The invention of the tow truck is credited to Ernest Holmes, Sr., who developed and patented the first structure for a tow truck in 1916. His design was based on that of a flatbed truck for carrying heavy objects and included a winch system for hauling.
The design was improved by Arthur W. Lewis and in 1919, Holmes and Lewis formed the Holmes & Lewis Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This company soon became the largest manufacturer of tow trucks in America.
The first tow truck was designed as an automobile-based recovery vehicle that could be used to pull or haul disabled vehicles from an accident scene or other place where they could not be driven away. The trucks featured both a winch system that could be used to pull the car onto the flatbed, as well as a crane arm that could lift it onto the bed. They also had heavy-duty tires and brakes to ensure they could safely transport large vehicles.
The use of tow trucks became widespread during World War II when they were used to move troops and supplies around Europe, as well as recovering damaged vehicles from combat zones. After the war, many of these same trucks were put into civilian use. Today, there are more than 24 million registered tow trucks in America alone.
In recent years, technological advances have improved upon Holmes & Lewis’ original design with features such as hydraulic lifts and wheel-lift systems that can quickly remove disabled vehicles from an accident scene without damaging them further. In addition, new safety features have been added such as seatbelts and airbags.
Conclusion:
The first tow truck was invented by Ernest Holmes, Sr., in 1916 in Chattanooga Tennessee. Since then, technological advances have made it easier for disabled vehicles to be removed from an accident scene without further damage. Today more than 24 million registered tow trucks are operating throughout America.
