You may have noticed in your travels that there are many different configurations of tow trucks running around. If you've ever wondered why that is, or what the function of each is, then this article is for you.
The Truck Types
There are three basic types of trucks: light, medium, and heavy duty. Light duty is most of what you see. They run around and pick up all the passenger vehicles that are stranded on the side of the road or illegally parked. Medium duty trucks excel at smaller moving vans and commercial vehicles of that size. Then you have heavy duty… the trucks that haul the trucks that haul. You will see these monsters hauling the trucks that deliver merchandise in mass quantity to their retailers we call 18 wheelers.
This article will focus on the various light duty trucks that are out there, as that is likely what you will need.
Dolly Towing
Dolly Towing is the traditional towing style. Two wheels will be lifted (usually the drive wheels) leaving the other tow wheels on the ground. The car is then pulled around on two wheels to its destination. This can be trouble some if the vehicle has a flat on one of the non-drive wheels or for any 4 wheel or all wheel drive vehicle. It can damage the drivetrain leading to other costly issues if used incorrectly. However, used correctly this method can be cheaper than other options as the trucks typically cost less to purchase, maintain and operate.
Flat Bed Towing
Flat Bed Tow Trucks have a large flat bed rather than a two wheel dolly. The bed will raise at an angle to allow the vehicle being towed to pulled up onto the bed of the truck. This allows for all 4 wheels to be stationary during towing providing an optimal situation for most vehicles out there. However, some flatbeds have a problem loading vehicles that sit low to the ground. For vehicles that sit low to the ground, the truck has to have a very shallow slope, which some trucks cannot accomplish.
Finding the Best Towing Option for Your Vehicle
The best option for your vehicle will depend on a couple of factors.
These questions and more will lead you to the best option for your car. Either way, it would be wise to choose a towing company that has either option.
We hope this helps to shed some light for you on your options for tow trucks. If you have any other questions, ask in the comments below, or give us a call.
Talk to you soon!
The Truck Types
There are three basic types of trucks: light, medium, and heavy duty. Light duty is most of what you see. They run around and pick up all the passenger vehicles that are stranded on the side of the road or illegally parked. Medium duty trucks excel at smaller moving vans and commercial vehicles of that size. Then you have heavy duty… the trucks that haul the trucks that haul. You will see these monsters hauling the trucks that deliver merchandise in mass quantity to their retailers we call 18 wheelers.
This article will focus on the various light duty trucks that are out there, as that is likely what you will need.
Dolly Towing
Dolly Towing is the traditional towing style. Two wheels will be lifted (usually the drive wheels) leaving the other tow wheels on the ground. The car is then pulled around on two wheels to its destination. This can be trouble some if the vehicle has a flat on one of the non-drive wheels or for any 4 wheel or all wheel drive vehicle. It can damage the drivetrain leading to other costly issues if used incorrectly. However, used correctly this method can be cheaper than other options as the trucks typically cost less to purchase, maintain and operate.
Flat Bed Towing
Flat Bed Tow Trucks have a large flat bed rather than a two wheel dolly. The bed will raise at an angle to allow the vehicle being towed to pulled up onto the bed of the truck. This allows for all 4 wheels to be stationary during towing providing an optimal situation for most vehicles out there. However, some flatbeds have a problem loading vehicles that sit low to the ground. For vehicles that sit low to the ground, the truck has to have a very shallow slope, which some trucks cannot accomplish.
Finding the Best Towing Option for Your Vehicle
The best option for your vehicle will depend on a couple of factors.
- Is your vehicle two wheel or four wheel drive?
- Is your vehicle a specialized or low profile vehicle?
- Do you simply want your vehicle to get the best treatment possible?
These questions and more will lead you to the best option for your car. Either way, it would be wise to choose a towing company that has either option.
We hope this helps to shed some light for you on your options for tow trucks. If you have any other questions, ask in the comments below, or give us a call.
Talk to you soon!