A towing truck is crucial when your vehicle has become stuck on the road or your business depends on moving heavy cargo. You need to know what type of trucks are used for towing your vehicle because the wrong one might damage your car and result in higher costs.
In this article, we will explain the types of tow trucks so that you can make the right decision based on your needs. After reading this article, you will be clear about which type of tow truck will suit your case.
Different Types of Tow Trucks
Different tow trucks suit different situations; each type is designed specifically for certain tasks. Following are some of the most common types of tow trucks you may experience:
1. Flatbed Tow Trucks
The flatbed tow truck is one of the industry’s most adaptable and commonly used. It has a long flat platform that can be hydraulically inclined so that vehicles can be driven or pulled onto the bed for transportation.
This type of tow truck is ideal for moving severely damaged vehicles or AWD vehicles, as it offers full support to prevent further damage.
2. Hook and Chain Tow Trucks
A hook-and-chain tow truck is one of the oldest towing methods. It uses a hook to lift one end of the vehicle, with the remaining part on the ground.
While this type is good and efficient in moving wrecked vehicles, chains may dent the bumper or scratch the wheels of a vehicle in light-duty vehicles. It is still used in heavy-duty towing and off-road towing.
3. Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks
The wheel-lift tow truck is a more recent extension of the hook-and-chain tow truck. Rather than using a hook, a metal yoke is placed under the front or rear wheels to lift them off the ground. The other two wheels of the vehicle remain in contact with the road.
This method creates less damage to the vehicle and is quite usual for towing cars within cities and improperly parked vehicles.
4. Integrated Tow Trucks
An integrated tow truck, also known as a boom truck, is a heavy-duty towing truck with extra axles designed to tow buses and large commercial vehicles.
By design, they have a wheel lift and a combined boom, which is very suitable for recovering a vehicle in unavailable areas, such as narrow streets.
5. Rotator Tow Trucks
A rotator tow truck is a heavy-duty recovery vehicle with a rotating boom. This differentiates it from all other tow trucks and makes it valuable in any heavy-duty recovery operation.
These trucks are ideal for handling accidents where a car or large truck has flipped onto its back or side.
6. Boom Tow Trucks
A boom tow truck tows vehicles through a hydraulic arm from highly unreachable areas, like ditches or off-road areas.
This hydraulic arm is called the “boom,” which extends much farther than the actual length of the truck itself. It enables many possibilities in recovery situations.
7. Motorcycle Tow Trucks
Motorcycle tow trucks are special trucks from all types of tow trucks that are designed for motorcycles and scooters. They are usually smaller and lighter than regular tow trucks, and they have attachments that keep a motorcycle tied down for transportation. They are also trained with harnesses and straps to bind the bike safely.
Classifications of Tow Trucks
Depending on carrying capacity, tow trucks can also be classified into three categories.
Light-Duty Tow Trucks
- Ideally used for towing small cars, motorcycles, and light vehicles.
- Ideal for daily roadside assistance in repositioning disabled or improperly parked vehicles.
Medium-Duty Tow Trucks
- Suitable for towing large vehicles, such as SUVs, vans, and small trucks.
- Mainly used in towing passenger vehicles that get involved in an accident or breakdown.
Heavy-Duty Tow Trucks
- Used for both commercial and industrial towing purposes.
- Applied to large vehicles like buses, RVs, semi-trucks and construction equipment.
Factors Affecting the Choice of Tow Truck
These are important factors to consider when you are choosing the right tow truck type ·
- Vehicle Size and Weight
First, one should consider the size and weight of the vehicle to be towed. Towing trucks have different capacities, so knowing your vehicle’s weight will help you get the right truck.
- Type of Breakdown
The vehicle conditions and nature of the breakdown also come into play. For example, when the car is badly damaged, a flatbed tow truck is highly recommended.
- Towing Distance
The type of truck should be affected by the distance the vehicle will need to be pulled. Flatbed tow trucks are best for long-distance. Short-distance towing can be handled by wheel-lift tow trucks.
- Location
It is necessary to consider the vehicle’s location. Wheel-lift or integrated tow trucks are suitable in heavy urban areas, small city streets, or car parks.
Boom trucks or rotator trucks would be preferred for more complex terrains, like vehicles stuck in ditches, mud, or off-road pathways.
- Condition of the Vehicle
The vehicle’s damage would determine how delicately it must be towed. Flatbed tow trucks provide the safest option for high-value vehicles that are severely damaged because the entire car is lifted completely off the road.
- Cost Considerations
Cost is always a consideration in choosing the type of tow truck. Flatbeds and rotators are more expensive due to better protection. At the same time, wheel-lift or hook-and-chain trucks are cheaper and budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Understanding what types of tow trucks are used for towing allows you to choose the right truck for a particular task. It helps you understand which truck best suits your needs, adding value and providing practical insights. It will help you to make a wise decision by avoiding further costs and ensuring the safety of your vehicle.
FAQs:
What types of vehicles can tow trucks move?
Tow trucks can tow a wide variety of vehicles, including: passenger cars, motorcycles, small trucks, large commercial trucks, buses, RVs and other large vehicles.
How do I choose the right tow truck for my needs?
It all depends on the size and weight of the vehicle that needs towing and its condition.
Can towing damage my vehicle?
Improper practice of certain methods, such as hook and chain towing, may damage your vehicle. The experience of the tow operator is also an important factor; good equipment should be used.
What is a semi tow truck?
The semi-tow truck, otherwise known as the heavy-duty tow truck, is designed for towing big and heavy vehicles such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and even construction equipment.
What is the best type of tow truck?
It all depends on the situation. The flatbed is probably the best because it can do many things and ensure the safety of the car being towed.
What is the most common tow truck?
Of the various types of tow trucks, flatbed tow trucks are the most common. Their flexibility and ease of operation make them a favorite of most towing companies.
What is a wrecker tow truck?
A wrecker tow truck is a tow truck that generally has a lifting boom or hook and chain necessary to lift the vehicle. It is used for towing in emergencies. A recovery tow truck is another name for a wrecker tow truck. A wrecker tow truck helps recover cars mainly after accidents or breakdowns.
What are the Different Types of Tow Trucks ?