You know what a tow truck is and what it’s used for, but did you know that there are different types of tow trucks? If you’ve reached this page there’s a good chance you’re in need of a tow, so while you wait for the towing company to arrive what better way to kill time than by reading about the different types of tow trucks on the road. Even if you don’t need the services of a tow truck company in Tucson or Phoenix at the moment, you may still find it interesting to learn more about the different types of vehicles you see almost every day.
Flatbed Tow Trucks
The most common type of tow truck is the flatbed truck, also known as the slide truck. This tow truck is fitted with a hydraulic bed that inclines so a car can be driven up or pulled onto the bed using a truck-mounted winch. The flatbed tow truck is commonly used for emergency situations where fast towing is required.
Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks
You have likely seen this type of tow truck around Arizona. Wheel-lift trucks use a metal yoke to tow vehicles from the front or rear axle. The yoke is typically placed on the drive wheels of the vehicle and a pneumatic or hydraulic hoist lifts the towed end to avoid damaging the opposing bumper.
Hook-and-Chain Tow Trucks
Hook-and-chain trucks work by looping chains around the vehicle’s frame or axle which is then lifted by a boom wench. Because of the way hook-and-chain trucks work, they are rarely used in normal towing situations as they can cause damage to front and rear bumpers. However, these trucks are sometimes used to tow vehicles that have been in an accident that cannot be securely towed by another type of truck.
Barnett’s Towing has a huge fleet of tow trucks standing by to assist you. We provide timely and professional towing services in Tucson, Phoenix, and throughout the rest of the state. For additional information about our towing company and the tow trucks we operate, or to schedule a tow, contact us online or call us toll-free at 1-800-722-2302.
