Tow trucks provide a valuable service to today's drivers. Anytime you find yourself stranded without an operational vehicle, a tow truck driver can easily haul your vehicle- and you- to safety. While most drivers are familiar with the tow trucks that are called for passenger vehicles, few recognize that there are specialized tow trucks available to help drivers when large vehicles break down.

Learn more about heavy-duty tow trucks so that you will be prepared to take advantage of these trucks in the future.

1. High Tow Capacity

One of the unique characteristics of heavy-duty tow trucks is their ability to move extremely large vehicles. All vehicles are given a classification based on their gross vehicle weight rating. Any vehicle with a weight rating that exceeds the limit of a traditional tow truck will require the assistance of a heavy-duty tow truck. Most commercial vehicles fall into this higher weight range, so commercial drivers are the ones who most often rely on heavy-duty tow trucks for help.

2. Versatile Towing Capabilities

Heavy-duty tow trucks have the ability to transport a wide range of vehicles. Commercial box trucks and semi-trucks can easily be loaded onto a heavy-duty tow truck, but some non-commercial vehicles can benefit from the help of a heavy-duty tow truck as well. Motorhomes, vans, recreational vehicles, and moving trucks are all vehicles that weigh too much for traditional tow vehicles. You should recognize when versatile towing is required so that you can secure the help of a heavy-duty tow truck in the future.

3. Specialized Equipment 

Heavy-duty tow trucks are outfitted with specialized equipment that allows them to work with heavy vehicles. Getting a large inoperable semi or motorhome onto a truck's platform requires a lot of power. All heavy-duty tow trucks have powerful devices like a winch, a multi-ton wheel lift, and an extendable boom. These pieces of equipment can be used by a tow truck driver to successfully maneuver a larger vehicle so that it can be towed safely.

Heavy-duty tow truck operators must have a significant amount of skill and experience to operate the specialized equipment on a heavy-duty tow truck properly.

All tow trucks help move inoperable vehicles, but heavy-duty tow trucks are tasked with handling the heaviest and largest vehicles on today's roadways. If you find yourself with a broken-down box truck, motorhome, or other large vehicles, reach out to a heavy truck towing service for help.