This November 20-22, New England TruckMaster will be attending the American Towman Expo at the Baltimore Convention Center. As the leading source for tow trucks, wreckers, and recovery equipment in the Northeast, we’re excited to see the latest industry trends, connect with manufacturers, and gather insights to better serve our customers.
What’s on the Show Floor
The Expo is packed with the newest towing & recovery equipment:
Light- and heavy-duty wreckers
Rotators and specialized carriers
Recovery trailers and service trucks
Advanced tools, GPS systems, and dispatch software
Hands-On Training and Expert Seminars
The Expo is also about education. Seminars cover topics including:
Electric vehicle recovery and roadside safety
Advanced rigging and winching techniques
Recovery billing, operations, and risk management
Fleet optimization and efficiency strategies
Attending these sessions helps us better guide customers on truck selection, fleet setup, and ongoing operations.
Staying Ahead for Our Customers
By attending the Expo, we ensure New England TruckMaster stays on the cutting edge of towing technology and industry best practices. Whether you’re a towing company, fleet manager, or recovery operator, we can provide expert advice on equipment and operations informed by what we see at the show.
Interested in learning more about the latest tow trucks and fleet solutions? Contact our team today.
Featured Truck from the Show
One of the New England TruckMaster units on display at the 2024 American Towman Expo, showcasing the latest in towing power, reliability, and operator-focused design.
Every tow operator knows the feeling: you finish a recovery, get back to the yard, and realize a strap or light didn’t make it back. The job doesn’t stop, and neither can you. That’s why it pays to keep backup gear on hand, and now you can order the best tow truck accessories online with New England TruckMaster.
Here are the must-have items you’ll want ready on your truck. All available now in our online store.
Straps & Chains
From wheel lift straps to V-chains, securement gear is the back bone of every tow. Reliable B/A straps and chains mean you can hook up fast and keep vehicles safe in transit.
Winching & Recovery Tools
Wire ropes, snatch blocks, and hook assemblies give you the pulling power you need when vehicles are struck. Having quality recovery tools on board saves time and stress when the job gets tough.
Dollies & Transport Gear
For vehicles that just won’t roll, dollies are a must-have. Durable systems like In The Ditch’s Speed Dolly keep you moving and keep the job under control.
Lighting & Power
Visibility is safety. TowMate wireless tow lights keep you seen, while tools like the Jump N Carry Jump Pack help you get vehicles back on the road quickly.
Why New England TruckMaster?
Trusted brands: TowMate, In The Ditch, B/A, Whelen
Fast ordering when gear gets left behind
Straps, chains, lights, dollies, and more all in one place
In public works, “easy days” don’t exist. Clearing roads after a nor’easter. Pulling a broken-down plow off I-95. Keeping a 20-year old dump truck alive for one more winter. The work doesn’t stop and neither can your equipment.
That’s why New England TruckMaster will be at the 46th Annual New England Public Works Expo on September 17-18, 2025 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA.
This is one of the region’s largest and most trusted events. There are 200+ vendors and 2,000+ attendees from across New England, bringing together highway departments, DPWs, engineers, and contractors looking for gear that can handle the toughest conditions.
What We’re Bringing to Marlborough
As an authorized Miller Industries dealer and Henderson dealer, we’ll be showcasing trucks and equipment built for the real-world challenges public works crews face everyday:
Snow & Ice Control Equipment
New England winters don’t follow the calendar. From October snow to April ice, and everything in between, our plows, spreaders, and ice control systems are built to perform storm after storm, with the uptime you need when the weather gets ugly.
Municipal Tow & Recovery Trucks
When accidents shut down major roads or a critical vehicle breaks down mid-route, you need equipment that can respond fast. We have light-, medium-, and heavy-duty tow and recovery trucks designed to clear incidents quickly and keep traffic moving.
Fleet Accessories
Hydraulic systems, PTO units, emergency lighting, and safety equipment. We’ve got the add-ons that keep your municipal trucks operational year-round. Our team specializes in custom body configurations built around your department’s needs and budget.
Why Public Works Pros Attend the Expo
For 46 years, the Massachusetts Highway Association’s Public Works Expo has been the region’s meeting ground for municipal crews and suppliers. Here’s why it’s worth your time:
Hands-on Equipment Demos – Climb in, operate controls, and see build quality up close before making purchase decisions.
Direct Access to Experts – Talk with manufacturers and dealers who understand New England’s weather, roads, and regulations.
Educational Seminars – Learn from industry experts and swap ideas with other public works professionals facing the same challenges.
Regional Focus – Connect with suppliers who can service your area and support you year-round.
Built for New England Conditions
Public works in this region means dealing with:
Harsh winters that push trucks to their limits.
Tight municipal budgets where every purchase has to count.
Aging infrastructure that demands versatile, reliable equipment.
Increasing environmental regulations around salt usage and runoff.
As a Connecticut-based company with decades of experience serving New England municipalities, we know how to match the right equipment to your real-world needs, not just what looks good on paper.
See Us in Marlborough
We’ll be at the show ready to:
Demonstrate Miller Industries tow and recovery trucks.
Share financing options for municipal purchases.
Discuss custom builds for your fleet.
Recommend winter readiness solutions for the upcoming season.
Event Details:
Dates: September 17–18, 2025
Location: Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA
Hours: Wednesday 8 AM – 3 PM | Thursday 8 AM – 2 PM
Whether you’re replacing a single truck, upgrading winter operations, or planning a full fleet expansion, New England TruckMaster can help you find solutions that fit your budget and get the job done.
After a long, punishing winter, your plows and spreaders deserve more than just a corner in the garage. They’ve been through heavy use, corrosive materials, and freezing temperatures, and without proper off-season care, they’ll be more likely to fail when the next snowstorm hits.
Before you do anything else, give your plows and spreaders a deep clean. Salt, deicing chemicals, and road grime cling to every surface, and if left alone, they will eat away at paint, metal, and wiring.
Checklist:
Wash all surfaces with clean water and a mild degreaser
Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas around the spreader chute and plow frame
Don’t forget the vehicle undercarriage if mounted
Allow to air-dry for 48-72 hours before moving to storage
If needed, use compressed air to remove moisture from tight joints and pivots
2. Inspect and Maintain Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic failure is one of the most common causes of downtime at the start of winter, and most of it can be prevented.
Inspect hoses, fittings, and cylinders for cracks, wear, or leaks
Top off hydraulic fluid to reduce air gaps where moisture can form
Fully extend and retract pistons, then coat exposed rod with anti-corrosion grease
Every 2-3 weeks, run your plow/spreader briefly to keep seals lubricated
3. Protect Electrical Components
Even a fully functional plow is useless if a corroded wire stops it from turning on. Electrical issues are notoriously common in snow equipment, and almost all are avoidable.
Best Practices:
Clean off dust and grime from all connection points
Apply dielectric grease to plugs, terminals, and fuses to repel moisture
Check the vehicle battery, lights, and relays
Test everything now, not the morning of your first job
4. Grease and Lubricate All Moving Parts
Pivot points, hinges, pins, and springs need lubrication to stay operational, especially after sitting idle through hot, humid months.
Where to Lubricate:
All plow pivot points and springs
Spreaders’ motor shafts and chain drives
Hinges, latch mechanisms, and slide tracks
Grease fittings on the plow frame and A-frame assembly
Use a high-quality, cold-weather-compatible grease for best results.
5. Touch Up Paint and Address Surface Damage
Minor chips in the paint today turn into major rust spots next season. Take time to inspect your equipment for cosmetic damage before storage.
Maintenance Tips:
Remove rust with a wire brush or rotary tool
Apply OEM touch-up paint or corrosion-resistant spray paint to exposed metal
Don’t just paint over rust, prep the surface first for long-term protection
6. Store Equipment Properly
Storage is just as important as any maintenance job. Improper storage creates a perfect environment for moisture, UV damage, and rodent activity.
Best Practices:
Store plows and spreaders in a dry, well-ventilated shelter
Avoid tarps that trap humidity; use breathable covers if needed
Keep equipment off dirt by elevating it
Stay away from salt stockpiles, which release corrosive vapors
Clear any debris nearby that could invite rust or pest damage
The Work You Do Now Pays Off Later
Winter will be back before you know it, and when it hits, your customers (or community) are counting on you. A plow that won’t lift, a corroded spreader, or a dead electrical connection can delay service, cause expensive repairs, and hurt your reputation.
By spending just a few hours this off-season inspecting, lubricating, and storing your plows and spreaders correctly, you’ll start next season with peace of mind and equipment that performs like it should.
Trusted Parts and Support from Henderson
At New England TruckMaster, we proudly support Henderson equipment, the trusted name in snowplows, spreaders, and ice control products. Using genuine Henderson parts ensures:
Your Source for Tow Trucks, Wreckers, and Snow Equipment
When it comes to purchasing, outfitting, or maintaining a tow truck or snow & ice vehicle, you want a partner that understands the equipment, and the environment. That’s where New England TruckMaster comes in.
We specialize in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty wreckers, flatbeds, and custom built recovery trucks, all designed to meet the challenges of your operation, whether you’re working narrow city streets, navigating tough weather, or servicing long-distance highway routes.
Here’s why customers across New England, and the country, trust us to deliver the vehicles and support they need to get the job done.
Built for the Real Work You Do
Tow trucks are your revenue generators, your emergency lifelines, and your daily drivers. That’s why we offer:
Full Spectrum of Tow Trucks
Whether you’re looking for a light-duty rollback, medium-duty wrecker, or heavy-duty rotator, we’ve got you covered with the most respected names in the industry:
Proud authorized dealer for Miller Industries brands: Century, Chevron, Holmes, Vulcan
Top accessories: TowMate, In The Ditch, B/A Products, Whelen, and more
From a single order to a custom build, we match the right truck to your recovery needs and operational requirements.
Customization & Equipment That’s Region-Ready
Our team works with you to build or source purpose-built trucks that can handle harsh winters, tight city zones, and compliance requirements across different states. Whether you’re in Boston, Buffalo, or Boise, we’ll get you a rig that works.
Snow & Ice Control Equipment
In addition to wreckers, we also provide plow trucks, salt spreaders, and snow equipment built for municipalities and commercial contractors. Our inventory is hand-picked for reliability during long seasons of snow and ice.
Why Choose New England TruckMaster?
Plenty of dealers can sell you a tow truck. But when it comes to expertise, inventory, and support, here’s what sets us apart:
We’re Specialists, Not Just Sellers
We focus on tow trucks, wreckers, recovery equipment, and snow vehicles, not a wide mix of unrelated trucks. That means you get deep industry knowledge and technical support from a team that lives and breathes this work.
Coast-to-Coast Capability
While we’re baked in the Northeast, we’ve shipped wreckers and recovery vehicles to customers across the U.S. We’ll help you find the right truck and coordinate delivery wherever you operate.
Part of the DeVivo Family of Brands
New England TruckMaster is proud to be part of DeVivo companies, a group of specialized brands serving the full lifecycle of commercial vehicles.
When you buy from us, you’re backed by a one-stop network of trusted solutions:
DeVivo Bus Sales – New and used buses for schools, transit, and shuttles
If you’re looking for New England tow trucks that work as hard as you do, backed by deep product knowledge and a commitment to getting you the right fit, New England TruckMaster is the partner you’ve been looking for.
You rely on your wrecker to run your towing business, so you know it’s more than just a truck. It’s the backbone of the business. But, just like any piece of heavy-duty equipment, a wrecker requires consistent, smart maintenance to perform at its best and last for years.
What Maintenance Does a Tow Truck Need?
Tow trucks operate under high stress. Demands, like hauling vehicles, recovering wrecks, and navigating tough road and weather conditions, make regular maintenance critical for performance, safety, and lifespan.
Luckily, extending the life of your tow truck doesn’t require anything fancy. It’s about following manufacturer recommendations and staying ahead of problems with smart upkeep.
1. Don’t Over-Maintain Your Wrecker
Contrary to popular belief, more maintenance isn’t always better. Some operators may change oil every 2,000 miles, which adds cost without any added benefit.
How Often Should You Service a Wrecker?
Most wreckers follow standard service intervals of around every 5,000 miles for oil and filter changes, unless they are operating under extreme conditions. Over-servicing, like changing oil too frequently or topping off fluids too often, can lead to wasted time and higher costs.
Instead of guessing, follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule and adjust based on your wrecker’s workload and age.
2. Perform Regular Inspections
Routine inspections are your first line of defense. A quick daily inspection can prevent major issues down the road, especially when it comes to hydraulic systems, towing attachments, and rigging hardware.
According to OSHA guidelines, rigging equipment must be inspected before each shift and must not exceed its rated safe working load.
What to Inspect:
Hydraulic systems for leaks
Lifting arms and winches for wear
Tow straps and hooks for fraying
Bolts and fasteners for looseness
3. Lubricate Moving Parts Frequently
Tow trucks rely on moving parts that endure heavy friction. Keep them lubricated to reduce wear, prevent rust, and ensure smooth operation.
Target These Parts:
Winches
Snatch blocks
Ratchets
Pivot points on the boom and underlift
Use lubricants approved by your equipment manufacturer and apply them on the schedule provided in your owner’s manual.
4. Maintain Tires and Brakes
Your tire and brake system do more than just ensure safe driving, they also affect how well your wrecker performs under load.
Tire Tips:
Check tire pressure before every job
Rotate tires regularly to extend tread life
Replace tires when the tread drops below safe limits
Brake Maintenance:
Inspect brake pads, discs, and fluids monthly
Replace pads when worn and flush brake fluid as needed
Listen for grinding or squealing
5. Care for the Battery
Wrecker batteries power lights, indicators, and more. A dead or corroded battery can delay service calls and damage electrical components.
Battery Maintenance Tips:
Test the charge monthly
Clean terminal connections
Securely mount the battery
Replace if sluggish during starts
6. Clean After Every Use
This often gets overlooked, but it matters. Especially if you’ve been in salt, mud, or industrial environments.
Focus Areas:
Snatch blocks (remove debris and apply lubricant)
Chains, ratchets, and lifting gear
Exterior surfaces prone to rust and corrosion
A clean truck is a longer-lasting truck. And it leaves a better impression on customers.
7. Invest in Quality Equipment
While it may be tempting to save on lower-cost accessories, investing in high-quality heavy-duty towing equipment pays off over time. It reduces the risk of failure in the field and extends the service life of your wrecker.
Tips to Make Your Tow Truck Last Longer
Wrecker downtime hurts your bottom line. By following these tow truck maintenance tips, you’ll:
Increase your truck’s lifespan
Improve on-the-job performance
Avoid unnecessary repairs
Keep your drivers safe
Whether you run a light-duty rollback or a heavy-duty rotator, maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to a smart schedule, use the right products, and inspect your equipment regularly.
Whether you’re building a towing fleet or just need to understand what type of tow truck will suit your needs, knowing the difference between heavy-duty vs light-duty wreckers is critical. These two classes of wreckers serve specific purposes, handle different weight ranges, and operate unique equipment.
At New England TruckMaster, we sell and support all classes of wreckers and tow trucks.
What Is a Light-Duty Wrecker?
Light-duty wreckers are designed to tow smaller vehicles, like:
Passenger cars
Motorcycles
SUVs
Pickup trucks under 10,000 lbs
These tow trucks are compact and highly maneuverable, ideal for navigating tight city streets, busy parking lots, or quick roadside recoveries. Most light-duty wreckers use wheel-lift or flatbed systems to secure and transport vehicles.
Key Features of Light-Duty Tow Trucks
Up to 10,000 lbs
Easy handling in urban and suburban environments
Faster dispatch and response times
Lower fuel and maintenance costs
Light-duty wreckers are the workhorses of many towing fleets, especially in areas with high vehicle density.
What Is a Heavy-Duty Wrecker?
Heavy-duty wreckers are engineered for the tough jobs. These trucks can haul massive loads and perform complex recovery operations. They’re built to handle:
Semi-trucks and tractor trailers
Dump trucks and garbage trucks
RVs, buses, and construction equipment
Rolled-over or severely damaged vehicles
These wreckers feature hydraulic booms, winches, and underlift systems capable of pulling and lifting extreme weights, even in poor weather or terrain conditions.
Key Features of Heavy-Duty Tow Trucks
Tow capacity: 26,000 lbs and up
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) often exceed 50,000 lbs
Advanced equipment for recovery and transport
Ideal for long-distance or off-road towing
Higher cost and specialized operator training required
Light-Duty vs Heavy-Duty Wreckers Comparison
When to Use Light-Duty Towing
Choose a light-duty wrecker when:
You’re towing compact or mid-size vehicles
The tow will be short distance
You need fast roadside response in a congested area
You’re building a cost-efficient fleet for general use
When to Use Heavy-Duty Towing
Go with a heavy-duty wrecker when:
You’re recovering or transporting commercial vehicles
Long-distance hauls are required
The load exceeds 26,000 lbs
Specialized winching, lifting, or off-road recovery is needed
Choosing the Right Wrecker for Your Fleet
When building or expanding your towing operation, ask:
What types of vehicles do you tow most often?
Are you serving residential, commercial, or industrial areas?
Do you need versatility or specialization?
Can your team support the cost and training needs of heavy-duty equipment?
If you’re unsure, a mixed fleet of light and heavy-duty wreckers might be the most flexible solution.
Get Expert Help at New England TruckMaster
At New England TruckMaster, we stock light-, and heavy-duty wreckers from industry-leading brands. Whether you’re outfitting a new fleet or upgrading your current trucks, our experienced team can help you choose the right equipment based on your needs and budget.
DATTCO, Inc. dba New England TruckMaster has officially earned the 2024 Gold Circle Club Award from Miller Industries, the biggest name in towing and recovery equipment. It’s their way of recognizing top-tier dealers, who go all in on sales, service, and support. We’re proud to be included.
About Miller Industries
If you run a rig, you already know Miller. Since 1990, they’ve been building some of the most dependable, high-performing towing and recovery gear out there. With industry-leading brands like Century, Vulcan, Chevron, and Holmes, Miller Industries sets a high bar for quality and performance.
They build equipment that works as hard as you do.
Why It Matters
We’ve always said we’d rather let our work do the talking. But recognition like this proves we’re doing things the right way. Showing up for our customers, knowing our products inside and out, and backing every sale with service that doesn’t quit.
Big thanks to our customers and crew who helped make this possible. Stop by our Plainville, CT shop or check out our current inventory.
