In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget how important it is to know your options. When it comes to tow trucks and their many different uses, there’s no room for confusion or uncertainty. The wide range of equipment used in the industry can make things confusing!
We’ve put together this guide that will break down all aspects of the industry with precision and expertise. This will help you better understand what exactly goes into a tow truck and how they differ; from the types of vehicles used for specific jobs, to different applications for each type of vehicle.
There are many kinds of tow trucks on the road, serving a wide variety of purposes. Tow trucks can be light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty. A light-duty tow truck tows and recovers smaller vehicles. A medium-duty tow truck tows and recovers larger vehicles with lower gross vehicle weight ratings. Whereas, a heavy-duty tow truck tows and recovers trucks with GVWRs over 10,000 pounds.
In this blog post, we’re only going to talk about the difference between a light-duty and a medium-duty tow truck. And some of the benefits and features they have, so let’s get to it!
What is a Light-Duty Tow Truck?
A light-duty tow truck tows light vehicles, such as cars and motorcycles. These trucks are very similar to medium-duty tow trucks, but they are smaller and lighter.
Light-duty tow trucks are the most common type of tow truck. Light-duty tow trucks can tow cars and light trucks that weigh up to 3,500 lbs. That is a little more than half the weight a medium-duty or heavy-duty tow truck can carry. Some states have different limits to tow vehicles using a light-duty tow truck. Most states only allow towing one car at any given time.
This type of truck is ideal for situations where you need to pull another vehicle out. They have two rear wheels instead of four wheels to make them more maneuverable without sacrificing stability. This means they’re great for getting into tight spaces like parking garages.
Light-duty Tow Truck Benefits and Features
A light-duty tow truck offers many benefits and features that make it an excellent choice for a variety of towing needs. One benefit is that light-duty trucks are generally less expensive than their heavy-duty counterparts. Another benefit is that they are easier to maneuver, making them ideal for tight spaces. In addition, light-duty tow trucks typically have a lower center of gravity, which makes them less likely to tip over when hauling a load. Finally, many light-duty tow trucks come equipped with features like extendable ramps and winches, which can make loading and unloading a breeze. So whether you need to tow a small car or a lightweight boat, a light-duty tow truck is likely the best option for the job. There are many reasons why this is an excellent idea, and here are some of them:
It can work in low-clearance settings
Light-duty tow trucks can work in low-clearance settings. A light-duty truck is a smaller, more compact version of the traditional heavy-duty tow truck. It transports vehicles with less than 10 feet of clearance underneath them. Typically, this type of vehicle has an 8” or 9” lift height and a 3,500 lb. capacity winch. With hydraulic jacks and dollies, it can move and raise cars safely.
This smaller version allows users to get around areas where larger trucks cannot due to height restrictions.
It can handle longer distances
Light-duty tow trucks are essential for handling long-distance towing jobs. When you’re dealing with a vehicle that needs to be towed hundreds or even thousands of miles, you need a truck that is up for the task. Light-duty tow trucks are built for just this purpose. They haul heavy loads over long distances, and they have the power and durability for the job. If you’re looking for a tow truck that can handle long-distance towing, light duty is the way to go.
It is more affordable than you might think
Light-duty tow trucks are often cheaper to buy and maintain than you might think. You can purchase a new light-duty tow truck for under $15,000 and an older one with low miles for $20,000 or less.
Indeed, a light-duty tow truck isn’t going to be able to do everything a heavy-duty tow truck can. It can do a lot more than you might think.
What is a Medium-Duty Tow Truck?
A medium-duty tow truck tows cars, vans, SUVs, and light trucks. The standard winch that comes with these vehicles has a maximum capacity of 10,000 pounds. Those with a “pintle hitch” allow them to pull trailers up to 25 feet in length.
The police and private businesses often use them because they can pull heavier weights than the average SUV.
Medium-duty Tow Truck Benefits and Features
There are many benefits of using a medium-duty tow truck. One benefit is that they are very versatile. They can be used in a variety of situations, such as hauling heavy vehicles, towing large trailers, or even transporting construction equipment. Another benefit is that they are very powerful. With a medium-duty tow truck, you can tow much heavier loads than you could with a standard tow truck. Finally, medium-duty tow trucks are much safer than standard tow trucks. This is because they have special safety features, such as air brakes and special lighting, that make them much less likely to get into accidents.
Accommodates many different vehicles
Look at a medium-duty tow truck, clearly, these vehicles accommodate a wide range of vehicles. From sedans to SUVs, these tow trucks can handle just about any type of vehicle. They’re equipped with a variety of features that make them versatile. For example, they typically have a hydraulic winch to pull vehicles out of ditches or other difficult situations. They also usually have a boom arm to lift vehicles onto the bed of the truck. This makes them ideal for loading and unloading vehicles. And because they tow medium-duty vehicles, they typically have a heavier-duty suspension system. This helps to ensure that the tow truck can handle the weight of the vehicle being towed. As a result, medium-duty tow trucks are an essential part of any fleet that needs to be able to accommodate a variety of different types of vehicles.
It is more economical
As any trucker knows, a tow truck is a vital piece of equipment. Not only can it help to clear away disabled vehicles, but it can also be used to transport heavy loads. However, choosing the right tow truck for your needs can be a challenge. Should you go with a light-duty model or a heavy-duty model? The answer may surprise you: a medium-duty tow truck is more economical. Why? Because it offers the perfect balance of power and price. You don’t need to spend extra money on a heavy-duty model when a medium-duty model will do the job just as well. And you’ll save on fuel costs, too. So if you’re in the market for a new tow truck, be sure to consider a medium-duty model. It just might be the best choice for you.
Offers increased lifting ability
Medium-duty tow trucks can lift more weight than light-duty trucks, which is important for lifting cars. This increased lifting power means that you can use the same medium-duty truck for all types of towing chores. The average car weighs about 3,000 pounds, so a medium-duty tow truck can easily lift and move one by itself.
If you’re looking at buying a new car, consider purchasing one that weighs less than 3,000 pounds.
Allows the driver to sit in a more comfortable setting in the truck cab
Imagine being in the middle of a long tow truck journey. You’re cramped up in the truck cab, your back is aching, and you can’t wait to get out and stretch your legs. Now imagine being able to sit in a more comfortable setting during that journey. With a medium-duty tow truck, you can do just that. The seats are more padded and have lumbar support, so you won’t feel as fatigued after long periods behind the wheel. Thanks to the design of these trucks, the driver has more room to move around and is less likely to experience discomfort during long trips. In addition, the improved visibility from the cab can make for a safer journey. So if you’re looking for a tow truck that will provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, consider opting for a medium-duty model.
Medium-duty tow trucks are a good middle ground between light-duty and heavy-duty trucks
If you’re in the market for a medium-duty tow truck, you might be wondering what kind of jobs it’s best suited for. While it’s true that these trucks are capable of handling most towing and recovery jobs, they also have other applications. If you’re looking for something more economical than a heavy-duty tow truck that still has enough power to do the job, then this is your ride.
Why would anyone choose a medium-duty tow truck over another? For starters, there are fewer options when it comes to buying one, so if you want one from a reputable seller who knows what they’re doing and knows how to find the right parts, then it can help narrow down your search process. Another reason is they tend not only to be more comfortable for their drivers but also less expensive than larger machines as well.
Our experience has shown that medium-duty tow trucks have many benefits. They offer increased lifting capacity and versatility while being less expensive and more economical than other types of vehicles. You can use them for all kinds of jobs, including towing and recovery operations on even the largest vehicles.
Know what kind of tow truck you need so you can get the help you need when your vehicle breaks down
If your car breaks down and needs to be towed, you must choose the proper vehicle to tow it. The type of vehicle you take to the mechanic will depend on its weight and load capacity, which are often dictated by the manufacturer’s specifications.
What you need to know about towing is that there are different types of vehicles for different situations. If a car breaks down on the side of the road, the most likely scenario is that you’ll need a standard passenger vehicle with four wheels and an engine capable of moving at least 1,500 pounds.
You don’t have to be a mechanic to tell that there are several differences between light- and medium-duty tow trucks. For starters, they’re different sizes; light-duty tow trucks are smaller than medium-duty tow trucks. Light-duty tow trucks tend to be around 14,000 pounds or less while medium-duty tow trucks are somewhere closer in size to a Hummer or F150 pickup truck at about 20,000 pounds.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the difference between light- and medium-duty tow trucks. If you need a tow truck, we recommend calling a local service provider who can help you get back on the road safely and quickly. You may even want to ask them if they have any tips or tricks up their sleeve!
Are you in need of a towing service?
Tow Mate is your go-to towing service for everything from car towing and equipment towing to roadside assistance and wrecker service. Whether your car, motorcycle, or truck has been in an accident, has broken down, or just needs to be delivered to a certain location, Tow Mate OKC has you covered. We’re here to help you when you need it most, so you can get back on the road as quickly as possible.
With years of experience in the industry, we know just what it takes to get the job done right and we’re always happy to help. We provide services in Oklahoma and the nearby areas. We offer flatbed hauling, medium-duty towing, repossession services, towing services, and more. Call us now for all your towing needs!
