There are several types of tow trucks available in the industry. Each has unique capabilities, but all prioritize safety and efficiency.
The most common tow truck is the flatbed. These vehicles have a flat platform that can be hydraulically inclined or lowered to load and transport vehicles. They’re ideal for repossessions and other time-sensitive hauling jobs. Contact Tow Truck Companies in Colorado Springs for more details.
Flatbed
Flatbed tow trucks are one of the most popular types of tow truck out there. Their large flat bed is explicitly designed for transferring vehicles onto and off of them, making it easy to load even the largest and most awkward-looking cars. They are also ideal for long-distance towing because they allow vehicles to be fully supported during transport, reducing the risk of damage caused by other tow trucks that rely on lifting only two wheels off the road.
Because of their versatility, flatbed tow trucks are used for a wide range of situations. Generally, they are sent out to tow vehicles that have been damaged in accidents or have suffered other kinds of malfunctions. They are also often deployed for recovery after natural disasters, as they can quickly and safely move vehicles that have been stranded on roads or highways.
If a driver’s car isn’t driveable, a flatbed tow truck will be sent out to pick it up and transport it to a repair shop. They are also frequently used to transport classic or exotic cars to and from car shows or other events. The towing company will usually offer a discount for customers who use these services because they are able to offer better protection than other tow trucks can provide.
When it comes to price, flatbed tow trucks are more expensive than their wheel lift counterparts. However, they are typically cheaper than specialized tow trucks like the ones used for hauling exotic or luxury vehicles. Additionally, they can reduce the wear and tear on a vehicle’s undercarriage by keeping all four wheels off the ground during transport, which can otherwise cause damage to the drivetrain.
Unlike the flatbed tow truck, the wheel lift tow truck can only raise the front or rear of a vehicle using a hook secured to the car’s axle or bumper and chains wrapped around the frame. A hydraulic boom then lifts the front or rear of a vehicle, leaving the other two wheels to roll on the road during transportation. This type of tow truck is not as versatile as the flatbed, but it can be a good choice for certain scenarios when a driver needs to transport their vehicle.
Integrated
An integrated tow truck, also known as a wheel-lift or self-loader, combines key features of 2 primary towing trucks into 1 unit. These trucks are based on medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and are equipped with an industrial boom and winch system that is capable of lifting and towing large trucks, buses, construction equipment, and other oversized objects. Additionally, many integrated tow trucks feature additional stabilizing outriggers that improve stability during recovery or towing processes, ensuring safer operations and better load balance.
The ability to perform both recovery and towing tasks in a single vehicle allows for greater efficiency and reduced costs. By combining multiple functions into one truck, operators can reduce the number of vehicles they need in their fleet, cutting overhead costs and enabling them to serve more customers per day. Additionally, integrating recovery and towing capabilities into one vehicle streamlines operations and reduces training requirements for new employees.
Integrated tow trucks are often used in emergency situations when vehicles are disabled or immobilized on the road. They can quickly lift a vehicle onto their flatbed and transport it to the nearest service station or to an accident site, speeding up response times and helping drivers get back on the road faster. These trucks are also popular for repossession and moving illegally parked cars from busy urban areas.
In addition to facilitating rapid response, integrated tow trucks can also help keep roads safe by removing abandoned or illegally parked vehicles that block traffic lanes. They have the power and stability to quickly clear overturned trucks, buses, and other oversized vehicles from highways, preventing secondary accidents from occurring.
When selecting an integrated tow truck, choose a model that can handle the maximum weight you expect it to need to tow and recover. Check the boom and wheel-lift arm to make sure they can be deployed in tight spaces and securely grip various frame types, and look for models with advanced control systems that enable operators to manage towing operations from the cab without exiting the truck. Also, select a truck that is built on a reinforced chassis platform that can distribute weight evenly and withstand torsional stresses during recovery and towing.
Wheel Lift
The towing method that is chosen for a vehicle recovery job can have a big impact on safety, cost and the condition of your car after transport. The three most popular methods are flatbed towing, wheel lift towing and hook and chain towing. Each has its own strengths, limitations and ideal uses. Understanding the differences between them can help you determine which type of tow truck will be used to recover your vehicle.
A wheel lift tow truck is equipped with a metal yoke that slides underneath the front or rear wheels of your vehicle. It can lift either one of these two sets of wheels, depending on the car’s transmission. This allows the other set of wheels to roll freely on the road during transportation, reducing the risk of damage to the drivetrain and the chassis.
Wheel lift tow trucks are also less expensive than flatbed towing trucks, making them a more affordable option for vehicle owners. Additionally, they are able to maneuver through narrow streets and tight spaces more easily than flatbed trucks. This versatility makes them suitable for a variety of towing needs, from small cars to larger SUVs and light trucks.
Another advantage of wheel lift towing is that it minimizes contact with your car’s body, reducing the chance of scratches or dents during transportation. This is particularly important for vehicles that have been in a recent crash, as the last thing you want is additional damage to your vehicle’s frame and bumper.
One downside of wheel lift towing is that it may not be the best choice for all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles. Because these vehicles distribute power to all four wheels, lifting a single set of wheels off the ground can cause them to spin uncontrollably during transport and potentially damage the drivetrain.
While wheel lift towing can be a great option for most vehicles, it is essential that you understand your vehicle’s transmission before requesting this service. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s transmission, you can be sure that it is being towed in the safest and most efficient manner possible.
Hook and Chain
When stranded, people want tried-and-true solutions. That’s exactly what a hook and chain tow truck offers, with its simple, straightforward design that’s stood the test of time. These trucks are still used today, despite newer towing methods, as they provide the speed and durability that customers require in real-world situations.
As the name suggests, this type of tow truck uses a chain and hook to secure a vehicle’s front or rear wheels and then drags it to its destination. It’s an economical choice since it doesn’t require a flatbed and can operate in tight spaces, like busy highways. However, the hook and chain method puts strain on a car, which can cause damage to its frame and bumpers. For this reason, this forerunner of the towing industry is typically reserved for towing scrap or junk cars or towing vehicles from accident scenes.
Integrated tow trucks, also called wrecker tow trucks, are built specifically for heavy-duty towing and recovery. They feature extra axles for strength and stability and an arm firmly embedded in the center of the truck that’s designed to haul large, unwieldy vehicles like buses and rigs. These trucks are ideal for transporting disabled and broken-down commercial vehicles and can even be used to move cargo between worksites.
Another popular option is the wheel lift tow truck, which uses a component called a yoke that fits around the underside of a car’s front-wheel tires. It’s similar to the hook and chain truck in that it can quickly latch a vehicle, but the yoke doesn’t put pressure on the vehicle and therefore reduces the risk of damage.
This tow truck can also travel on muddy and rough roads, which makes it great for off-road recoveries. In fact, it’s the preferred towing model for many salvage yards and municipalities. The wheel lift tow truck is especially efficient in tight locations, as it can drive straight up to a vehicle without having to tilt or haul it, which can save on fuel and labor costs. It’s also often used to haul vehicles that are up for repossession or have been towed for illegal parking or other violations.