How to Choose Between The Different Types of Towing

When it comes to choosing the right type of towing, it’s important to understand the differences between the various options available to you. With so many types of towing to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one is best for your specific situation. From flatbed towing to wheel lift towing and everything in between, each type of towing has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of towing available to you, and provide some helpful tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

Whether you need to transport a vehicle that’s broken down, move heavy equipment or machinery, or simply need to relocate a vehicle across town, understanding the different types of towing can help you make an informed decision and ensure a safe and successful transport. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of types of towing together!

The Different Uses for Types of Towing

Towing is the process of pulling or hauling an object using a vehicle or any other means. There are various types of towing that are used for different purposes. Towing is not only limited to moving vehicles but is also used for transporting goods, equipment, and other objects.

One of the most common types of towing is road towing, which is used to move disabled vehicles from one place to another. Roadside assistance services often provide this service to help drivers who are stranded on the road due to car trouble. Another type of towing is heavy-duty towing, which is used to move large vehicles such as buses, trucks, and trailers. Heavy-duty towing requires specialized equipment and trained professionals who can handle the weight and size of these vehicles.

Apart from vehicle towing, there are other types of towing that are used for different purposes. For example, marine towing is used to move boats and ships from one location to another. It is often used for emergency situations such as when a boat is in distress and needs to be towed to shore. Aircraft towing is another type of towing that is used to move airplanes from one location to another.

Towing is also used in the construction industry for transporting heavy equipment such as cranes, excavators, and bulldozers. This type of towing is known as heavy equipment towing and requires specialized equipment such as lowboy trailers and flatbed trucks.

According to a report by IBISWorld, the towing industry in the United States generates an estimated $8 billion in revenue annually. The report also states that there are over 47,000 towing companies operating in the country, providing employment to over 160,000 people.

Types of Towing

1. The Flatbed Tow Truck

When it comes to transporting vehicles, there are different types of towing methods that can be used depending on the situation. One of the most popular types of towing is the flatbed tow truck, which offers several advantages over other types of towing.

A flatbed tow truck is equipped with a flat platform or bed that can be tilted or lowered to ground level, allowing vehicles to be easily loaded onto it. The vehicle is then secured using chains or straps to prevent it from moving during transportation. This type of towing is particularly useful for vehicles that have been involved in accidents or are not roadworthy, as they can be safely transported without risking further damage.

One of the main advantages of using a flatbed tow truck is that it eliminates the need for the towed vehicle to have its wheels on the ground. This means that the towed vehicle is less likely to suffer damage from potholes or other road hazards, and it also makes it easier to transport vehicles with low ground clearance or those that have been modified with aftermarket parts.

Another advantage of using a flatbed tow truck is that it can transport multiple vehicles at once, which can be particularly useful for car dealerships or rental agencies that need to move multiple vehicles from one location to another.

Flatbed tow trucks are also commonly used for long-distance towing, as they offer a smoother and more stable ride than other types of towing methods. This can be especially important for expensive or vintage vehicles that require extra care during transportation.

2. Hook and Chain Tow Trucks

One of the most traditional and commonly used types of towing is the hook and chain tow truck. These trucks have been around for decades and are still widely used today, despite the fact that there are newer and more advanced options available.

Hook and chain tow trucks work by using a hook and chain to attach to the vehicle that needs to be towed. The hook is attached to the front or rear of the vehicle, and then the chain is tightened to secure the car in place. Once the car is secured, the tow truck can then lift the vehicle off the ground and transport it to its destination.

One of the main advantages of hook and chain tow trucks is that they are relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain. However, they do have some drawbacks. For one, they can cause damage to the vehicle being towed, as the chain can scratch or dent the car. Additionally, they are not suitable for towing all types of vehicles, as they can only be used on cars that have a sturdy frame that can withstand the pressure of the chain.

3. Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks

Towing is an essential service that helps vehicles stranded on the road to be moved to a safer location. There are different types of towing methods used to accomplish this task, and one of them is wheel-lift towing.

Wheel-lift towing involves lifting the vehicle’s front or back wheels off the ground using a hydraulic hoist, while the other wheels remain on the road. This type of towing is ideal for vehicles that are stuck in a tight spot, have a flat tire, or are unable to move due to mechanical issues.

The advantage of using a wheel-lift tow truck is that it can tow a wide variety of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light trucks. Additionally, it is a more affordable option than flatbed towing since it requires fewer resources and equipment.

However, wheel-lift towing has some limitations. It is not suitable for vehicles with all-wheel-drive, as it can damage the drivetrain. Moreover, it is not recommended for long-distance towing, as the towed vehicle’s wheels can wear out quickly, leading to potential safety hazards.

4. Boom Tow Trucks

Boom tow trucks are used for towing heavy vehicles such as buses, trucks, and even airplanes. They have a large, adjustable boom arm attached to the back of the truck that can lift and tow the vehicle. The boom arm can extend and retract, making it useful for different types of towing situations.

These trucks are equipped with hydraulic systems that allow the boom arm to lift and move heavy loads. They are commonly used for moving vehicles involved in accidents or those that have broken down on the highway. Boom tow trucks are also used for moving construction equipment or any other heavy objects that need to be transported.

Boom tow trucks come in different sizes and weight capacities, ranging from light-duty to heavy-duty. Light-duty boom tow trucks can tow vehicles up to 10,000 pounds, while heavy-duty boom tow trucks can tow up to 50,000 pounds.

5. Integrated Tow Trucks

Integrated tow trucks are a type of towing vehicle that has the tow arm and the boom integrated into the same unit. This type of towing is commonly used for heavy-duty vehicles such as buses, trucks, and other large vehicles. These trucks are also used for towing damaged or disabled vehicles that cannot move on their own.

The integrated tow trucks are equipped with hydraulic systems that allow them to lift heavy vehicles and transport them to their desired destination. They are also designed to provide maximum stability while towing heavy loads.

One of the primary advantages of using integrated tow trucks is their versatility. They can be used for both short and long-distance towing, making them ideal for commercial use. They are also designed to operate in different weather conditions and terrains, making them a reliable option for all towing needs.

Contact the Alpha Brothers TOWING Team for Top-Tier Towing