4 Different Types of Tow Trucks and What They’re Used For

Not all tow trucks are created equal! They come in different shapes and sizes to cater to the different types of emergencies on the road. Whether it’s a sedan or a bus, there is always a tow vehicle to handle the situation. While there are many options for your hauling needs, there are four main types of tow trucks: hook and chain, flatbed, wheel-lift and integrated.

To get you better acquainted with the towing industry, let’s take a look at these four different types of tow trucks and their specific roles.

WHAT ARE TOW TRUCKS USED FOR?

The primary purpose of tow trucks is to haul broken-down vehicles or those involved in an accident to a safe location. However, tow trucks can also be used for other roadside assistance services, including:

• Gas delivery
• Changing a tire
• Jump-starting a dead car battery
• Carrying heavy equipment
• And much more!

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOW TRUCKS AVAILABLE?

There are several types of tow trucks for different purposes. Here are four of the most common:

INTEGRATED TOW TRUCKS

Integrated tow trucks are vehicles that offer a wide range of towing and recovery services. These specialized vehicles are extremely versatile and can be used for towing large rigs such as commercial machinery, big rigs, motor homes and buses. They are typically outfitted with an array of equipment and amenities (such as extra axles for added strength & stability) to ensure the safe removal and transport of commercial vehicles in need of assistance.

FLATBED TOW TRUCKS

Flatbed tow trucks, also known as rollbacks, are the most common and widely used towing vehicles in the world. As the name suggests, flatbed tow trucks have a long metal flatbed with hydraulics that allows the bed to move up and down vertically. They are handy for multiple fields, from automotive to agriculture. This is because they are great for carrying various loads over long distances, such as transporting cars, boats, mobile homes, and much more. Flatbeds have a strong deck that is designed to hold cargo of any size or shape without damaging the item being transported, as the item is secured entirely off the ground during transport.

WHEEL LIFT TOW TRUCKS

Wheel lift tow trucks are tow trucks that use a metal yoke to lift a vehicle’s front or rear wheels off the ground. This type of tow truck is typically used to remove vehicles that have been involved in accidents or have broken down. Wheel lift tow trucks can also be used to impound vehicles that have been abandoned or illegally parked. One advantage of wheel lifts is that they allow tow truck operators to quickly and easily hook up vehicles.

HOOK AND CHAIN TOW TRUCKS

Hook and chain tow trucks are one of the oldest methods of vehicle towing, being both powerful and effective. As its name suggests, a large metal chain connected to a substantial hook is attached to the front or rear part of the vehicle so that it can be lifted and dragged in an efficient manner. While this method of towing can be successful, there is a higher chance for potential damage to the towed car compared to other tow trucks due to the amount of pressure put on the vehicle during transportation. This added element of caution should be taken into consideration when deciding which type of truck best suits your needs.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A TOW TRUCK TYPE

Different tow trucks are better suited for different types of tows. Some of the factors in determining this include:

WEIGHT AND SIZE 

The weight and size of your vehicle will influence the type of tow truck needed. These two details will influence the type of tow truck you need, as different trucks are designed for towing different types and sizes of vehicles. Towing companies typically have a range of tow truck models so that they can match the capacity of each one to your vehicle’s size and weight. 

TERRAIN

The area’s terrain will influence which type of tow truck is required. Depending on the environment, your options may be limited due to truck size, capability and accessibility. Factors such as high-elevation areas or low-clearance spaces can make it difficult for particular larger trucks to enter.

DISTANCE

Distance can also be an important factor. Different types of tow trucks are better suited for different distances; for example, flatbed tow trucks can haul vehicles over long distances since they reduce wear and tear on the vehicle being towed due to the bed being used instead of a chain. In comparison, hook-and-chain tow trucks are more suitable for short distances since they are equipped with chains that move up and wedge under the wheels of the car being towed, which can cause damage if used for longer trips.

WHAT IS THE BEST TOW TRUCK FOR THE JOB?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Each type of tow truck has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the situation, any of these tow trucks can be the best tool for the job. So if you ever find yourself in a bind on the side of the road, don’t panic! There’s a tow truck out there that can help you.

YOUR TRUSTED COMMERCIAL HEAVY-DUTY TOWING PROFESSIONALS IN SANDUSKY!