Types Of Tow Trucks and Their Benefits
Types Of Tow Trucks and Their Benefits.
Getting stuck on the side of the road is never fun, but it happens to everyone at some point. When it does, it's essential to know your options for getting your car back on the road. One option is to call a tow truck. But did you know that there are different types of tow trucks? And each has its benefits.
A tow truck is a large, heavy vehicle equipped with a hydraulic system used for
towing vehicles. Each truck is designed for a specific purpose, so it's important to know which type of truck is best for your needs.
Flatbed tow trucks.
Flatbeds are the most common type of tow truck. They have a flat, level platform on the back of the truck used to load and transport vehicles. Flatbeds are best for transporting vehicles that can't be driven, such as those with blown tires, broken axles, or major engine problems.
The main advantages of hiring a flatbed tow truck are:
Your vehicle is less likely to sustain further damage while being towed.- It's easier to load and unload a vehicle onto a flatbed.
- Flatbeds can carry multiple vehicles at once.
However, flatbed tow trucks are generally more expensive than other tow trucks.
Hook and chain tow trucks.
Hook and chain tow trucks are the second most common type of tow truck. They have a large hook and chain system to secure and transport vehicles. The main advantage of hook and chain tow trucks is that they can be used to tow vehicles in any direction, even if the vehicle is not facing the same direction as the truck. This makes them ideal for towing vehicles out of ditches or off narrow roads. However, there are some disadvantages to using a hook and chain tow truck. They include:
Your vehicle is more likely to sustain damage while being towed.- The chains can scratch or dent your vehicle.
- It's more difficult to load and unload a vehicle onto a hook and chain tow truck.
Wheel-lift tow trucks.
Wheel-lift tow trucks are similar to hook and chain tow trucks, but instead of chains, they have a large metal yoke that goes under the front or back wheels of the vehicle to be towed. The yoke is then lifted into the air, suspending the wheel off the ground and allowing the truck to move the vehicle. Wheel-lift tow trucks have several advantages over other tow trucks, including:
They can be used to tow vehicles in any direction.- Your vehicle is less likely to sustain damage while being towed.
- It's easier to load and unload a vehicle onto a wheel-lift tow truck.
However, there are some disadvantages to using a wheel-lift tow truck. The yoke can damage the tires, rims, or suspension of the vehicle being towed. And, if not used properly, the yoke can slip off the wheel, causing the vehicle to fall and sustain further damage.
Oversized tow trucks.
These are the largest tow trucks and are mostly used for heavy-duty towing. They can tow vehicles and heavy equipment that weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They usually have a boom extending to reach the vehicle being towed. The most common type of oversized tow truck is the rotator. It has a large boom that rotates 360 degrees. This allows it to reach any vehicle on the road, no matter how difficult it is to access.
Boom trucks.
Boom trucks are similar to oversized tow trucks but have a much smaller boom. They are mostly used for towing vehicles that are not too heavy or difficult to access.
The main advantages of using a boom truck are:
- They can be used to tow vehicles in any direction.
- Your vehicle is less likely to sustain damage while being towed.
However, there are some disadvantages to using a boom truck. The boom can damage the vehicle being towed if not used properly. The small size of the boom means that it can only reach certain types of vehicles.
Tow dollies.
Tow dollies are small trailers that have two wheels that support the front end of the vehicle being towed while the back end of the vehicle rolls on the ground. Tow dollies are typically used to tow smaller vehicles such as motorcycles or cars. Several companies manufacture tow dollies, which can be rented from truck rental companies. The main advantages of using a tow dolly are that they are relatively inexpensive to rent and are easy to use.
A professional towing company in Arizona.
Hiring a tow truck is not something that most people think about until they need one. But when you do, it's important to hire a professional towing company that has the right type of tow truck for your needs. At
Azteca Towing, we are an accredited towing company with years of experience. We offer a wide range of tow truck services in Arizona. Call us today for a free quote and estimate.
