With the approaching summer vacation time, those with motor homes are preparing for their annual road trip. Motor homes are definitely on the larger side for vehicles. The commercial operator of an eighteen-wheeler also is cognizant of the potential for breakdown and the need for a potential tow. In the US, commercial haulers are generally limited to two trailers and a maximum of 80,000 pounds vs. the Australian truck-trains pulling up to 300,000 pounds, yea that’s right a 150-short-tons of cargo and trailer.
Best Tow Truck for Towing a 5th Wheel
If a commercial vehicle breaks down it will need a large vehicle to tow it. In some cases, the tow vehicle can handle both the truck and trailer. Truckers are reluctant to leave a trailer alone beside the road for fear of loss of the load to theft. Towing the tractor and trailer has security benefits. Then there are the motor homes that need towing. All large scale vehicles will need a ‘commercial’ tow rig to accommodate their size and weight.
Tow trucks for trucks generally feature wheel-lift or underlift as the preferred method of towing. A flatbed for towing is unrealistic due to its size. Where possible accommodation for the trailer must be made. Because of the restrictions placed on the tow truck mandated by the size of the payload underlift is the primary method of locomotion.
Boom Trucks to Lift Campervans
Many combine underlift with a boom. Some of these rigs have a tag-axle that lifts for normal travel on the pavement. When carrying extensive loads, the tag-axle is lowered taking additional weight. Tag-axles are not ‘live’, meaning not powered, the name ‘tag’ is short for tag-a-long (western US). The lifting equipment is hydraulic, and some rigs have up to three winches for lifting and vehicle retrieval. The winches are rated up to 50,000 pounds. The boom trucks are handy for vehicle recovery in roll-over or tipped situations. These tows are fitted with airlines to allow for the remote operation of the truck trailer brakes from the tow vehicle. Lights strings with magnetic bases allow for lighting. Buses, semi-tractor and trailers and recreational vehicles like motorhomes are all at the extreme high load end of the towing spectrum.
RV Tow Bar & Other Towing Equipment
Additional equipment like tow bars, chains, chain hooks and J-hooks, tow light kits, first-aid kit, lockout kits, battery service kits, binders, snatch blocks and other sundry items are carried as well. If the problem is just a battery service and a jump is better for the trucker, of course most pros carry at least a minimum tool kit on their rigs. Safety equipment and spill-kits are also necessary items carried by the tow truck. Safety equipment is flags, flares and reflective triangles to mark closed lanes and communicate other cautionary information to other drivers.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Enterprise, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Green Valley Ranch, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, Peccole Ranch, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas, Nevada
Probably tanker spills are up there in the nightmare department for all responders. After all the tow driver may not have fore knowledge of the circumstances facing on arrival. In fact, circumstances can take a turn for the worst while the driver is en route to the recovery site. The mantra ‘be prepared’ is very true for the commercial tow truck operator. NonStop Towing can handle all your towing needs. Contact us whenever you are stranded or need a tow or roadside assistance!
