Semi Trailer Driver Can't Make Turn

Semi Trailer Driver Can't Make Turn. First and foremost, these guys were super cool. Alex showed up to help them in Big Flipper, our 75ton rotator. The job is simple enough, but of course being IN a loading dock made space a huge issue. Instead of pulling from the rim and dragging it while possibly damaging the rim and tires, Alex played it smart by using a spreader bar. This allowed him to lift the entire thing, with protection, for a 100% damage free lift.
Doing it this way also allows him full control and to place it as far in as the customer wants. For this specific job, the driver was very close to making it until calling it quits. If he continued further, the trailer would have hit the wall. By moving him in the middle, now he has plenty of room to allow the trailer to correct. Remember, SWING WIDE!
Fun for Alex to get a quick and easy one after all the recent monster jobs. What did you guys think? Don't forget to head to www.pepestowla.com/shop after the video and grab your cool Pepe's swag to represent your favorite tow company!
►All footage was shot with Alex's DJI Action 4. I also edit my own footage using DaVinci Resolve Studio.
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#rotator #recovery #heavyrescue #accident #heavywrecker

[@ttgk8506]

That driver has a bright future ahead of him. Having the brains to stop and admit defeat before damaging the equipment or property is rare nowadays

[@normawade9426]

Yeah, best to know your limitations instead damaging the equipment.

[@PepesTowingService]

True. People are laughing, but they'd laugh more if he called us after he hit the wall lol

[@bgmckddy]

Lack of experience does NOT mean lack of intelligence. I am confident that I could have gotten the trailer out without the rotator. But then, I've been driving semi trucks for a long time. The driver was smart to call for help before he damaged a bunch of stuff. Alex handled this easy job VERY well. I never get frustrated when people ask a bunch of questions. They're just curious. Cool video and nice to see the entire process getting everything out and then putting it all away again. Where it goes! Stay safe out there my friends!!

[@WestsideCritters]

I could have gotten that semi out and I’ve never even driven one , driver is an idiot !!! 😂

[@PepesTowingService]

Likewise, in this profession you can't get frustrated. The guys calling may legit just not be experienced or scared and it's up to us to not only handle the situation but calm them down and assure them as well

[@user-um2xi7ut5j]

How did the guy get it in there in the first place that he cannot get it out? That is not that close that it could not be driven out with a few maneuvers. As a tow operator you should have been able to get into that truck and drive it out.

[@PKerusso]

@@user-um2xi7ut5j he makes more money using the rotator

[@gudnergiovannilondono9396]

​@user-um2xi7ut5j I am not expert on semi trucks, but in Architecture, from watching this video, seems the driveway with is almost on par to the truck and trailer length, so for manoeuvring is the harder part for these drivers. Even I am questioning as to why the storage frame is in the middle of the open lot. In that warehouse, I would remove the framing to give more space for lorries to do better turnings

[@schweeb9113]

1. Kudos to the driver for realizing he was in a bad way early enough, before he destroyed his trailer and damaged the building and door. 2. You were a lot more polite with the bystanders offering you "advice" than I would have been. I guess we know why he's the bystander and you're the heavy wrecker operator. (Thank God)💪

[@loquatdumpling]

Alex in my opinion is much more than just a tow operator, intellect wise🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@schweeb9113]

@@loquatdumpling Agree wholeheartedly. And has a ton of patience as it turns out.

[@Selfmade44]

The driver of the semi is a dumb ass and dnt need a CDL.

[@markknowles8159]

Sliding Tandem Axles are not only for distributing weight. They are also good for maneuvering in some circumstances. Easier to slide while empty so I would have got the trailer in the hole with the tandems slide forward then slid them all the way to the rear when I found out that the shipper wanted the trailer on dock next to the wall. Yank the rig outa the hole when loaded then slide tandems forward for negotiating city streets.

[@damanayadekunle7232]

Well said 🎉

[@kevint.9837]

I’m not a truck driver but that’s what I was thinking get them axles to the back and it should have come right out

[@josegardead8946]

Bud when you are stook you are not able to move your axle . Axe can move straight only😮

[@MurgatroidGarfunkle]

I'm thinking it would be almost impossible to slide the axles when you're jack-knifed like that.

[@Kangenpower7]

I have to wonder what type of truck parked that trailer in that location? Maybe a day cab with a single axle? Maybe a yard truck?

[@davidwright640]

The careful putting of the equipment away shows how professional you are. I watch every video.

[@floydhelms44]

My thinking exactly, my friend.

[@ronallen6578]

How's that go: A place for everything and everything in it's place?? Or something like that 😂😂

[@colinl9018]

Alex's truck is tidier than my bedroom closet. 😂

[@GlennCrawford]

Bystanders... All of your questions will be answered by waiting and watching. Alex, you're a better man than me for the way you handled all of the talk.

[@apunderwaterdistractions9865]

Slide the tandem back and he could have made that turn with no problem, easy money for you Alex

[@nancyprovence109]

I was wondering why the tow truck operator didn't see that all he had to do was spot the driver to back in and slide. Seems like unnecessary use of equipment. He could still charge for a call and not put any wear on his truck. Hummmm...seems like a clusterf### for nothing.

[@user-oh5yt6gf5d]

As a retired semi driver I really appreciate your work.

[@SumterWrecker]

Mr Alex Nice recovery. Glad the driver stopped before damaging anything. Thanks for sharing and stay safe.

[@ocalaguy32195]

I like the fact that you say.... We treat every casualty with respect. We try not to do any more damage to someone's property.

[@colinl9018]

The EMT of rotator operators

[@angelvasquez7866]

Dang I would’ve just backed it back in to the dock and offset the trailer till I get enough clearance from that wall but that’s just me Keyboard trucking

[@jonathanrobles2932]

That's the same exact thing I was thinking

[@MurgatroidGarfunkle]

That's a blind-side back and inches from the wall. One mistake...and the damage is done.

[@arthurrichardson3439]

You can easily grab a second set of eyes for the 2 or 3 minutes it would take a competent driver to get out of that spot. In a better world the driver would pay for the rescue and the money saved added to the pay of drivers who have acquired the needed skills.@@MurgatroidGarfunkle

[@angelvasquez7866]

@@MurgatroidGarfunkle that’s driver side

[@herbpetee75]

Slide the axles as your tuning 😮 I backed a trailer in with this method, My boss had this same problem! Couldn't get it out 😮, Asked me how I got it in, I SPLAINED it to him, TOLD ME TO COME GET IT , No problem 😊😊 Some satisfaction in knowing the capabilities of the equipment 😊

[@mikebarnes1535]

Or in this instance just start your turn a lot earlier

[@Art-Dean]

Stand back, it's not his first Rodeo!

[@normawade9426]

😅🤣😂

[@gragor11]

14:31 The ladder - 3 feet above the top of the load. 1 in 4 slope away from the load. Might save a spill some day getting back on. Easy job - well executed. Nice neat truck. You're the Goat. Peace out to you to Alex.

[@danbuckley6584]

Cool combination of common sense, experience and a badass machine.

[@nancyprovence109]

Not really any common sense here. All he had to do is be a spotter, back the guy back in and slide his tandems.

[@r.o.9356]

Hey! You missed the ending!😮 where the guy pulls out and still recks the trailer and building after your gone!!🤣🤣🤣

[@dennisconnolly1]

Alex seems to work effortlessly and always sizes up the situation very promptly ..! Good job .. Also I drove trucks throughout the L.A. area for many years, I'd a been embarrassed as a M.F. to call my boss and explain that I got myself in this predicament~ I guess it happens though, good thing you guy's are always at the ready!

[@colinl9018]

Shit spot to get in and out of though, coulda been his first time there?

[@leshawthorn3772]

Great job Alex. Now that's how a professional does it folks.

[@harryscott9533]

Another awesome performance 🤓🙋‍♂️👍

[@edwinschlee8374]

Good job Alex getting the job done and explaining wgat you are doing to the guys that were watching.

[@msnpassjan2004]

You do a good job of explaining how this works.

[@mixerman1]

Just another job well done by Alex and Big Flipper

[@ronallen6578]

Only been watching a few weeks, but this appears to be about as simple a "fix" as there can be. Everybody needs a few of these😊😊

[@Military-Museum-LP]

A quicky from Alex and big flipper

[@kevinkenyon7045]

Alex another awesome job! Thanks for sharing! Kevin

[@azdr7482]

Fun Vid's Alex, Thanks. Lived in LA for years, so it's great to see my old stomping grounds. When you get older, rather climbing up on the trailer to guild the strap down the other side. Do like the deck hands do when throwing out the thick mooring lines, toss a light rope over the top, then fish over the big strap. cheers!

[@normawade9426]

I wonder how many "other" guys would have gone back to their truck to get the angle iron to protect the trailer from the lift. I bet not too many. Maybe not a BIG challenge but always well done.

[@leegoldeneagle9003]

That was a good one very nice work 👍👍👍😊

[@haroldsmith45302]

Excellent communication skills and another interesting video. Thank you.

[@jayrosenberg3646]

I found your channel after having been rescued by a tow truck driver in the central valley south of Sacramento. Thank you what doing what you do and stay safe out there!

[@Jon_Clutched]

I can't help but wonder how expensive it is to watch Alex work, live, and in person.

[@slimwantedman6694]

Good afternoon from Southeast South Dakota

[@michaelsullivan2631]

Alex; If you get a situation like this again try caring a mix of dish soap and water spray it under the tires then use the deck winch to just slide the trailer toward you. It will work great on concrete . Your movies are GREAT demonstrating what idiots the trucking industry is turning to. Thanks.

[@mrjonnyjones]

Nice job Alex, as usual!

[@railtie765]

Great job, very interesting. There is nothing you Pepe guys can’t move or recover👍👍👍😎😎

[@robertjohnston472]

Good job with the right equipment. All done safely.

[@robertmcbee4671]

Another job well done Alex!! Stay safe!

[@timothyvotaw7517]

Pepe's crew is one of the best in the business, from what I've seen of their videos. Smart, innovative, and obviously experienced, with top notch equipment. It's almost addictive to watch them work the problems out, and wrap up the jobs successfully. (I'm a retired federal hazmat officer, OSC & IC, with a lot of incidents under my belt - some pretty complex recoveries, under time crunch, spills and releases to work around, fatalities, the whole gamut. It would have been great to watch these guys, and work with them.) My compliments to Josh, Alex and their team. 👍🤙

[@malalexander3515]

Great work Alex.

[@Doug-gp2qw]

He could easily wiggled it back and forth to get it in the middle of the bay. Or he could pay someone with a day cab $100 to pull it out for him. They backed it in there, you should be able to get it out.

[@stevebrough304]

Exactly. It seems like a lame setup though. Why make it so difficult to pull out of the dock? If there was a trailer in the next dock over, you couldn't negotiate a little bit at a time to get out. Most likely this will happen again. The company should be in tune with the problem in order to prevent it.

[@stevem3605]

I thought it was gas powered 🙄. No need to wonder how he got in this predicament and why he couldn’t get out without help. But that’s what keeps the cash flowing for Pepe’s. Good job Alex!

[@jackboagard1461]

Another professional job well done 👍

[@briananderson8733]

Another good job by Alex and Big Flipper. Too bad these drivers cannot back in correctly. He was way to close to that wall.

[@Modelo646]

Love the video. But could you add the ending where the trucks pull away it would be so intetesting to see that.

[@franckneumann9882]

Methodical execution on how to fix someone screw up, and make a problem disappear. New viewer i am,enjoying it...😅

[@jamesbrewer-lk8te]

Good video. Great Job Mr.Alex.

[@davidcolesr.8628]

You are a Badass Professional Young Man, Capable with Your Rig & Rigging! Your Knowledge of Everything on that Truck from the Maximum Lift Capacity to the Current Condition is A Testament to Your CharacterYou are a True Gentleman & a Scholar Sir. Much Respect, you are One of the Very Few Things to Come out Of California 😂. I’ll catch you on the Next One, Keep it Safe out There Brother

[@AlexanderHernandez088]

thank you sir be safe

[@user-fz4fm4rv6t]

Buen video, gran trabajo,Alejandro,se quedaron sorprendidos los del almacén, un saludo❤️🖐️👍👏💪🇪🇦

[@DonPerry-nx4sr]

You can soon tell who has the experience for this job!! Very professional as usual Alex 👍 Alex, I hope you don't mind me saying that you remind me of a very young Carlos Santana☺☺

[@gregadomeit4020]

Great job Alex

[@millers29]

Alex once again great work and your continued success

[@petermccuskey1832]

Sweet little job

[@lynnmoser6918]

Displacement...one of my favorite words.

[@falcon8553]

👏👏. First time I backed a GMC farm truck and trailer (20 plus length) I had 20 foot pup trailer was a nightmare. I had been operating the tractor only. The farmer told me one evening, tomorrow you will need to learn how to pull a pup trailer also. It was a potato processing plant where I needed to unload. It was not a straight shot. I swear I thought I had taken a bath. I was covered in sweat and embarrassed as hell as people were watching my comedy of errors and laughing. I had a lot of experience driving ten wheeler trucks in the military and farms.

[@jerrypatterson6356]

Another great video guys so stay safe out there and keep the videos coming 👏👏👏👏

[@Benoit83B]

Alex answering all the tourist's questions.... What he's thinking (in my scenario in my head of course!!): Do I look like to therapist and need to answer all your questions....😂😂😂😂

[@colinl9018]

Mr cool, calm and collected does it again. Worried about that ladder though Alex, it needed to go higher than the trailer for safely coming down.👍

[@susanjakubiec4009]

Love your channel from Wisconsin

[@matthoward923]

Sometimes I think the “rigging” you carry on the the truck is worth more than the truck itself

[@slow074]

It is fun to watch heavy wreckers from other parts of the world. You struggle with heat, in Norway they struggle with snow, ice and cold temperatures at the moment. As an old truckdriver, it is also interesting to watch the big differences in vehicles. American made trucks seem to be holding on to old school with manual gearboxes and leaf springs, while in Europe the standard (mostly) is automated gearboxes and fully air suspension, not to mention the conventional vs cabover trucks. I am not saying one thing is better than another, it is just what one is used to in that part of the world.

[@d.t.4523]

Thank you, keep working.

[@frankbroker3698]

It takes experience to think ahead for the truck driver. He thought he had it made when he docked. But after he pulled forward and turned a bit, the loaded trailer was probably bound up and the tandems couldn't slide even if he wanted to.

[@s4brainsxp]

Great videos, being a firefighter, bad move putting a ground ladder up below the roof line, very dangerous !!!!

[@ricardito69]

Shouldn’t you be away from the scene staging? 😂

[@ruicampos3320]

Um serviço melhor que o outro parabéns não perco um vídeo

[@EssGeeSee]

The phrase Alex was not using with the two ‘gentlemen’ - “Go away!”.

[@thekidhartford5266]

Tow truck operator using the word malleable....respect

[@Towtruck_Dustin]

Great job!

[@gordonleahy1364]

Alex you Josh have good videos love Them

[@bejay69]

He could have reversed back into the bay then shuffled his way back into the middle.

[@PepesTowingService]

If he knew how to do that, we wouldn't have been called

[@schweeb9113]

In the infamous words of Dirty Harry, "A man's got to know his limitations."

[@davebeckner1298]

Or reverse to get straight slide the tandems to the back. No tail swing pull out looks like he has plenty of room. But the guys I know that are in the wrecker business at home say that business is booming do to more and more stupid drivers that can’t get themselves out of anything.

[@lil.kokoa2.081]

Little adjustments and ge would eventually get out.

[@michaelgoble8200]

@@PepesTowingServiceHaving seen a number of your videos, I think you deserve every penny that you earn. I would love to how much you charge and how much it costs you to do each job.

[@ransome51]

Just saw video of a truck that went over the side of a bridge in Louisville and a firefighter rescuing the driver. Reminds me of one of your videos. You have nerves of steel.

[@desmondriddler6909]

well done. I have been in tight spots like that before but luck never got stuck. a lot of the problems are the fact the planners send in the wrong truck for the job ,also the building design does not take into account for trucks and when they do some one puts stuff in the way. ,Oh and to those who do know keep away from turning trucks that over hang has will wreck your car and the driver will not even know its done it. stay safe and well ,another great video,thank you

[@shawnswanson9625]

Alex another great video love the channel

[@bignick3303]

I made a rookie mistake my first year as a driver 12 years ago. I made a sharp right turn and didn’t realize the ass end of my trailer started to push out against the vehicle in the lane to my left. I scraped up the entire right side of her vehicle. Sometimes mistakes is the best teacher. Thankfully for this guy he went with his gut.

[@vincemck2002]

Your usual professional job mate. I gotta know how it got in that predicament in the first place??? Its doing my head in....lol

[@hajujajajuha2863]

Just started to watch this video. I’ve seen some of your other videos. Very impressive work! One thing about the semis in the US. I think they have quite lot longer wheelbase than Europeans. You have the engine in front when the European semis have them under the cabin. I think longerwheelbase makes them clumsier oin places this semi is.

[@tomhawkins8775]

Good that the driver noticed an issue. But another case of trailer axles to far forward. Our new drivers are saying that they're taught to keep axles that far forward. Truck driving schools are not doing what they should be doing. TEACHING

[@StrikerV3]

Heavy duty wreckers are just cool. No debate. Like a crane and a semi had a baby haha. Plus you get to play with all the lights and levers!

[@Dave-eo4pi]

If customers want to watch a job that closely, it should cost 10% more. Good for you for being that patient though.

[@mattc.310]

Pretty slick.

[@hectorsalazar5584]

Tengo que conseguirme algunos de esos protectores blandos... ¡Qué bien! 👌

[@kelleyunofficial3269]

Some of the responses lead me to believe your explanations are too long for the attention span challenged. I liked the video, Alex does well and the comments are icing on the cake. Thanks.

[@PepesTowingService]

The comments, sheesh. I'm glad I have a set and constant fan base who are regulars, but can't get too mad at the new people since they still count as views

[@jennifergonzales3164]

Buen trabajo Alex

[@WesleyPettit-su2rq]

Mucho poquito trabàjo pàrà mucho deñaro el stupido steering wheel holder

[@backaddict673]

I was wondering if it was feasible to make a spreader bar that had snatch blocks on either end to use instead of the one snatch block connecting to the straps then to spreader bar? Would that change the load force or shearing weight? Or is it just easier the way it is?

[@clarencedavisjr7112]

Don’t let him tell you how to do your job, you know what you’re doing. You have been well trained.

[@scanmead]

My dad used to sing this song.. "Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around. It's the easiest way that I've found. Some guys can turn it on a dime, or turn it right downtown, but I need 40 acres to turn this rig around." Me? I have been known to get a power jack stuck in an empty trailer. 😂

[@djchinopolis]

ALEX YOUR GOOD MEN!

[@raykaufman7156]

Damn, I was hoping youd film him pulling out of there....lol

[@russkollin8518]

I get a kick out of some of these drives! if they had used their heads, they could have slid their trailer tandems back, pulled out, then re-slid his trailer tandems again. But, their stupidity makes Pepe's towing a lot of money. I have watched you guys over the last couple of years and marveled at how little many drivers actually understand how their equipment works. I am now retired after over 45 years over the road.

[@donaldrobey4182]

Question Josh, can you hook your Baileys rope underneath the trailer tires and pull it slowly

[@dmmarks]

Great job. I have always wondered what it cost for the service.

[@rosshall641]

make him wait!!! that's what got him in trouble in the first place from ram jamming

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

What exactly is the difference between the low speed and high speed winch settings? Is it gearing or just less flow (assuming hydraulic motors) for greater control?

[@cool2180]

There are a few things they could have done to avoid having to call for help but I guess they are not that experienced. At least they knew when to stop before potentially damaging something...lol.

[@luna-pw9ln]

I would've definitely tried to slide the Wheels

[@vince19682009]

If he only knew the stuff you guys have done! Did he think big flipper ran on "gas"?

[@philipcounsell4709]

Great job Alex, a interesting recovery can't help but think American trucks are to long to do that sort of pick up.

[@mitchelljames6959]

Great videos. Question: Have you ever encounted a broken cable or boom damage to your equipment

[@PepesTowingService]

No. That only happens when you're reckless and don't know what you're doing, period

[@moefuggerr2970]

Questioning your decisions. Those people.

[@maxum96]

Kudos to the driver for stopping before he did damage. But if I'd been driving, I would have worked the trailer back down to the dock and pulled back out, turning sooner. He had a 1'- 1.5' clearance from the wall.

[@earleddings5166]

There's no shortage of armchair quarterbacks as usual . Them that no anything seem to know it all ! Great video as usual .

[@Kangenpower7]

Hopefully the next time that driver pulls into that warehouse, they will pull out thinking "I need to turn left, so better start turning sooner as I am 1/2 way out of this dock." My guess is more than 75% of the delivery drivers make it out of that dock without the need to get a lift.