Tow trucks are an essential piece of equipment for any roadside assistance business or tow lot. The right tow truck can be a lifesaver in times of need, but knowing what type of vehicle is best for your business can be tricky. To help you decide what type of tow truck you need, here is a list of the essential pieces of equipment that come with a tow truck.
Towing Vehicle
The most important part of any tow truck setup is the towing vehicle itself. This will be the vehicle that will be used to pull the vehicles that need to be towed.
Depending on the size and weight of the vehicles you will be towing, you may need to use a flatbed or wheel-lift truck for heavier loads or a standard pickup or sport utility vehicle for lighter loads. Make sure you choose a vehicle that is powerful enough and has enough ground clearance to handle all your towing needs.
Winch
A winch is an essential piece of equipment when it comes to tow trucks. Winches are used to pull vehicles onto the bed or trailer, and they come in several different sizes depending on the weight and size of your loads. You’ll want to make sure you get one that can handle both light and heavy loads with ease.
Tow Bar
A tow bar connects your tow vehicle and trailer together, allowing them to move as one unit when being towed. Tow bars come in various lengths and styles, depending on what type of trailer you are using, so make sure you get one that fits correctly.
Safety Chains
Safety chains are an important piece of safety equipment when it comes to tow trucks.
These chains attach from your trailer’s hitch ball to your tow bar and provide additional security in case something should happen while you’re driving. Make sure they’re made from durable material and always check them before each trip.
Tie Down Straps
Tie down straps are used in conjunction with winches or other types of straps to securely attach vehicles onto trailers during transport. They come in various lengths, strengths, and styles so make sure you get ones that are suited for your specific needs.
When it comes down to it, having the right equipment for your tow truck is essential for any successful roadside assistance business or tow lot. The above pieces of equipment should help provide some guidance as far as what types of items are necessary for successful operations.
With this knowledge under your belt, now all there’s left is finding the right combination of vehicles and accessories that fit both your needs as well as those needing rescuing on the side-of-the-road!
