If you have ever seen a large truck or heavy machinery that has become stuck on the side of the road in Vancouver, you have probably asked how they get towed. The answer? Heavy-duty towing.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from what heavy-duty towing is and how it works, to when you need it and how to choose the right heavy-duty towing Vancouver service provider.
So, keep reading!
What is Heavy-Duty Towing?
Heavy-duty towing refers to assisting big and heavy vehicles that cannot move on their own. Heavy-duty vehicles can be large trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, or heavy industrial vehicles and equipment.
And because of their large size and weight, they need equipment and a certain type of tow truck properly outfitted to assist and tow those vehicles safely, without damaging either vehicle.
How is Heavy-Duty Towing Different from Light and Medium-Duty Towing?
Towing services are different based on the size and weight of the vehicle. Towing services range from light-duty towing, which commonly refers to smaller vehicles such as regular cars, vans, or motorcycles, to medium-duty towing for larger pickup trucks or vans. Heavy-duty towing is for the most heavy-duty vehicles, which are often oversized vehicles, semi-trucks, large buses, or large construction machines.
For example, towing a vehicle that is 80,000 lbs is much different than towing one that is 8,000 lbs. Heavy-duty towing is easier than other types of towing, but the vehicles require powerful towing trucks and the experience to handle the full weight of the vehicle during the towing, especially when towing a vehicle that is a minimum of 10,000 lbs and as high as 45,000 lbs.
If you find yourself in Vancouver with a broken-down large truck or heavy equipment, a regular towing service may not be able to help. You will need a heavy-duty towing transportation service, which comes with regulations and laws that the transportation service must follow when towing the vehicle to a safe repair site.
Why Heavy-Duty Towing is Important in Vancouver?
Vancouver is a busy urban area with lots of traffic and narrow streets. There are many commercial motor vehicles, from trucks to heavy construction machinery, that operate throughout the city every day to support daily operations. Because of this, heavy-duty towing services are vital to the flow of the city.
There are always trucks and heavy equipment present in industries such as construction and logistics. Commercial trucks do occasionally break down or become stuck, and they require special heavy-duty towing services to put them back into service. Regular tow trucks simply cannot be used for transporting these heavy trucks or machinery safely.
In addition, Vancouver has tough weather in the winter, with plenty of rain and snow leading to slippery roads. Accidents and breakdowns involving large vehicles can happen due to tougher conditions. As a result, the operators employed by heavy-duty towing Vancouver companies need to have adequate equipment and training to deal with these tougher conditions.
Heavy-duty towing is not just a means of changing locations for larger vehicles in Vancouver; it also has a lot to do with maintaining safety in the city, so that traffic may continue to flow. When a large vehicle is not working properly and is in the roadway, the heavy-duty towing Vancouver companies will arrive on scene to quickly and safely move the vehicle.
What Equipment and Technology are Used in Heavy-Duty Towing?
Heavy-duty towing relies on specialized tow trucks to accommodate larger, heavier vehicles. Rotators, wreckers, and flatbeds are widely used in heavy-duty situations. Rotators can rotate their arm and are equipped to lift and maneuver heavy vehicles out of tricky spots. Wreckers are strong trucks that generally come with a winch system that pulls the cars out of problematic areas. Flatbeds are trucks that have a flat surface for loading and transporting damaged vehicles.
Along with trucks, heavy-duty towing in Vancouver has become much stronger with technology. Numerous transport towing service providers utilize GPS navigation to identify the quickest means to travel to an accident site and advise customers regarding arrival times.
Moreover, operators utilize hydraulic lifts to safely pull the weight of heavy vehicles off the ground, allowing operators to load or unload the vehicle without causing damage. Safety attachments like wheel lifts, chains, and straps ensure loads remain secure while you’re towing the vehicle.
How to Hire A Heavy-Duty Towing Vancouver Service Provider?
Now that you have gained some knowledge about heavy-duty towing, how it is different from other transport towing services, the importance of heavy-duty towing service, and the specific technologies and equipment associated with heavy-duty towing service, let’s discuss how you might hire a heavy-duty towing Vancouver service.
Well, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost is the experience of the service provider. How long have they been in the business? Certification and having proper insurance are important. You should be assured that your vehicle is in capable hands. Having a fast response time is also important, especially when you’re dealing with large vehicles blocking busy roads.
Don’t hesitate to ask three questions before hiring: Do they have the proper equipment? Are their drivers trained to do heavy-duty towing? What is their average response time? These questions will help you know what to expect when tasked with towing a heavy vehicle.
You should also consider looking into customer reviews and their standing as well. If one customer has left generally positive reviews, you can at least expect the service to be trustworthy and professional enough to assist when you need it.
Now, what about costs? The cost of towing a heavy vehicle can depend on a few things: distance, size and weight of the vehicle, type of service, and time of day it is. For instance, if it is after hours or the weekend, it will most likely cost more.
Be sure to ask for simple and clear quotes before proceeding, so you can know what to expect when it comes time to pay. Also, be aware, there may be additional costs per mile and costs associated with winching or using other machinery. Being upfront on costs will assist your financial budgeting or decision making, and locate a heavy-duty towing Vancouver company that will provide the service at an overall good value, less hidden fees.
Conclusion
At the end, we just want to say that you may not always be ready for a breakdown or accident, but knowing what type of help you need takes the worry out. When it comes to trucks, buses, trailers, or any heavy machinery, it is always best to call a Heavy-Duty Towing Vancouver service provider. With immediate support, you can handle any unforeseen challenges that arise while you are on the road without worry.
And that kind of fast, reliable support you’ll find at Advance Towing. Our team provides reliable and 24/7 auto towing services for breakdowns and accidents, as well as transport towing services for scheduled or long-distance vehicle moves.