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How this tow truck works?


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That was my first truck model I received as a Christmas gift ,it never occurred to me to question how it would work . I was just happy to have a kit that was worth three times a car kit at the time which made it a big deal to me. Funny how a random picture can bring back memories .

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This particular type of wrecker was commonly known as a Hines "Big Stick" or a Bakersfield Boom,the plate at the end of the winch cable is used to tow a truck backwards,but can be detached and re-rigged with a standard tow bar/angle iron for forward towing,which often requires dropping the towed trucks' driveshaft and often pulling the axles that come in contact with the road. Hope this is of some help.............................Mark

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Thank you guys. The kit does not show the chains so with these pictures it gives me a better idea of how it works now. Thanks for the link and photos Terry and the picture Tim.

This kit brings me memories too. That's why I bought it. My best friend from when we were teenagers had it while I had a Mack Cruiseliner. We would work on these kits together.

Hey Todd, why don't you post some photos of your trucks?

Edited by angelo7
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The cable lifts up on the lower tow plate and pivot bar, chains would be hooked to the frame or axle of the truck to be towed and then attached to the tow plate. When the cable pulled up on the two plate, it would pull up on the chains, lifting the truck.

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So the chains will rub against the towed truck bumper, but not the lifting cable, right?

That is correct. Usually there are two rubber straps that protect the vehicle but I'm sure with a semi truck, there is too much weight involved.

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The chains dont really rub against the bumper, the truck is chained against the towbar or in the case of the kit, its is chained against the big flat plate. The rubber slings on a medium/light duty wrecker is a different set up. Most wreckers use the under-reach method now. On the older style, the truck is chained to the towbar and the cables lift the towbar and the truck. The towbar holds the truck rigid and stops it from slamming into the back of the wrecker.

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