Hooked on a Bold Design

By George L. Nitti
"Help's here."
That catchy expression on this truck and good graphic design melds together a number of elements that work well together on P.J.'s Towing's 2015 Ford F550 Ext Cab Lariat/B&B 12-Ton Signature Series twin-line self-loader.
The graphics on this tow truck comes together to produce what P.J. Daly, owner of the Lansing, Michigan, company, feels make his trucks "really cool" looking.
Blending a variety of elements, the unit stands out not only as "cool" but also well-composed. Several images come into focus visually, defining what has been seen around much of the towing industry.
Most pronounced are the wild, red flames that run across the hood and the front sides of the F550, serving to enhance the background while complementing other images found on the truck.
"I have always been into hot rods and think flames are cool," Daly said.
Then there is the signature tow chain that sprawls across the side and back of the unit.
"The guy who did the wrap came up with the tow chains," Daly elaborated. "It was done by a company called 180 Designs, which is in Carson City, Michigan. They do really great work. This wrap is bright and colorful and really good. So clean with no lines. Everything lines up."
Another visual element cartoons. On this truck one will find Tow Mater, who was one of the main characters from the movie Cars.
"We were trying to do something fun for kids," Daly stated. "Our trucks are often in parades and the kids like the cartoon."
The final visual is a flag theme on the backside of the unit. The stars are wrapped on the lightbar adjacent to a waving flag along the top and interior of the wrecker.
These images do not overshadow the company name, which stands out in large, bold, bright contrasting colors of blue and green. It's written in a font that asserts itself alongside all of the other imagery.
The slogan, "Get hooked on P.J.'s," written on top of a flag covered boom, says it all.
Brag @ TIW!
Should your truck be featured here? Send a few pics and your contact information to the editor at bdooley@towman.com. You might even be selected to go in print, too, in American Towman magazine!