Towing a light-duty vehicle is quite different than towing a heavy-duty vehicle. Light-duty towing emergencies are typically resolved locally. If your vehicle is not damaged beyond repair, you can drive it to a local mechanic. Heavy-duty towing can be a difficult task and requires the help of a towing truck. This article will help you understand the differences between light-duty and heavy-duty towing and the equipment required for each type of towing.
Classification of towing
A towing operation is a service that transports cars from one place to another. Towing companies are regulated by laws governing towing operations. These regulations stipulate that a towing operation should use equipment of a specific class for any type of vehicle it hauls, even if it is uninsured or has undergone repairs. If you hire a towing company to transport a car, you should know which class of tow truck you will need.
Tow trucks must be equipped with a two-way radio and mobile telephone communications equipment. You should ask the company how many of these are on their fleet. Having too many trucks could jeopardize the safety of your vehicle. Moreover, a towing company may not be able to respond in time if it is needed. It would be better to hire a towing service that has experience in different types of vehicles and situations.
Challenges of towing a heavy-duty vehicle
If you own a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle, you might need towing services from time to time. While a typical mid-size tow truck and front-end-lift mechanism can handle a light-duty vehicle, commercial vehicles require more complex towing solutions. For example, a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle may be stranded hundreds of miles from its intended destination or nearly equal distance from its origin. In such situations, the towing company must negotiate with the truck driver, business coordinate contact, local mechanics, and the receiver of the goods. A qualified towing service can overcome these challenges and arrange for replacement transport for heavy-duty vehicles.
Another challenge for tow truck drivers is the harsh weather conditions. Not only is bad weather dangerous for the driver, but it can also cause accidents. Towing in bad weather requires extra caution and vigilance, as well as proper situational awareness. The best way to avoid driving in unpredictable weather conditions is to check the local weather report. This way, you can plan your journey ahead of time. This will ensure that you do not run into any problems en route.
Power of towing trucks
When choosing a towing truck, you’ll want to consider the torque and horsepower of the vehicle. More powerful engines can tow more weight, but the torque is more important for towing than horsepower. A diesel engine can generate higher torque while maintaining good fuel economy and range. Diesel engines are the preferred choice for commercial towing companies. In addition to torque and horsepower, there are other factors to consider, including the type of gears, tires, and suspensions.
Towing capacity is an important consideration for any vehicle when towing. High-torque trucks have high torque, which turns the crankshaft and connects to the transmission, which converts the torque into energy. When towing, a driver knows to drive in lower gears. High-gear trucks will slow down your vehicle and not give you a chance to overtake other drivers. It’s best to find a vehicle with a high towing capacity and lower gears.
Equipment needed for towing
Heavy duty and light duty towing are two completely different beasts. While light-duty trucks can tow light-weight pickups, they aren’t necessary for heavy-duty vehicles. Heavy-duty trucks are designed for the biggest jobs and can handle anything from full-size jetliners to bulldozers. However, light-duty trucks may be too small for your specific needs. Whether you need a flatbed trailer or a wheel lift, you’ll need the right equipment to get the job done.
Heavy-duty tow trucks are capable of lifting heavier vehicles, and they are equipped with cranes of varying sizes. Heavy-duty tow trucks usually have a crane that weighs 20 to 80 tons, which is equivalent to 40 million pounds! For this reason, heavy-duty tow trucks are essential for towing larger vehicles. Heavy-duty tow trucks also have different types of towing equipment.
Cost of towing
The difference between light and heavy-duty towing is evident in the types of trucks. Heavy-duty tow trucks are larger and capable of carrying loads up to 17,000 pounds. Unlike light-duty towing, heavy-duty towing requires a more experienced driver and certification for such large-scale work. The weight and size of heavy-duty vehicles place tremendous strain on tow trucks, so heavy-duty trucks have a higher insurance policy.
The towing situation in a commercial setting is more complicated. A heavy-duty vehicle may be hundreds of miles from its destination and the business’ origin. In such a scenario, the towing company must work with the truck driver, business coordinate contact, mechanics in the area, and the receiver of goods. While this is not an uncommon scenario, the right company is able to navigate these challenges and coordinate replacement transportation.
