Glossary

A flexible air-deflecting panel usually located below the radiator support.

The angle between the plane of the carrier bed or platform and the ground.

A device that attaches to the disabled vehicle to assist the tow truck’s brakes in retarding or stopping both vehicles.

Equipment that is not necessary to perform the basic function of the primary equipment.

Stop, tail, and turn signal lights attached to the trailing end of the towed vehicle, and operated as part of the towing vehicle’s lighting system.

A winch whose cable goes directly to the load, and not over the end of the boom.

Devices used to cover drive axle shaft openings to help prevent contamination or loss of wheel-bearing lubrication during towing or transporting operations.

Devices on a vehicle with a moveable bed that secures the bed in place while travelling.

The high-strength nylon tow strap used to reduce vibrations between a tow truck and the towed vehicle attached to it.

Ontario’s Book 7 is related to temporary conditions and is part of the Ontario Traffic Manual, which provides guidance to transportation practitioners that promotes uniformity in the application and operation of traffic control devices in Ontario. This manual is based on the King’s Highway Guide Signing Policy Manual (KHGSPM) and the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Canada (MUTCD).

A structural member, extending from a mast, that supports the load and is used to hold, extend, or lift a load free of the ground and clear of the tow truck body.

The maximum weight or load, as established by the manufacturer, that new, unused equipment can bear, under ideal laboratory conditions, without being damaged. Not to be confused with the safe working load limit.

A V or Y type coupling device used to attach and centre a cable in recovery, loading and unloading operations.

A supplier that arranges for the hiring of tow services provided by a tow truck that is not owned or operated by the broker.

A nylon-cased rubber cord that can be used to secure luggage. It is not an acceptable means of load security.

The driver-/passenger-carrying compartment of a truck.

The distance from the back of the truck cab to the centre of the rear axle.

Steel wire rope used for pulling or supporting a load.

A vehicle equipped to transport one to three motor vehicles on a flat platform that slides or tilts to the ground to facilitate the loading and unloading of these vehicles, which may or may not have an additional assembly attached to the rear to facilitate towing an additional vehicle. These units are also known as slidebacks, rollbacks, transporting equipment carriers, flatbeds, and tilt and loads.

The number placed on a chain by the manufacturer as part of the National Association of Chain Manufacturers’ (NACM) system of identifying chains. Chains manufactured to NACM standards also bear a letter that identifies the manufacturer.

Screens individuals to check for documented convictions, outstanding warrants, charges, and judicial orders. A CRJMC, also known as a Level 2 Check, is intended for applicants seeking employment or volunteering with organizations that require a criminal records
Ontario Ministry of Transportation check, along with a search of outstanding entries and charges.

A CRJMC is typically requested for:
• Municipal Licencing applications
• Ride-sharing applications
• Other employment positions (retail, banking, trades, etc.)
A CRJMC is not suitable for:
• Employment/Volunteer positions that are in contact with vulnerable people (hospitals, daycares, elder care)
• National Parole Board or Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery applications for the purpose of a Record Suspension or Name Change.

A person who acquires goods and/or retains services for their own personal needs.

A thorough inspection of vehicle components performed within the previous 24 hours prior to driving the vehicle. The Highway Traffic Act specifies the components required to be inspected. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that all machinery be inspected each day prior to an employee’s use of the equipment.

A motor vehicle that is illegally parked, abandoned, or unable to operate under its own power; a motor vehicle can also become disabled if involved in a collision.

A four-wheel carriage used, in towing, to support the trailing end of a towed vehicle.

Same as “Auxiliary Tow Lights.”

Same as “Auxiliary Winch.”

A vehicle’s drive shaft and associated joints.

Two-wheel assemblies attached on each side of the vehicle on one axle.

For the purposes of this standard, extrication is the winching of a vehicle that is standing upright, into a position where it may be towed or loaded onto a car carrier.

Flexible material commonly used as a bumper cover (may extend below the bumper).

Devices attached to the lift bar (also see “Tow Bar”) for lifting a vehicle by the axle, frame, or structural member. May be classified as chain, axle, or frame forks.

The curb weight (unloaded weight) of the front axle or front axle combination.

The chain hook that will not slide; it is used with safety chains and some tow sling hook-ups.

GAWR refers to the maximum weight an axle or group of axles can carry. The GAWR is a safety standard used to prevent overloading. Manufacturers determine GAWR based on Transport Canada’s Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This is the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer as the maximum capacity of an axle or axle grouping, measured where the tires touch the ground.

The gross vehicle with rating (GVWR) of the power unit (tow truck), plus the GVWR of each vehicle in the combination (the vehicle(s) being towed or transported). GCWR includes everything that moves with the towing or transporting vehicle. This is the value determined by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a combination vehicle or the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of each vehicle in the combination. The GCWR is usually determined by the manufacturers of the tow truck chassis and is generally based on corresponding Society of Engineers (SAE) International guidelines.

GVWR refers to the maximum weight a vehicle is designed to carry, including the net weight of the vehicle and all accessories on-board including all equipment, fuel, body, payload, driver, etc. GVWR is a safety standard to prevent overloading of the vehicle. Manufacturers determine GVWR based on Transport Canada’s Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This is the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle.

Flashing, rotating/revolving, or oscillating yellow or amber light(s) on a tow truck.

A vertical device of sufficient strength permanently affixed (usually to the bed) between the load and the cab of the towing vehicle that serves to protect the cab and its occupants.

A tow truck that is built on either a Class 7 or 8 heavy-duty truck chassis with a GVWR of a maximum 11,793 kg designed with the intention to tow or transport large buses, trucks (straight trucks), tractor-trailers (tractor only, trailer only or tractor/trailer), and heavy construction equipment and/or farm machinery. Tow truck drivers must possess an Ontario “A” class driver’s licence to tow non-disabled vehicles that are more than 4,600kg using a heavy-duty vehicle.

A hazard control system used in industry to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards and a standard practice in the workplace. Eliminate, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Person Protective Control are hazard controls.

A device used for lifting towing loads in a vertical direction.

A degradation of motor skills, perception, altered bodily perceptions, loss of full control of bodily movements, and falls. Also refers to damaged memory, disturbances in attention, concentration, and a degraded ability to think and make decisions.

An attachment device used for towing that is placed under the lower control arms of a disabled vehicle’s suspension.

Same as “Wheel Arm”; a device that attaches to the lift bar for engaging the tires of a towed vehicle.

A transverse, horizontally pivoting member attached to the boom of a wheel-lift or under-lift to which towing accessories can be attached.

A tow truck with a GVWR of 3,900 to 4,535kg that is designed to tow or transport automobiles (four-wheelers), pickup trucks (single axle) and small vans (passenger). Requires an Ontario “G” class driver licence. May be a single-wheel or dual-wheel axle.

A manual that sets national and international standards for traffic control signs, signals, and pavement markings. The manual categorizes incidents by three categories:
Ontario Ministry of Transportation

• Major: duration more than two hours. Involves hazardous materials, fatal crashes with multiple vehicles and other disasters. Involves closing all or part of the roadway.
• Intermediate: duration between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Involves vehicle crashes blocking travel lanes and requires traffic control to divert road users past the crash.
• Minor: duration of less than 30 minutes. Involves disabled vehicles and minor crashes.

The structure that houses the boom and winches. Also called a “winch frame” or “wrecker frame.”

A tow truck with a GVWR of 4,536 to 11,793 kg that is designed to tow or transport medium-size trucks (e.g., stake truck, cube), buses (micros) and recreational vehicles, as well as small vehicles. Requires an Ontario “D” class driver’s licence if registered gross weight or gross weight (of tow truck or tow truck and towed vehicle) exceeds 11,000 kg. May be single-axle dual wheel or tandem axle.

Work performed during the night, which would be defined as any time when illumination is required.

Hazard experienced in the workplace. Occupational hazards can encompass many types of hazards, including chemical hazards, biological hazards (biohazards), psychosocial hazards and physical hazards.

The person or legal entity responsible for all drivers and vehicles in their operation. The operator is not necessarily a driver but may also be one.

Mechanical stabilizing legs located at the rear of a tow vehicle used to provide improved anchorage to the tow vehicle.

The amount of goods or material that can be carried by a vehicle.

A mechanical device used to transmit engine power to auxiliary equipment. A power takeoff can be mounted on either a main or an auxiliary transmission. Front-mounted and flywheel-mounted power takeoffs are also used in various applications.

A wheel grooved for a cable/belt to transfer power.

An auxiliary axle installed in conjunction with the rear axle(s) of a truck chassis. A pusher axle is installed ahead of the drive axles, thus shortening the length of the wheelbase while it is in use. These axles are commonly used in front of the tandem bogie of a dump truck. Also see “Tandem Axles.”

New requirements in Ontario now contract sections of the 401 highway to qualified tow truck drivers based on their ability to provide equipment and labour to quickly clear crash scenes. Only contracted tow truck drivers are permitted to tow under these quick clearance incidents.

Cables, chains, hooks, and snatch blocks have a load-bearing capacity rating: Breaking Strength Rating and Safe Working Load Rating. A safe working load is one third or one quarter of the breaking strength rating and is required to be marked by the manufacturer on all tiedowns.

Ratings for towing and recovery indicate the lifting and pulling capabilities of the vehicle’s booms and winches. Chassis ratings apply directly to the truck chassis. There are three such tow truck chassis ratings: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) – which is the manufactured maximum loaded weight of a combination. There should be a rating plate or decal on tow trucks that shows the tow truck’s key ratings. The ratings apply to apparatus, not the truck chassis.

The fixture extending below the tilt bed of a car carrier that makes contact with the ground prior to full extension.

Refers to the horizontal distance from the centreline of a single-rear axle or the centre point of a tandem-rear axle, where the vertical component load is imposed, to the centre of the lift point, a measurement that applies to all vehicles (tow trucks included).

For the purposes of this training standard, recovery means any vehicle that is not standing in an upright position.

A person who makes a repair with the understanding that they will be paid for the repair.

The amount of weight or load that does not cause more than a 50% loss of the original unloaded front axle weight (FAW). The safe towing capacity ensures that there is enough front axle weight to maintain steering and braking ability. The safe towing capacity is Ontario Ministry of Transportation considerably less than its GAWR.

Devices used as a secondary coupling system to connect the towing and towed vehicles, and to help prevent separation of a vehicle trailer, converter dolly, or towed vehicle from the towing vehicle.

To wrap the tow chain(s) around the tow bar with grab hooks inboard of chain.

A strap, chain, or mechanical device which, when attached from the bed or lift bar, limits the potential of separation of the disabled vehicle from the carrier or towing lift bar.

Same as “Pulley.”

A force that results from quick impacting and/or jerking.

Either the lead or trailing axle is driven, while the other is free-rolling, sometimes referred to as a ‘dead axle.’

Two or more flexible straps attached to the wire rope or boom assembly of a tow truck that are used to hoist a towed vehicle by hooks, straps, or chains. A sling is limited in its use for towing convention autos, light trucks, and small vans. Slings are rated and labelled. Most are rated to a maximum of 1,587 kg lift.

A single or multiple pulleys used to reduce line tension or change cable direction.

A device used in conjunction with a wood beam to provide additional clearance between the tow bar, chains, and the body of the vehicle.

A cosmetic wind drag device mounted on the truck lid of a vehicle.

The “stinger” is used to secure and support the wheels of the towed vehicle.

A person who receives an article for storage and/or repair with the understanding that the person will be paid for the storage and/or repair.

According to section 4 (1) of the Repair and Storage Lien Act, a repairer or storer has the right to apply for a claim lien over an article that they have repaired and/or stored.

Super-duty tow trucks have a GVWR over 11,793 kg. They are designed to perform salvage and towing and are used in quick clearance. They may also be equipped with a rotator boom used similarly.

A cable termination in which the cable ends are braided, and a sleeve is placed over the end of the cable and pressed together by a special hydraulic press.

A device on a chain (usually at the end) used to secure a vehicle being towed. Generally, replaces a grab hook.

An auxiliary axle installed in conjunction with the rear axles of a truck chassis. A tag axle is installed behind the rearmost drive axle, thereby extending the length of the wheelbase.

“Tandem axle” means a “dual axle” as defined in section 114 of the HTA that does not include a liftable axle or a self-steering axle and that has the same number of tires on each wheel position. “Dual axle” means any two consecutive axles whose centres are more than one metre apart and that,
a) are articulated from a common attachment to the vehicle, or
b) are designed to automatically equalize the load between the two axles.

Refers to a vehicle that has an auxiliary lift axle placed in either the pusher or tag position (i.e., in front of or behind the tandem drives, but is treated as a single axle when deployed).

A shield to protect cable at the hook assembly.

The force that acts to produce a rotation.

A transverse, horizontally pivoting member to which towing accessories can be attached. Used to position a towed vehicle behind a towing vehicle, especially in flat towing, in which all four wheels of the towed vehicle are on the ground.

A device used for lifting and towing vehicles with part of the load supported on rubber belts.

A motor vehicle that tows or transports a disabled, illegally parked or abandoned motor vehicle, or a motor vehicle that has been involved in a collision. Manufactured to specifications for the performance of towing.

An individual who is certified to drive a tow truck for the purpose of providing towing services for clients.

Drawing another motor vehicle by means of a boom, hook, hoist, pulley, stinger, sling, belt, fork, or other similar device that elevates part of the drawn motor vehicle, with or without the use of a dolly or other similar device.

All other road users including vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

A device for positioning and supporting one end of a towed vehicle. Used for medium-duty and heavy-duty towing. Also see “Tow Hitch.”

A device used for towing vehicles by lifting one end of the towed vehicle from under the axle or structural member.

The maximum load weight for an under-lift that refers to the electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic device attached to the rear of a towing vehicle that raises the front or rear of a vehicle by its axles or frame.

A device through which cable is threaded to form a loop, held in place by the pressure applied by the weight of the load being lifted.

A device that attaches to the lift bar for engaging the tires of a towed vehicle. Also see “L-Arm.”

The horizontal dimension from the centreline of the front axle to the effective centreline of the rear axle(s).

A device that tows a vehicle by lifting one end of the towed vehicle by the wheels to minimize the risk of damage to the vehicles that use plastics, air foils and other aerodynamic styling features.

A strap or mechanical device which, when attached to the lift bar, limits the potential for separation of the towed vehicle from the under-lift during operating conditions.

Devices used to tie down the wheels of the towed vehicle, when using wheel-lift, car carrier, or dolly towing equipment, to limit the potential for separation of the towed vehicle from the towing apparatus.

A device for winding and unwinding cable.

The structure that houses the boom and winches. Also called a “mast” or “wrecker frame.”

The equipment on a tow truck that is used to illuminate the scene of a collision or disablement.

The maximum weight or load that equipment (allowing for reasonable wear-and-tear) can bear under normal operating conditions. The working load limit is always considerably lower than the breaking strength rating. When using the weight of the load to determine the number of tiedowns required to secure it, the working load limit, as marked by the manufacturer, is used.

A single coil of wire rope/cable wound on a drum.

The structure that houses the boom and winches. Also called a “winch frame” or “mast.”