The tow truck was invented in 1916 by Ernest Holmes Sr., a garage owner from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He saw the need for a vehicle that could transport disabled vehicles from one place to another. At the time, the only vehicle capable of doing this was a horse-drawn wagon.
It wasn’t until Holmes developed the tow truck that disabled vehicles could be safely and efficiently towed. It worked by connecting a chain to the vehicle’s axle and then pulling it with another vehicle. This way, it could be moved without causing further damage to the car or its passengers.
The first tow truck used by Holmes was powered by an 18-horsepower two-cylinder engine and had an extendable boom mounted on the back. It had an adjustable winch that allowed him to lower or raise the boom as needed for different vehicles. The trucks were also outfitted with lights and a bell so that other drivers would be aware of its presence on the roads.
The invention of the tow truck revolutionized how people responded when their vehicles broke down on highways or other roads. Instead of having to wait for hours until help arrived, they could now get their vehicles towed in a matter of minutes and resume their journey within no time at all. This made it much easier for drivers to get back on the road quickly and safely after experiencing car trouble.
Holmes’ invention was so successful that he was soon able to open up his own business called Ernest Holmes Sr.’s Garage & Towing Service where he provided 24/7 roadside assistance using his fleet of tow trucks throughout Tennessee and Georgia.
In addition to being credited as the inventor of the first tow truck, Holmes is also credited with coming up with many of its modern features including hydraulic brakes, power steering, air conditioning, air bags, disc brakes, power windows, automatic transmissions and even seat belts!
Today, tow trucks are still used extensively across America for hauling disabled cars from one place to another during emergencies such as breakdowns or accidents on highways or roadsides. They are also used by mechanics and auto shops for transporting cars between their shops and customers’ homes or workplaces for repairs or servicing jobs as well as helping people move large items like boats or RVs from one place to another when they don’t have access to other transportation methods such as trailers or flatbeds.
Ernest Holmes Sr.’s invention has been invaluable in helping drivers all over America deal with car emergencies quickly and safely over more than 100 years since its invention in 1916!
Conclusion: Ernest Holmes Sr., a garage owner from Chattanooga Tennessee is credited with inventing the first tow truck in 1916 which revolutionized how people responded when their vehicles broke down on highways or other roads . His invention has been invaluable in helping drivers all over America deal with car emergencies quickly and safely over more than 100 years since its inception!
