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When big rigs or oversized vehicles break down, a heavy tow truck is called out to the scene to haul off the broken down vehicle to a nearby shop for repairs. We will discuss some issues concerning problems with heavy-duty tow trucks, and we will also discuss how they work.
There are different tow trucks dispatched out to handle specifically sized rigs and other vehicles. Some are flatbed, and others are chain and hook towing.
Top 5 Heavy-Duty Tow Truck Problems
1. They are difficult to maneuver
Heavy tow trucks are not the most accessible vehicles to operate. It requires a lot of skill and experience to handle them without damaging the load, other vehicles, or injuring people. Sometimes the truck will not fit in certain areas, and the ground may not always be sturdy to hold the big rig tow truck and the broken vehicle.
2. They are expensive
Truck towing can be anywhere in the country, and shops are not always nearby, which adds to the mileage cost. Heavy tow trucks can cost upwards of $100,000. That is a lot of money for a vehicle that will only be used in an emergency.
3. They require special training
To operate a heavy tow truck, you need to have special training. This training is not cheap and can take weeks or even months to complete. This means you will not always have a driver available upon hiring.
4. They are not always available
Heavy tow trucks are so expensive and require special training, they are not always available when you need them. The driver may still be in training, or perhaps all tow trucks may be in use somewhere else, towing another rig or heavy-duty vehicle. This can be a big problem if you are stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle.
5. They can cause damage
Heavy tow trucks can cause significant damage if not used properly. If not used correctly, they can damage the load, and other vehicles and even injure or kill people. These situations have to deal with the weather and the environment around the rigs to maneuver appropriately.
How Heavy-Duty Tow Trucks Work
Heavy-duty tow trucks are used to tow vehicles that are too large or heavy to be towed by a standard tow truck. There are three main types of heavy-duty tow trucks: semi-tow trucks, chain and hook tow trucks, and flatbed tow trucks.
Semi-tow trucks are the most common type of heavy-duty tow truck. They have a large platform where the vehicle being towed is placed.
The platform is attached to the back of the truck with a hinge. This allows the platform to be lowered to the ground so that the vehicle is driven onto it. Once the vehicle is on the platform, the hinge is locked into place, and the platform is raised so that the vehicle is level with the back of the truck.
Chain and hook tow trucks have a large chain looped around the back axle of the vehicle being towed. The other end of the chain is attached to the tow truck. Once the vehicle is hooked up correctly, the front tires are on the ground while the back end is hooked up as the tow truck drives off.
Flatbed tow trucks have a flatbed that is lowered to the ground. The towed vehicle is driven onto the flatbed and then secured with straps or chains.
The flatbed is then raised so that the vehicle is level with the back of the truck. The truck then drives away, taking the vehicle with it.
Below you can see the process of how the big truck towing works:
- Connecting to the bracket system: The first step is to ensure the heavy tow truck is appropriately connected to the bracket system. This system will hold the vehicle’s weight being towed and keep it secure while in transit.
- Secure the vehicle: The next step is to secure the vehicle onto the tow truck. This is done using straps or chains attached to the vehicle’s frame. The straps or chains must be tightened down so that the vehicle cannot move while it is being towed.
- Efficiency and quickness: Heavy tow trucks are very efficient and quick when towing vehicles. They can tow vehicles much larger and heavier than standard tow trucks. This makes them ideal for emergencies where a fast response is needed.
- Chain and hook towing: Chain and hook tow trucks are the most common heavy-duty tow truck. They have a large chain that is looped around the front or back axle of the towed vehicle. The other end of the chain is attached to the tow truck. The truck then drags the vehicle behind it.
- Flatbed tow trucks: Flatbed tow trucks have a flatbed lowered to the ground. The towed vehicle is driven onto the flatbed and then secured with straps or chains. The flatbed is then raised so that the vehicle is level with the back of the truck. The truck then drives away, taking the vehicle with it.
Special Note: It only works for the chain and hook towing if the tires are fully inflated, and the wheels are in working condition. If the tires are flat or something obstructs the wheels’ turning, then flatbed tow trucks or semi-truck towing is dispatched to the scene.
Heavy-duty tow truck problems are not always easy to deal with, but we hope this article has given you some insight into how they work and what to expect if you ever find yourself in need of one.
