What Is the Most Common Tow Truck?

A tow truck is a vehicle used to transport, or ‘tow’, a disabled motor vehicle from one place to another. Tow trucks are often used in emergency situations, such as when a car has broken down and needs to be taken to a repair shop or when an accident requires that vehicles be relocated away from the scene. Tow trucks come in a variety of sizes and types, each suited for different tasks.

Flatbed Tow Trucks

Flatbed tow trucks are the most common type of tow truck. They feature a long, flat bed that is hydraulically inclined and lowered to the ground in order to load and unload vehicles onto it. Flatbed tow trucks are ideal for transporting damaged vehicles, as they provide ample room for the vehicle and can easily move around tight corners or narrow streets.

Wheel Lift Tow Trucks

Wheel lift tow trucks feature a metal yoke that fits beneath the front or rear wheels of a vehicle. The yoke is attached to an adjustable boom winch that lifts the drive wheels of the vehicle off the ground so it can be towed. This type of tow truck is often used when space is limited, such as in parking garages or busy city streets.

Integrated Tow Trucks

Integrated tow trucks combine aspects of both flatbed and wheel lift tow trucks into one unit. The bed of an integrated tow truck will typically have an adjustable wheel-lift system built into it, allowing it to perform either type of service without having to switch out equipment.

Conclusion:


The most common type of tow truck is the flatbed tow truck due its versatility and ability to maneuver around tight spaces with ease. With its long flat bed that can be hydraulically inclined and lowered, it provides ample room for transporting damaged vehicles while also being able to navigate through congested city streets.

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Karen Watkins