Let's talk wreckers...
 

Since I'm buying one, I guess I better get some answers.

Does anyone know what the laws are about actually using one of these for personal use? I see alot of big trucks that have "not for hire" on the side. Is that something I would have to put on by law?

What would happen if I did tow a few cars for strangers in need from time to time (and for cash) and it somehow got out. Are there wrecker police out there that are going to bust me? I'm in Pa. if that helps, I imagine every state might differ.

Lastly, the wrecker I'm getting has a boom with "Wreck Master" on it. Anyone ever hear of that brand before? I can't even find another picture on the net with this brand. I did a search and found a website with that name but it doesn't look like a company that actually converts trucks into wreckers but more a certification company. (would have been done locally here in PA)

I would love to see any good links for wreckers if anyone knows of some, please post.


Thanks,

Bob

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

it requires a license in most states to tow for money, now to tow for free or for barter, usually differs. Not for hire is generally for insurance as far as I know, so you don't have to have commercial insurance on it.

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

Im telling you what my dad di for years which is licence it as a pickup truck he would get the commercial plates rated at 16000 lbs so he could pull whatever, we never put a name or even not for hire on it just left it plain. this got us by if we were pulled over but it probably would not have gotten by in a wreck but luckily we never had any, my dad has been hauling since the mid 1960's not recommending this but just saying what we did I am going to get it insured right when I get a new motor for it.

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

When you flat tow, your vehicle must be licensed and insured. I'm not sure if the same is required when you have two of the wheels on a dolly or up in the air. But if you were doing it for money and in an accident, your insurance company could refuse to pay because you were not following the rules of the policy from what I understand.

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

Always liked wreckers. Before I joined the USAF in '66, I worked at an ESSO station that had a '53 Ford F-250 with a bed-mounted, hand-cranked boom. I hauled my '56 Mercury a couple of times and did a couple other tow jobs for my uncle.

I'd love to have one......

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

bob, pa has alot of towing laws and getting the right answers can be very difficult. i have wreckers and rollbacks and have been through some of these same questions in the last few years. i have my trucks insured for personal use only and you must put not for hire on them or you risk some big fines. also towing for someone else is considered commercial and without the proper insurance i've been told the fine for a first offense is in the $3000 dollar range, not worth it in my opinion, sure you would have to get caught first but i never felt like it was worth it. stop over at napa sometime if you have questions and we can b/s about it there. Devin

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

I checked on this not too long ago because I am thinking about a rollback. In AR you have to be bonded and have to pay a yearly fee to the towimg /recovery board. If you are private and not for hire [as I plan to be] You still have to do this because they [towing board] has to clear you to get tags. If you are found to be hauling for others they might have a hefty fine waiting for you. If you haul two [with a rollback ]they have a different fee, if you think you can get around that they have a fee to haul one and trailer one as well. Jim

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

Thanks guys. Those fines just scared me out of even considering that!

I really wasn't planning on using it to tow cars for money anyway. After all, the new cars today can't be picked up like "real" cars can anyhow. :lol:

My main plan is to restore this truck for the fun and to preserve a bit of history. Will be a cool looking truck to make it look "1969" again.

I'll come visit some time Devin.


Thanks,

Bob

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

Do a search on the net for Tow truck museums.Yes they have at least one.I believe it's in Tn.

Re: Let's talk wreckers...
 

Yep, Chattanooga Tn. Been by it plenty of times.