Have a broken down vehicle that needs moving and not sure what type of towing assistance you need? Well, we are here to help. Before you decide to tow something it’s important to understand whether you are dealing with a light duty or heavy duty job. Light duty towing can be handled by regular tow trucks and do not require speciality vehicles to tow, whereas for heavy duty towing you need to call in a company with the proper specialized vehicle to handle the weight. In this blog we will discuss the differences between heavy and light duty towing so you know before you tow.
Understanding the ifference between Light-Duty and Heavy Duty
When you know better, you do better. Let’s dive into what light and heavy towing duty actually is and what precautions you need to take for each.
What is heavy duty towing?
A heavy duty tow refers to the relocation of large vehicles such as semi-trucks, buses, RVS or large pieces of constructional material. Because of the weight needed to tow, you must have a tow truck that is specialized for heavy duty towing. Heavy duty trucks have very strong winches, longer booms and frames that are capable of handling extremely heavy loads. Because the vehicles you are towing are usually grand in size, tow truck operators must be trained in how to drive these specialty trucks. At Sports Towing, we can handle any heavy duty tow and are certified for the safe handling of your vehicle.
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What is light duty towing?
This type of towing is used when you have to relocate smaller vehicles such as cars, sedans, SUVS, smaller trucks and motorcycles. If you find yourself on the side of the road on a roadtrip with a car that wont move, you will need to enlist the help of a light duty tow. Tow trucks are equipped with wheel lift systems and a flatbed that can hold lighter vehicles. Because the lighter tow isn’t as complex as heavy duty, the towing can be done quickly to get your car to a mechanic’s shop.
What is the difference between light-duty and heavy-duty towing?
Is deciding on the type of tow you need just about the weight of the vehicle towed? Kind of – that’s the biggest factor, but there’s more to consider! It’s important to note the differences of heavy vs light duty towing.
Weight Capacity
We know heavy vs light duty towing is all about weight, but exactly how much? Light duty trucks can handle up to 10,000 pounds of weight which is common for smaller vehicles like trucks and motorcycles. Heavy duty trucks will tow up to 26,000 pounds which is the weight of buses or semi-trucks.
Length of The Tow Truck
The truck beds on each type of towing vehicle differ because of the capacities they can hold. A heavy duty tow truck needs to handle the length of a semi-truck or construction material, so they typically range from 25 to 30 feet length on the truck bed. Light duty tows are usually 19-22 feet in length which is plenty of space for smaller vehicles like cars and SUVs.
Degree of Difficulty
You may have expected this, but a light duty tow truck has a less complex system than heavy duty, making it not as difficult to maneuver. Because of the size of the vehicles being towed during heavy duty tows the trucks have to be equipped with specialized equipment to keep things in place safely. The drivers then have a far heavier load to maneuver on highways. Light duty tows are challenging because you’ve still got a hefty car on your truck bed, but you don’t need quite as specialized machinery to handle the load and drivers have less length and weight to maintain as they drive.
Cost of Operation
Heavy duty tows are typically more expensive to hire, ranging from $150-$500 as a base price with charges being added per mile. Light duty towing has a lower base price, usually ranging from $75 to $125 and less price per mileage. At Sports Towing in the central Virginia area we offer fair pricing for any of our tows through our roadside assistance program. If you find yourself needing any type of tow within 60 miles of Richmond any time of the day, give us a call.
Towing Distance
Because of the specialized systems required for a heavy duty tow, these vehicles can take their tow loads long distances. Sometimes they are used to move heavy construction machinery to different areas, so they are built to tackle heavy loads AND long distances. Light duty towing is usually used for a short distance as it involves towing a vehicle locally to a mechanic shop for roadside assistance. At Sports Towing, we can handle the tow and the repair!
Light-Duty or Heavy-Duty Towing Services: Which is right for me?
We hope that you’ve got a better understanding of what heavy vs light duty towing entails and what is right for you. Still unsure? Give Sports Towing a call! Our expert technicians can talk you through what exactly you need and get you back on the road as soon as possible. Read more about our standard towing for lightweight vehicles here.
Heavy Duty Towing at SportsTowing
Sports Towing is known for their heavy duty towing expertise. We can handle whatever load you have over long distances. Our customers rave about our quality service and expert technicians. Tow, haul or repair– we’ve got you covered. Ready to get the help you need? Visit Sports Towing and Recovery to find reliable towing services tailored to your situation.