Hvytrkmech

Looks like the boss just ordered a 2012 Ram 4500 self loader wrecker. It was at the shop today for a demo, he liked it. let the beating commence.

Purplezr2

Pictures? What is a self loading wrecker?

Hvytrkmech

I will post pics once it is all lettered up and in service. I need to install "our" led light package to the tune of $3k. The self loader is a wheel lift boom truck that has the ability for the driver to lower the boom, lock the claws onto the front tires of a car without ever leaving the cab.

The funny part of the story it guess what it is replacing?

MikeyB

A Ford??

MikeyB

Hvytrkmech

yup, but at least the Ford that it is replacing was a good truck. I hope this Ram holds up as well, one thing for sure is its going to get worked much harder than it should. Dealer said the Aisin tranny has a 180k warranty, I like that.

chaikwa

You remember what was happening to the 94 Dodge trucks that were made into wreckers Tim?

Tedonlin150

Jealous. I work for a towing company and all we have for wreckers are Ford gassers.

Tedonlin150

And on the '94 Dodge wreckers didn't the frames bend?

Justwannabeme

it'd be interesting for sure.....

all my wreckers were Fords ( 350 jerr dann, century, 770 holmes and the LT9000) love me my metro repo....

rich

Have a friend who bought one for their tow company last spring. They have had no issues with it and have been way happier with it then the previous ford they had.

chaikwa

Break actually. But from the top of the rail down, right behind the cab. The wheel lift put pressure on the frame where it wasn't intended by Dodge to be put. If I remember correctly, they discontinued the chassis cabs for awhile after the problem surfaced. We fixed a LOT of these and traded even more bodies to Fords because Dodge wouldn't allow a wrecker body to be put on a new chassis they replaced under warranty. A few years later they strengthened the frame in that location and we never saw any more failures.