When your vehicle breaks down or you need assistance moving a vehicle from one place to another, understanding the type of towing service you need is essential. Not all tow trucks are built the same, and different situations require different levels of towing capabilities. Two common categories of towing are light-duty and medium-duty towing. Both services have unique uses to address different types of towing needs. Non Stop Towing will define what light and medium-duty towing services entail and when each one is necessary.
What is Light Duty Towing?
Light-duty towing is designed to handle smaller vehicles and is the most common type of towing service available. If you drive a standard car, motorcycle, SUV, or light pickup truck, light-duty towing is typically the right option. Tow trucks used for light-duty towing are smaller and more agile, allowing them to efficiently navigate city streets and access vehicles in tight spots like parking garages or residential driveways.
Common Vehicles for Light Duty Towing
• Sedans and compact cars
• SUVs and crossover vehicles
• Motorcycles and scooters
• Light-duty pickup trucks
• Minivans
Equipment Used in Light Duty Towing
• Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks: These trucks use a metal yoke to lift the front or rear wheels of the vehicle off the ground, with the other set of wheels rolling on the road. This method is efficient and safe for short-distance towing.
• Flatbed Tow Trucks: Flatbeds are also used in light-duty towing, especially for vehicles that require extra care, like motorcycles or luxury cars. The flatbed can be hydraulically inclined, allowing the car to be driven or winched onto the platform for secure transport.
What is Medium Duty Towing?
Medium-duty towing is used for larger, heavier vehicles that are still smaller than heavy-duty commercial trucks but too big for light-duty tow trucks. Medium-duty tow trucks have more towing power and heavier equipment, making them suitable for towing vehicles like delivery vans, large SUVs, RVs, and work trucks.
Common Vehicles for Medium Duty Towing
• Box trucks and delivery vans
• Large pickup trucks and utility vehicles
• Small motorhomes and RVs
• Passenger buses or shuttle buses
• Construction vehicles like skid steers or small tractors
Equipment Used in Medium Duty Towing
• Flatbed Tow Trucks: These are commonly used for medium-duty towing, especially for vehicles that cannot be towed with their wheels on the ground. The flatbed is reinforced to handle heavier loads.
• Integrated Tow Trucks: These trucks have a combination of a boom and wheel-lift system, making them versatile and capable of handling a variety of medium-duty towing jobs. They are particularly useful for recovering vehicles from difficult positions.
Why Choosing the Right Towing Service Matters
Selecting the appropriate towing service is important to ensure the safety of your vehicle and prevent further damage. Using a tow truck that isn’t equipped to handle the weight and size of your vehicle can lead to complications, including damage to the drivetrain, suspension, or body. Additionally, using the wrong type of towing service can put the tow truck operator, other drivers, and your vehicle at risk.
Towing & Roadside Assistance Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Understanding the differences between light and medium-duty towing services can help you make the right choice when you’re in a pinch. Light-duty towing is perfect for smaller, everyday vehicles, while medium-duty towing is designed to handle larger and heavier vehicles that require extra care and equipment. For medium and light duty towing, contact Non Stop Towing today.
