This guide explains what medium duty tow trucks are, which vehicles require them, and why using the right equipment makes all the difference for safe, damage-free transport.

What Are Medium Duty Tow Trucks?

Medium duty tow trucks are specialized recovery vehicles designed to handle loads between light-duty and heavy-duty classifications. These trucks typically tow vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 to 26,000 pounds, filling an essential niche in the towing industry.

The key distinction lies in their enhanced capabilities compared to standard tow trucks. Medium duty trucks feature stronger boom and winch systems, reinforced chassis and suspension components, and more powerful hydraulic systems. These improvements allow them to safely lift, secure, and transport heavier vehicles that would overwhelm conventional towing equipment.

In industry terms, medium duty tow trucks handle Class 4 through Class 6 vehicles. Standard light-duty tow trucks work well for passenger cars, pickup trucks, and small SUVs under 10,000 pounds, but they lack the structural strength and power needed for heavier commercial and recreational vehicles.

Vehicles That Need Medium Duty Towing Services

Commercial and Delivery Vehicles

Box trucks and delivery vehicles are common candidates for medium duty towing. Moving trucks from rental companies typically fall into this weight range, as do furniture delivery trucks, appliance delivery vehicles, and food service trucks.

These vehicles present unique challenges because their weight distribution and height make them unsuitable for standard wheel-lift towing methods. The rear axle weight often exceeds what light-duty equipment can safely lift, creating potential safety hazards and equipment damage.

Recreational Vehicles and Motorhomes

RV owners frequently need medium duty towing services for Class B and smaller Class C motorhomes. These vehicles combine the weight of a commercial chassis with living accommodations, creating specific towing requirements.

Travel trailers and fifth wheels also require careful consideration. While the towing vehicle itself might be manageable with standard equipment, the combined weight of truck and trailer often necessitates medium-duty capabilities for safe transport.

Specialized Commercial Equipment

Medium duty tow trucks handle various specialized vehicles including:

• Small buses and shuttle vehicles used for transportation services
• Emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire department support trucks
• Utility trucks with heavy equipment mounted on commercial chassis
• Service vehicles carrying tools, parts, and specialized equipment

Each of these vehicle types has specific requirements for proper lifting points, weight distribution, and securing methods that medium duty equipment can accommodate.

Why Standard Tow Trucks Can’t Handle These Jobs

Using inadequate towing equipment creates serious safety and liability concerns. Standard tow trucks have weight limits for good reason, and exceeding these limits compromises the stability and braking capacity of the towing vehicle.

Attempting to tow overweight vehicles can cause transmission damage in the disabled vehicle, particularly with wheel-lift methods that don’t properly support the vehicle’s weight. The improper towing angle can stress suspension components and cause body damage where lifting chains or straps contact the frame.

From an operational standpoint, undersized towing equipment simply cannot maneuver heavier vehicles safely. The tow truck’s braking system may be inadequate for the combined weight, creating dangerous situations on highways and city streets. Ground clearance becomes an issue when the towing equipment cannot achieve the proper angle for safe transport.

Medium Duty Towing Equipment and Methods

Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Options

Flatbed towing often provides the safest option for RVs and box trucks because it eliminates stress on the vehicle’s drivetrain and suspension. The entire vehicle rides on the truck bed, preventing any wheels from touching the ground during transport.

Wheel-lift towing can work for certain commercial vehicles when proper lifting points are available and weight distribution allows for safe operation. However, this method requires careful assessment of the vehicle’s construction and weight balance.

Specialized Safety Features

Medium duty tow trucks include enhanced safety equipment specifically designed for heavier loads:

• Outrigger stabilizers that extend from the truck chassis to provide stability during loading operations
• Extended boom assemblies that can reach difficult positioning requirements
• Air brake connections that allow the tow truck operator to control the braking system of larger commercial vehicles
• Enhanced lighting systems that meet DOT requirements for oversized load transport

Choosing the Right Medium Duty Towing Service

When you need medium duty towing, asking the right questions can prevent delays and ensure proper handling of your vehicle. Verify that the towing company has equipment rated for your vehicle’s weight and type. Ask about their experience with your specific vehicle category, whether it’s RVs, delivery trucks, or specialized commercial equipment.

Insurance coverage becomes particularly important with medium duty operations because of the higher vehicle values and potential liability exposure. Confirm that the towing service carries adequate coverage for commercial vehicle transport.

Look for operators who understand the unique requirements of medium duty vehicles. Proper tie-down procedures, knowledge of lifting points, and familiarity with DOT regulations are essential for safe transport of heavier vehicles.

Cost Factors in Medium Duty Towing

Medium duty towing typically costs more than standard passenger vehicle towing due to the specialized equipment requirements and higher operational expenses. The trucks themselves represent a significant investment, and insurance costs are higher for commercial towing operations.

Loading and securing heavier vehicles takes more time than standard cars, which affects pricing. The operator must carefully position the vehicle, verify proper weight distribution, and ensure all safety equipment is properly engaged before transport.

Planning ahead can help manage these costs. Some roadside assistance programs offer medium duty coverage, and some commercial vehicle warranties include towing provisions. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns that require emergency towing services during expensive after-hours periods.

Making the Right Choice for Your Vehicle

Medium duty tow trucks serve an essential role in safely transporting vehicles that fall between passenger cars and heavy commercial equipment. Whether you own an RV, operate delivery trucks, or manage a fleet of commercial vehicles, understanding these capabilities helps you make informed decisions when towing services become necessary.

The key is matching the right equipment to your specific vehicle and situation. When you need medium duty towing services in the St. Louis metro area, Reliable Guys Towing Service has the specialized equipment and expertise to handle your commercial and recreational vehicle recovery needs safely and efficiently. Contact us at (314) 325-1016 for professional medium duty towing services that protect your valuable investment and get you back on the road quickly.

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In the St. Louis metro area, one of the best options is a wheel lift towing service. Here at Reliable Guys Towing, which you can reach at (314) 325-1016, we offer professional wheel lift towing services to St. Louis drivers. In this article, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of using a wheel lift towing service and why it’s the preferred choice for many in the area.

Understanding Wheel Lift Towing

Wheel lift towing is a specialized towing method that involves securely lifting the vehicle by its wheels, rather than the traditional hook and chain or flatbed methods. This technique minimizes the risk of damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage, suspension, or other components that could occur with traditional towing methods. By lifting the vehicle by its wheels, the towing process becomes safer and more efficient, ensuring that your vehicle arrives at its destination in the same condition as when it was picked up.

1. Safety and Vehicle Protection

One of the primary advantages of using a wheel lift towing service is the increased safety and protection it provides for both the driver and the towed vehicle. Traditional towing methods can potentially cause harm to the vehicle’s undercarriage, suspension, or other components if not executed with extreme care. With a wheel lift towing service, your vehicle is securely lifted by its wheels, eliminating the risk of damage during transport.

Imagine being stranded on a busy St. Louis highway with a broken-down vehicle. While traditional towing methods might be able to get your car off the road, they could also inadvertently cause further damage, leaving you with additional repair costs and headaches. A wheel lift towing service ensures that your vehicle is safely and securely transported without the risk of additional harm.

2. Versatility and Adaptability

Another significant benefit of using a wheel lift towing service in St. Louis is its versatility and adaptability. These specialized towing trucks can accommodate a wide range of vehicle types, from sedans and compact cars to SUVs and even some light-duty trucks. This versatility makes wheel lift towing an ideal solution for St. Louis drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they own.

Furthermore, wheel lift towing services are better equipped to navigate tight spaces and maneuver in challenging urban environments like those found in the St. Louis metro area. With their specialized equipment and trained professionals, they can safely and efficiently transport your vehicle, even in the most crowded or narrow streets.

3. Professionalism and Reliability

When you’re in need of a towing service, you want to work with a company that values professionalism and reliability. A reputable wheel lift towing service like Reliable Guys Towing employs highly trained and experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of wheel lift towing. They have the expertise to properly operate the specialized equipment and ensure a safe and secure tow every time.

Moreover, a professional towing company like ours prioritizes customer service, ensuring that you receive prompt and courteous assistance throughout the entire process. From the initial call to the final drop-off, you can expect a seamless experience that alleviates the stress and frustration of being stranded with a disabled vehicle.

When Traditional Towing Methods Fall Short

While traditional towing methods like hook-and-chain and flatbed towing have been around for decades, they often fall short in certain situations, particularly when dealing with modern vehicles. Let’s explore some of the limitations of these conventional methods and why a wheel lift towing service is a superior choice.

1. Clearance Issues: Many modern vehicles, especially sports cars, luxury sedans, and low-profile vehicles, have a low ground clearance. Traditional towing methods that involve lifting the vehicle from the front or rear can potentially cause damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage, spoilers, or other low-hanging components.
2. All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive Challenges: Vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) systems require special care during towing. If not towed correctly, the drivetrain can sustain significant damage. Wheel lift towing eliminates this risk by securely lifting the vehicle by its wheels, ensuring that the drivetrain remains disengaged during transport.
3. Weight Distribution Concerns: Traditional towing methods can cause uneven weight distribution, putting stress on certain components of the vehicle. This can lead to potential damage to the suspension, steering, or even the frame. With a wheel lift towing service, the vehicle’s weight is evenly distributed across all four wheels, minimizing the risk of damage.
4. Difficult Terrain and Tight Spaces: Hook-and-chain and flatbed towing trucks can struggle in tight urban environments or rough terrain. Their size and lack of maneuverability can make it challenging to navigate narrow streets, alleys, or uneven surfaces. Wheel lift towing trucks, on the other hand, are designed to be more compact and agile, allowing them to operate in challenging environments with ease.

By understanding the limitations of traditional towing methods, you can appreciate the value and importance of a specialized wheel lift towing service. Whether you’re driving a low-clearance sports car, an AWD vehicle, or find yourself stranded in a tight urban area, a wheel lift towing service offers a safer, more efficient, and more reliable solution for transporting your vehicle.

Conclusion

In the St. Louis metro area, having a reliable towing service you can trust is essential. When it comes to protecting your vehicle and ensuring a hassle-free experience, a wheel lift towing service is the way to go. From increased safety and protection to versatility and professionalism, the benefits of using this specialized towing method are numerous.

Don’t take chances with your vehicle – opt for a reputable wheel lift towing service from us, Reliable Guys Towing, and rest assured that your vehicle will arrive at its destination in the same condition as when it was picked up.

If you find yourself in need of a towing service in the St. Louis metro area, call us up at (314) 325-1016.

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Heavy Duty Tow Trucks

Heavy duty tow trucks are the largest type of tow truck. They are typically used to move construction equipment, farm machinery, and other large vehicles. Heavy duty tow trucks usually have a capacity of at least 20 tons.

Medium Duty Tow Trucks

Medium-duty tow trucks are smaller than heavy-duty ones, but they are still larger than light-duty tow trucks. They are typically used to move disabled buses and other medium-sized vehicles and have a capacity of between 10 and 20 tons.

Light Duty Tow Trucks

Light duty tow trucks are the smallest type of tow truck. They are typically used to move disabled cars and other small vehicles. Light duty tow trucks usually have a capacity of fewer than 10 tons.

Flatbed Tow Truck

A flatbed tow truck is a type of tow truck that is used to move disabled cars and other small vehicles. Flatbed tow trucks have a flatbed where the cars are secured in place. This is the most common type of tow truck, and it is used by most roadside assistance services. This is the type that is most suitable for towing electric vehicles.

Hook And Chain Tow Truck

This is a type of tow truck that uses a hook attached to a chain to secure and move disabled vehicles. They are not as common as flatbed tow trucks, but they are still used by some roadside assistance services. They are not usually in use because they could also damage vehicles. Usually, they are used when the cars are to be transported into the junkyard.

Wheel-Lift Tow Truck

A wheel-lift tow truck is a type of tow truck that uses a metal yoke to lift the wheels of a disabled vehicle off the ground. Wheel-lift tow trucks are less common than flatbed tow trucks, but they are still used by some roadside assistance services. Wheel-lift tow trucks are better than hook and chain tow trucks because they transport cars in a safer way.

Tow Dolly

A tow dolly is a small trailer that is used to move disabled cars. Tow dollies can also be used to move other vehicles like ATVs and motorcycles. When using such a trailer, you should know how to properly secure the vehicle so that it doesn’t get dislodged during the transport.

There are different types of tow trucks and they are used for different scenarios. Whenever you need a towing service in St. Louis and surrounding areas, call Reliable Guys Towing…

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But if you are one of those who’ve chosen to purchase an electric car, you should know that there are things that should be done differently with your vehicle.

One of them is how electric cars are towed. 

Electric Cars Do Break Down

Electric cars can be considered as more technologically advanced as compared to gasoline vehicles. They are newer and may have more advanced technology.

However, that doesn’t eliminate their chance of getting broken down in the middle of the road. Whether you simply forget to charge your vehicle fully or you have more technical issues, it is possible that your electric car needs to be towed.

Prepping Your Electric Car To Tow

If your electric car is stuck on the road, calling a roadside and towing service provider is one of the best things you can do. However, you should not call just any towing company. You should make sure that they are capable of towing an electric car without adding more damage to it. 

Unlike a two-wheel-drive vehicle or other fuel-powered cars that have a neutral position in their transmission, electric cars do not. The neutral position is very important when it comes to towing vehicles. With this, even if the wheels turn, they wouldn’t be connected to the engine components so it doesn’t affect them. 

However, this is not the case for electric cars. Once their wheel turns, the motor will also be affected and this could lead to more damage. It can overheat the motor and you can end up with a much bigger problem. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that you can’t tow an electric car. There is still a way to tow an electric car without damaging it. 

Flat Bed Tows Only

To get your electric car from one location to another, you have to tow it. However, you should make sure that when it is towed, the wheels don’t move. You can only do that if you use a flatbed tow truck. 

A flatbed tow truck lifts the whole vehicle off the road and secures it on the flatbed. This kind of tow truck can transport your vehicle to anywhere you need it to be in a safe manner.

The wheels don’t touch the road and they also don’t turn through the transport. If you ever need your electric car towed, make sure you call for a flatbed tow truck. 

Once you’ve seen one tow truck, you’ve seen ’em all, right? Wrong. The right equipment and tow trucks can make all the difference on safely transporting your vehicle. Find out more here…

The post The Proper Way Of Towing An Electric Car appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.

Two-wheel-drive vehicles can either be a front-wheel-drive or a rear-wheel-drive. Knowing which category your vehicle fits will greatly prevent it from getting damaged should it require a tow.

Carrier Trailers And Flatbed Tow Trucks

The best way to tow a car is to use carrier trailers or flatbed tow trucks. These lift the car off the ground so it won’t damage the transmission whether it is a two-wheel-drive or a four-wheel-drive. However, it’s not available for all at all times so knowing other options to towing two-wheel drives will really help. With that comes other options like tow dollies.

Tow Dollies

Tow dollies are very common as a tow option because all you need is a dolly to do the job. With it, the front wheels of the car can be lifted while the rear wheels are kept on the ground. This method is best for front-wheel-drive vehicles but if you plan to use it on rear-wheel-drives, you’d have to remove the driveshaft first. This will prevent damage to the transmission. 

Tow Bar

Another way to tow two-wheel-drive cars is to use a tow bar. With this method, all four wheels are on the ground. The tow bars are attached to the pall hitch and bumper. With this method, you need to place the gears on neutral and disengage the parking brake.

Towing With Automatic Transmission

Towing cars with automatic transmission is different and may include additional steps or additional accessories to prevent damage. You can use either lube pumps or driveshaft couplings. 

Drive Shaft Couplings

If you decide to go for the drive shaft couplings, then there is no need to remove the driveshaft. This accessory engages and disengages the drive shaft and is useful for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. It is a great option because it is a quicker and easier solution as compared to manually disconnecting or disengaging the driveshaft.

Lube Pumps

Lube pumps are great for those with automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive vehicles because they provide the much-needed lubrication. When the car is driven, the engine is responsible for powering the lubrication pump but when the car is towed, the engine is off. That means the pump isn’t working. By using a separate lube pump, you’ll be able to significantly cool the transmission while towing. This prevents the transmission from overheating and getting damaged.

Axle-Lock

The axle-lock is an accessory that you can use for vehicles with an automatic front-wheel-drive system. It disconnects the transmission with just a twist. It is more efficient to use rather than to go through the whole process of disconnecting the front axle manually. You can also easily set it back to default once towing is done and you’re ready to drive the vehicle.

Final Words

When towing any vehicle, it is best to know the vehicle you are towing. Identify if it has automatic or manual transmission. Check to see if it has a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system. When in doubt, always check the owner’s manual. Even if you’re not in doubt, the best thing to do is to check the manual and see the guidelines provided by the manufacturer when it comes to towing the vehicle. 

The post Towing A Two-Wheel-Drive Car appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.

Well, guess what? You’re not alone.

Many car owners are afraid of getting their car towed because they believe that towing companies charge too much. As one of the 4 myths about tow truck companies, which we debunked in the previous post – many would-be towing customers go through great lengths to avoid calling a tow truck, when – in fact – a tow truck is probably what they need.

The truth is, towing services may seem pricey if you don’t know the expenses behind the service.

Apart from that, did you know that it’s possible to save money on the towing service fee? Here’s how:

Have The Right Car Insurance

You may have car insurance but do you have the right one? Many car insurance providers will include a breakdown coverage but you have to clarify whether it includes a towing coverage. If not, then you’d still have to pay for the towing service out of your pocket.

Club Or Organization Discounts

Joining a club or belonging to organizations or groups can also help you with your towing bill. Some have exclusive discounts from a certain towing company. If you’re a member of any group or club, you should do your research and see if there are any available discounts for members.

Give Proper Instructions

Towing fees will vary depending on the car’s location or the equipment used to tow the vehicle. You can save on the distance the tow truck covers to locate you by telling them exactly where you are and where you’d want your car to be towed.

Additionally, you also need to tell the towing companies about the condition of your car or the problem you are experiencing. This will help them determine which tow truck to bring to your location. They can also prepare additional equipment that they’d need to get your car properly secured on their tow truck.

Immediately Claim Impounded Cars

If your car got towed due to illegal parking or other reasons due to conflict with the law, immediately claiming your car is the best way to save some money. Storage fees will accumulate the longer your car stays impounded. Their daily rates can be expensive so locate them immediately.

Be Prepared To Make The Call

Even if you don’t like the idea of having your car towed, it is still best to do your research and find a reputable towing company before you need them. You can do your research on your own or you can ask friends, family or other club members for recommendations.

When you to call a towing company of your choice, you can better prepare for the fees. Moreover, you also lessen the chance of being a victim of towing scammers who won’t release your car without you paying for their outrageous fees.

Check out our next related article on front wheel drive vehicles…

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In order to move your car and move it to a shop, you have to call and hire a tow truck service company. Simple as it may seem, it can be very easy to get scammed by tow companies who just want to earn more money no matter what.

Signs To Watch Out For

There are a few thins that can happen when you work with scammers. They will overcharge you, they can bring your vehicle to a shop that will overcharge you again and worse, your car wouldn’t be properly repaired.

They can also hold your car until you pay for their expensive services. To top it all off, they will also charge you with a hefty storage fee that’s why there are lots who simply pay them just to get rid of them.

These are frustrating situations that can make you feel like your just stuck with them. In order to avoid such fraudulent business, there are some tell-tale signs you should watch out for such as the ones found below:

1. A tow truck that conveniently appears when you had an accident.

It seems too good to be true and most of the time it is. If you haven’t called a tow truck service or the police didn’t contact anyone to tow your vehicle, don’t allow that tow truck to take your vehicle.

2. The unknown tow truck ask for personal information.

Apart from appearing out of nowhere and without anybody calling them, the unknown tow truck would ask for a variety of personal information. They’d also ask you for information about your insurance or the vehicle’s lienholder.

3. The unknown tow truck refuses to leave without towing your car.

Sometimes you can be forced to simply take their offer because they’re already there and they make a stand. Don’t make that mistake. You’ll definitely be sorry afterwards.

What Should You Do

Now that you’ve identified them as potential scammers, here are a few things you can do.

1. Make a stand – No matter how much they convince you, don’t give into getting their services.
2. Don’t sign anything – If your not going to get their services, there is no reason for you to sign anything. They can use this contract against you.
3. Gather information about them – The scammers may collect information from you but you shouldn’t give any. Instead, gather information about them. Ask for some paperwork and documentation about their fees and services.
4. Call up a towing company you trust – Even if you haven’t had an accident before that requires you to hire a towing service company, you should be prepared at all times. Do your research or join a roadside assistance club in your area. Always be ready to call them when needed.

These tips are very helpful in making sure you don’t get scammed by other towing companies. But you should also read our tips on what to do while waiting on a tow truck. With these you’ll be prepared in case of a car emergency.

The post Don’t Be A Victim Of Tow Truck Scams appeared first on Reliable Guys Towing Service.

How do we, as drivers, mitigate these risks?

We make sure to put on seat-belts, we buy cars with multiple airbags, we buy insurance, we remember to drive slowly – but accidents sometimes are inevitable. Thankfully, the majority of accidents are minor, and do not cause injury. There is, however, the problem of getting your damaged car off the road, and to a body shop for repair. What if your car is so damaged that if cannot be towed conventionally on its back wheels? That’s where companies like who provide flatbed towing come in .

Flatbed Tow Trucks Rock

Flatbed towing trucks are trucks that transport vehicles on, as the name suggests, a flat bed. Cars are wheeled or driven onto this flat bed, and strapped in securely. This ensures that the wheels of the vehicle never touch the ground during transportation. Flatbed towing is required in several instances. The most obvious example is for a totaled car, which cannot be towed by a dolly tow truck. Heavy vehicles, or cars which are built very low to the ground also cannot be towed conventionally. Vehicles with four wheel drive also require flatbed towing – dolly towing may cause significant damage to the transmission.

Flatbed towing is also suitable for non-accident related towing. Owners of classic cars or otherwise expensive vehicles may prefer the relative safety of a flatbed truck, which better ensures that the vehicle will be delivered without any accidental damage during transport. Finally, for longer distances, flatbed towing is safer for the car, as there is less wear and tear.

Trust Reliable Guys for your Flat Bed Towing

Reliable Guys Towing of St. Louis, Missouri offers one of the best flatbed towing services in the country. We understand that whether you have just been in a car accident, or just want your vehicle transported safely, you want a towing company to be reliable, affordable, and be available anytime you need service. We meet all your needs, and the “Reliable” in our name is a guarantee that we provide:

• 24/7 service
• Guaranteed arrival within 30 minutes
• Short and long-distance towing
• Transparent pricing

We offer 24 hour service across St. Louis, and guarantee that one of our service experts will arrive to your location within 30 minutes of your phone call. We offer both short and long distance towing and can tow to your home, an auto repair shop or a wrecker service. Finally, our pricing scales are completely transparent – there are no hidden fees, and prices are fixed.

There are horror stories circulating about tow truck drivers who refuse to lower your car unless you pay them an extra “service charge”, or you receive an invoice only to see that there are extra line items for services that were never disclosed. At Reliable Guys Towing, our tow truck professionals will never ask for a single cent beyond the prices listed, and our service experts will never ask for gratuities or any additional fees.

Stay protected in your next towing service call and check out our latest article on common towing scams to avoid…

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Professional towing services mostly cater to vehicles involved in collisions or those that have broken down. They also tow impounded vehicles. To do this, they must make use of certain mechanisms to lift and transport vehicles.  Reliable Guys Towing utilizes three basic types of tow trucks:  Hook and Chain, Wheel Lift and Flatbed each of which have been designed for specific towing purposes and utilized based on your individual need.

In this article, we’ll cover each to give you a better idea on what to look for in your next service call.

Hook and Chain Tow Trucks

No longer widely used but still useful for towing large vehicles like trucks or vehicles with tough steel bumpers, the hook and chain method is basic at best. It involves hitching the towed vehicle by its axle to chains attached to a boom winch installed on the towing vehicle. As you can imagine, the chance of inflicting damage on the towed vehicle’s bumper or axle is quite high. Since modern vehicles don’t normally sport steel bumpers and contain too many expensive components, the hook and chain method doesn’t exactly score big points.

A towing service may recommend this method if there’s little chance of damaging the vehicle or if it’s too far gone to warrant much towing care. Since it’s a basic technique, you’re likely to find it offered by wrecker services or those located in remote locations.

Wheel-Lift Tow Truck

The wheel-lift is based on the same principle as the hook and chain but with a few more sophisticated variations. It doesn’t use a hook or a chain but relies on a metal yoke to hold the vehicle. A hydraulic hoist lifts the vehicle. This prevents the bumper and underside of the vehicle from sustaining damage and makes the entire process a lot more efficient.

Wheel-lifts are superior to the hook and chain but may still not be suitable for expensive vehicles or those with very low ground clearance. Since the risk of damage is present, albeit much lesser than with a hook and chain, the next towing method should be considered.

Flatbed Towing Service

These are the best because there are no hitching mechanisms to damage the vehicle. The towing truck lays down a flatbed using hydraulics so that the vehicle can be driven up or pulled in place using a winch. The bed is then positioned back into place and the vehicle transported to its destination.

Flatbed towing has become the preferred method because it guarantees minimal to zero damage to the towed vehicle. The tow truck is what bears all the stress.

Flatbed trailers are not cheap so the cost of having a vehicle towed in this manner is not at a throwaway price. Since the tow truck bears all the weight, it also consumes more gas. However, it’s a small price to pay for a vehicle that may see potential damage during hitching and transport.

So which towing method do we typically recommend? That really depends on your unique situation. You may request for flatbed towing but if it appears that the same can’t get your vehicle up and moving, the service will recommend another technique. In general hook and chain is rarely if ever used anymore unless your vehicle in being taken to a scrap yard.

Need a Tow Truck St Louis MO?

If your looking for a reliable towing company in the St. Louis area? Why not choose the towing team with over 20 years experience exclusively in our proud Gateway City.

Fully insured, licensed and bonded in the states of Missouri and Illinois, the folks at Reliable Guys Towing pride themselves in clear communication to ensure that services, prices and quality far surpass our competition. We know our talented technicians are the best in the business, and we go that extra mile in resolving our clients issue so that they feel comfortable and assured for their Roadside Assistance needs.

Whether you need basic flatbed towing service, you’ve locked your key in your car, or have a dead battery, we’d be more than happy to serve you with your roadside assistance needs. Give us a call at (314) 325-1016 and one of our knowledgeable towing service reps will help assist getting a tow truck to you as quickly as possible.

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