Hibbies Head-Turning Hauler

By George L. Nitti 

These days, with supply issues causing a back-up on the delivery of tow trucks, many tow companies are biting at the bit to get their hands on a new tow truck. 

Al’s Garage, aka Hibler and Sons LLC of Binghamton, N.Y., was fortunate to get their hands on a 2022 5500 Dodge Ram with a 12-ton B&B (Bill Bottoms), but still had to wait. 

Gary Hibler, who with his brother Tim, took over the reins of the business from their father Everett Hibler Jr., who passed in 2020 from Covid complications, said, “The biggest wait was for the cab and chassis due to key chip issues that took seven months. B&B did great in getting it done with all the custom options, taking three and a half months.”  

The B&B 12-ton serves the company’s needs, particularly in that they were willing to have it attached to the 5500. 

Hibler said, “I like their stiff leg set up in the back. It has a wide and large stance. Because I do a lot of stuff on backroads, I do not want one of our towers to have issues with the unit not being able to sit still upon a recovery.” 

In years past, the company sported a fleet of red and white, and then later a fleet of purple wreckers. However, the company has now made a complete transition to maroon and cream. 

“It’s a classic look,” said Hibler. “I’m trying to keep it simple.” 

The logo on the sides of the unit, in decal lettering, conveys simplicity, marked in a funky style, spelling out Al’s Garage, accentuated with a small boom.  

Also written on the unit are the words “12 tons of fun.” 

Hibler said, “I know it’s kind of corny, but it’s a fun truck to drive and run.” 

More comfortable than driving a beat-up old wrecker! “It’s like driving a lazy boy,” he said. “It’s a Laramie, so it’s got leather interior, heated seats and steering wheel, and all the amenities that you would have in a new car.”  

Equally impressive is that it’s outfitted with lighting everywhere. “It’s got marker lights. It’s got Federal Signal lights all over it. It’s got grill lights. It’s got sidebar lights on the running boards. And a light bar with all the markers flashing.” 

On the front of the unit, in visor position, words cut across that state, “Hibbies Hauler.” 

“That’s what my Dad used to put on every truck back in the 90’s,” said Gary.  

Nothing like the memory of Dad to give visibility to the new millennial tow generation.