Towing Equipment That Gets the Job Done Right
Here's something most people don't think about until it's too late - not every tow truck can handle every car.
We've got different trucks for different jobs. Flatbeds for cars with transmission problems or AWD systems that can't be towed with the wheels down. Wheel lifts for regular tows when the car can roll. Heavy duty trucks for big vehicles or cars that are really stuck.
I talked to a driver once who called a cheap towing company to save money. They showed up with the wrong kind of truck and damaged his car trying to load it. He ended up paying way more to fix the damage than he would've paid us to do it right the first time.
We don't cut corners like that. Our equipment gets checked and maintained all the time. Our drivers know how to use it properly. They know how to secure your car so it doesn't shift or slide during transport.
We've also got dollies and skates for moving cars in tight spaces. Some parking garages or driveways are too narrow for a regular tow truck to work. That's when you need someone with the right gear and the experience to use it.
Flatbed Tow Trucks
A flatbed truck has a long flat bed on the back that tilts down to the ground. Your car drives or gets winched up onto the bed, then the bed lifts back up flat.
Your whole car sits on the truck bed with all four wheels off the ground. Nothing's dragging or rolling. Your car just rides there like it's parked on a moving platform.
We use flatbeds when your car can't be towed any other way. Cars with transmission problems need flatbeds because towing them with the wheels down can wreck the transmission even more.
All-wheel drive vehicles have to go on flatbeds. If you tow an AWD car with two wheels on the ground, you can damage the whole drivetrain system.
Flatbeds are also the best choice for really low cars. Sports cars, lowered vehicles, anything that sits close to the ground - a flatbed keeps them from scraping on the road or getting damaged during loading.
Cars that are really messed up from accidents often need flatbeds too. If the wheels don't turn or the frame's bent, you can't tow it the regular way.
The flatbed's hydraulic system does all the work. The bed tilts down smooth and controlled. Your car gets loaded carefully. Then the bed lifts back up and locks in place for transport.
Wheel Lift Tow Trucks
Wheel lift trucks are what most people picture when they think of tow trucks. There's a metal lift arm with a yoke that slides under either the front or back of your car.
The hydraulic system lifts those wheels up off the ground. The other end of your car stays on the ground and rolls behind the truck.
This works great for regular breakdowns where the problem isn't with the wheels or transmission. Dead battery? Wheel lift handles it fine. Engine won't start? Wheel lift works perfect.
The yoke slides under your car and cradles it from underneath. It's not hooking onto your bumper or grabbing anything that might break. It lifts from the frame or suspension points that are designed to handle weight.
Wheel lift towing is faster than flatbed for simple jobs. The driver backs up, positions the lift, hooks it up, raises it, and you're ready to go. Takes maybe five minutes.
It's also better for tight spaces where a flatbed might not fit. The wheel lift takes up less room than a tilted flatbed does.
Heavy Duty Tow Trucks
Some vehicles are too big or too heavy for regular tow trucks. That's when we bring out the heavy duty equipment.
Big pickup trucks, RVs, commercial vehicles, delivery trucks - they all need more power to move them safely.
Our heavy duty trucks have stronger winches, heavier chains, bigger lift systems. They're built to handle serious weight without struggling.
We've towed landscaping trucks loaded with equipment. Box trucks that died on delivery routes. RVs that broke down on road trips. Work vans full of tools and supplies.
Heavy duty towing takes more time because there's more vehicle to secure. But our drivers know what they're doing and they've got the equipment to handle it right.
Straps, Chains, and Securing Equipment
Getting your car onto the truck is only half the job. It has to stay there during transport.
We use heavy duty straps rated for way more weight than your car weighs. They go over your car and hook to the truck bed or lift in specific spots.
The straps get tightened down so there's no slack. Your car can't shift forward, backward, or side to side.
For some situations we use chains in addition to straps. Chains are stronger and don't stretch. They're good for securing really heavy vehicles or cars that are damaged and might not be stable.
Our drivers know where to attach everything so it holds your car secure without damaging anything. They're not just throwing straps over your car randomly. There are right places and wrong places to hook them.
Equipment Maintenance Matters
All this equipment only works right if it's maintained properly.
Our trucks get serviced on schedule. Oil changes, brake checks, tire rotations - all the regular maintenance that keeps trucks running reliable.
The hydraulic systems get checked for leaks and pressure. The winch cables get inspected for fraying or damage. Straps and chains get replaced when they start showing wear.
We don't wait for something to break before we fix it. We catch problems early so our equipment works when you need it.
Why the Right Equipment Makes a Difference
Using the wrong equipment damages cars. We've seen it happen with other towing companies who tried to take shortcuts.
Trying to wheel lift a car that needs a flatbed can wreck the transmission. Using chains that are too small can scratch paint or dent body panels. Not securing a car properly means it might shift during transport and get damaged.
The right equipment used the right way means your car gets from where it is to where it needs to go in the same condition. No new problems added to the ones you already have.
That's why we've invested in good trucks and good gear. And why our drivers are trained to use all of it properly. Your car matters and we treat it like it does.