For those who are looking to tow a car, truck, or other large vehicle, there are 6 different types of tow trucks available to meet the needs of any situation. From the traditional flatbed tow truck to the specialized wheel-lift tow truck, each type of tow truck is specifically designed to handle the different types of towing scenarios. We will cover some of the basic information about tow trucks in this post. Sports Towing and Recovery is proud to be your first call when you need a tow in the Richmond, VA area.
How does a tow truck work?
Tow trucks are an essential piece of equipment for any roadside assistance service. They are used to transport vehicles that are unable to be driven or that have been in an accident. Tow trucks can be used to lift cars, trucks, and equipment to new locations. Tow trucks are an invaluable tool for any roadside assistance service, and having the right type of tow truck for the job is essential.
What are the Main Tow Truck Types?
Towing vehicles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each type of tow truck is designed to meet a specific set of needs so it is important to choose the right one for the job.
Flatbed Tow Truck
Flatbed tow trucks are the most versatile and reliable tow truck types on the market. They are capable of towing vehicles of all sizes and shapes, including cars, vans, trucks, trailers, and more. The flatbed surface allows for easy loading and unloading of a vehicle, as it is level with the ground. This is especially beneficial for towing vehicles with low ground clearance. Additionally, these tow trucks are great for hauling multiple vehicles at once, as they are equipped with tie-down straps to secure the load to the tow truck beds and prevent shifting during transport.
Hook and Chain Tow Trucks
Hook and Chain Tow Trucks are the oldest type of tow trucks still in use today. These vehicles are most often used to tow lighter vehicles, such as those involved in accidents or for repossessions. Hook and Chain Tow Trucks are relatively inexpensive to purchase and require minimal training to use. For this reason, they can be the best small truck for towing if you are just starting your company. They are capable of towing vehicles in a variety of directions, but are not recommended for towing heavier vehicles or on highways. This is due to the metal chain used to attach to the back of the vehicle, which can cause damage to the vehicle’s frame.
Wheel Lift Tow Trucks
Wheel lift tow trucks are one of the most popular tow truck types on the market. They are designed to lift the drive wheels off the ground, allowing the vehicle to be pulled behind the tow truck. This type of tow truck is equipped with a hydraulic lift that can raise and lower the arms, and a “boom” arm that can be extended to reach farther away from the truck. Wheel lift tow trucks are often used for everyday towing needs, including transporting vehicles to and from repair shops. This type of tow truck can be used to tow a wide range of vehicles, from small passenger cars to large commercial trucks. Wheel lift tow trucks are usually more affordable than other types of tow trucks and are easy to operate.
Integrated Tow Trucks
When it comes to towing large vehicles, integrated tow trucks are the perfect choice. These tow trucks are designed to tow large trucks and buses and typically have a larger capacity than standard tow trucks. They are equipped with a winch and boom arm which allows for a safe and efficient towing process. The powerful winch is capable of lifting up to 26,000 pounds, and the boom arm can be adjusted to fit the size of the vehicle. The integrated tow trucks are also equipped with a hydraulic system for more precise control when lifting and maneuvering large vehicles. When it comes to heavy-duty towing, integrated tow trucks are built to handle the job. With their powerful winch, adjustable boom arm, and hydraulic system, these tow trucks provide a safe and efficient towing process for large vehicles. These trucks are often used for semi truck towing.
Oversized Towing
Oversized Towing is a specialized type of towing service designed for large, heavy, or awkward-shaped vehicles. This type of tow truck is equipped with a large flatbed trailer that is capable of handling vehicles that are too large to fit on a standard tow truck. Flatbed Tow Trucks are equipped with a long, flatbed that is used for transporting vehicles that are too large or too heavy to fit onto a standard tow truck. This type of tow truck is often used for transporting vehicles that have been damaged or totaled in an accident. Heavy Duty Tow Trucks are built to transport large, heavy, and bulky vehicles. Oversized tow trucks are usually equipped with a long flatbed that is capable of carrying large tractor-trailers and large buses.
[Find out more about our heavy duty towing capabilities]
Boom Trucks
Have you ever seen a Boom Truck? It’s a large tow truck with a telescoping boom crane mounted on the back. This boom crane is extremely useful for lifting and transporting heavy items, such as buses, RVs, and construction equipment. It’s like having a portable crane that can move large objects from one place to another with ease! So if you ever need to move something heavy, consider a Boom Truck for the job. It’s an excellent way to get the job done quickly and safely.
What does a tow truck look like?
Different types of tow trucks can have many appearances depending on their purpose. Wheel-lift tow trucks are a common type of tow truck used to tow cars. They use a metal yoke that is attached to the car’s drive wheels and then lifted. This lifts the car off the ground and allows the tow truck to pull it away. Flatbed tow trucks are also popular, and they use a flat platform to carry vehicles. This platform is raised and the vehicle is then loaded onto the flatbed. Recovery tow trucks are used to recover vehicles from difficult places, such as a ditch or mud. They usually have a heavy-duty winch mounted on the back of the truck. Rollback tow trucks have a flatbed that can tilt back to allow vehicles to be loaded onto the flatbed from the rear. Finally, there are heavy-duty tow trucks that are designed to tow larger and heavier vehicles, such as buses or RVs. These tow trucks have specialized equipment that allows them to safely tow heavier loads.
How do tow trucks know which cars to tow?
Tow trucks are an important part of the transportation industry. They are used to transport vehicles from one place to another and are essential to the operations of auto repair shops, towing companies, and law enforcement agencies. Tow trucks are invaluable in many situations, from responding to accidents to helping with parking violations and repossessions to aiding in the repair for a broken-down vehicle. Trucks that move disabled vehicles after accidents are often called tow truck wreckers. They come in all shapes and sizes, each designed to help with a specific task.
What is the back of a truck called?
Tow trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and each of them has its own unique features. One of the most important parts of a tow truck is the back, which houses a variety of components. Many tow trucks have a winch, which is used to quickly and securely attach the vehicle to the truck. Others have booms and lifts, which are useful for lifting and transporting vehicles. Whatever type of tow truck you have, it’s important to make sure that it’s equipped with the right parts to get the job done safely and efficiently.
What is a rollback truck?
Rollback trucks are one of the most popular types of tow trucks due to their speed and efficiency. They feature a winch and wheel lift system which allows them to pull vehicles onto the flatbed platform. This flatbed platform is typically used to transport cars, but can also be used to transport other large or heavy items. The entire body of the rollback truck can be raised and tilted backward, making it easy to load and unload vehicles. Additionally, these trucks are perfect for hauling oversized vehicles that would otherwise be impossible to tow with more traditional methods. Safety belts and chains are also in place to secure the vehicle for transportation.
How much does a tow truck cost?
Light-duty tow trucks are the most common type, and they are used for towing cars and light-duty cargo. These trucks typically cost between $30,000 and $50,000. They are good for basic towing and transport jobs, and they are also affordable. Medium-duty tow trucks are a step up from light-duty tow trucks. They are used for heavier cargo, such as construction equipment, and their price tag reflects that. These trucks typically cost between $60,000 and $90,000. Heavy-duty tow trucks are the most powerful of the bunch. They are designed to transport extremely heavy cargo, such as large trucks and busses. These trucks cost between $100,000 and $200,000.
Which Tow Truck Do you Need?
The type of truck you need depends on the job. Here are some critical questions to think about:
- What type of vehicle/equipment needs to be towed?
- What state is the vehicle in? Is it mobile? Does it have tires?
- Has the vehicle been involved in an accident?
- Where do you need the vehicle towed to?
Sports towing and Recovery would be happy to help with these questions. Give us a call today!
Call Sports Towing and Recovery for Your Next Tow!
Sports Towing and Recovery offers a wide variety of tow truck services for all your towing needs. Our team of experienced drivers and technicians will make sure you get the best service possible. Our tow trucks are equipped with the latest technology and safety features to ensure that your vehicle is towed safely and securely. Sports Towing has many trucks in our fleet, including diesel tow trucks in a variety of styles. We understand the importance of having a reliable tow truck when you need it most, so we make sure our trucks are up to the job. With our 24-hour emergency towing services, you can rest assured that we will be there when you need us. We are the Richmond tow company that can be trusted to be there when you need us. Call Sports Towing and Recovery for your next tow!