Tow Trucks For Sale

What To Know About Wrecker Tow Trucks

Compared to a roll-back tow truck, or flatbed, both of which carry a vehicle on an empty bed, a wrecker tow truck tows the vehicle using various components. These include:

• Hydraulic and pneumatic controls
• An adjustable boom
• Winches
• Hooks and chains
• Wheel-lifts
• Slings
• Belts
• Rubber straps
• Tow dollies
• Hoists
• Spreader bars

Modern wreckers generally forgo the use of hooks and chains in favor of using a wheel-lift, underlift attachment, or chassis lift because of less potential for scratches, dents, and other damage occurring to the towed vehicle while in transit.

What To Know About Roll-Back Tow Trucks

Roll-back tow trucks are often similar in appearance to flatbed trucks. Both can be used to transport vehicles, construction equipment, materials, and other goods. Unlike a flatbed truck, however, a roll-back tow truck’s bed slides (or rolls) back and tilts down using hydraulics, essentially creating a ramp. An operator can drive a vehicle on to the ramp for towing, or a vehicle can be towed behind the roll-back tow truck using a winch.

Roll-back tow trucks are often considered a better option than wreckers for transporting severely damaged vehicles or for towing new, luxury, restored, or classic automobiles. This is because they present a smaller chance that the towed vehicle will be scraped, dented, or otherwise damaged. Roll-back tow trucks are also favored for long-haul tows and tows involving four-wheel-drive vehicles to eliminate the possibility of damaging the vehicle’s transmission.

Common Tow Truck Features & Options

You’ll find several advanced features on modern tow trucks. Wreckers may include hydraulic outriggers to enhance their lifting capacity and stability during the initial hoist of a vehicle to be towed.

Both wreckers and roll-back tow trucks may be equipped with remote control capability for operating their hydraulics and winches, allowing the operator to keep an eye on the big picture rather than be stuck in the cab during loading. Some tow trucks may include onboard scale systems, rearview cameras, and other equipment to simplify an operator’s job.

Where To Buy & Finance Tow Trucks

Explore MDTrader.com for a wide selection of new and used roll-back and wrecker tow trucks for sale, including from top brands like Ford, Freightliner, Hino, International, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, and Ram.

Have you already decided on a medium-duty or vocational truck to buy? Explore easy tow truck financing options through CurrencyFinance. The Currency team works with a network of trusted lenders to find truck loans with competitive rates and little or no down payment required.