Heavy Duty Towing Vs. Light Duty Towing: What's The Difference?

By Author: Eric Wells
Total Articles: 7
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Whether you’re looking to have your vehicle taken to a new location or simply need help getting it out of the way after it’s broken down, you’ll want to make sure that you hire the right tow truck service to get the job done. With that in mind, below, we’ll take a look at some of the primary differences between heavy-duty and light-duty towing and transport in Lakewood.

What is Heavy Duty Towing?

In some cases, your truck may be too large or heavy for light-duty towing. For example, if you drive a pickup truck or a large SUV, those vehicles usually fall into the category of heavy-duty vehicles. Similarly, cars and SUVs that weigh more than 6,000 pounds also typically qualify as heavy-duty vehicles. Because heavy-duty towing can be significantly more expensive than light-duty service (depending on location), it’s worth knowing what types of vehicles require it before agreeing to pay for such services.

How are Heavy-duty Trucks Different from Light Duty Trucks?

The most obvious difference between these tow trucks is their size. Heavy-duty trucks are much larger than light-duty trucks and ...
... are often used for towing semi-trucks or commercial vehicles, so they tend to be more expensive than light-duty tow trucks.

How Can I Tell If My Vehicle Requires a Heavy-Duty Tow Truck?

Of course, first, determine if your vehicle is even towable (some older cars and pickups aren’t) but then check to see if it’s a light-duty or heavy-duty tow job. This can be determined by looking at your vehicle’s weight and measuring from axle to axle—if you go above 10,000 pounds, you’ll need a truck that can handle a heavier load.

Other Reasons You May Need a Tow Truck
- Commercial vehicles, which require heavier towing equipment

- You’re hauling heavy loads over long distances

- You’re parked in a private lot or underground garage

- Your light-duty vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, or ice

Keep in mind that both types of tow trucks have their place — and could save you money if your car breaks down when you least expect it.

Light Duty Towing

Unlike heavy duty towing in Lakewood, these services are used to move vehicles that have broken down on local roadways and freeways (or whose drivers have run out of gas). They aren’t designed for commercial or business use, and they don’t work well on long distances due to limited capacity, so they may not be the best option if you’re trying to tow a boat or trailer across town.

How to Choose the Right Towing Truck

When it comes to heavy-duty towing to light-duty towing, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. So, always do the research and find out companies that offer you professional work before you reach out. Look for businesses with extensive towing experience and a good reputation in your local area for better results. Check https://www.lakewoodtowing.com/ to know more about private parking towing in Lakewood.

The author of this article is a leading provider of towing in Lakewood WA, and has over a decade of experience in the industry. In this article, he explains how a tow truck can help you. Find out more at https://www.lakewoodtowing.com/.