The first tow truck was invented in 1916 by Ernest Holmes Sr. He was an experienced mechanic from Chattanooga, Tennessee who had a vision of creating a vehicle with an integrated crane to help move disabled cars. His invention was the first to successfully lift and move stalled cars, which became known as the “Holmes Wrecker.”
The Holmes Wrecker was equipped with a boom winch that could lift up to 5,000 lbs and had a wheel lift that could be used to attach and pull disabled vehicles. It also featured two large steel beams with adjustable claws that could grab onto the frame of a vehicle, allowing it to be lifted up and towed away.
The Holmes Wrecker revolutionized the automotive industry, allowing mechanics to quickly and easily move stalled or disabled vehicles from one location to another without having to manually lift them. This made it easier for mechanics to diagnose and repair vehicles on-site without having to move them back and forth between garages or shops. The invention of the tow truck also allowed for more efficient responses by law enforcement after car accidents, as well as for roadside assistance companies assisting stranded motorists.
Ernest Holmes Sr.’s invention quickly caught on among automotive professionals throughout the United States, becoming one of the most important inventions in the auto industry since its inception. In fact, many of today’s tow trucks are based off his original design, with modern tow trucks featuring some combination of wheel lifts, winches, flatbeds, and booms.
Ernest Holmes Sr.’s invention has changed how we respond to car accidents and breakdowns over the last century, making it much easier for us to recover disabled vehicles in a timely manner. His contribution has been invaluable in shaping how we respond to automobile emergencies today, making him an influential figure in automotive history.
Who Made The First Tow Truck? Ernest Holmes Sr., an experienced mechanic from Chattanooga Tennessee is credited with inventing the first successful tow truck in 1916. The Holmes Wrecker featured an integrated crane boom winch which revolutionized how we respond to car accidents and breakdowns today by allowing mechanics and law enforcement personnel to quickly tow away disabled cars for repairs or removal from accident sites.