Tow Truck Straps on Wheels - Vulcan Patented Strapless System

Miller Industries, the manufacturer of the Vulcan line of tow truck and wrecker beds manufactures a wheel lift they describe as their “patented strapless system,” meaning the system doesn’t require the use of straps over the tires of a vehicle loaded on the lift to secure it. Instead, the system uses a “spoon” or “scoop” style wheel retainer system which cradles the bottom of the tire. With the applied pressure from the back of the tire to the front of the wheel lift, Vulcan claims it is sufficient to retain the vehicle on the lift without any straps or other tie-downs. The only means of securement they require per the operator’s manual is the use of safety chains between the tow truck and towed vehicle on the lift, but that is only to retain the vehicle in the event of a failure, not to secure the vehicle to the lift. The model described is the Vulcan model #804, as advertised on Miller’s website at http://millerind.com/products/product.php?bid=3&cid=6&pid=43. The question has been raised by both enforcement and tow operators as to whether the system is adequate per the FMCSRs. I am familiar with the CVSA issue/request for action, #12-003-VEH, regarding a towed vehicle on a wheel lift. The Committee commented, “There are few incidents that attendees were aware of involving vehicles in this type of tow setting,” referring to vehicles towed on wheel lifts with one set of wheels on the ground, instead of being transported fully on the bed of a tow truck. In my experience, I deal with wheel lift towed vehicles almost daily during my course of duties. It seems the issue raised in 12-003-VEH didn’t have a clear answer from the Committee as to how vehicles on a wheel lift need to be secured or if they are subject at all. The Committee also indicated in 12-003-VEH, a vehicle in a drive-away/tow-away operation as described above is exempt the cargo securement requirements, also giving concern as to how a wheel lift towed vehicle is required to be towed.

This issue needs addressed to ensure uniformity among enforcement and proper education among tow operators. A search of the internet about the Vulcan strapless system results in numerous websites and forums asking the same questions over and over by tow operators, trying to determine whether these strapless systems are an adequate means of load securement. There are also arguments for both sides of the issue among those search results and examples of how tow operators have both been cited or allowed to continue without any straps while using Vulcan’s system. Some forum members swear by the strapless system and others say it’s only a gimmick and vehicles should always be strapped down. I contacted Miller Industries and inquired about their strapless system and was given a copy of a 1990 NHTSA report about their strapless system (investigation attached). This raises question also as to whether that investigation, which found the strapless systems were adequate, still stand today, two decades later, or if new information and findings might change the stance of the NHTSA investigation today. I provided photographs to Miller Industries of loaded wheel lifts and received responses that as long as the safety chains from the tow truck to the towed vehicle were in place, the vehicle placed in the wheel lift without straps was loaded properly and considered sufficient. Clarification as to whether these “spoons” or “scoops” on the Vulcan 804 wheel lift are considered equivalent means of securement under 393.102 is also requested.

I would like to see definitive wording in the regulations and/or an interpretation regarding the towing of vehicles on wheel lifts with at least one axle on the ground. An interpretation question in 393.128, “Are towed vehicles on a wheel lift subject to this requirement?” would be helpful, with a brief explanation as to the Committee’s decision as to whether vehicles towed on a wheel lift are ever subject to any requirements. If they are, a reference to an applicable regulation would be helpful.