How Does a Tow Truck Work?

A tow truck may be any truck capable of transporting another vehicle. It generally must be a heavy truck, but it can use several different methods to tow vehicles. These methods include a hook and chain, manual wheel lift and automated wheel lift.

Hook and Chain

A hook and chain tow truck attaches a hook to the axle of the vehicle to be towed, usually the front axle. The hook is attached to a chain, which is attached to a wench. The wench pulls up the chain, lifting the front wheels of the vehicle off the ground. The wheels are then supported by a rubber sling on each side. This allows the vehicle to be towed on two wheels.

Manual Wheel Lift

Tow trucks that use the manual wheel lift method have a metal arm that slides behind the front wheels of the vehicle to be towed.  The operator secures the arm in place with chains and other support mechanisms. This method is most common with large vehicles because the tow truck does not have to lift the entire vehicle off the ground. The primary disadvantage with the wheel lift method is that the rear bumper may drag on the ground while being towed.

Automated Wheel Lift

A truck with an automated wheel lift system allows the driver to move the tow truck in front of the vehicle to be towed. The operator uses various controllers inside the tow truck to position a yoke under the front wheels of the vehicle. He then raises the guards around the yoke to hold the wheels in place and pulls the yoke toward the tow truck. The yoke can then be raised to lift the front wheels of the vehicle off the ground.