Ep. 299: Sketchy Wrecker Stories: Don't Try This At Home!
About this episode
Charlie, a towing and recovery business owner from Texas, shares his fascinating journey into the industry, starting from his first job in 2001. He discusses various towing stories, including the challenges of recovering heavy vehicles like cement mixers and the importance of using the right equipment. The conversation also delves into the specifics of his truck fleet, including rotators and off-road vehicles, and touches on the pros and cons of electric and hybrid trucks in commercial applications. Listeners will gain insights into towing techniques and the unique experiences that come with the job.
( https://www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! In this episode of TFL Talkin’ Trucks, Andre is joined by special guest Charlie, the owner of a wrecking company in Texas. Charlie gives us an inside look at his impressive fleet of trucks and what it takes to keep them running strong in one of the toughest jobs around. From heavy-duty wreckers to support vehicles, his operation is built to handle just about anything the road throws at it.
They also dive into what life is really like doing recovery work full time, from the day-to-day grind to the unpredictable challenges that come with the job. Charlie shares some of his craziest recoveries, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the wild situations truck operators face out in the field. It’s a fascinating conversation about trucks, towing, and the grit it takes to make it all happen.
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CDL
"...I had a CDL. I'd been hauling heavy equipment and just kind of in between jobs..."
A CDL is a special driver's license needed to drive big trucks or buses. It shows that the driver knows how to handle these large vehicles safely.
A CDL, or Commercial Driver's License, is a special license required to operate large or heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses. It ensures that drivers are trained and qualified to handle these types of vehicles safely.
Freightliner
"...he had a big Freightliner flat bed that was open and available..."
Freightliner is a brand that makes big trucks used for transporting goods. They are known for being strong and reliable.
Freightliner is a well-known manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles. They are recognized for their durability and performance, making them a popular choice for businesses in the trucking industry.
Tesla Semi
"...e is no way because a cement mixer truck, a giant semi, it's probably pretty heavy. How much did this gu..."
The Tesla Semi is a large truck that runs entirely on electricity, which is different from regular trucks that use diesel fuel. It's designed to help businesses save money on fuel and be more environmentally friendly while transporting goods.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric truck designed for freight transport, aiming to revolutionize the trucking industry with its high efficiency and lower operating costs. It features advanced technology, including autopilot capabilities and impressive acceleration for a vehicle of its size. The Semi represents Tesla's expansion into commercial vehicles, showcasing the potential for electric power in heavy-duty applications.
Ford Bronco
"...maybe one of the jeeps or the Bronco gets stuck."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV made for driving on rough roads and trails. It's popular with people who like to go off-roading.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged SUV designed for off-road use, known for its durability and capability in challenging terrains. It has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts.
off-roading
"...when we go off-roading, we have small jobs, you know, maybe one of the jeeps or the Bronco gets stuck."
Off-roading means driving on rough surfaces instead of regular roads, like dirt paths or rocky trails. It's usually done with special vehicles that can handle tough conditions.
Off-roading refers to driving a vehicle on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt, mud, sand, or rocks. It often involves navigating challenging terrains that standard vehicles are not equipped to handle.
kinetic rope
"...maybe one of the jeeps or the Bronco gets stuck. And we use maybe a stretch rope, you know, like a kinetic rope or maybe we'll win something out."
A kinetic rope is a strong rope that can stretch a bit when pulling, which helps to pull stuck vehicles out of tough spots more easily.
A kinetic rope is a specialized type of recovery rope designed to stretch and absorb energy when under load. This property allows it to effectively pull vehicles out of difficult situations, such as being stuck in mud or snow.
tow capacity
"...how much the boom capacity is and the lift capacity and the tow capacity."
Tow capacity is how much weight a truck can pull safely. It's important to know this so the truck doesn't get damaged or cause accidents when towing something heavy.
Tow capacity refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle, such as a tow truck, can safely pull. This specification is crucial for ensuring that the vehicle can handle the load without risking damage or safety issues.
35 ton truck
"...most of the heavy dudes that are out there, usually a 35 ton truck and most of them are all 80,000 pound tow capacity."
A 35 ton truck is a very large truck that can carry or pull heavy things. It's used for tough jobs like towing cars or moving construction materials.
A 35 ton truck is a heavy-duty vehicle designed to carry or tow large loads, typically used in commercial applications like towing or construction. These trucks are built to handle significant weight and provide the necessary power for heavy-duty tasks.
F-550
"...Why F-550?"
The F-550 is a large truck made by Ford that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work, like construction or towing.
The Ford F-550 is a heavy-duty truck known for its towing capacity and durability, often used for commercial purposes and heavy hauling.
Ford Mustangs
"We had Ford Mustangs. We were just a Ford family."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people love for its speed and style.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and iconic design, first introduced in the 1960s.
four-wheel drive
"...it's full wheel drive. I built a goose neck hitch that added on to the back of it."
Four-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the truck can move at the same time, which helps it grip the road better, especially in tough conditions like mud or snow.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain configuration that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously. This setup enhances traction and stability, particularly in off-road or slippery conditions.
gooseneck hitch
"...I built a goose neck hitch that added on to the back of it."
A gooseneck hitch is a special kind of hook that you attach to the back of a truck to pull heavy trailers. It helps keep the trailer stable while driving.
A gooseneck hitch is a type of trailer hitch that is mounted in the bed of a pickup truck, allowing for better weight distribution and stability when towing heavy loads. It is commonly used for towing trailers and is favored for its strength and maneuverability.
Ford F-650
"So I also have an F650. So this has the power stroke and a 10 speed in it."
The Ford F-650 is a large truck designed for heavy work, like towing and hauling. It's built to handle tough jobs and is often used by businesses.
The Ford F-650 is a heavy-duty truck known for its robust construction and high towing capacity. It's often used for commercial purposes and can be equipped with various engines and configurations.
Power Stroke
"So this has the power stroke and a 10 speed in it."
Power Stroke is a type of diesel engine made by Ford. It's known for being strong and good at pulling heavy loads, making it popular in big trucks.
Power Stroke is a brand name for a series of diesel engines produced by Ford, known for their durability and performance in heavy-duty applications. These engines are commonly found in Ford's larger trucks and are designed for high torque and towing capacity.
10-speed transmission
"So this has the power stroke and a 10 speed in it."
A 10-speed transmission means the vehicle has ten different gears to choose from. This helps the truck go faster and use less fuel when driving.
A 10-speed transmission allows for more gear ratios, which can improve acceleration and fuel efficiency. This type of transmission is commonly used in modern trucks and performance vehicles to optimize power delivery and driving dynamics.
GVW
"It has a 26,000 pound GVW on the chassis."
GVW means how much weight a vehicle can safely carry, including itself and anything inside it. It's important for making sure the vehicle isn't overloaded.
GVW stands for Gross Vehicle Weight, which is the maximum weight a vehicle is rated to safely carry, including its own weight and any cargo. This rating is crucial for ensuring that the vehicle operates within safe limits.
Ford chassis
"...I wanted the Ford chassis. But the Ford chassis since COVID has come in..."
The Ford chassis is the main structure of Ford vehicles that supports everything else, like the engine and body.
The Ford chassis refers to the underlying structure of Ford vehicles, which includes the frame and suspension components. It's essential for the vehicle's performance and handling.
COVID
"...But the Ford chassis since COVID has come in. Messed things up for a while..."
COVID is a disease that affected the whole world and caused many problems for businesses, including car makers.
COVID refers to the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus, which has significantly impacted various industries, including automotive manufacturing and supply chains.
Tesla 23 Model
"You said in 2023. A 23 model. Yeah."
The Tesla Model 3 is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, which means it’s better for the environment. It's designed to be more affordable than other electric cars while still being fast and high-tech, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan that has gained attention for its impressive range, performance, and advanced technology features. It represents Tesla's effort to make electric vehicles more accessible to the average consumer, combining efficiency with a modern design. As one of the most affordable models in Tesla's lineup, it has significantly contributed to the growing popularity of electric cars.
42s
"Your truck, your f 350 has a six inch lift in its own 42s."
'42s' means the truck has very big tires that are 42 inches tall. These help the truck drive over rough terrain more easily.
'42s' refers to 42-inch tires, which are large tires often used on off-road vehicles to provide better traction and ground clearance.
Toyota Tundra
"...because like, you know, I have a tundra, right? And I put it on 34s. And it looks okay."
The Toyota Tundra is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work or outdoor activities.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability, often used for both work and recreational purposes.
34s
"...I put it on 34s. And it looks okay. And then I parked my tundra next to your F 350."
'34s' means the tires on the truck are 34 inches tall, which helps the truck go off-road better and look bigger.
'34s' refers to 34-inch tires, which are larger than standard tires and often used for off-road or lifted trucks to improve ground clearance and traction.
lift
"...with a 16-inch lift on 42s. Yes."
A lift is when you make a vehicle taller by changing its suspension. This lets you put on bigger tires and helps the vehicle drive better on rough terrain.
A lift refers to modifications made to a vehicle's suspension system to raise its height, allowing for larger tires and improved off-road capability. In this context, a 16-inch lift indicates a significant increase in height.
Subaru
"We still appreciate all the love from Subaru. We're so excited you guys are here. And to go pet rescue. We had a puppy fest, a puppy marathon. So people could come and meet these puppies and adopt their puppies and give them forever homes. So we brought these lovely puppies to car Subaru to meet potential adopters."
Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes vehicles known for their ability to handle tough weather and terrain. They are popular among people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines. The brand has a strong following, particularly among outdoor enthusiasts and rally fans.
fifth wheel
"Oh, there's a trailer you're pulling too. It's like a fifth wheel or something. Yeah, so I was saying that I had built a goose snake attachments for the back of that truck."
A fifth wheel is a special kind of hitch that connects a trailer to a truck. It helps the truck pull heavy trailers more safely and easily.
A fifth wheel is a type of hitch used to connect a trailer to a towing vehicle, typically found in larger vehicles like trucks. It allows for better weight distribution and stability when towing heavy trailers, such as RVs or horse trailers.
power trains
"...We also want to talk about power trains, right?"
Power trains are the parts of a vehicle that help it move, including the engine and the system that sends power to the wheels.
Power trains refer to the components that generate power and deliver it to the vehicle's wheels, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Ford F150
"Any hybrids? Have you experienced any of the F-150 hybrids yet? No, I have not."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that people often use for work or towing things. It's popular because it's tough and can carry a lot of weight, and now they also make a version that uses less gas and is better for the environment.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, versatility, and strong performance. It has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States for decades, making it a significant player in the automotive market, especially in the truck segment. The introduction of hybrid variants highlights Ford's commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in its popular models.
Chevrolet Volt
"....2 kilowatt onward power unit, which also has 240 volt outlet. And my buddy Dave and I, David, we welded..."
The Chevrolet Volt is a car that can run on electricity and gas, so you can drive it using just electric power for short trips and switch to gas for longer ones. It was one of the first cars to really mix these two types of power, making it a good option for people who want to save on gas.
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing for both electric-only driving and extended range with gasoline. It was significant for its innovative approach to hybrid technology, offering drivers the flexibility of electric driving with the assurance of a gasoline backup. Although production ended in 2019, it remains a notable example of early plug-in hybrid technology.
Ford F350
"to be able to go do things. Well, your F-350 off-road recovery truck has a hydraulic crane on the bed."
The Ford F-350 is a really big truck that's built to carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It's often used for tough jobs, like construction, because it can handle a lot of weight and is very strong.
The Ford F-350 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that offers superior towing and hauling capabilities, making it ideal for commercial use and heavy-duty tasks. Known for its robust construction and powerful engine options, the F-350 is often used in industries that require reliable performance under demanding conditions. Its versatility and strength make it a popular choice among those who need a workhorse vehicle.
BMW 550S
"...t in the heavier application stuff, you know, the 550s and 650s, stuff like that, that range of truck."
The BMW 5 Series is a fancy car that's designed to be both comfortable and fun to drive. It's a bit bigger than some other BMWs, making it a good choice for people who want a nice car for work or long trips.
The BMW 5 Series is a line of luxury sedans known for their performance, comfort, and advanced technology features. Positioned between the compact 3 Series and the larger 7 Series, the 5 Series offers a balance of sporty driving dynamics and upscale amenities, making it a popular choice for executives and luxury car enthusiasts. It represents BMW's commitment to blending performance with luxury.
Mclaren 650S
"...heavier application stuff, you know, the 550s and 650s, stuff like that, that range of truck."
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