Strange loads & crazy profits: Tow Truck Stories

[@jameshenthorn238]

"How did he invert his Volkswagen?" "Anti-car rock" "Extinguished the burning piano" I honestly can't pick a favorite.

[@freeroamer6962]

You forgot "helped paramedic look for needles"..lol...

[@control_the_pet_population]

When i first started dating my future wife, she lived about 6 or 7 houses west of the anti-car rock on 14 Mile Road in Birmingham. Saw a good handful of police flashers, ambulances and tow trucks over that year and a half before she moved. Crazy thing is that its not necessarily anything that should be "dangerous" on paper... Greenfield is a two lane road with a 30mph spped limit... but i guess bad drivers are always going to be bad... and drunks are always going to be drinking.

[@steckelton717]

Tbh, Anti-Car Rocks are maybe more common than you think, village in germany where I was a firefighter, at least three houses had those. We got to pull a car of each at least once.

[@Remsster]

*picking a favorite "That cost Extra"

[@harleythrelkeld7587]

@@steckelton717 a house near me paid for a dot guard rail to be put in

[@sallevadorradman1938]

"Tow the piano, use the fires extinguisher, guess what we charge extra." Honestly I could sit and listen to those lines all day long. Freaking hilarious!

[@theenzoferrari458]

Between that and it can be red are the best one. The paino it can be red.

[@Towtrucker9876]

Agreed!

[@PierreaSweedieCat]

2nd the motion! Incredible stories!

[@stevenplaskett7728]

Bring on more tow truckers they have the most crazy stories

[@fuckngreat8955]

500th like

[@Bigrignohio]

"Oh, we charge extra for that". "That's extra". "Don't worry, we charge for that". Got to love business owners who have their priorities in order.

[@eshorkin]

On tow truck company owner grave will be "That's extra" ahahahha

[@nunyastockson5901]

i mean honestly it probably worked well lol. "do whatever needs to be done. theres not a single thing thatll cost us money"

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Thats the way they work lol. I loved calling the tow truck. Always the "charge extra". Of course, once the department needs a tow or winch out, they try to get it for free. I hated working dispatch and having to make a deal with the tow company before they go out there. Once i contacted the new contract tow company. Did a winch out for free for me Deputy whongot his unit stuck.

[@ko9446]

Perfect training for billing as a lawyer

[@Bigrignohio]

@@ko9446 Now let's be fair. Lawyers only bill at a flat rate per minute. Of course that is in 1/4 hour increments. Say "high" as you pass on the street = 15 minutes in billing :)

[@NielsCG]

"I helped the paramedic to find the needles" the boss: "we'll charge extra!! "

[@kristjonpedersen9342]

I'll take "Occupational hazards no one excepted" for $500 Alex.

[@LesSharp]

When I was a teen, learning to ride a motorcycle, I was told to approach every corner as if there were the chance that someone had left a grand piano just out of sight. Now I understand the wisdom of that warning.

[@persimonsen8792]

When i took my motorcycle license, i was told to drive like i was invisible and every car tries to kill you. Then you learn to be careful and safe on two wheels.

[@MattBeardless]

That's an...interesting bit of life advice.

[@CodyDoesIt]

The ol piano around a curve trick!

[@dsloop3907]

@@persimonsen8792 Yes, ride like every car is trying to kill you.

[@leifvejby8023]

@@persimonsen8792 Guess what, I was taught the same, in Denmark - must have worked, we are still alive!

[@connormichals1435]

That rock has done it’s job many times, I’ve personally seen 4 cars meet their demise on that rock.

[@michaelm.1947]

That's crazy. Someone above linked to the Google Streetview of the area, so I took a look. What a totally innocuous-looking intersection! I'd never guess that the intersection there has that much trouble. Humans amaze me.

[@dsloop3907]

@@michaelm.1947 Uhh, look here..kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpW0qZqtZ9lqjNE

[@michaelm.1947]

@@dsloop3907 That's a different place than I was talking about. But still lots of stupidity on display there! LOL. Morons racing to see who can win the Darwin Award first.

[@datafilehunter1682]

But the tree next door was removed.

[@LVLouisCyphre]

It brings about a new meaning to the term "pet rock." I guess it was a guardian or watch "pet rock."

[@g55wingmaster]

I think a T-Shirt is in order. Flaming Piano behind a tow truck with the quote "We charge extra for that"

[@dougford5259]

"We charge extra for that." Words we love to say, hate to hear.

[@cusefan5510]

Unless it’s for guac at chipotle.

[@KlodFather]

Your Uncle Obama says you are rich and don't pay your fair share... So pony up my good sir LOL

[@chrissmith4713]

Yes I can tow a car.. I've had the five minute training 😄

[@colinklang]

Fake it until you make it. Seems to have worked out for this guy.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

I learned how to drive a semi tow truck the same way. Here's the truck have fun.

[@evergreenrider]

Every job ever

[@ABCRapster]

Amazing how it was back in the day! These days you need loads of paperwork and training to tow!

[@jaronking9484]

That happened to me. Back in 2017 when I started towing they gave me to drive an old rusty 95 international rollback truck. And 5 minutes of training. So I basically am self tought. Luckily I was mostly moving cars that were totaled cars from copart and IAA. And picking up junk cars headed to scrap. Owner was to busy to really show me what to do other then the basics.

[@dannyblack7026]

For Steve's legal services, he charges extra for that

[@robertthomas5906]

Would be funny if he does towing as a side hustle. Looks like you'll need legal services. Here's my card. See me Monday Morning.

[@joshentheosparks7492]

Nah, Steve went flat rate. He'll mop your oil spill with the skill only a lemon-law lawyer.

[@adriandenson2014]

Measurements like “ yea big “ and “ a hop skip and a jump down the way “ are my favorite increments

[@slightlycrookedworkshop]

#anythingbutmetric

[@michelinman8592]

Trust me, it's a Michigan thing! X-D

[@joshuagibson2520]

Metric fuckton is one I often use.

[@MrPlemke50]

@@michelinman8592 we use it in Wisconsin too.

[@BigUziVert2190]

My personal favourite is “the size of a Nimitz aircraft carrier”

[@jbwilliamsiii]

That was the most accurate fire extinguisher sound I have ever heard.

[@volvo09]

Phsssshhhhh

[@unorec1983]

some how we need a "that costs extra" shirt

[@CheezyDee]

It can be on the back of the new "Steve's Towing" T-Shirt.

[@ACamelEmoji]

Framed over a burning piano

[@helidude3502]

If you have the means, send him one T-shirts are kinda a fetish for him He’ll wear it on his channel

[@hopingforthebest1.9]

"We charge extra for that" with an upside down vw rabbit would make an awesome shirt

[@BenKempa]

We need that.

[@Dream0Asylum]

I'd buy one.

[@largefarva73]

This man can tell a story! Perfect delivery and depiction.

[@MrPlemke50]

He's got a great video about ordering lasagna.

[@rynohorn3819]

Check out his KZbin channel Lehto's Law

[@gooddogtrainingservices5351]

Lawyer talk. Painting a picture with words

[@fpSmoker]

Steve is quickly becoming one of my favorite storytellers. Very interesting stuff on his channel also

[@Tacoeaterboom]

His entire channel is amazing.

[@Duckyslides1447]

As a tow truck operator here in Canada I WISH I could get on a platform like this to tell stories. We have so many from funny to cool to scary to morbid, the list goes on and on. And it's always fun hearing about someone's first tows lol

[@1300BlueStar]

Got to agree with you, hearing first tow stories are always good for a laugh. Started out driving a sling truck myself, really wish I'd had a bit more training before my first tow....

[@the_kombinator]

@@1300BlueStar LMAO I didn't know what a crawler gear was, that was fun...

[@jackradzelovage6961]

well you could start your own channel where you just talk like this for a few minutes about your favorites and just let the algorithm eventually show you to people

[@jasonturner3512]

This guy's ability to tell stories is absolutely awesome. Listen to him all day. I picture the story vividly as it unfolds. Charge extra for that! Is such a cool racquet!

[@OUSWKR]

My dad drove tow truck in the late 80’s till he passed from cancer in the mid 90’s. He had a lot of crazy stories. He’s even had a few wrecks where he’s told the people that were driving to figure out what purpose God has for them because that’s the only reason they walked away.

[@juliogonzo2718]

I've told people not to buy a lottery ticket, because the have used all their luck up

[@Fireguy97]

As a former 18 year old tow truck driver (that also towed for the police department), this brought back a lot of crazy memories. Thanks Steve!

[@dwtrksvc]

Associated with this transaction somehow...what brilliant legalese speak!

[@avega2792]

I liked that a lot.

[@kentuckykuntreekiddkustoms8590]

Epic 6:52

[@plangelierwot]

I was coming to comment on the same thing.

[@colinklang]

Lol I would imagine it factored into the equation

[@leonleeds534]

These were great, really good when he's on with more stories.

[@Mr.Rogers91]

I did roadside assistance when I was 17 to 19 no towing just jump starts tire changes fuel delivery stuff like that. I made an ungodly amount of money for a young kid like that I also thoroughly enjoyed driving a car all day and night changing tired jump starting cars. Eventually the company ramped up and the pay per call was lowered to a point I didn't want to do anymore but I loved it.

[@Il0vebagels69]

LETS GO STEVE. Honestly his KZbin channel has become one of my favorites. Great story teller and really down to earth. You guys need to follow him

[@MrMikeT89]

This channel is awesome! Such great stories and cool people. My wife even enjoys this channel. Thats saying something for it being car related

[@VINwiki]

That is awesome!

[@MrPlemke50]

My wife loves Steve Lehto. We watch his lives on Sunday at noon central. He's got a great video about ordering lasagna.

[@tex77tex77]

I know Mr. Lehto converses so well due to his being a great lawyer, but I could listen to him tell stories all day. He gets details and keeps the audience interested from start to finish.

[@scottmattern482]

"I've never actually towed a piano with a tow truck" - ha!

[@Nick-IBP]

Im gonna say that I could listen to a Ficarra, Michaels, or Lehto story any day of the week and Id never get tired of it.

[@genosho5574]

I love how the the most said thing in this entire story was "We charge for that."

[@euroshane]

Tow truck charges sounds like U haul lol "if they open the door charge them" 😂😂

[@ihaia829]

I love this guy, his memory is amazing and his stories are the best. He would be a great father figure

[@windronner1]

This guy is his own story. LoL. Terrific. I look forward every time he’s on.

[@robertlee9395]

He has his own channel, Lehto's Law. 10:00 and 2:00 everyday. 1:00 live on Sunday.

[@jaredstueckel]

I never thought about how interesting tow truck stories could be, more please!!!

[@mysticmelodiesep]

As a tow truck driver I loved this. Please do more !!!

[@keith_5584]

14:20 Impound Guard: Whatcha got? Driver: Burning piano found in an intersection.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

Steve is a great story teller and an asset to the VINwiki channel. One of the things I like is the fact that he is so up to date on what is right and wrong within car law yet he is able to help those who are being targeted as ATM machines by we "want to fleece the car driver" states.

[@bergrud]

As a towtruck driver. Yes. Extra few is life. And theese were just everyday stories. Man i can Keep this channel busy.

[@weighit]

I'm pretty sure Steve used to tow cars into my Body Shop in Birmingham way back then. He worked at the little gas station on the corner about 1 mile from the shop, Quality Coach. Love hearing these stories.

[@michelinman8592]

It almost sounds like Steve Lehto was describing the Mobil on Maple and Adams, and for the life of me I cannot remember if there was another station nearby!

[@weighit]

@@michelinman8592 Bob Adams was on the corner of Woodward and Maple, the gas station Steve was at was just east of Woodward on the corner of Maple. Bob Adams towing did the majority of towing for me at that time.

[@michelinman8592]

@@weighit That's what I thought! I know there was something before the Kroger was built, and there was a run-down Holiday Inn, but I'm probably too young to remember.

[@RobotD64]

I absolutely love it when stories a RAW and candid like this.... PLUS Steve is actually a pretty good "storyteller"!

[@jakeleto627]

I ran tow trucks for a gas station from when I was 16 until about two months ago doing the same thing. In those years I’ve towed and moved some crazy stuff and wild accidents with both a rolloff and a wrecker. I relate to this 110%, awesome story’s!!!

[@runarandersen878]

We need more tow stories. I think there are many tow truckers with great stories.

[@williambrennan5701]

We had a ford tow truck like that, we once towed a semi truck 100 miles down the interstate with a chain rigged inside a piece of pipe .We used an extension cord hooked to one of the trucks batteries to power a tiny tire pump to keep just enough air pressure to keep the breaks from engaging, the stopping power all came from the tow truck, that was one wild ride

[@Swerve1982]

As a wrecker operator in the Marines, this was especially interesting to watch, and the way Steve tells it is just awesome, we charge extra for that!

[@edg3818]

I'm from the same area as Steve, so cool to hear all these old stories and know exactly where they happened!

[@stanleyshostak2737]

Steve is a great storyteller and has a great podcast too! Wicked smart guy.

[@bobmcl2406]

That was a great set of stories! It took me back to my first job, at 17, working the graveyard shift at a 24- hour gas and service station. The best stories always happened around 2 am. I hope young people still get good stories out of their first jobs.....

[@mrkevinjmiller]

LOL "We charge extra for that" is a great punch line.

[@AndrewTheRadarMan]

"So there's this huge land yacht... the size of a Nimitz aircraft carrier" Lmao

[@Pointlesschan]

I’m guessing maybe Cadillac Sedan de Ville?

[@youtubeviewer9523]

"that will costs extra" is my new favourite phrase

[@ericsaresky6246]

Ya know, if your boss from your gas station days is still alive, you should have him on here once to tell his towing stories.

[@maddermax74]

we need a part 2 and 3 and 4 of this and meany more have to get him back for more towing stories

[@joshuagibson2520]

He has many on his channel Lehtos Law.

[@alexo5861]

3:25 There is a reason why the old style Tow Trucks were called wreckers!

[@bongwater2290]

Great grandpa used to drive a tow truck. He had one story about an el Camino that hit a telephone pole and managed to get caught up in the wires and ran the pole to the point where it was hanging there. Another one where a car hit a barb wire fence and caused there to be a bunch of tension pulled on it, he said that a cop was about to cut the wire close to where the car was and said that it probably would’ve cut him in half if he did.

[@MegaNayton]

Honestly love this guys stories 👍 hopefully he's got many more to tell as I can't get enough of them

[@markiverson1031]

Worlds colliding!! I have been subscribed to Lehto's Law for while. Love his stories, especially ones with tow trucks and his own vehicles! Thinking of a certain military truck here. :)

[@scurfdude]

I worked nights as a tow truck driver for 3 years in college. Lots of fun memories and the pay was excellent for a student.

[@claireernst693]

I love Steve’s stories, and I found his channel through watching VINWiki. I love the variety of people you have on your channel. My dad was an overnight tow truck driver when I was little, and I used to get to go on calls with him when I was good.

[@joelmcintyre3061]

I love your stories Mr. Lehto. I used to tow as well and I think we all have many great and some not great stories about that work. Fatalities were very hard. Especially the young and the old.

[@colorblind1983]

“We charge extra for that.” Great Stories!!

[@Kyomara1337]

I really hope there are more of his tow truck stories coming, this was brilliant!

[@warrominator]

This makes me miss my tow truck job when I was 18. To this day it was the most interesting job I have ever done. Hope to start a towing company in a few years.

[@John1911]

Steve is always a guaranteed home run with stories!

[@brandonzilka1274]

I love Steve's crazy stories! Thanks for including him on the VINwiki channel!

[@canadianrobotlady]

More great story telling from our favourite Lemon Law Lawyer at Lehto's Law! Thanks Steve!

[@JointMasterJ]

I absolutely love those stories you guys are putting out. So entertaining yet informative in its own unique way. Keep up all the hard work friends!

[@SuperGrandPrix99]

I was a tow truck operator for a very very short time I really enjoyed it I don't know why I ever left it industry.

[@PlatypusVomit]

probably because it's dangerous and pays like shit, just like most enjoyable jobs.

[@SuperGrandPrix99]

@@PlatypusVomit your right there buddy

[@aaronguerrette]

A great interview and story teller. Always bring back

[@ChevySpeedAddict]

I love this guy's stories. Such an excellent storyteller with baller stories to back it up.

[@brentcoates5470]

Best story teller vinwiki uses. Definitely can tell his ability to speak, tell stories, that get to the point with just the right amount of details helps him in a court

[@gsmith207]

My new “most interesting Man” hero! Love his stories! Comical and entertaining.

[@bluemagoo3116]

Funny, I did the same thing as a young man, 1970 Ford, Holmes 440. It makes you grow up fast.

[@hvydutytow]

We’ve towed some seemingly random items. Tractors, golf carts, mini bikes, wheelchairs, strollers, heck, I’ve even once towed a goat. 🐐

[@bricksandpieces1]

This man is starting to grow on me

[@Bigrignohio]

Be sure to subscribe to his channel. Lots of great stories.

[@aleks138]

they charge extra for that

[@bricksandpieces1]

@@Bigrignohio what is the name of his chanel

[@aleksisoukkala]

@@bricksandpieces1 his chanel is caled Steve Lehto.

[@ianm3343]

Lehto's law

[@Badger65]

"And there's a car, which I think is associated with this transaction somehow, wedged under the telephone pole" What a nonchalant description 😂😂😂

[@MrFixItGa]

I really enjoy listening to Steve. I also listen to his KZbin channel. He's funny and he's got good stories as well.

[@HellOnWheels8]

Excellent stories from the towing past! I miss my time as a wrecker that business gives you so many different scenarios that you will end up with plenty of stories. The chase though is another level with such a heavy machine! Another awesome one VINWIKI! 🤘TEXAS!!!

[@davidvenegas6401]

"Sorry boss I had to do X,Y and Z" "Good. We charge extra for that."😏😏

[@joshacollins84]

"Ha ha! That's extra! 👍" Mr. Lehto is EXTRA! Extra interesting & cool. Keep his stories coming, please 😃

[@blairwilliams136]

Omg these stories are gold , pure gold.

[@CarsandCollectors]

We need more of these tow truck stories

[@madfzr]

Great stories and to the point. Cool dude. There should be a “charge” for other people that ramble, self promote take 1 hour to tell a 3 min story. Well done

[@Carbon_Based_Life_Form]

"thats extra!" I lmao'd every time

[@Truck_Stuff]

I love these stories I drive these roads everyday and can visualize all these roads and intersections

[@Arthur-Woolley]

I drive a flat bed tow truck in the UK and am a contractor for the police.. Love my job and I have seen some insane wrecks. Ive picked up all sorts of weird and wonderful things from mobility scooters to christmas trees!

[@peacetoyou5]

Definetly need more of these stories

[@AeroGuy07]

A statement for modern safety. A few weeks ago my brother hit a telephone pole in his 2018 Camaro. He hit it dead center at about 50mph and snapped the pole in half. He walked away without a scratch.

[@trafficality]

My dad bought a 1968 F350 wrecker in 1980. Restored it, rebuilt the engine and transmission twice. Put new brakes three times. Still holding strong. Neighbor had to use it to pull a five ton dump truck back up the hill.

[@adnaneeddie]

“ this cop 👮‍♀️ had it with the piano 🎹” that killed me looool

[@Centered.Mindset]

I live in Michigan and it’s really cool knowing these places and painting the picture in my head of the exact place and adding the crash

[@davemckee4907]

Hey Steve!I used to tow back around the middle to late 1970's.I had a 1964 Dodge d-600 with a Holms 440.I also have a lot of stories from that time.Never had to tow a piano though.

[@kenleppek]

You have some of the best stories and as a fellow michigander it makes them all the better!

[@kylegibson4963]

This has came up on my recommendations for the third time if I remember correctly and its still as good listening to it for the first time 👏🏻

[@smartman123]

love his stories .. and yes the best decision you make when u are under stress

[@HaterS2k]

the best overall "We charge extra for that!" LOL

[@jimburtwell2731]

When I started towing in the eighties we still used trucks like the one shown. I'd love to have that chev, beautiful restoration on it.

[@TheCookinHam]

As someone that's 23 and have been driving rollback for a year almost now I can say I have experience almost every one of this scenarios in similar fashion. Except the piano. My piano was a 24 foot long hay hauling trailer that had a bad wheel bearing and had caught fire... 5 times.

[@EDH90]

I cracked up at the piano falling off the garbage truck. Somebody else’s problem now. Hysterical.

[@WS102]

The funniest VinWiki video I've seen in a long time. Epic stories.

[@Ephoros]

Judging by the title, i did not expect this guy to be in the video. 😂

[@chrisholmes6311]

Steve is a great story teller 👏🏻