Many of these tow trucks are fitted with boom lifts to allow the operators to pick up a vehicle from the side or rear. The operator can control the system from the cab, which allows them to hook up to a vehicle quickly and safely. These tow trucks are also often used to repossess vehicles and move them from one location to another.
Hook and Chain
In contrast, a wheel lift tow truck can transport vehicles without risking any additional damage. These tow trucks have a boom that lifts the front or rear of the vehicle and leaves the other wheels on the ground, which reduces the chances of damage. While these tow trucks can be a little slower than hook and chain tow trucks, they are still very efficient at hauling cars.
They’re also used to haul a wide range of off-road vehicles, including commercial semis (with or without trailers attached), motorhomes, and other recreational vehicles. Integrated tow trucks are also popular for off-road recovery, as they can easily maneuver through challenging terrain to retrieve stranded vehicles. They’re also ideal for large-scale accident responses and removing vehicles from busy roads to avoid traffic disruption.
A flatbed tow truck has a slanted platform on its rear that allows cars to drive into it. It’s the preferred choice for long-distance hauling, as well as for four-wheel-drive vehicles and damaged vehicles. It also comes in handy when a car needs to be moved around a parking lot or a garage.
An integrated tow truck has a wheel lift and boom combined into one unit, which makes it very easy to clamp onto a vehicle. Their arm is also positioned directly in the center of the truck for increased stability and strength, meaning they’re able to pull loads that are bigger than the tow truck itself!

A wheel lift tow truck is equipped with a metal yoke that slides under the vehicle’s front tires and raises them off of the ground. This allows for easier and faster towing, as well as lowering the risk of damage during transportation. These tow trucks are often used for wrecked vehicles that need to be towed to junkyards.
Heavy-duty tow trucks are the biggest and most powerful tow trucks. They can haul up to 33,000 lbs and are suitable for demanding towing situations. They typically have a winch and a 25-ton boom lift that can be used to recover vehicles in challenging positions. Heavy-duty tow trucks are also essential for clearing the roads of oversized cargo and hazardous materials, as well as towing tractor-trailers. They may also be used to transport heavy machinery such as fleet robots and industrial equipment. Choosing the right tow truck is an important decision, and it’s best to consult with a towing expert to ensure you get the right truck for the job.
Heavy-Duty Tow Trucks
Most drivers probably don’t think much about tow trucks until they need one. When they do, however, the truck type required will depend on the vehicle, its condition and the circumstances under which it needs to be towed. Tow trucks are generally classified as light-duty or heavy-duty, based on the maximum weight they can haul.
Medium-Duty Tow Trucks
If you’re looking for a new towing truck, the wheel lift may be the perfect choice for you. It’s a little smaller than the flatbed tow truck, so it’s more nimble and can handle the job of picking up a vehicle quickly and efficiently. It’s also more flexible, so you can customize it to meet your specific needs.
Medium-duty tow trucks have a maximum load capacity of about 20 tons. They’re a great option for when you have to tow something that’s too big for a light-duty tow truck but not quite as large as a heavy-duty tow truck.
Medium-duty tow trucks are perfect for in-between jobs and are a great choice when a flatbed isn’t needed. These trucks can be equipped with various types of flatbeds, and are able to transport up to 17,000 lbs. They are a good option for towing overturned vehicles and recovering large commercial vehicles. Medium-duty tow trucks also usually have rotator booms that can be positioned in challenging positions.
There are several different towing chains that can be used with these tow trucks, depending on the specific needs of a company. For example, a v-chain assembly is great for towing cars because it has two chain "legs" with a frame hook at each end. These chains also have protective covers at the connection point, which helps protect a vehicle from chain damage. Other tow chain options include R hooks for towing Ford vehicles and cluster hooks for towing a variety of vehicles. These hooks fit into factory holes in a vehicle's frame, making them quick and easy to attach.

A flatbed tow truck is one of the most popular types of towing trucks. Also known as rollbacks, these tow trucks have a long, flat bed on which the vehicle is secured and transported. This type of tow truck is ideal for transporting a variety of vehicles, including heavy-duty loads. The flatbed can be lowered down to ground level for easy loading and can also be raised up to accommodate a vehicle that is inoperable and can’t be driven.
Another way that this tow truck transports cars is by dragging them behind the truck. This is less expensive than a flatbed tow truck but it’s not as convenient, especially for cars that need to be transported over a long distance. It also can damage the vehicle by scratching it or harming its bumper, making it a better choice for short distances.
These tow trucks typically use flatbeds to load and transport vehicles, as opposed to the dolly-type tow trucks that drag the vehicle behind them. The dragging method can damage the vehicle, and it’s especially incompatible with four-wheel or all-wheel drives. It’s also not ideal for towing vehicles that are going to be scrapped.

Flatbed
A good response time is about 20 minutes if the car is on the highway. If the car is in a safe area, it may take about 30–45 minutes. If you are stranded on the side of the road, you should ask how long it will take to reach you. Ideally, you want to find a company that can reach you in 30–60 minutes
Ask what vehicles they can tow, what type of towing services they offer, and what other services they offer.
Know what modes of payment are acceptable. Some tow trucks only accept cash.
Ask for an estimate cost.
Ask if your auto insurance will work.
Ask where your car will be taken and how and where they will take your vehicle.