Controlled Recovery for Overturned Trailers and Large Vehicles
When a trailer, bus or other large vehicle overturns, the recovery method can affect both the vehicle and its cargo. Goch & Sons Towing provides air cushion recovery to gradually lift overturned vehicles while helping limit additional body, trailer and cargo damage.
Our experienced operators evaluate the vehicle, load and surrounding conditions before determining whether air cushions are appropriate. We provide 24/7 heavy-duty recovery throughout Detroit, Downriver and Southeast Michigan.
Request Air Cushion Recovery: (313) 382-2727
What Is Air Cushion Recovery?
Air cushion recovery uses large, inflatable lifting bags placed between an overturned vehicle and the ground. As the cushions are gradually inflated, they raise and support the vehicle through the early stages of the uprighting process.
Heavy-duty wreckers, rotators and winch lines are typically used with the cushions to stabilize the vehicle and control its movement. Once the vehicle reaches the appropriate position, the recovery trucks complete the uprighting process and prepare it for towing.
When Air Cushions May Be the Right Recovery Method
Conventional winching can place significant pressure on a trailer’s body, roof or cargo. Air cushions distribute lifting force across a broader area, which may make them an effective option for certain overturned vehicles.
Air Cushion Recovery May Be Appropriate For:
- Overturned tractor-trailers
- Loaded or partially loaded trailers
- Buses and motor coaches
- Box trucks and straight trucks
- Recreational vehicles and motorhomes
- Trailers with sensitive or high-value cargo
- Vehicles with bodywork vulnerable to additional damage
- Rollovers where gradual lifting provides greater control
Helping Limit Additional Vehicle Damage
An overturned vehicle may already have significant structural and cosmetic damage. Pulling directly against the body can place additional stress on sidewalls, roofs, doors and trailer panels.
Air cushions support the vehicle over a larger surface area and lift it in controlled stages. This can help reduce concentrated pressure on the vehicle during the initial lift. The condition of the vehicle and the circumstances of the rollover will determine whether this method is suitable.
Protecting Cargo During Recovery
Cargo can shift, fall or become compressed when a trailer overturns. Sudden vehicle movement during recovery may cause the load to shift again or create additional damage.
The gradual lifting provided by an air cushion system may help operators maintain greater control over the vehicle and its cargo. Before recovery begins, the trailer and load are evaluated to determine whether cargo must first be stabilized, removed or transferred.
Cargo Support May Include:
- Inspecting the position and stability of the load
- Securing cargo before vehicle uprighting
- Removing freight from a damaged trailer
- Transferring cargo to a replacement trailer
- Recovering spilled or damaged materials
- Preparing the load for continued transportation
Air Cushions, Rotators and Heavy-Duty Winches
Air cushions are generally one part of a complete rollover recovery system. Heavy wreckers, rotators and winches help stabilize the vehicle, control the lift and guide it into the correct position.
Our operators coordinate each piece of equipment throughout the recovery. Multiple recovery vehicles and winch lines may be used depending on the vehicle’s weight, position, cargo and location.
Recovery Equipment May Include:
- Air cushion lifting systems
- 75-ton and 60-ton rotator wreckers
- Heavy-duty wreckers
- Heavy-duty winches and rigging
- Forklifts and front-end loaders
- Cargo-handling equipment
- Cleanup and roadway support equipment
- Heavy-duty tow trucks for vehicle removal
The Air Cushion Recovery Process
Every rollover requires an individual recovery plan, but an air cushion operation generally includes several coordinated stages.
Recovery May Involve:
- Assessing the vehicle, cargo and accident scene
- Stabilizing the overturned vehicle
- Preparing appropriate attachment and lifting points
- Positioning air cushions against the vehicle
- Gradually inflating the cushions
- Controlling movement with winches and rotators
- Completing the vehicle uprighting process
- Inspecting and preparing the vehicle for towing
Not Every Rollover Requires Air Cushions
The appropriate recovery method depends on the vehicle’s construction, damage, position, cargo and surrounding environment. Air cushions may not be suitable when the vehicle cannot be supported properly or when terrain and access conditions prevent their safe placement.
Our operators determine whether air cushions, rotators, conventional winching or a combination of recovery techniques offers the appropriate solution for the incident.
Roadway and Off-Road Air Cushion Recovery
Overturned commercial vehicles may be located on highways, local roads, shoulders, medians, ditches, embankments or job sites. Each environment presents different equipment-access and stabilization challenges.
Our team evaluates the terrain, ground conditions, traffic, vehicle position and available working area before beginning the recovery.
Fuel, Fluid and HazMat Response
A rollover may release diesel fuel, engine fluids or transported materials. These hazards must be identified and addressed as part of the overall incident response.
Our MIOSHA-certified HazMat response technicians can assist with containment and cleanup based on the materials involved, site conditions and directions provided by the responsible authorities.
Working With Police, Fire and Transportation Agencies
Major commercial vehicle rollovers may involve law enforcement officers, firefighters, transportation agencies, trucking companies and cargo representatives. Our operators work within the established incident response to coordinate vehicle stabilization, recovery, towing and cleanup.
Goch & Sons Towing currently provides towing support to the Lincoln Park Police Department and the Melvindale Police Department.
Air Cushion Recovery Available 24/7
Overturned commercial vehicles can block traffic and create immediate safety concerns. Our live, in-house dispatchers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to coordinate air cushion and heavy-duty rollover recovery.
We respond along major Southeast Michigan routes, including I-75, I-94, I-96, I-275, I-696, the Southfield Freeway and the Lodge Freeway.
What to Tell Our Dispatch Team
Accurate information helps our dispatchers determine which recovery vehicles, air cushion equipment and personnel should respond.
Be Prepared to Provide:
- Your name, company or agency and callback number
- The exact location and direction of travel
- The type of vehicle and trailer involved
- The vehicle’s current position and condition
- The approximate vehicle and cargo weight
- A description of the cargo
- Whether cargo has shifted, leaked or spilled
- Known fuel leaks or hazardous materials
- Roadway, terrain and access conditions
- Photographs of the scene, if available and safe to obtain
About Goch & Sons Towing
Controlled Heavy Recovery Backed by Experience
For four generations, Goch & Sons Towing has handled challenging towing and recovery operations throughout Southeast Michigan. Our family-owned company combines WreckMaster-trained and certified operators, 24/7 dispatch and Detroit’s largest towing fleet with air cushion systems, powerful rotators and specialized heavy-recovery equipment.
Request Air Cushion Recovery
Tell our dispatch team where the overturned vehicle is located, what type of vehicle and cargo are involved and whether the incident presents any immediate hazards. We will evaluate the situation and coordinate the appropriate recovery response.
