Lesson 1 Getting To Know Different Wreckers

In this lesson, we will provide a brief description of the different styles of wrecker, because out in the field it takes different equipment to achieve the common goal of everyone on the scene!

Conventional Wrecker

The conventional wrecker typically picks a vehicle up from one end or another while the other end is trailed on the ground either on it's own wheels or some other means such as dollies. While there are many advantages to the wheel lift, the flatbed has become the more popular choice of most companies operating today.

Flatbed/Rollback

The flat bed has many different names, car carrier, roll back, I've even heard flat top. The principal is the same no matter what you call it. The flatbed has proven to be the most universal piece of towing equipment in most modern situations. It takes away the concern of whether the vehicle is two or four wheel drive, you can load it backwards or forwards in most cases. Accidents are made easier in that there is usually ample room on the bed and in tool boxes to stow crash fallout.

Light Duty

Light Duty Towing usually refers to the basic class of vehicles operated by motorists as a means of getting to and from work or school. A typical light duty tow encompasses the majority of calls assigned by towing companies on any given day. Weights considered to be in the "Light Duty" category vary in different geographic locations and different towing companies. For example, some companies may consider 10,000 lbs. to the limit for light duty while others may allow a maximum limit of 16,000 lbs.

Medium Duty

Medium Duty Towing can refer to a much wider range of weight class depending on the specifications set forth by state and local guidelines as well as the company which will be providing the service which is why it is important to know what your organization has deemed appropriate for safety and billing purposes.

Heavy Duty

Heavy Duty Towing is the top of the weight class for typical towing situations. These can include big vehicles such as garbage trucks, dump trucks and semi tractor/trailer setups. An extensive amount of training and continued education should be had by the operators that deliver this type of service.