Phone:
(346) 241-4548

Address:
Houston, TX 77036

4 Different Types of Modern Tow Trucks

When it comes to towing vehicles, having the right type of tow truck is essential for ensuring safe and efficient transport. Tow trucks come in various forms, each designed for specific towing tasks, from recovering small cars to heavy duty towing in Houston. At Simply Unbeatable Towing & Roadside, we use a range of modern tow trucks to meet our clients’ needs. Here are the four different types of tow trucks commonly used today:

1. Flatbed Tow Truck

Flatbed tow trucks are one of the most commonly used and versatile types of tow truck service. As the name suggests, they feature a long flatbed that can be hydraulically inclined to ground level, allowing vehicles to be driven or winched onto the platform for safe transport.

Best For:

  • Vehicles with extensive damage
  • High-end or luxury cars that need careful handling
  • All-wheel-drive vehicles that cannot be towed by traditional means

Flatbed tow trucks ensure the vehicle is completely off the ground, preventing any further damage during transport.

2. Hook and Chain Tow Truck

The hook and chain tow truck is one of the oldest towing methods and is mainly used for wrecked or junked vehicles. This truck uses a hook and chain mechanism to lift the front or rear end of the vehicle off the ground while the other set of wheels remains on the road.

Best For:

  • Damaged vehicles that don’t require protection from further damage
  • Short-distance towing

However, this type of tow truck isn’t ideal for vehicles that are still operational, as the hook and chain can cause scratches or damage to the vehicle’s body or drivetrain.

3. Wheel Lift Tow Truck

A wheel lift tow truck is similar to the hook and chain truck but uses a metal yoke under the front or rear wheels to lift the vehicle off the ground. This method is less likely to cause damage than the hook and chain approach, making it a popular choice for auto towing services.

Best For:

  • Short to medium distance towing
  • Vehicles with front- or rear-wheel drive

The wheel lift tow truck is efficient and quick, making it ideal for towing small to medium-sized cars, particularly in urban environments.

4. Integrated Tow Truck (Boom Truck)

Integrated tow trucks, also known as boom trucks, are equipped with a boom and wheel-lift system. The boom allows for vehicle recovery in tough or tight spaces, such as ditches, embankments, or parking lots. These trucks are often used for tow truck heavy duty and recovery operations, including large vehicles such as buses or commercial trucks.

Best For:

  • Heavy duty vehicles
  • Off-road recovery
  • Towing from difficult angles or spaces

The integrated system makes this type of tow truck highly versatile and essential for heavy duty and specialized towing.

Choosing the Right Tow Truck for Your Needs

Each type of tow truck has its unique advantages depending on the situation, vehicle type, and towing requirements. Whether you need to transport a damaged car, tow a luxury vehicle, or recover a truck from difficult terrain, understanding the different types of tow trucks can help you choose the best option for your specific needs.

Need cheap truck towing?

Simply Unbeatable Towing & Roadside offers a wide range of towing options, utilizing the latest tow trucks to handle all kinds of tow truck service. Call us at (346) 241-4548 to learn more or schedule a tow.

Contact

Price Unbeatable Towing & Roadside is a fully insured and certified towing companies in Houston TX and the surrounding communities, with services for towing for trucks, towing car service, gas delivery services, jump car service and tire change assistance.

  • Address: Houston, TX 77036
  • Phone: (346) 241-4548
  • Open 24/7