Pickup tow truck

Types of Pickup Tow Truck

A pickup tow truck is mainly known as the light-duty tow truck. It is designed to haul light vehicles. Often, it has a towing capacity of about 6000 to 10000 pounds. There are various kinds of pickup tow trucks as discussed below.

• Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks

  Wheel-lift tow trucks are perhaps the most commonly used pickup tow trucks. They have a metal yoke that can be raised under the vehicle's wheels. This yoke allows the truck to lift the car's front or rear wheels. As a result, the vehicle is towed on its remaining wheels. These trucks are highly regarded for their ability to prevent damage to the towed vehicle. This makes them ideal for transporting vehicles over long distances.

• Flatbed Tow Trucks

  Flatbed tow trucks have a bed that can be inclined. This allows for easy loading and unloading of vehicles onto the truck. The entire vehicle is placed on the truck's bed, ensuring its complete support during transport. Flatbed tow trucks are particularly useful for transporting vehicles that are damaged, immobilized, or have low ground clearance. They are also suitable for transporting exotic or vintage cars, ensuring they are not subjected to towing methods that could potentially damage them.

• Integrated Tow Trucks

  These are pickup trucks that have been designed to include towing mechanisms within their structure. Typically, they will have a wheel-lift system or a small bed integrated into the truck's chassis. This design enables them to be more compact and versatile in towing. For instance, they can tow vehicles that are parked illegally or those that have minor mechanical issues. Their integrated design allows for more accessible towing operations, making them ideal for roadside assistance services.

• Rotator Tow Trucks

  Rotator tow trucks are larger trucks equipped with powerful cranes. These trucks are designed to tow heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses. Their cranes can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for precise vehicle recovery in various situations. Rotator trucks excel in recovering vehicles from accidents where the towed vehicle may be overturned or in challenging terrain. Their powerful crane and adjustable arms ensure safe and efficient vehicle recovery and transport.

Specifications and Maintenance of Pick-up Tow Truck

There are several specifications for Pick-up Tow Truck to consider when buying, including:

• Towing Capacity

  Every truck has a different towing capacity depending on its design. The towing capacity allows the truck to tow a safe weight without damaging the truck. The towing capacity ranges from 6000 to 12000 pounds.

• Engine Size

  The truck's engine size is also different depending on the truck model. The engine size enhances the towing capacity of the truck. Usually, trucks with larger engines have higher towing capacities. The engine size for a tow truck can range from 4 to 6.5 liters.

• Wheelbase

  The wheelbase is the distance between the front and the rear axle. A longer wheelbase offers more stability and a smoother ride when towing. However, a shorter wheelbase allows more maneuverability. The wheelbase for a pickup tow truck ranges from 115 to 160 inches.

• Bed Length

  The bed length of a tow truck is also different. A longer bed length offers more space for the cargo. The bed length for a pickup truck ranges from 5 to 8 feet.

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

  The GVWR is the maximum weight the truck can carry safely. The GVWR includes the weight of the truck, passengers, cargo, and towing capacity. The GVWR for a pickup tow truck ranges from 6000 to 10,000 pounds.

• Suspension

  Pickup tow trucks have different suspension systems. They might include leaf springs and coil springs. A good suspension system offers a smooth ride. It also helps support the truck's weight when towing.

Here are some maintenance tips for tow truck drivers to ensure their trucks are in good condition:

• Check the oil regularly and change it whenever necessary. The oil change helps keep the engine clean and in good condition.
• Tire maintenance is important for tow truck drivers. Always check the tire pressure and the tire treads. Also, replace the tires whenever they are worn out.
• Another important part of the truck that needs to be maintained is the brakes. Check the brakes regularly and replace them whenever they are damaged or worn out.
• It is essential to inspect all the truck's lights to ensure they are working properly. Replace the lights whenever they burn out.
• Always check the truck's fluids such as coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Make sure the levels are at the required levels.
• For good truck performance, ensure that the engine's air filter is clean. Inspect the air filter regularly and replace it whenever it is dirty.
• Follow the manufacturer's guide on the maintenance schedule. The guide will provide the right time to maintain or replace certain truck parts.

How to Choose Pickup Tow Truck

When selecting a tow truck for business needs, consider the following:

• Towing capacity: The towing capacity of the truck should be considered. It should be able to tow the intended vehicles easily and safely.
• Truck size and dimensions: The size of the truck should also be considered. It should be maneuverable in different environments and traffic.
• Bed length: The pickup bed length should also be considered. It should be able to accommodate the towed vehicle.
• Powertrain options: Different truck options are available for business owners. They are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. The transmission options also vary.
• GVWR: The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) should be considered. This is the total weight of the truck, including passengers, cargo, and the towed vehicle.
• Commercial truck: A commercial truck is also important. Some businesses might require a truck with commercial licensing.
• Safety features: When selecting a tow truck, various safety features should be considered. They include trailer brakes, tow hitches, and safety chains.
• Budget: Ultimately, budget considerations will play a significant role in truck selection. Various financing options are available for business owners.

How to DIY and Replace Pickup Tow Truck

Here is how to DIY and replace Pickup Tow Truck:

• Gather the necessary tools and materials

  One should have a socket wrench or ratchet, a torque wrench, a crescent wrench, and a ballpoint pen. Be sure to have the new tow hitch receiver in hand before starting the installation.

• Safety First

  Ensure that the truck is on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged. To prevent the truck from rolling, use wheel chocks.

• Remove the old hitch receiver

  To remove the nuts and bolts that hold the hitch receiver in place, use a socket wrench or ratchet. If necessary, use a crescent wrench to reach any bolts that are difficult to access. Carefully remove the hitch receiver after it has been loosened.

• Prepare the installation area

  Before putting in the new hitch receiver, clean the area where it will be installed. To make sure the hitch receiver is installed correctly, refer to the owner's manual for the truck to find out where to place it.

• Install the new hitch receiver

  Put the new hitch receiver in place and make sure it is aligned with the holes. To hold it in place, use nuts and bolts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for tightening the bolts to the recommended torque using a torque wrench.

• Check the installation

  To make sure the hitch receiver is installed correctly and securely, give it a good shake. Check again to ensure it is still in place if it moves.

• Test the hitch receiver

  Before towing anything, take a test drive to make sure the hitch receiver is functioning properly.

FAQ

Q1: Can a tow truck be used as a pickup truck?

A1: Technically, yes. A tow truck is a specialized truck designed for transporting vehicles. It can carry more cargo than a conventional pickup truck. If the payload is within the truck's weight limits, it can haul sports equipment, furniture, or other items like a pickup.

Q2: What is the most common type of tow truck?

A2: The most common type of tow truck is the wheel-lift truck, also known as the dollie truck. It is equipped with a hydraulic lift and a two-wheel trailer at the truck's rear. The truck can transport vehicles without damaging them using the lift and dollie combination.

Q3: What are the different types of tow trucks used for?

A3: Different types of tow trucks serve various purposes. For example, the flatbed truck is suitable for transporting luxury or exotic vehicles. The wheel-lift truck is ideal for towing vehicles in tight spaces. The integrated truck is perfect for recovering vehicles that have rolled over.

Q4: Can any vehicle be towed with a tow truck?

A4: Yes, any vehicle can be towed using a tow truck. To prevent damage, the towing method is chosen based on the towed vehicle's design and condition. If the towed vehicle has a low ground clearance or is a luxury vehicle, the flatbed truck can be used.