When your vehicle breaks down or you need assistance on the road, a tow truck can be a lifesaver. However, not all tow trucks are created equal, and different situations call for different types of towing equipment. Knowing which type of tow truck is right for your specific needs can help you feel more confident when you call for assistance. Jon’s Wrecker Service would like to explore the most common types of tow trucks, their features, and the situations in which they’re typically used.
Flatbed Tow Truck
The flatbed tow truck, also known as a rollback truck, is one of the most common and versatile types of tow trucks. It features a large, flat platform on which vehicles can be loaded. The bed of the truck can be hydraulically inclined, allowing the car to be driven or winched up onto the platform. Best situation for flatbed tow trucks can include:
• Vehicles that are heavily damaged or inoperable
• All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles (to avoid transmission damage)
• Long-distance towing
• Transporting motorcycles, luxury cars, or classic vehicles
Hook and Chain Tow Truck
The hook and chain tow truck is one of the oldest towing methods and involves attaching chains to the frame or axle of the vehicle, lifting either the front or rear wheels off the ground. The vehicle is then towed with the remaining two wheels on the road. This type of tow truck is less commonly used today due to the potential for damage to the vehicle. Times where hook and chain tow truck may be the better choice are:
• Wrecked or junk vehicles that are being taken to a salvage yard
• Heavily damaged vehicles that don’t need to be preserved
Wheel-Lift Tow Truck
A wheel-lift tow truck is an evolution of the hook and chain truck, but it’s far less damaging to the vehicle. Instead of chains, a metal yoke is placed under the front or rear wheels of the vehicle, which lifts them off the ground. The remaining two wheels stay on the road, making this a more common option for short-distance towing. The best situation where you may want to request a wheel-lift tow truck are:
• Front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles
• Vehicles with minimal damage
• Short-distance towing in urban areas
Boom Tow Truck
A boom tow truck is equipped with a hydraulic arm, or “boom,” that can be used to lift vehicles from difficult or hard-to-reach areas. Unlike wheel-lift or hook and chain tow trucks, the boom allows the operator to lift a vehicle without attaching chains or damaging the vehicle. Boom tow trucks are often used for heavy-duty towing or recovery operations. Best use for a boom tow truck may include:
• Recovering vehicles that have gone off-road or into ditches
• Towing vehicles from narrow or hard-to-reach areas, such as parking lots or embankments
• Towing larger or heavier vehicles
Towing, Roadside Assistance & More in Greenville, Tyler, Waco, Conroe, Dallas / Fort Worth TX and all other cities within 150 miles of Canton, TX
Understanding the different types of tow trucks can help you choose the right service for your specific needs. No matter the situation, hiring a professional towing service with the right equipment for your vehicle is essential to avoid further damage and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. For towing services and more, contact Jon’s Wrecker Service today.