When it comes to roadside assistance and vehicle recovery, tow trucks are the unsung heroes of the automotive world. These mighty machines come in various types, each designed for specific towing needs. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of tow trucks, exploring their different types and the towing capacities that make them essential assets for both motorists and the towing industry.
Flatbed Tow Trucks:
Flatbed tow trucks, also known as rollback tow trucks, are perhaps the most common type of tow trucks seen on the road. Their design features a flat platform that can be hydraulically inclined and lowered to load a vehicle onto it. This type of tow truck is favored for its versatility and ease of use. It is particularly well-suited for transporting vehicles that are damaged or inoperable.
Towing Capacity: Flatbed tow trucks come in various sizes, with towing capacities ranging from 4,000 pounds to over 30,000 pounds, depending on the model and equipment.
Hook and Chain Tow Trucks:
Hook and chain tow trucks, also known as “sling” or “wrecker” trucks, were once a common sight but have become less popular due to potential vehicle damage. They use a hook and chain to lift the front or rear axle of the towed vehicle. While effective for certain situations, they can cause damage to the towed vehicle’s body, suspension, and drivetrain.
Towing Capacity: Hook and chain tow trucks typically have lower towing capacities, ranging from around 6,000 to 12,000 pounds.
Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks:
Wheel-lift tow trucks are an evolution of the hook and chain design, addressing some of its drawbacks. These trucks use a metal yoke placed under the vehicle’s front or rear wheels and then lift the wheels off the ground. This method reduces potential damage to the towed vehicle’s body.
Towing Capacity: Wheel-lift tow trucks have towing capacities similar to hook and chain tow trucks, ranging from around 6,000 to 12,000 pounds.
Integrated Tow Trucks:
Integrated tow trucks, often referred to as heavy-duty tow trucks, are built on heavy-duty chassis and are designed to handle larger and heavier vehicles. They usually come with additional axles for better weight distribution and stability, making them ideal for towing buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles.
Towing Capacity: The towing capacities of integrated tow trucks can vary significantly, ranging from around 25,000 pounds to over 100,000 pounds.
Boom Tow Trucks:
Boom tow trucks, also known as wheel-lifters or lift tow trucks, feature an adjustable boom with a winch that can lift one or both ends of a vehicle off the ground. They are commonly used to recover vehicles from ditches or other hard-to-reach places.
Towing Capacity: The towing capacity of boom tow trucks varies, with lighter models capable of towing around 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and heavier ones handling loads of up to 35,000 pounds or more.
Tow trucks play a vital role in keeping our roads safe and helping stranded motorists get back on their way. The diverse array of tow truck types and their varying towing capacities allow them to handle a wide range of situations, from minor breakdowns to major accidents. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations in tow truck design and capabilities, ensuring that these indispensable vehicles remain a cornerstone of roadside assistance and vehicle recovery.
If you ever wish to calculate the towing capacity of your vehicle, check out this guide which includes a vehicle towing capacity chart.
About Oshawa Towing
If you ever find yourself in need of roadside assistance when discovery Oshawa, you can trust Oshawa Towing. We have established ourselves as a trusted name when it comes to efficient and reliable towing solutions. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and making the process of saying goodbye to your junk car as seamless as possible.
If you need assistance, contact us now.