The wrong truck is the most common reason a tow takes twice as long as it should. A truck shows up, the driver looks at your vehicle, and then someone has to call for a bigger rig. A two-minute description on the phone prevents that. Here is how to tell which kind of tow you need before you call.
Key Takeaways
- Cars and most SUVs and pickups are a light-duty tow. AWD, lowered vehicles, and motorcycles need a flatbed.
- Box trucks, dually pickups, RVs, travel trailers, and loaded trailers need a heavy-duty truck.
- Tell dispatch the vehicle type, whether it is loaded, and where it is, so the right truck rolls the first time.
- If you are not sure, call and describe it. We would rather sort it out on the phone than on the shoulder.
What light-duty towing covers
Light-duty towing is the standard tow most people picture. It is a truck that lifts or loads an ordinary passenger vehicle and takes it where it needs to go. Sedans, hatchbacks, and most SUVs and everyday pickups fall here. Our 24-hour emergency towing handles these calls day and night.
One exception matters. All-wheel-drive vehicles, lowered cars, motorcycles, and anything with drivetrain damage should not be dragged on two wheels. Those need a flatbed, and our post on why AWD and lowered cars need one explains why.
What needs heavy-duty towing
A heavy-duty truck is built to lift and pull far more weight than a standard tow truck, with the rigging to do it safely. Here is what needs one.
- Box trucks and delivery vans with a cargo body
- Dually pickups (the ones with dual rear wheels), especially with a load or trailer
- RVs and travel trailers
- Loaded commercial trailers
- Recovery jobs like a jackknifed trailer or an overturned commercial vehicle
Our heavy-duty and commercial towing service covers these, including breakdowns along the SC-101 corridor.
Why the difference matters
Weight and size change three things, the truck, the rigging, and the time. A light-duty truck that tries to move something too heavy can damage your vehicle, damage the truck, or simply not move it. That is a safety problem as much as a delay.
It also changes the price. Heavy-duty work is quoted to the job, based on the vehicle and the situation, and we give you that number before the truck leaves. For more on how a quote is built, see how much towing really costs.
What to tell dispatch
The fastest way to get the right truck is to give us these details on the first call.
- What it is. Year, make, and model, or “box truck” or “travel trailer” if that is easier
- Whether it is loaded. Cargo, a trailer behind it, or anything unusual about the weight
- Where it is. The road and nearest exit or cross street, and whether it is in a travel lane or on the shoulder
- What is wrong. Will it roll, is it stuck, is it damaged, did it tip
- Where it needs to go. Your shop, your yard, or secure storage
If you do not know the weight, that is fine. The vehicle type and whether it is loaded tell us what we need.
If you are stuck right now, call us at (864) 756-8255. If you are planning ahead for a fleet vehicle, an RV, or a trailer, request a quote and we will go over it with you.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tow an RV or travel trailer?
Yes. We handle RVs, travel trailers, and other large recreational vehicles with heavy-duty equipment. Tell dispatch the type and length so we send the right truck.
What if I do not know how much my vehicle weighs?
You do not need the exact number. Give us the year, make, and model, or the vehicle type, and tell us whether it is loaded or pulling a trailer. We will work out the right truck from there.
Can a flatbed carry two vehicles at once?
No. A flatbed carries one vehicle per trip, so a second vehicle needs its own tow. Mention both when you call so we can plan it instead of assuming one truck covers it.
Is heavy-duty towing priced differently from a regular tow?
Yes, because the equipment and time are different. Heavy-duty jobs are quoted to the vehicle and situation, and we give you the price before the truck leaves the yard.
