Red, Reflective and Ready

A mountain-inspired logo, bold red-and-silver colors and reflective graphics give Klamath Towing's 2019 Ram 5500 a distinctive identity on Southern Oregon’s roads.

By George L. Nitti

Klamath Towing’s Unit 44 stands out against the rugged landscape of Southern Oregon, where mountain ranges, forest roads and open highways define the territory served by owner Elmer Tzin. The 2019 Ram 5500 combines a striking red-and-silver color scheme with a mountain-inspired logo and reflective lettering that help make the truck recognizable day and night.

For Tzin, the graphics began with a simple goal: create a name and design that would connect his company to the area while helping the business gain recognition.

“I was thinking, you know, what would be a good name,” he said. “Obviously, for more exposure, I chose Klamath Towing, and then since we’re surrounded by mountains, I decided on a logo with the mountains on it. So it ties into the area.”

The result is a cohesive design built around a white mountain emblem and bold Klamath Towing lettering across the doors. The company name is reinforced by smaller lettering identifying its roadside assistance services and Klamath Falls location, while the number 44 appears prominently on the front fender.

The graphics contrast sharply with the red bodywork and silver upper panels, giving the truck a clean, easily recognizable appearance without overwhelming its lines.

Visibility After Dark

The design’s practical benefits become especially apparent at night. In photographs taken after dark, the white mountain logo and company lettering remain prominent against the red bodywork, complemented by the truck’s illuminated warning lights.

“The coolest part I like at night is the visibility,” Tzin said of the reflective graphics. “It’s more visibility.”

Built for Southern Oregon’s Roads

Beyond its appearance, Unit 44 is equipped for the varied recovery work Tzin encounters around Klamath Falls, near the California border. The four-wheel-drive Ram 5500 features a Chevron 408 towing system from Miller Industries, an Auto Grip wheel lift, two winches and stiff legs for added stability during recovery operations.

Tzin said he frequently responds to calls involving vehicles that have slipped toward embankments. The ability to winch a vehicle sideways while stabilizing the truck is particularly valuable in those situations.

The Auto Grip wheel lift also helps him work efficiently on highway calls, especially those involving front-wheel-drive vehicles. He can lift a vehicle and move it to a safer location before stopping to secure everything for transport.

Another notable feature is the truck’s shorter wheelbase. While many comparable units have longer configurations with tunnel boxes, Tzin appreciates the maneuverability of his setup on narrow forest roads and in tight spaces.

“It’s real nice here for certain roads, especially in the forest,” he said. “I’m able to turn the truck more” than he could with a longer wheelbase.

A Growing Towing Business

Tzin launched his own operation in July 2024 after previously working in his father’s towing business. He began cautiously, learning the local market before expanding into contracts, vehicle transports and off-road recovery work.

Today, he operates two trucks, with a third on the way. Unit 44 carries the red-and-silver graphics, while the company’s flatbed is white and blue.

Based in Klamath Falls, Tzin works in an area where Crater Lake is approximately 60 miles to the north and Ashland lies about 60 miles to the west. The surrounding terrain makes versatility and maneuverability important considerations for his light-duty operation.

For a relatively young independent business, the Ram represents both a capable recovery vehicle and a moving advertisement. Its mountain logo reflects the region, its reflective graphics support nighttime visibility, and its prominent lettering helps put the Klamath Towing name in front of motorists throughout the area.