Types of Tow Trucks: Find the Right Way to Move Your Car

by Rechel

Let’s Start With a Simple Question

Have you ever seen a big truck carrying a car? It looks strong. It looks safe. You might ask, Why do we use different trucks for towing cars or trucks? The answer is clear: each job is different. Every vehicle, from a small passenger car to a heavy bus or RV, has its own needs. CLW GROUP knows how to meet these needs. We make special trucks to help every car, big or small, get the help it needs!

Why Are Tow Trucks Important?

We see tow trucks on busy city streets, on highways, and by the side of the road. They come in handy when a car breaks down, gets in a crash, or needs to be moved for parking rules. Sometimes, heavy-duty trucks are needed for big, tough jobs. Let’s look at these trucks and find out which one fits your needs.

Types of Tow Trucks and What They Do

1. Flatbed Tow Truck (Rollback)

  • What is it?

A flatbed has a hydraulic bed that tilts and slides back. Your whole car goes up on the flat surface, safe and secure.

  • How does it work?

The bed moves down to the ground. The car is pulled or driven onto it. The bed goes back up.

  • When do we use it?
  • After an accident
  • When the car won’t drive
  • With fancy cars, motorcycles, or old cars
  • Long trips
  • Moving big items like sheds
  • Jobs that need the whole car off the ground
  • Good points:

It’s the safest way. The whole vehicle is off the road. Good for AWD/4WD cars.

  • Bad points:

Flatbeds are big. They may not fit in tiny spots or twisty roads.

2. The Wrecker Truck (Boom Truck)

Hook and Chain (Old Style)

  • How it works:

Chains wrap around the car frame or axles. The boom pulls the car.

  • Best for:

Old cars, junk cars, or heavy-duty jobs. Not for brand-new cars.

  • Warning:

Chains can hurt the car’s frame. Modern cars don’t like this type.

Wheel-Lift (Modern Wrecker)

  • How it works:

A yoke or metal frame goes under the wheels. It lifts either the front or back of the car.

  • Use cases:
  • Towing for parking rules
  • Repossessions
  • City towing
  • Tight alleys or parking garages
  • Cars that still roll
  • Good points:

Fast, nimble, and less harm than hooks and chains.

  • Bad points:

Not for AWD/4WD (unless you disconnect the gears). Towed wheels may get a little worn out.

Integrated Wrecker (Heavy-Duty Truck)

  • What it is:

The boom and wheel lift are built right in and super strong.

  • When to use:
  • Big trucks (semi-trucks, buses, RVs)
  • Heavy equipment like bulldozers
  • Big accidents
  • Bonus:

Lifts the heaviest loads. Very stable.

3. Rotator Tow Truck

  • What is it?

A rotator is the strongest tow truck. The boom can spin all the way around!

  • How does it work?

Lifts cars and trucks from any side. Good for tough spots—ditches, bridges, or tight turns.

  • Use cases:
  • Overturned trucks
  • Heavy lifting jobs
  • When you can’t back up to the car
  • Good points:

Big power. No need for extra cranes.

  • Bad points:

Very big. Costs a lot. Needs a special driver.

Choose the Right Truck: What to Think About

When you need a tow, think about:

  • Vehicle Weight, Size, and Condition
  • Is it all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive?
  • Is the car badly damaged?
  • Where is it? A city street? Narrow alley? Off-road?
  • How far do you need it to go?

CLW GROUP builds the right truck for each job. We know the needs of every car, bus, motorcycle, or heavy machine. Our experts will help you choose—fast and easy.

Data Table: Tow Trucks at Work

Tow Truck TypeMain UseBest ForFun Fact
FlatbedMost safe, long tripsAccidents, fancy carsHandles almost any vehicle safe and sound
Wheel-LiftQuick, city towingParking, repossessionSuper fast in small spaces
Integrated WreckerHeavy-duty, big vehiclesBuses, semi-trucks, RVsStrongest for the biggest jobs
Rotator360-degree lifts, special jobsOverturned trucks, ditchesCan work in the hardest places and save time
Hook & ChainRare, old cars, junk removalScrap, damaged carsNot for fancy or new cars

Do Tow Trucks Get Used a Lot?

Yes! Every year, millions of tows happen in the USA. City rules, breakdowns, accidents, or moving for repairs—all need tow trucks. See our auto transport for safe, long-distance moves.

Will My Car Be Safe?

Flatbeds keep your car off the ground. They are best for classic cars, luxury vehicles, and AWD/4WD. Wheel-lifts are perfect for quick jobs, like parking control or short breakdowns on city roads. Heavy wreckers and rotators move the biggest, hardest loads.

Our special trucks factory uses modern safety tools: winches, strong decks, underreach systems, and state-of-the-art hydraulics. All trucks are built with care—meeting every towing need.

Why Choose CLW GROUP?

You need a truck that fits your job. We deliver customized trucks. We help big companies, repair shops, city workers, and car lovers. We offer:

  • Custom-made trucks for your needs
  • After-sales service
  • Fast vehicle delivery
  • Technical advice
  • Many models for every task

Want something special? Need big or small? We build it.

Summary Table: Tow Truck Quick Facts

JobBest Tow TruckWhy
Damaged carFlatbedNo extra damage, safe, secure
City parkingWheel-lift truckFast, fits in small places
Bus/Semi recoveryIntegrated wreckerBig power for big jobs
Vehicle off roadRotatorCan pick up from hard spots

Let Us Help

CLW GROUP is ready right now to build a truck perfect for your job. Contact us today. You get the right tow truck, fast. You get service you can trust. Find more about our material handling cranes and water tank truck on our website.

References

  • U.S. Department of Transportation, Tow Truck Use Cases 2023
  • Vehicle Recovery Industry Group, “Flatbed vs. Wrecker Safety”
  • CLW GROUP Company Reports (Internal Data, 2024)
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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