The Type Of Tow Truck You Use Matters

With many different types of tow trucks on the road, how do you know which is ideal for hauling your vehicle? Using the wrong one for the job can damage your vehicle, so make sure you know what each type is for and which one will be sent when you call for a tow.

History of the Tow Truck

In 1916, Ernest Holmes of Chattanooga, Tennessee, invented the first tow truck. After his friends’ truck flipped upside down in a riverbed, a group of six men retrieved the vehicle, but only after eight hours of hard labor. Holmes launched his plan and added a pulley and crane system to a 1913 Cadillac. Through trial and error, Holmes arrived at a finished product that was stable, with the ability to haul mired vehicles out of precarious situations.

He established a business manufacturing vehicles identical to his first tow truck, calling the line “Holmes Wreckers.” Almost 100 years later, Holmes’ invention, which was intended to expand the ability of car mechanics to help their clients, did much more than that: It created an entirely new industry that quickly flourished and continues to do so in the modern world.

Hook and Chain

The hook and chain tow truck is what many pictures when they think of a tow truck. This style is also called a sling or belt lift, but it is not normally used in today’s towing industry. A hook and chain truck is operated by attaching a metal chain to the vehicle’s bumper or axle. This practice can cause damage to the car’s frame or scratch up the bumper. Today, hook and chain trucks are mostly used to transport vehicles classified as junk or scrap metal.

Wheel Lift

While similar to hook and chain trucks, the wheel-lift system does not damage the vehicle body while towing. A metal frame is inserted beneath the body of the vehicle, locking into place and lifting the front end using a hydraulic system.

Flatbed

This is the most preferable towing method, as it subjects the towed vehicle to the least risk of damage. The long, even bed of the truck extends and tilts to ground using hydraulic pressure. The technician uses a winch to secure the car and gradually move it up onto the ramp and returns the flatbed to its previous even level. The towed vehicle does not have to suffer wear from being dragged along behind the truck.

Boom Winch

When a vehicle must be towed but is situated in a perilous off-road location, a tow truck equipped with a boom winch is utilized. The boom winch works much like a crane, extending, lowering and lifting the vehicle onto the road for safe hauling.

Always trust Stauffer’s Towing for all your vehicle hauling needs in Utah. With a vast fleet of safe and modern types of tow trucks, the company is well-prepared to tackle any towing challenge.