Used tow trucks and wreckers for sale

More Information About Tow Trucks

Owner-operators, drivers and company owners who are interested in tow trucks can view our listings of trucks from top manufacturers including Ford, Nissan, GMC, Mack and International. There are several color photos of each truck included in the listing. It also includes information such as make, wheelbase, year, location, condition, transmission type and amenities. There are links at the bottom of the listing you can click on for more information about financing, insurance, payment calculator and location. There is also an option to email the slideshow of pictures.

Like many inventions, the tow truck was invented by a man who saw the need for a vehicle that could tow other vehicles. Ernest Holmes, Sr. was a garage worker in 1916. He was inspired to invent the tow truck after an incident where six men used blocks and ropes to pull a car out of the creek. Holmes designed the first tow truck and was the first person to manufacture these trucks.

There are basically three types of tow trucks. The hook and chain type is not used often anymore because it involves a chain being wrapped around the frame or axle of the vehicle being towed. The chain can cause damage to the vehicle, but may be used to tow vehicles that are already heavily damaged.

Tow trucks with wheel lifts are more common. The difference between the wheel lift type and the hook and chain type is that a metal yoke is used instead of a chain. The yoke is hooked under the wheels and a hoist lifts the vehicle off the ground during towing. This causes substantially less damage to the vehicle being towed.

Rolldeck trucks, also called flatbed tow trucks, use hydraulics to lift the bed and make a ramp. Vehicles that aren't substantially damaged may be driven up the ramp, and those that cannot move on their own are generally pulled up with a winch. These trucks are considered the ideal because they tow vehicles of various sizes without causing damage.

Modern tow trucks are usually loaded with amenities that make them comfortable to drive for long periods of time.

Optional amenities that are available in tow trucks include:

• Optional crew cab
• Heated Seats
• Upgraded sound systems
• Multiple charging ports
• Lighted toolbox
• In-cab boom controls
• Exterior diamond plating
• Keyless entry

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