Tire Iron

 

Tire Irons come in Standard and Metric sizes, it's helpful to have both equipped for both applications to keep from stripping lug nuts. With the advancement of modern technology, cordless impact guns have become popular. Even if you keep motorized tools like a cordless impact, it's a good idea to keep a tire iron as back up just in case the batteries aren't charged or the torque capacity isn't enough. 

Another backup tool to keep in mind would be a standard breaker bar and socket set for lugs that are too tight for other tools to remove. Often times shops that install tires use pneumatic tools that can tighten the lugnuts down to a point that can make them very difficult to remove. 

Floor Jack

 

The Floor Jack equipped on a tow truck has to have a few things taken into consideration. Being that there is limited storage space on the tow truck, it is wise to choose a jack that has the most lifting capacity. At the same time the jack can't be so big that it is hard to stow and carry. Another thing to consider is clearance. Many instances will need a jack that has low clearance to get underneath lower vehicles which can sometimes compromise the weight that the jack can lift. Something to consider would be a medium between height clearance as well as weight capacity for maximum utilization potential. 

Dollies

 

The term "Dollies" refers to an axle system that can usually be broke down and stowed on the tow truck. It serves as an extra set of wheels for several towing applications. The purpose of the axle system is to provide a way to tow a vehicle that can't be rolled, whether it be due to a flat tire, AWD/4WD axles that would cause damage if dragged. There are various manufacturers that produce these tools but the principle is pretty much the same. In certain situations only a tow truck with a wheel lift and a set of dollies can be used to move a vehicle. A parking garage is a prime example due to height restrictions and the inability to get a flat bed in the structure. An AWD in a parking garage would have to be towed using the wheel lift and dollies method.