Essential tips for purchasing the right towing vehicle
Discover essential tips for selecting the right towing truck, including types, capacity, and cost-saving strategies. This guide helps you make an informed purchase decision for commercial or personal towing needs, highlighting key features and legal considerations.
Key Considerations When Buying a Towing Vehicle
Planning to purchase a towing truck? It's important to do thorough research to find a model that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Unsure of what features to look for in a new or used tow truck? Continue reading to discover critical factors to consider before making your purchase.
Purpose of the Towing Truck
The first step is to determine how you'll use the truck. While all towing vehicles are designed to transport other vehicles, they vary in design and capabilities tailored to different types of vehicles.
It's helpful to list out the specifications and features you desire in your new truck before inspecting various options.
Categories of Tow Trucks
Understanding the main types of towing trucks is crucial. The primary categories include flatbed tow trucks, hook and chain models, and wheel-lift trucks.
Flatbed Tow Truck – Highly recommended, this type features a tilting flatbed, known as a rollback. Its key advantage is that you can drive the vehicle directly onto the bed without dragging, making it efficient and safe.
Hook and Chain Tow Truck – Less common now, these trucks are typically used for junk vehicles. They loop chains around the car's frame, lifting only two wheels off the ground, which can cause damage.
Wheel-Lift Tow Truck – Using metal yokes, this truck lifts a vehicle by its wheels. While convenient, there's a moderate risk of damage since only the wheels are engaged during towing.
Truck Load Capacity
The towing capacity indicates the maximum weight the truck can handle. Always check your vehicle manual for this information and include the weight of passengers, equipment, and cargo for accuracy.
Never surpass the truck's towing limit to avoid damaging the vehicle and risking safety. Popular models with high towing capacities include the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (about 12,500 lbs), 2017 Ford F-150 (around 12,200 lbs), and 2018 Chevy Colorado (approximately 7,700 lbs).
Tips for Securing Affordable Towing Trucks
To get the best deals, consider these tips:
Contact company owners directly instead of local dealerships for better pricing.
Opt for purchasing used trucks, provided they are in good condition without major damages or accident history. Always test drive before buying.
Negotiate for additional discounts; don't hesitate to ask for better offers.
Keep in mind, owning a towing vehicle may require permits, operator licenses, and storage licenses depending on your region.
