Not all towing jobs are created equal. From small sedans to large commercial trucks, different vehicles require different types of tow trucks and equipment. That’s where the classifications of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty towing come into play. Knowing the difference can help you understand what kind of service you need when trouble strikes. Considering this, we at Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to share the distinctions between light, medium, and heavy towing.

Light-Duty Towing

Light-duty towing is the most common type of towing service. It’s used for standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and small SUVs. These vehicles typically weigh under 10,000 pounds. Light-duty tow trucks are equipped with either a wheel-lift or a flatbed system. Wheel-lift tow trucks lift one end of the car (usually the front or rear wheels) off the ground, while the other wheels remain on the road. Flatbed tow trucks, on the other hand, carry the entire vehicle on a platform. Flatbeds are often preferred for longer distances or for vehicles with all-wheel drive or significant damage. Some common light-duty towing scenarios include:
– Removing illegally parked vehicles
– Towing cars after a breakdown
– Accident recovery for small vehicles
– Transporting motorcycles

Medium-Duty Towing

Medium-duty towing is used for vehicles that are heavier or larger than standard cars, but not as massive as a semi-truck. These vehicles usually weigh between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds. This category includes:
– Box trucks
– Delivery vans
– Small buses
– RVs
– Utility trucks
Medium-duty tow trucks often have enhanced suspension and powerful engines to manage the extra weight. They are also equipped with larger wheel lifts and boom lifts to recover vehicles in tricky or tight spots. Medium-duty towing is commonly used for fleet services, local delivery vehicles, or roadside assistance for larger work trucks.

Heavy-Duty Towing

Heavy-duty towing is reserved for the biggest and heaviest vehicles on the road. We’re talking about anything over 26,000 pounds. This includes:
– Semi-trucks and trailers
– Construction equipment
– Dump trucks
– Buses
– Motor homes
Heavy-duty tow trucks are true beasts. They’re equipped with powerful winches, reinforced frames, and heavy-duty hydraulics. These trucks are capable of lifting and recovering overturned big rigs, hauling fully loaded trailers, and handling extreme off-road recovery situations. Because of the scale and complexity, heavy-duty towing requires specially trained operators. It’s not just about brute strength, it’s about experience, safety, and the right tools for the job.

Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas

When you’re stuck on the side of the road, the last thing you want is the wrong tow truck showing up. Whether you’re driving a compact car or hauling a trailer, knowing the type of towing service you need can save time and prevent damage. Next time you call for a tow, give the operator accurate information about your vehicle’s size and condition. That way, the right truck, light, medium, or heavy-duty, can get to you fast and handle the job safely. Call Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance when you need a tow service.