Off-Loading a Car with Skates

Equipment Needed
Work Gloves
Ratchet Straps
Bridal Chains
Skates

In this lesson we review how to tow a vehicle using "skates." (Part 2 of 2)

Skates are a set of tools that are used for a scenario when the vehicle will not roll. (Key are lost, car stuck in gear) Follow along and master your skating technique.

Step 1: Engage your PTO.

Step 2: Slide the bed back, then tilt it. (Enough to let the ICU bumper touch the ground)

Step 3: Undo your 4-point tie down, leaving one strap attached for safety. (Re-stage your straps as you go)

Step 4: Slide the bed all the way to the ground. 

Step 5: Undo the last strap from your 4-point tie down. 

Step 6: Next, you need to reverse your skates by putting them both on the opposite side of the tire.

“In order to get the skates out from underneath the tire you may need to slightly winch the vehicle backwards. How to re-install the skates on the opposite side of the tire is you winch the vehicle forward, allowing the tires to roll about six inches. That should give you enough room to shove that skate in.”

Step 7: Begin to slowly winch the vehicle down the bed. If it stops sliding, and becomes stuck, then you’ll need to push the vehicle with your hands on the tire. Alternate sides until it slides off. If you still can’t seem to get it to slide, then use your bed controls to rock the bed slightly allowing it to loosen its grip. Repeat process until the task is completed.

Step 8: Once all four tires on the concrete, begin organize your equipment, re-staging the truck and preparing for the next call. You’re ready to go.

This lecture was a case in point of things not going your way, and just having patience as you work through the problem one step at a time. Don’t ever rush yourself or the job, this is your wreck, you call the shots. 

That’s all for this one, I’ll see you next time.
up-arrow