Until the middle of the 1960s, two-thirds of wreckers in the United States were some variant of a Holmes Wrecker with a hook and chain. These tow trucks were widely used because they made it easy to extricate and tow a vehicle without further damaging it. Despite this, today most towing companies only use these types of trucks for cars that have been in an accident or are being pulled away from the side of the road.
A wheel lift is a tow truck that has crossbars at one end which slip under the front or rear wheels of a car and raise it slightly. It is typically used to haul small vehicles and lightweight two-wheel drive cars for short distances. This type of towing truck is best suited for narrow roads and tight spaces where a flatbed would not fit. It can also be used to pick up a vehicle that is parallel parked or inside a parking garage. In addition, a wheel lift tow truck is usually cheaper than a flatbed tow truck.
Loading a vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck is simple and safe. The truck’s flatbed is often angled to allow the car to drive onto it. Once the vehicle is on top of the bed, it is secured using strong straps to prevent the car from moving during transport. Flatbed tow trucks are also the preferred method for transporting wrecked vehicles, as they don’t aggravate the vehicle’s damage by pulling it.
Wheel Lift
Another advantage of a wheel lift tow truck is its durability. Unlike the hidden wheel lift, which attaches to the frame of the truck, this type of lift is attached to the front of the truck and is less likely to damage it over time. It’s also easier to install and has a longer lifespan.
Different Types of Tow Trucks
This type of tow truck can carry a vehicle on its bed, or on a winch system that stretches across the flatbed. Its body length can range from nineteen to twenty-two feet, ensuring that there’s enough space for a vehicle or for towing equipment. In some cases, this tow truck has steel upright stanchions, or stakes, that are used to retain the load on the flatbed.
Integrated tow trucks are a type of towing truck designed for heavy-duty vehicles like buses and even big rig trucks. Their design is all about power, as they have an extra axle for added strength and stability. These powerful tow trucks are often used for removing and transporting large commercial vehicles from accident scenes, as well as in overdue parking / illegal parking situations and vehicle repossession.
Check the weight and size of the vehicle you are transporting to ensure your truck is up to the task. Also, regularly inspect all equipment to prevent unnecessary breakdowns and injuries.
At some point in everyone’s driving life, their car will break down and require a tow truck to transport it to the nearest repair shop. However, many people don’t realize that there are different kinds of tow trucks. The kind of tow truck required depends on the kind of vehicle being towed, the circumstances under which it needs to be hauled, and even the road’s condition.
Lastly, a boom tow truck, also known as a winch tow truck, features a powerful winch that can pull a car up or down off of the ground. This is especially useful for transporting a car in a difficult to reach place, such as a ditch or a steep hill. It’s also an ideal choice for towing a vehicle that can’t be driven due to a broken down engine or other mechanical issues. These tow trucks are usually equipped with a special hydraulic system that can lift up to 100,000 pounds.
Light-Duty Tow Trucks
There are several types of flatbed tow trucks, including tray-style and fixed bridge. Tray-style flatbeds have three rows of tie downs down the length of their beds, while fixed bridge flatbeds have a single deck with no sides. A fixed bridge flatbed is more stable and is able to transport larger vehicles such as trailers without the risk of them shifting during transportation. These trucks are also commonly used for hauling tractors and other heavy machinery. They are also useful for towing vehicles in tight spaces, such as a parallel parked car or an underground garage. These tow trucks are also easy to use, as they don’t require the same level of pre-checking as other types of towing trucks.
Tow trucks play a critical role in the transportation industry. Towing companies rely on different kinds of tow trucks to safely transport vehicles between locations.
The classic towing vehicle you probably see most often in movies and television is a hook and chain tow truck. This tow truck is what most people think of when they imagine a tow truck, and it was the most common type used once upon a time. A hook and chain tow truck uses a crane with a chain to lift one end of a vehicle, then drags it to its destination. This method of towing is not especially friendly to cars and can cause damage, so it is only used for vehicles that are totaled or need to be towed to junkyards.
These tow trucks are great for transporting larger vehicles, including buses and tractor-trailers. They're also frequently used to recover vehicles that have become stuck in mud or snow.
Wheel lift tow trucks have a hydraulic boom that slips under a car’s front or back wheels. The operator can then lift either the front or rear end of the vehicle. They’re typically used to haul parked cars that need to be towed to repair shops.
There are several steps that you can take to stay safe while waiting for a tow truck. Always make sure to find a safe location out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know that you are stopped.
Most of the tow trucks used for hauling vehicles to junkyards and transporting disabled cars to repair shops are medium-duty. These tow trucks are nimble and small, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces like parking garages.
Different Types of Tow Trucks
In addition to their weight capacity, heavy-duty tow trucks are required to have specific features to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. They must have a specific cargo capacity and height to ensure they can legally drive on public roads. Additionally, they're often required to have a driver that has a commercial drivers license and tow truck endorsement to operate them. This is to ensure that the driver has the knowledge and training to handle a large, heavy vehicle properly.
A good response time is about 20 minutes if the car is on the highway. If the car is in a safe area, it may take about 30–45 minutes. If you are stranded on the side of the road, you should ask how long it will take to reach you. Ideally, you want to find a company that can reach you in 30–60 minutes
Ask what vehicles they can tow, what type of towing services they offer, and what other services they offer.
Know what modes of payment are acceptable. Some tow trucks only accept cash.
Ask for an estimate cost.
Ask if your auto insurance will work.
Ask where your car will be taken and how and where they will take your vehicle.