Choosing Between Tow Trucks And Wreckers: What You Need To Know

While both vehicles can be used to provide roadside assistance, there are crucial differences between wrecker vs. tow truck models. A tow truck is often the go-to for individuals with a dead car battery or other repair issue. In some cases, tow trucks even bring these stalled cars to our South Shore CDJR service department, where our expert technicians can examine them.

A wrecker is the best option for trickier scenarios, such as if the car needing help has been turned upside down or was trapped between other vehicles or objects. Those who drive wreckers are also trained to handle these complex situations. Below, we explain the physical differences between a tow truck and a wrecker.

Tow Truck vs. Wrecker Comparison

Tow Truck

You have likely seen a hook-and-chain tow truck before, which uses a winch system to lift the front two wheels of an inoperable vehicle into the air while keeping the back two wheels on the road. However, these tow trucks cannot be used for every vehicle. For example, they can have an issue towing cars with low ground clearance, and this method of transportation can wear down the tires of the car being towed or exacerbate other damage.

Flatbeds feature level platforms that cars can rest on. This stable surface helps protect the damaged or stalled car's underbelly. Our rollback tow truck inventory refers to a specific type of flatbed truck, which tilts its deck backward using a hydraulic system to create a ramp on the road. This facilitates easier loading of the damaged car.

Wrecker

A wrecker can look more like a hook-and-chain tow truck with its obvious arm, and it can operate more like one, too. A boom and cable winch or a wheel-lift system loaded onto the back platform is often used to lift up a vehicle, and during transportation, that vehicle's front or rear wheels may remain on the ground. However, wreckers are used in more extreme situations than either type of traditional tow truck. Often, they are sent after cars that are already heavily damaged, such as those that have unwillingly left the road or are no longer upright.

Their recovery equipment is strong enough to lift vehicles fully off the ground, which can help operators extricate cars from these dangerous situations. For this reason, these models are often referred to as "recovery vehicles." Drivers in a muscular vehicle of their own, like a heavy-duty truck or bus, usually also require a wrecker vs. tow truck to fetch them.

At our dealership, we have several Ram wrecker trucks for sale for those looking to expand their fleet.

Turn to South Shore CDJR for Commercial Vehicles

To continue this discussion on tow truck vs. wrecker models or to inquire about our other our other commercial vehicles, stop by South Shore CDJR. We have a healthy inventory of impressive commercial trucks that can be used for roadside assistance, auto recovery, or general hauling, as well as a wide selection of vans. We can help you review specs and available packages, like cold weather options, so you can prepare your business for the important work ahead.

Contact us to discuss pricing today.

Alternatively, if you are someone in need of automotive care for your CDJR vehicle, you can have roadside assistance tow your car to our full-service facility.

Tow Truck vs. Wrecker Truck Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between a tow truck and a wrecker?

A tow truck is often used for roadside assistance – to fetch cars that have mechanical issues, such as a dead battery or engine trouble. A wrecker is used to recover cars that have been in accidents or are in a tricky place. For example, they can lift cars that have rolled over, gone off the side of the road, or are trapped between two objects.

How does a wrecker recover vehicles that are off the road or overturned?

Wrecker models recover vehicles that are off the road or overturned using a muscular boom and cable winch or another similar system to bodily lift the vehicle into the air. This mechanism is strong enough that it can also be used to move and tow vehicles that are too heavy for a rollback-style tow truck, such as a bus.

Are tow trucks more common than wreckers for roadside assistance?

Yes, tow trucks are more common than wreckers for roadside assistance. Not only are they often lighter and easier to maneuver on the roads, but most situations do not call for something as substantial as a wrecker. A flatbed tow truck can easily get a stalled car to the nearest service center. Training for operators of towing trucks vs. wreckers is usually different as well.