Towing a vehicle isn’t as simple as some people might think. But, it is actually a complex process and shouldn’t be attempted by an untrained amateur. The first step to towing a vehicle correctly and safely is making sure that the safest towing method is used for the situation and type of vehicle that is needing to be towed. Below are the main types of towing that towing companies utilize to tow a vehicle safely.
- Flatbed Towing
- Hook & Chain Towing
- Wheel Lift Towing
- Towing with a Dolly
Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing is the most common type of towing for most towing companies. It’s versatile enough to be able to tow cars, motorcycles, SUVs, and other types of medium-duty vehicles. A flatbed towing truck has a long flatbed that is lowered and raised by hydraulics. A vehicle can be driven up onto the bed or can easily be winched up the bed. Flatbed Tow trucks are often the Towing type of choice because it is versatile enough for a wide range of vehicle types without causing additional damage to the vehicle.
Flatbed towing is the most common type of towing for most towing companies. It’s versatile enough to be able to tow cars, motorcycles, SUVs, and other types of medium-duty vehicles. A flatbed towing truck has a long flatbed that is lowered and raised by hydraulics. A vehicle can be driven up onto the bed or can easily be winched up the bed. Flatbed Tow trucks are often the Towing type of choice because it is versatile enough for a wide range of vehicle types without causing additional damage to the vehicle.
Hook & Chain Towing
Hook & chain towing was the most common type of Tow truck years ago. But because it puts a lot of pressure on the vehicle that is being towed it is mainly used for towing junk cars. Also, hook and chain towing cannot be used with 4×4 vehicles because it can damage the drive-train.
Wheel Lift Towing
Wheel lift towing uses a tow truck with a hydraulic boom and a crossbar at the end. The bar is slipped under the wheels in the front or the rear of the vehicle, depending on the car’s transmission, and lifts two of the wheels off the ground so that it can be towed. This system is used with smaller vehicles that are lighter and are 2 wheel drive. This setup is useful in tight spaces where a flatbed truck would have a harder time loading the vehicle.
Towing with a Dolly
A towing Dolly is attached to the back of a truck and can be used for light and medium-duty vehicles. It is important that the driver of the truck with the dolly is familiar with towing trailers wheel towing with a dolly. The vehicle is carried in the dolly with 2 of the wheels a few inches off the ground.