Best Tow Truck Makes and Models

Tow trucks play an essential role in our society, providing a vital service for drivers who are stranded on the side of the road. However, with so many different makes and models available, it can be challenging to determine which tow truck is the best for your business.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional tow truck, a wrecker tow truck, or a flatbed tow truck, it’s crucial to consider factors such as durability, performance, and towing capacity.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best makes and models of tow trucks, wrecker tow trucks, and flatbed tow trucks, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a new tow truck for your business.

Tow Trucks

Ford F-Series Super Duty

Ford is a well-known American automotive brand and its F-Series Super Duty trucks are among the most popular tow trucks in the US market. The F-450, F-550, F-650, and F-750 models are all commonly used for towing and hauling heavy loads.

These trucks are known for their powerful engines, durable frames, and a towing capacity of up to 37,000 pounds.

Chevrolet Silverado and Kodiak

Chevrolet is another well-known American automotive brand that produces popular tow trucks. The Silverado 3500HD, 4500HD, and 5500HD models are all commonly used for towing and hauling heavy loads. These trucks are known for their powerful engines, sturdy frames, and towing capacity of up to 23,300 pounds.

The Kodiak C4500 is another popular tow truck from Chevrolet that features a durable chassis and a towing capacity of up to 16,000 pounds.

Ram Heavy Duty

Ram is a division of Chrysler that produces a line of heavy-duty pickup trucks. The Ram 3500HD, 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD models are all popular tow trucks in the US market.

These trucks are known for their powerful engines, sturdy frames, and towing capacity of up to 35,220 pounds.

International 4300, 4400, and 4900

International is a brand of Navistar International Corporation that produces a range of commercial trucks, including tow trucks.

The 4300, 4400, and 4900 models are commonly used for towing and recovery operations.

These trucks feature powerful engines, durable frames, and a towing capacity of up to 44,000 pounds.

Freightliner M2 106 and M2 112 Tow Trucks

Freightliner is a division of Daimler Trucks North America that produces a range of commercial trucks, including tow trucks.

The M2 106 and M2 112 models are popular tow trucks in the US market. These trucks feature powerful engines, sturdy frames, and a towing capacity of up to 33,000 pounds.

They are also known for their comfortable and spacious cabs, making them a popular choice for long-haul towing operations.

Overall, these tow truck brands and models are popular in the US market due to their powerful engines, durable frames, and high towing capacity.

They are also designed to meet the specific needs of towing and recovery operations, making them a reliable and efficient choice for tow truck companies.

What is the Difference Between a Tow Truck and Wrecker Truck

The terms “tow truck” and “wrecker” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two:

A tow truck typically refers to a truck that is used to tow a vehicle that is still intact and can be safely towed. Tow trucks typically have a flatbed or a wheel lift, which can be used to lift and tow the vehicle without causing any further damage.

A wrecker, on the other hand, is typically used to recover or move a damaged or disabled vehicle that cannot be safely towed. Wreckers may have a crane or winch, which can be used to lift and move the vehicle onto the tow truck. Wreckers are often used for more complex and challenging recoveries, such as vehicles that have gone off the road or have been damaged in a severe accident.

In some cases, the terms “tow truck” and “wrecker” may be used interchangeably, and different regions may have different definitions of the terms. Ultimately, both tow trucks and wreckers serve the same basic purpose of moving and recovering disabled or damaged vehicles.

Wrecker Tow Trucks

A wrecker tow truck, also known as a “recovery vehicle,” is a type of tow truck designed specifically for recovering and transporting damaged or disabled vehicles. Wrecker tow trucks are typically used in situations where a vehicle has been involved in an accident, has broken down, or needs to be transported from one location to another.

Wrecker tow trucks are equipped with a boom, winch, and other specialized tools that allow them to lift and tow damaged or disabled vehicles. Some wrecker tow trucks are also designed with a flatbed that can be lowered to the ground, allowing vehicles to be loaded onto the bed for transportation.

Wrecker tow trucks come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different types of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks and buses. They are commonly used by tow truck companies, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations that require the recovery and transportation of damaged or disabled vehicles.

Here are some of the most popular makes and models of wrecker tow trucks and a detailed description of each:

Jerr-Dan Tow Trucks

Jerr-Dan is a well-known brand in the towing industry, producing a range of high-quality tow trucks. One of the most popular models is the Jerr-Dan MPL40 wrecker, which features a 4-ton capacity and a versatile boom that can handle a wide range of vehicles.

It also has an integrated wheel lift and a variety of safety features, including a wireless remote control.

Century Tow Trucks

Century is another popular brand in the towing industry, producing reliable and durable tow trucks. The Century 3212 is a popular model, featuring a 16,000 lb. capacity boom and a 12,000 lb. planetary winch.

It also has a low-profile design for easier access to low-riding vehicles and a variety of safety features, including a wireless remote control.

Vulcan Tow Trucks

Vulcan is a leading manufacturer of wrecker tow trucks and produces a range of models to meet the needs of tow truck companies.

The Vulcan V-30 wrecker is a popular model, featuring a 15-ton capacity boom and a 20,000 lb. planetary winch. It also has a low-profile design for easier access to low-riding vehicles and a variety of safety features, including a wireless remote control.

Miller Industries Tow Trucks

Miller Industries is a well-known brand in the towing industry and produces a range of high-quality tow trucks.

The Miller Industries Century 1150 is a popular model, featuring a 50-ton capacity boom and a 35,000 lb. winch.

It also has a variety of safety features, including a wireless remote control and an air-actuated safety hook.

Dynamic Tow Trucks

Dynamic produces a range of tow trucks designed for towing and recovery operations.

The Dynamic 755 is a popular model, featuring a 25-ton capacity boom and a 25,000 lb. winch. It also has a variety of safety features, including a wireless remote control, an air-actuated safety hook, and a hydraulic outrigger system for stability during heavy-duty towing operations.

Overall, these popular makes and models of wrecker tow trucks are designed to meet the needs of tow truck companies and are known for their reliability, durability, and versatility.

They feature powerful booms and winches, as well as a variety of safety features to ensure safe and efficient towing operations.

Flatbed & Rollback Tow Trucks

Flatbed tow trucks and rollback tow trucks are similar in that they both use a flatbed to transport vehicles. However, there are some key differences between the two types of tow trucks.

A flatbed tow truck is also known as a “car carrier” or “rollback”, and it features a flatbed that is mounted on a hydraulic system. The flatbed can be tilted and lowered to the ground, allowing vehicles to be driven or winched onto the bed.

Once the vehicle is secured, the hydraulic system lifts the flatbed and the vehicle is transported to its destination. Flatbed tow trucks are commonly used for transporting vehicles that are inoperable, damaged, or too low to the ground to be towed by a traditional tow truck.

On the other hand, a rollback tow truck, also known as a “slide tow”, features a flatbed that slides back and tilts down to the ground using a hydraulic system. This allows the tow truck to “roll back” the bed, similar to a roll-top desk, to easily load a vehicle onto the bed.

Once the vehicle is secured, the hydraulic system lifts the bed and the vehicle is transported to its destination. Rollback tow trucks are commonly used for transporting vehicles that are inoperable, damaged, or illegally parked.

In summary, flatbed tow trucks and rollback tow trucks share some similarities in their design and purpose, but they differ in the way their flatbeds are lowered and raised to transport vehicles.

Here are some of the most popular makes and models of flatbed and rollback tow trucks.

Freightliner M2 Flatbed

The Freightliner M2 is a popular choice for flatbed tow trucks due to its versatility and reliability. It features a spacious cab and a flatbed that can range from 16- to 28-feet long, with a capacity of up to 14,000 pounds.

The Freightliner M2 also has a variety of engine options, including diesel and gas, making it a flexible choice for different towing needs.

International 4300 Rollback

The International 4300 is a widely used model for rollback tow trucks. It features a hydraulic system that rolls back and tilts the bed for easy vehicle loading.

The 4300 also comes with a variety of bed lengths and capacities, ranging from 16 to 28 feet long with a capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. Additionally, the International 4300 is known for its durability and long lifespan.

Ford F-450 Flatbed

The Ford F-450 is a popular choice for flatbed tow trucks due to its strong and reliable build. It features a flatbed that can range from 12- to 20-feet long, with a capacity of up to 12,000 pounds.

The F-450 also comes with a powerful diesel engine and a comfortable cab, making it a popular choice for long-haul towing operations.

Peterbilt 379 Rollback

The Peterbilt 379 is a high-quality rollback tow truck that is known for its durability and versatility. It features a hydraulic system that rolls back and tilts the bed for easy vehicle loading.

The 379 also comes with a variety of bed lengths and capacities, ranging from 16 to 28 feet long with a capacity of up to 15,000 pounds.

Additionally, the Peterbilt 379 has a powerful engine and a spacious and comfortable cab, making it a popular choice for both local and long-distance towing operations.

Isuzu NQR Flatbed

The Isuzu NQR is a versatile flatbed tow truck that is commonly used for light-duty towing operations. It features a flatbed that can range from 16- to 20-feet long, with a capacity of up to 7,000 pounds.

The NQR also comes with a diesel engine and a low-profile design, making it easy to load and transport vehicles in tight spaces.

Overall, these popular makes and models of flatbed and rollback tow trucks are designed to meet the specific needs of tow truck companies.

They feature powerful engines, sturdy frames, and versatile beds, ensuring reliable and efficient performance during towing operations.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, selecting the best make and model of tow truck, wrecker tow truck, or flatbed tow truck is crucial for any towing business to thrive.

Whether you need a heavy-duty wrecker tow truck for recovering damaged vehicles or a flatbed tow truck for transporting luxury cars, there are various options available on the market to suit your specific needs.

By taking into account factors such as towing capacity, durability, and performance, you can make an informed decision when selecting the ideal tow truck for your business.

Remember that investing in a quality tow truck is an investment in the future of your business, ensuring that you can provide reliable and efficient towing services to your clients for years to come.

ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING

TopMark Funding is a top-rated tow truck financing company with 3 offices to serve you. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.

We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.

Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.

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