done!🙏❤️🇺🇸👼🏼😎🇺🇸

[@Thirdbase9]

Another great video Ron. Have a Merry Christmas, and hopefully a quiet one.

[@terrencestewart7373]

Fantastic video Ron, please keep them coming. God bless.

[@xheralt]

Yup, three toots is standard warning for "I am reversing" whether one is operating a truck, boat, or railroad engine.

[@fordmanfinis]

Or backing out of a Wal-Mart aisle you hope is empty.

[@bryanmarshall9667]

A hauler in the mine too..

[@paulstan9828]

Always amazing how much is involved in doing a tow. Everyone is different.

[@danachappell3861]

I somehow missed this one.. lol :) Great work yet again. :) So glad you could get the truck to your garage before any weather closed in. Hoping the problem was minor and could be fixed quickly. God bless you all, and keep her between the lines. :)

[@RonPratt]

Thank you and God bless

[@ManxAndy]

Another fantastic, professional job....well done Ron....👍

[@michaelking9173]

Hey ron my name is michael king and im a truck driver, i enjoy watching your videos. I use your method when backing up i do 3 toots of the horn.

[@katieamarshh]

Loving the addition of the halo on the hat, amused by your reaction to it in the reflection.

[@davidjfiedler]

I love the boom cam recap. It amazes me how much work goes into a “simple” tow. Great job and God bless!

[@MissYijare]

I just saw the webadress of the Trucking Company (@about 3:38 )and lucky searched it. The Truck that broke down is a beauty, if i can say so from the pictures on the website of her ownership. And awesome job as always. Stay save and God bless.

[@diannaf4821]

Yay, an awesome Sunday coffee time. Great Job again Ron. Gad Tom was there to help you. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

[@kyleknittle8661]

It's always a great day when you upload a video. God bless you and be safe

[@j.5821]

Thank You for all these awesome video's watching has made me want to do a Career from mechnic to heavy tow operator.

[@stringbean9521]

I start the big rig towing Monday. Couldn't be more pumped. I'm 25 and absolutely lucked into this job. Any advice from you old timers? I'm watching every video you got tonight man

[@priestdd]

love that big wrecker Nice job Ron.

[@NZErehwon]

Another great job in the wee hours Merry Christmas Ron & the crew & Family from New Zealand

[@gregtuttle2709]

Another awesome video Ron keep them coming! Do more with Tom too he's cool

[@BlakeC94]

Nicest heavy wrecker i have seen to date, and i work around commercial vehicles at Ford. Professional as always. Keep it up!

[@epatha44]

Bless Mr. Tommy !! I talk to myself too... now I can say "it's to get some intelligent conversation" !! So nice to see respect & attention to detail Mr. Pratt !!

[@billlangdon193]

Your attention to detail and safety is amazing. Always entertaining and informative. Thanks again😊

[@killerinstinct2000]

Hey from Canada Ron. I love watching your video’s. They are always interesting and informative. You and the crew do great work. Stay safe.

[@luisalmestica9530]

I would really love a video of you explaining everything you touch and do while on a job site if that possible???

[@kentpanter2044]

Once again an outstanding video! I always learn something like the difference between the red and blue air lines. Thank you, and God bless you and all the kind people you get to work with like Tom.

[@BIGTRUCK7.3]

Your truck is so organized I wish I could say that organized very professional

[@top-dex1853]

God Bless you guys and your company. Keep up the great work.

[@bigchiefbear]

Another well presented video. You are a credit to your profession.🤗

[@genekearce7369]

the greanhoud bus drivers does that also blew the horn before backing up. great ideal .

[@germainhonino6408]

nice video ron god bless you and your fam.

[@69virgin1966]

Great video Ron as always. I have an understanding of how a lift axle works, but it was a really great idea to explain to the people that didn’t know. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if the truck you towed was at least 80k. Furniture is very heavy in some cases. That shut off valve on the other trucks air tank was a great idea 💡. Happy Holidays Thanks for sharing and God bless

[@dejanira2]

A long one but interested and all stuff that I haven't seen before. Thank you.

[@richardcline1337]

That rig has more "toys" than most people could ever imagine. Ron makes it look so simple.

[@curtislongtin3577]

I like how that is gone. Set up really nice and easy. Just time consuming.

[@vewo234]

Hi Ron, great video as always! @38min: have you ever heard/tried the „over under cable wrapping“ technique for straight hoses and cables? When using it you can throw/drag rounds of hose/cable off the roll without twisting the hose into itself. After using it a few times and untwisting/rerolling your hoses once it is easier and faster than the standard wrapping technique most people use.

[@mrmad12341234]

Hi ron from london uk great video wonderful looking truck good job stay safe and merry christmas to you and your family.

[@susanowens6393]

Another great job done by you Ron and guys

[@keitholson4978]

Awesome job !!! Love the way you explain how and what you do !!!!!!

[@janeweldon5906]

Really enjoy your videos Ron. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, Happy New Year! Keep up the good work and stay safe out there.

[@davidclarke4040]

Hi Ron good recovery nice one buddy

[@tombarker3608]

Merry Christmas Mr Pratt. To you and your family.

[@brianpeterson9751]

great video as always ron,nice to see how the wheel lift works.tom seems motivated and ready to help,which is hard to find these days, think he will be a great employee,to have on board.i have watched other videos where guys in their 20s or 30s werent anything like tom,or as helpful.stay safe out there.