What Are the Different Types of Tow Trucks?
Not everyone understands this, but towing vehicles isn’t a one-size-fits-all operation. Not only do towing companies need a wide range of towing vehicles, properly maintained and ready to go, but there are also other pieces of equipment involved that must also be reliable. When you call for a tow truck, the towing company will assess the situation to determine what type of tow truck is the best fit, and whether additional equipment will be required.
Heavy vs Light Duty Tow Trucks: Categories by Load Capacity
Light-duty tow trucks are good for towing passenger vehicles, so any time a standard-sized car is involved, these are generally the best solution. Small and nimble, these trucks are extremely helpful when navigating tight spots, like parking garages. Medium duty trucks are good for larger vehicles like SUVs, vans, and mid-sized trucks, and heavy-duty trucks can handle those vehicles and vehicles that are even heavier. If cargo containers, farm equipment, or semi-trucks need towing, a medium-duty unit may be able to handle the job if the weight is below 17,000 pounds. Above that, a heavy-duty truck is required. If there’s any question about the vehicle size, it’s usually best to go with a larger tow truck. For extremely heavy vehicles, exceeding 48,000 pounds, a super heavy-duty tow truck will be necessary.
Tow Truck Types by Equipment and Function: Are there Different Types of Heavy Duty Tow Trucks?
In addition to towing certain weights, different tow trucks are designed to handle different types of situations. For example, a luxury vehicle will need a flatbed tow truck, to keep it from being damaged during the trip. Heavy-duty flatbed trucks are extremely useful for hauling large vehicles over long distances. Some tow trucks are outfitted with a crane like arm, or a hydraulic arm, and some are designed to navigate tricky spaces or move cargo from one vehicle to another. Whether the tow truck is meant for passenger vehicles or heavy duty use, it’s important to choose the right equipment to make sure it meets the specific needs of the situation.
Matching Tow Truck Types to Vehicle Needs
Is your vehicle a compact car or a lifted pickup? Do you have a disabled electric vehicle with regenerative braking? What kind of damage has your vehicle sustained? The right tow truck type for each vehicle is sometimes hard to assess, which is why it’s important to rely on an experienced towing company. A professional towing crew has the knowledge and experience to determine the safest, most effective way to tow a vehicle, and they can also help when a vehicle just needs a jump start or some gas to get it going again.
Why the Right Tow Truck Matters: Example — Super Heavy-Duty Trucks are Wrong for Light Duty Tows
When a vehicle is towed the wrong way, it can sustain lasting damage. Elements of a vehicle, including the suspension, the steering system, and the transmission, are all susceptible to damage from unprofessional towing. Customers who are calling for tow trucks are already in a stressful situation. Imagine how stressful it would become if the towing company failed to send the appropriate truck! A heavy duty truck will probably not be able to navigate the space properly when a light duty tow is needed, and a light duty truck will not be able to tow a heavy vehicle. If a vehicle requires a flatbed, towing it on a truck that lifts the wheels is likely to damage it. To make sure your vehicle is safely and efficiently moved, it’s vital to have the right tow truck for your vehicle and the circumstance that necessitates the tow.
At Hawkins Towing, We Have Different Types of Tow Trucks to Meet Every Need
Whatever type of two truck is best for your situation, if you need a tow in South Carolina, Hawkins Towing is the right company to contact. Our fleet of state of the art towing and wrecker equipment is located in three areas of upstate SC, which means our team can be there to help quickly, no matter where you are or what you’re driving. Our family owned and operated business is fully licensed and insured, and each of our technicians is well trained and experienced in towing services. We know that needing a tow or roadside assistance means you’re in a stressful situation, and we will treat you with respect and courtesy as we work to make everything go as smoothly as possible. Having worked in this area for more than two decades, we’ve earned a reputation for providing reliable service, responding quickly, and being able to handle any situation. Contact us and let us know how we can help.