Note (October 2026): This guide has been updated. Earlier versions understated the lifting capacity of medium-duty wreckers and the price of new tow trucks; both now reflect current published figures.
The main types of tow trucks are flatbed (rollback), wheel-lift, hook-and-chain, boom, integrated, and underlift trucks, plus medium-duty and heavy-duty wreckers and rotators for large vehicles. Flatbeds carry the whole vehicle on a tilting bed, wheel lifts raise one axle by the tires, and wreckers use a boom and winch to recover heavy or stuck vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- The flatbed, also called a rollback or slide, carries the whole vehicle and is the usual choice for all-wheel-drive and badly damaged cars.
- Wheel-lift trucks, designed by Arthur W. Nelson in 1967, touch only the tires, unlike older hook-and-chain trucks.
- Tow trucks are grouped by capacity: light-duty (about 5 to 10 short tons), medium-duty (15 to 20), heavy-duty (25 to 50) and rotators (40 to 75), according to Wikipedia.
Towing is the process of pulling a car behind another one. The vehicle pulling it is known as the tow vehicle, while the one being towed is known as the trailer or dinghy. A few common towing strategies are recovery towing, trailer towing, trailering, and dinghy towing.
Tow trucks come in a variety of configurations to suit different uses, such as transporting a wrecked car to a junkyard or a damaged car to a repair shop. Tow truck companies sometimes rely on a small number of tow trucks and wreckers for regular operations. It can be easier to select the tow truck type that is suitable for your company if you are aware of the important differences between them. (Vehicle Styles)
A car carrier trailer, which is used in regular transport operations to carry multiple new or used cars at once, is distinct from a tow truck. How much a vehicle can safely carry is set by its manufacturer’s weight ratings, such as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which the US Department of Energy describes as the maximum weight of the vehicle as specified by the manufacturer. Many modern SUVs and pickup trucks carry high towing ratings, so check the owner’s manual for the exact figure. Wheelbase, the space between the front and back axles, is one of the factors that affects how stable a vehicle is to tow.
Types of Tow Trucks
Flatbed Tow Truck
Because of how it operates, the flatbed tow truck may also be referred to as a “slide” or “rollback” truck. A long hydraulic flatbed with an inclined back end that lowers completely to the ground is its most prominent feature. Before the truck bed is lowered back to a level position, the car that needs to be towed will be driven or dragged onto the bed and secured.
The most common kind of tow truck is the flatbed, which has a number of uses. The vehicle being towed is securely mounted on a flatbed, and it is raised off the ground. A flatbed is used for immovable vehicles as it pulls the immovable vehicle onto the bed.
Wheel-lift tow truck
Wheel-lift tow trucks, a design credited to Arthur W. Nelson of Weld Built Body Co. in 1967, succeeded hook-and-chain tow vehicles, but they operate a little differently. These trucks use a metal yoke rather than a hook and chain, which frequently only touches the wheels. Depending on the vehicle, the yoke may hook up in the front or the back underneath the driving wheels. This end of the vehicle is then raised into the air by a hydraulic or pneumatic hoist so that it can be pulled.
The bumper is protected, and there are no chains to scrape the truck’s body, even if this truck can’t provide the same level of protection as a flatbed truck.
Hook and Chain Tow Trucks
The hook-and-chain tow truck is the oldest and most recognizable form of tow truck; the wrecker with a lifting jib was invented in 1916 by Ernest Holmes Sr. of Chattanooga, Tennessee. These aren’t used nearly as much anymore because they impose a lot of strain on the automobiles being towed.
The hook-and-chain tow truck, as its name suggests, tows vehicles from one location to another using a hook and a chain. The axle or bumper of the car, where the hook is attached, is susceptible to strain or damage during transit. Many operators now avoid them because the chain can dent or scratch the car’s body. All-wheel or 4×4 trucks cannot be used with this type of truck since it could harm the drivetrain.
Boom Trucks
In many cases, the simplest method to rescue a vehicle is to use a boom truck, which has a hydraulic arm that extends past the vehicle. Heavy-duty boom trucks are essentially miniature versions of mobile cranes; some booms are fixed in place while others may move about.
Boom trucks used to hoist the vehicles using a hook and chain technique, but nowadays, the trucks are outfitted with belt lifts or slings, which are a little safer to handle. Together, the boom and winch, along with the strapping, can raise automobiles out of precarious situations and tow them to safety. Once more, all-wheel drive vehicles cannot be pulled by this kind of vehicle because it could damage or disturb the drivetrain.
Integrated Tow Trucks
The most typical combination for an integrated tow truck, which employs two distinct systems, is a boom and a wheel lift combined into one unit. Integrated trucks contain controls on the inside of the vehicle, making it possible to swiftly lift up a vehicle without ever leaving the truck. These are handy for short projects where a full boom truck may not be necessary.
Because the boom and wheel lift are built deep into the chassis, which increases stability and capability, integrated trucks range from light-duty self-loaders (often called repo trucks, used to repossess vehicles or move illegally parked cars) to heavy-duty integrated wreckers.
Underlift or Frame-Towing Tow Truck
Due to their ability to rapidly and easily remove disabled automobiles from the road, under-lift tow trucks are perfect for removing vehicles that have been in accidents.
They are not recommended for towing automobiles that have broken down, though, as they risk harming the suspension.
Because of this, many tow truck businesses also keep flatbed tow trucks in their fleet.
Rollback Tow Truck
Rollback tow trucks can be used to move vehicles that have been in accidents as well as the usual disabled or damaged vehicles.
A winch is a feature of rollback tow trucks that are used to draw the vehicle into the truck’s bed.
The winch is used to secure the car once it has been placed on the bed.
“Rollback” is another name for the flatbed tow truck described above, so the two terms usually describe the same design. Rollbacks come in many different sizes and configurations, which makes them suitable for a range of requirements.
Medium Duty Wrecker
Transporting automobiles that are too big or heavy to be hauled by a conventional tow truck requires the employment of a medium-duty wrecker, a specific type of tow truck.
Medium-duty wreckers handle heavier vehicles such as buses, recreational vehicles, and commercial trucks. According to Wikipedia’s overview of tow trucks, medium-duty units typically have a boom capacity of 15 to 20 short tons (about 14 to 18 metric tons); 5 to 10 short tons is the range of light-duty trucks.
Winches, ramps, and dollies are just a few of the additional features that medium-duty wreckers offer that make them ideal for their jobs in addition to their lifting capacity.
They can be utilized in the construction industry and other sectors for duties like moving equipment and materials in addition to being frequently used by tow firms to move broken autos.
No matter the use, a medium-duty wrecker is a strong and flexible piece of equipment that can help get the job done.
Heavy Duty Wrecker
The tow truck known as a “Heavy Duty Wrecker” is used to relocate automobiles that are disabled, incorrectly parked, impounded, or otherwise unfit for driving.
This covers automobiles, vans, buses, motorbikes, and construction machinery.
A heavy-duty wrecker is used for larger vehicles and has a higher capacity than a regular tow truck. Heavy-duty wreckers are built on semi-truck chassis with multiple axles, can tow fully loaded semi-truck and trailer combinations, and have a boom capacity of about 25 to 50 short tons (23 to 45 metric tons).
Heavy-duty wreckers use a boom and winch to lift and recover the disabled vehicle, which is then towed behind the wrecker.
Before being moved to the target position, the vehicle is next chained or strapped together.
To power lights and tools, many heavy-duty wreckers also feature onboard generators and air compressors.
Semi-Truck Tractor with a Trailer
A semi-truck tractor with a car-carrier trailer is a large truck that moves several vehicles at once over long distances. Strictly speaking, it is a car hauler rather than a tow truck, because it transports vehicles as cargo instead of recovering disabled ones.
The trailer, which is fastened to the truck’s back, is pulled by the tractor portion of the vehicle.
Typically, the trailer is loaded with cargo that needs to be moved, including cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
The semi-truck tractor with a loaded car-carrier trailer is the standard way to move many new or used cars over long distances.
It would be extremely challenging to transport big amounts of commodities from one location to another without these trucks. Professional drivers with years of long-distance driving expertise typically operate these vehicles. Give one of these vehicles plenty of room if you ever see one on the road!
How does a Tow Truck work?
Depending on their intended usage, tow trucks come in a variety of sizes and designs.
The most popular tow truck design is the flatbed, which loads and moves automobiles using a hydraulic lift.
Wheel-lift, hook-and-chain, and boom trucks are other varieties of tow vehicles.
Tow trucks are specially made to move disabled or illegally parked cars. Depending on the design, the vehicle is pulled onto a tilting bed with a winch (flatbed or rollback), lifted by its wheels with a hydraulic yoke (wheel lift), or raised with a boom and winch (boom truck or wrecker).
Before being moved to the target position, the vehicle is next chained or strapped together.
The front wheels of the car being towed are supported by a dolly, which is sometimes included with the tow truck.
How are tow trucks used?
The following are some additional services that towing businesses offer with their tow trucks in addition to collecting illegally parked vehicles:
- Collecting abandoned cars
- Moving automobiles to impound lots
- Helping drivers who are gas-starved
- Giving dead-battery automobiles jump starts
- Changing flat tires and pulling cars out of ditches
- Removing damaged or malfunctioning automobiles after collisions
For each job, the operator picks the truck type that can move the vehicle without damaging it or the tow truck.
Buying a tow truck – What is the average cost?
You can buy new or old tow trucks. Depending on the size and features of the truck, new tow trucks range from about $50,000 to well over $100,000. According to a Heavy Equipment Appraisal price guide updated in February 2026, new flatbeds typically run about $75,000 to $130,000, new wheel-lift units about $50,000 to $100,000, and new integrated wreckers about $200,000 to $650,000, with fully equipped large rotators reaching $1 million or more.
Used tow trucks are often less expensive than new ones; the same February 2026 guide puts used wheel-lift and hook-and-chain units at about $15,000 to $60,000 and used flatbeds at about $30,000 to $80,000. Used tow trucks might not have all of the characteristics of a new tow truck, so have any used unit inspected before buying.
It’s crucial to think about the kind of vehicle that will be hauled and the characteristics you want in a tow truck before making a purchase.
Tow Truck Types Compared
Each tow truck type suits a different job. The table below summarizes how the main designs lift a vehicle and where each one is used. A short ton is 2,000 pounds, a little lighter than a metric ton of 1,000 kg; our long ton vs short ton vs tonne guide explains the difference.
| Type | How it lifts the vehicle | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flatbed / rollback | Hydraulic bed tilts to the ground; a winch pulls the car on | Damaged, non-running and all-wheel-drive cars | Needs more room to load |
| Wheel-lift | Metal yoke under the front or rear wheels | Quick tows of ordinary cars | Two wheels stay on the road |
| Hook-and-chain | Chains around the frame or axle, lifted by a boom winch | Wrecks and junk cars (now rarely used) | Can scratch bodywork and strain the drivetrain |
| Boom truck | Adjustable boom and winch | Pulling vehicles out of ditches or off embankments | All-wheel-drive cars cannot be towed with a sling |
| Integrated (self-loader) | Boom and wheel lift built into one unit, controlled from the cab | Repossessions, illegally parked cars, heavy towing | Higher purchase price |
| Rotator | Heavy boom that rotates like a mobile crane | Overturned trucks and large recovery jobs | Very high cost |
Tow Truck Duty Classes and Capacity
Tow trucks are usually described as light-duty, medium-duty or heavy-duty. According to Wikipedia’s overview of tow trucks, the capacity ranges are:
| Class | Typical boom or tow capacity | Typical work |
|---|---|---|
| Light-duty | About 5 to 10 short tons (4.5 to 9.1 metric tons) | Car towing |
| Medium-duty | 15 to 20 short tons (14 to 18 metric tons) | Buses, RVs and commercial trucks |
| Heavy-duty | 25 to 50 short tons (23 to 45 metric tons) | Loaded semi-trucks and trailers |
| Rotator | 40 to 75 short tons (36 to 68 metric tons) | The heaviest recovery jobs |
One short ton is 2,000 pounds. To switch between pounds, short tons and metric tons, use the Justwebworld mass converter.
For more on the vehicles tow trucks recover, see this guide to the different types of trucks, or the related guide to types of fire trucks.
How to Choose the Right Tow Truck Type
- Check the drivetrain. All-wheel-drive cars cannot be towed with a sling because it can damage the drivetrain, so a flatbed is the usual choice; the owner’s manual states the maker’s approved towing method.
- Check the weight. Match the vehicle’s weight class to a light-, medium- or heavy-duty truck.
- Check the condition. A car that will not roll or has lost wheels needs a flatbed or a wrecker, not a wheel lift.
- Check the location. A vehicle in a ditch, on an embankment or overturned needs a boom truck, wrecker or rotator to recover it first.
If the tow follows a crash, see these steps to take after a car accident before the vehicle is moved.
Anyone thinking of buying a second-hand unit can use these tips for buying a used truck as a starting checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of tow truck?
The flatbed tow truck, also called a rollback or slide, is the most common type. Its hydraulic bed tilts to the ground so the vehicle can be winched on and carried with all four wheels off the road.
What is the difference between a flatbed and a rollback tow truck?
There is usually no difference: rollback, slide and flatbed are names for the same design, a truck whose bed can be hydraulically inclined and slid back to ground level so a vehicle can be loaded.
Can an all-wheel-drive car be towed with a sling or wheel lift?
All-wheel-drive cars cannot be towed with a sling because it can harm the drivetrain, which is why flatbeds are the standard choice. Check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s approved towing method.
What is a rotator tow truck?
A rotator is the heaviest type of tow truck. Its boom rotates like a mobile crane and has a capacity of about 40 to 75 short tons, so it is used to recover overturned trucks and other heavy vehicles.
How much does a new tow truck cost?
A new tow truck typically costs about $50,000 to $130,000 for a wheel-lift or flatbed and about $200,000 to $650,000 for an integrated wrecker, according to a February 2026 Heavy Equipment Appraisal price guide. Prices vary with chassis, body and equipment.
Justwebworld has published guides since 2012. How we write and update articles Report an error
