If you need a towing service, you may be surprised to learn there are a variety of tow trucks with various options for you to choose from for your particular vehicle. Towing a vehicle is a process that is best left to the professionals; however, as a knowledgeable consumer, it is important for you to understand the differences between towing companies, prices, services, and tow truck options.
Tow trucks basically fall into one of three categories; light-duty tow trucks, medium-duty tow trucks, and heavy-duty tow trucks. If you are interested in learning more about the differences between a light-duty tow truck and a heavy-duty tow truck, then you’ve come to the right place.
As the name suggests, light-duty towing is the simplest form of towing service that is meant for lightweight vehicles. Lightweight vehicles might include compact cars, sedans, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles that weigh less than 12,000 pounds or so. Light-duty towing services are typically performed for short distances and are the most economical type of towing service available.
Many tow trucks that are used for light-duty towing are flatbed trucks. Typically, the damaged or unusable vehicle is hoisted onto the flatbed tow truck, attached securely to the bed, and moved from one point to another in a little bit of time. The tow truck driver is trained to handle light-duty towing services and may or may not be certified to tackle heavy-duty towing services.
Contrary to light-duty towing services, heavy-duty towing does require the tow truck driver to be certified in heavy-duty operations. Heavy-duty tow trucks can tow vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds. These vehicles may include buses, motorhomes, construction equipment, semi-trucks, and other large or extreme vehicles. Heavy-duty towing services are more expensive than light-duty towing. They are also more complicated, time-consuming, and tricky.
Heavy-duty tow trucks are more difficult to maneuver because they are heavier and larger than light-duty tow trucks. This distinction is especially true when a large vehicle is attached to them. Heavy-duty tow trucks can move vehicles for long distances and may even take a vehicle from one state to another.
Most towing companies have light-duty trucks in their fleet; however, they may or may not have heavy-duty trucks. Heavy-duty trucks require more investment, more training for the operator, and a whole set of skills that are not required for light-duty tow truck operations. If you are wondering which type of tow truck you need for a particular service, you may want to check with various towing companies and see what vehicles they have in their store.
Towing services are not all the same. Depending on which type of vehicle you have that needs to be towed will depend on which type of tow truck will be needed for the job. You probably should compare and contrast various towing companies to find the best company for your specific needs. Since you have a basic understanding of the different tow trucks, you will be more informed on the type of service you need for your vehicle.