Adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck

An adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck, the adjustable lateral retriever comprising:

• a lower cross member having a first end and an opposing second end, the lower cross member configured to be coupled to frame rails of the recovery tow truck;
• a first sleeve secured to the first end of the lower cross member and extending substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member;
• a second sleeve secured proximate to the second end of the lower cross member and substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member;
• a first vertical column having a lower end and an upper end, the first vertical column slidingly engaged within the first sleeve and configured to extend out from the first sleeve;
• a second vertical column having a lower end and an upper end, the second vertical column slidingly engaged within the second sleeve and configured to extend out from the second sleeve;
• an upper cross member having a first end and an opposing second end, the upper ends of the first and second vertical columns fixed to the upper cross member, wherein the first and second vertical columns are vertically adjustable relative to the lower cross member;
• a first winch mounted to the lower end of the first sleeve and configured to be positioned below a bed of the recovery tow truck when installed;
• a second winch mounted to the lower end of the second sleeve and configured to be positioned below the bed of the recovery tow truck when installed;
• a first sheeve mounted to the first end of the upper cross member;
• a second sheeve mounted to the opposing second end of the upper cross member;
• a first winch cable secured to the first winch and routed through the first sheeve, the first winch cable configured to attach to a vehicle to be recovered;
• and
• a second winch cable secured to the second winch and routed through the second sheeve, the second winch cable configured to attach to the vehicle to be recovered.

A method of using an adjustable lateral retriever for a recovery tow truck, the adjustable lateral retriever comprising a lower cross member, an upper cross member, a first adjustable vertical support secured to a first end of the lower cross member and extending substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member, a second adjustable vertical support secured proximate to a second end of the lower cross member and substantially perpendicular from the lower cross member, the method comprising:

• extending a first winch cable routed through a first sheeve mounted to a first end of the upper cross member, or extending a second winch cable routed through a second sheeve mounted to an opposing second end of the upper cross member;
• attaching either the first or second winch cable to a vehicle to be recovered;
• extending at least one self-adjusting stabilizer;
• activating a first winch mounted below a bed of the tow recovery vehicle and having the first winch cable, or engaging a second winch mounted below the bed of the tow recovery vehicle and having the second winch cable;
• and
• pulling the vehicle towards the recovery tow truck by engaging a respective winch.