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The Jake Brake Breakdown

A compression release engine brake, commonly known as the ‘Jake’ brake, is a pretty complex piece of equipment. The name Jake Brake comes from the Jacobs brand of engine brakes. But today, its used as a generic term for the compression brakes found on large trucks.   A gas motor makes use of intake manifold airflow to retain control over the mixture of air to fuel. The air is pushed to the cylinders of the motor and generating the stopping power. If you take your foot off the gas, the throttle closes and the airflow is confined. The braking force comes from the engine working against the limited airflow.   In a diesel motor, most often found in semi-trailer trucks, there is no device or method that confines airflow. A compression release engine brake can be added however, to discharge compressed air. This extra piece is added to the camshaft […]


Don’t Skimp When it Comes to Your Truck Parts

Quality is key when it comes to semi-tractor trailers and their automotive parts. While it’s enticing to buy parts and accessories that are an inexpensive store brand, they tend to lack quality and often lead to problems for semi-tractor trailers drivers and mechanics down the road.   The engine of a semi-truck is six times bigger than the engine of a standard car in size and weight. Engines of semi-truck trailers are designed to run all the time. From one coast to another and town to town, these trucks need to get where they’re going without breaking down. Giving up quality truck parts for a cheaper alternative can cause a range of problems from overheating to noisy, inadequate brakes.   For example, the water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the cylinder head and engine block. Proper distribution allows the engine to cope with the internal heat produces and […]


24/7 Roadside Driveline Assistance Crucial for Peace of Mind

Drivers can rarely prepared for a flat tire or dead battery, but these things happen. When an event like this does occur, it’s important for drivers to have 24/7 roadside maintenance to help get them back up and running no matter what time of day or night it is. Being stranded because of an engine malfunction or blown tire can, not only disrupt a trip, but also can be flat out dangerous.   Tractor-trailer drivers drive all day and all night across states and even the country. It is their job to get goods or products from one place to another as efficiently as possible. On-the-road occurrences like overheating or running out of gas can trigger even more unfortunate events.   Having to spend hours on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck or mechanic means that the current delivery is going to be late. And deliveries […]


Another Great Project from Monson Signs and Graphics

Monson Signs and Graphics has been hard at work doing design and install for our friends at Iossi Siding and Windows. They added a great truck to their fleet and knew we were the people to spiff it up before it hit the road. We’re ready, willing, and able to do the same for you! Give us a call to schedule your consultation today!


HAZ MAT CERTIFIED

Monson Truck and Trailer received certification as a HazMat Registered Inspector. The training in conjunction with meeting the minimum qualifications for Registered Inspectors in 171.8  establishes Monson in Davenport as a Registered Inspector in accordance with 49 CFR 180.409


TANK TESTING? GET MONSONIZED!!!!

Our customers frequently ask hard questions like: Don’t you offer tank testing? Why not? When will you make my life easier and offer tank testing services? Sheesh, we get it. So the answer is NOW. Start making appointments for October tank testing. Happy now? So now we just say “tanks” for thinking of us. Call now.  LP, Fuel, Corrosive tanks, Fertilizer tanks, Vacuum testing, Thickness testing, Pressure testing, Scully system testing. . . . . . .  you know, all that testing you guys need.


FIREFIGHTERS AWARD MONSON TRAINING DEMONSTRATION

Our demonstrations of putting large overturned vehicles and trailers back up in  the right position was well received during the Fire Department Spring Training Day in Hampton, Il. Buck Monson was awarded by Interim Chief  David Johnson of the Hampton Fire Department for Monson’s dedication and support of the training. The program also included our airbag deployment system demonstration. Uprighting a big rig as firefighters looked on was a dramatic example of the value of airbag deployment. We did in minutes what used to take hours. We appreciate the award. Airbag deployment is another QCA exclusive value-added service of Monson Towing & Recovery.  (See photos of the award presentation along with the airbag demonstration pic. They’re coming soon to the Recovery page under our Towing & Recovery tab).  


WreckMaster Class

The first weekend in June, Monson’s hosted  the respected WreckMaster Training Program, which included towing professionals from Chicago to Missouri. The 2 day instructional program covered levels 2-5. The program was directed by WreckMaster’s Barrett “BEAR” Godfree. The Student of the Class Award went to Tom Merrill of Ince’s Towing. Tom was selected by members of his class for the distinction. Buck Monson, himself a past Student of the Class winner, said that the WreckMaster program builds an individual’s confidence and competence. Also, towing companies seek the name association because WreckMaster has trained over 30,000 students to become faster, safer and more efficient. Customers look for the WreckMaster designation because WreckMaster provides the guidance that elevates towing professionals to skilled trade levels. Watch for event photos on the WreckMaster page under Towing and Recovery, coming soon to the Monson web pages.


Radiator News

Monson will now pick up and deliver your radiators from two vehicles to heavy equipment. Classic cars, trucks, roof-mounted power plants all need smooth-functioning radiators.  Monson rebuilds, recores, whatever it takes. Then we bring it back to you. When your radiator gets you all steamed up, let Monson GetYou Runnin’


CERTIFIED FOR ULTRA HEAVY DUTY TOWING

Monson’s has earned Ultra Heavy Duty Towing Certification. The Sunshine State Towing Association offers this highly specialized training. It’s like college for tow truck operators. Monson Towing and Recovery traveled to Florida and passed their intensive Ultra Heavy program with flying colors. So now when your big stuff needs a tow, you know where to go.. It isn’t a degree from Harvard Law school. But hey, when you’ve got a big one in need of a tow, you don’t need a lawyer. You need Monson Ultra Heavy Duty Towing.  Click here to see our official certificate.  We’re no longer the teacher’s pet. We are the teacher. 


  • Premium Parts

    Maybe it was our 24-hour tire service that got everyone thinking about us for premium parts. Could be. We handle Roadmaster, Kelly, Hankook tires and we’re a Bridgestone & Firestone National Account vendor. Then we added custom radiators, custom cut hose, and next thing you know, our customers are asking about even more parts. So, watch this space for good news in the very near future. Because, at Monson's, we don’t want you to think we’re not doing our “part” to get you runnin’.

  • Quality Service

    In our business, we’d better be ready for your call no matter what brand you drive, what problem you have or what road you’re on. Monson Quality Service is our brand. It means that engine and ABS diagnostics, towing, radiator repair, driveline service, welding, A/C, Hydraulics, laser alignment service and trailer repair all have to be a 10. How do we react to that? Well, at Monson, 10 is a good start. But we never stop going for a 12. So for gas or diesel service on the highway, farm or in the shop, Let Monson get you runnin’.

  • Roadside Heroes

    “Man, am I glad to see you.” We hear that a lot. When a driver is stranded on the roadside, at the dock or even worse, in heavy traffic, we’re the Roadside Heroes. Five fully-stocked service trucks carrying diagnostics, with torches, welders, starting units, even fuel. ABS diagnostics, custom hose, on site aluminum welding and when worse comes to worse, towing. Maybe we don’t wear white hats, but the Monson Roadside Heroes never leave you feeling like the Lone Ranger.

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