Are There Different Kinds of Towing Trucks?

Not All Tow Trucks Are the Same

Not many of us remember the old kinds of towing trucks, such as the hook and chain. So, we wrote this article to explain to the younger generation the different kinds of towing methods there are in use today.

There are 3 kinds of towing trucks like mentioned above, the hook and chain method, wheel-lift, and flatbed. The hook and chain method, which is often known as the sling tow truck, are no longer used as much as it used to be, mostly because they used a chain that wrapped around the axle or frame of the vehicle.

This often resulted in scratches or other damage to the car. Today, this kind of truck is reserved for vehicles that are already damaged due to an accident, vehicles that no longer have their front or rear wheels, and vehicles that have steel bumpers.

Wheel lift tow trucks are very similar to the aforementioned hook and chain trucks; however, they will use a metal yoke instead of a chain. This yoke will be hooked under the front or the rear wheels, and has a hydraulic or pneumatic hoist, the front or the rear of the vehicle will be lifted from the ground while it is being towed.

Flatbed towing trucks, which are often referred to as rollbacks, have a large empty bed to the back of the truck. With the aid of hydraulics, this bed is inclined to create a ramp. The vehicle will then be driven or winched onto the flatbed. Once in place, the hydraulics are used to level out the flatbed. Flatbed towing is now the preferred method for towing vehicles, due to the fact they do not place any pressure on the vehicle or drag it for an extended period.

If you live in or around the Exton, PA area and would like to know more about the services we at Kenny's Towing have to offer you, please do not hesitate to call us at (484) 299-9920 anytime.

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