Heavy Vs. Light Towing: Why You Need To Know The Difference

Usually, having a vehicle towed is an unpleasant but necessary endeavor. However, when it comes time to get your vehicle towed, knowing which type of tow truck you need can make the experience a little less painful.

In general, there are two types of towing services available: light-duty and heavy-duty. Each service is meant for completely different kinds of jobs, catering to different situations with their unique capabilities. So what are the biggest differences between light-duty towing and heavy-duty towing, and how do you decide which category is best for you?

Heavy Duty Towing

A large semi truck towing a tractor.

As the name suggests, heavy-duty towing is typically meant for big jobs. We’re talking about towing tow trucks that tow other trucks. When a semi-truck breaks down on the side of the road, they call a heavy-duty tow truck. Heavy-duty tow trucks can supply more power and carry more weight than light-duty trucks. This makes them ideal for towing other large trucks, trailers, boats, and RVs.

Light Duty Towing

A small tow truck towing a small car.

Light-duty tow trucks are typically reserved for smaller jobs with the majority of their use designated towards passenger vehicles. While these tow trucks are still relatively powerful they will have a lower overall hauling capacity than heavy-duty trucks. Light-duty tow trucks are typically reserved for passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Heavy Duty Vs. Light Duty

Towing Capacity

The biggest thing that sets a heavy-duty truck apart from one that is light-duty is its towing capacity. While heavy-duty trucks can handle loads weighing more than 12 tons, a light-duty tow truck’s max load is only around half of that. 

Equipment

Due to the different jobs required from each weight class of tow truck, they will each be outfitted with different types of equipment. While a light-duty tow truck may be equipped with a winch for some simple recovery operations, you can expect a heavy-duty tow truck to be packing some more sophisticated equipment that allows it to do some serious heavy lifting. 

Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Tow Truck?

Choosing the right tow truck is important to not only save you money but also keep everyone on the road safe. The use of a heavy-duty tow truck to move a small vehicle over a large distance would be inefficient and a complete waste of fuel. However, in the opposite scenario, the use of a light-duty truck to tow an oversized vehicle could turn out to be downright dangerous.

How Can I Decide If I Need Heavy Or Light Towing?

Determining the right tow truck for your needs may not always be straightforward. Generally for small passenger vehicles a light-duty truck should be able to get the job done. For large trucks, buses, and RVs a heavy-duty tow truck may be needed. In all cases, it’s best to consult a tow truck professional to determine which type of tow truck is best for your needs.