Recovery Truck

Towing practices today are more advanced than years ago which has led to the introduction of the Recovery Truck.  A Recovery Truck is a vehicle that is used to move another vehicle from one location to another.  The use of a recovery truck is mostly required when a vehicle has broken down or in cases where a vehicle has been disabled by an accident or just any form of vehicle damage.  Recovery trucks also transport vehicles that are parked illegally and they assist in keeping highways and streets clear.  Recovery trucks are also known as Tow trucks, Wreckers or Breakdown trucks.

Towing service is often times provided by emergency road service operators, insurance companies and garages.  The service recovery truck operators may be required any time of night or day due to the nature of the job.

There are three types of recovery truck: the Hook and Chain, the Wheel Lift and the Flat Bed or Roll Back.  The Hook and Chain has chains that are looped around the vehicle frame or the axle of the vehicle.  The Wheel Lift is an advanced form of the Hook and Chain type.  They have a large metal yoke that is fitted under the front wheels or rear wheels to hold.  The Flat Bed type or Roll Back has a bed attached to the back of the truck which is moved to ground level during operation.  The vehicle being towed is placed on the bed for removal.

Recovery Truck Operation and Tips to Bear in Mind

  • When operating a recovery truck, bear in mind your own safety and ensure that someone is aware of your planned route.
  • Adhere to the equipment rating and capacity as overloading may lead to unnecessary accidents.  Keep your truck height in mind when entering bridges and overpasses.
  • Inspect the truck before each use to ensure that everything is working properly and all necessary repairs have been made.
  • Drive cautiously and remain alert by avoiding alcohol, drugs and medications that may result in drowsiness

It is important for tow truck operators to be knowledgeable about whatever vehicles they are towing. For example, Subaru Forester, Legacy and Impreza models have to be towed with all four wheels off the ground or by a flat bed truck.  An escalade AWD weighs more than 5,500 pounds and has to be towed by a medium duty flat bed truck.  Therefore, a tow truck operator needs to be aware of what they are towing to do so effectively.

There are many companies that manufacture recovery trucks for sale:  Below are 2 companies that have been operating for years.

Jerr-Dan Corporation

This company has been manufacturing tow trucks for over 30 year.  They provide durable and reliable vehicles that set the standards for performance and quality.  Their tow trucks have a proven track record in effective vehicle transportation.

Dynamic

Established in 1982, they created innovative tow trucks and are well known for perfecting the self-loading Wheel-Lift which is highly demanded today.