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How Rollback Tow Trucks Work: A Step-by-Step Guide

Robert L. Santos

Have you ever wondered how rollback tow trucks work? You’ve likely seen them on the road, picking up vehicles in a way that seems both simple and efficient.

But what makes these trucks so special? In this guide, I’ll take you step by step through how rollback tow trucks operate, how they are used, and why they are a favorite in the towing industry.

What is a rollback tow truck?

Essentially, a rollback tow truck is a vehicle equipped with a flatbed that can be tilted to the ground. The vehicle to be towed is driven or winched onto the flatbed, which is then leveled for safe transport.

Unlike traditional tow trucks with hooks or wheel lifts, rollback trucks are more versatile and safer for certain types of vehicles. They are typically used to transport vehicles that are damaged, inoperable, or that need to be moved without risk of damage.

The Basics of How a Rollback Tow Truck Works

1. The Flatbed Design

The flatbed is a key feature of a rollback tow truck. It’s a large, flat surface that can be tilted to form a ramp. The bed is typically made of steel to handle heavy loads.

2. Tilting Mechanism

At the rear of the flatbed, there’s a hydraulic system that allows the bed to tilt. The driver can control this system from inside the truck to angle the bed toward the ground. This makes it easy to load vehicles onto the bed, whether they’re operational or not.

3. Loading the Vehicle

Once the flatbed is tilted, the vehicle is either driven onto the ramp if it’s still functional or winched onto the flatbed if the car can’t move.

A winch is a powerful tool that pulls the vehicle up the ramp and onto the flatbed. The winch uses a heavy-duty cable that’s attached to the vehicle and then pulled by a motor.

4. Securing the Vehicle

Once the vehicle is on the flatbed, it needs to be secured to ensure it doesn’t move during transport. Rollback tow trucks typically use straps, chains, or tie-downs to secure the vehicle to the bed.

This is essential for safe and smooth transportation, especially if the vehicle has been involved in an accident.

5. Leveling the Bed

After the vehicle is secured, the flatbed is leveled out again using the hydraulic system. This ensures that the vehicle is transported in a stable position, reducing the chances of damage.

 Features of Rollback Tow Trucks

Hydraulic Systems : As mentioned, rollback trucks rely on hydraulic systems to tilt the bed and lift heavy vehicles. These hydraulic systems are essential because they allow the truck to lift and lower the flatbed smoothly and with precision.

Winch Mechanism : The winch mechanism is vital for loading non-operational vehicles onto the flatbed. It’s especially helpful when vehicles cannot drive themselves onto the ramp. The winch is typically powered by the engine and has a cable strong enough to pull even large vehicles.

Low-Profile Flatbed : The flatbed itself is usually low to the ground, which makes it easier for vehicles to be loaded. This low profile also minimizes the risk of further damage to the vehicle during the loading process.

Safety Features : Most rollback tow trucks are equipped with safety features like non-slip surfaces on the flatbed and reflective lights for visibility. These features make the towing process safer, both for the vehicle being towed and for the driver.

The Advantages of Rollback Tow Trucks

Because the vehicle is loaded onto a flat surface, there’s less risk of damaging the vehicle’s body, suspension, or drivetrain. This is particularly important for high-end or luxury cars that need to be transported without any scratches or dents.

Rollback tow trucks are versatile and can handle a variety of vehicles, from motorcycles to heavy-duty trucks. They are especially useful when transporting vehicles that can’t be driven, such as those involved in accidents.

The way a rollback tow truck loads and secures a vehicle is much safer than traditional towing methods. By pulling the vehicle up onto the flatbed, the risk of the car shifting or falling off the tow truck is minimized.

When Are Rollback Tow Trucks Used?

Rollback tow trucks are used in several situations, making them an essential tool for towing services. Here are some common scenarios:

When a vehicle is involved in an accident and is not drivable, a rollback tow truck is often the best choice. It allows the damaged car to be lifted and transported without causing additional harm.

If a vehicle breaks down and can’t be driven, it may need to be towed to a mechanic or repair shop. A rollback tow truck can safely carry the vehicle to its destination.

Rollback tow trucks are also used for transporting vehicles over long distances, such as when someone needs to move a car to a new location or state.

For vehicles that need extra care, such as luxury cars, classic cars, or motorcycles, a rollback tow truck is the ideal choice due to its gentle loading and secure transportation.

Choosing the Right Rollback Tow Truck for Your Towing Business

Best Top 3 Rollback Tow Truck

Starting or upgrading a towing business is an exciting venture, but choosing the right rollback tow truck can make all the difference.

A rollback tow truck is an essential tool for moving vehicles safely and efficiently, and choosing the right one can enhance the efficiency, safety, and reputation of your business.

Whether you’re transporting high-end cars, wrecked vehicles, or heavy-duty trucks, the right rollback tow truck can make the job easier and more profitable.

But how do you choose the best rollback tow truck for your towing business?

It’s more than just choosing the first one you see. You need to consider factors like the types of vehicles you’ll be towing, the truck’s features, your budget, and your long-term business goals.

The first thing to consider is the type of vehicles you’ll be towing. Are you focusing on light-duty vehicles, such as cars and SUVs? Or are you planning to handle heavier vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment?

Different rollback tow trucks have different weight capacities, so it’s essential to match the truck’s load capacity to the type of vehicle you want to tow.

For light-duty towing, you may not need a super heavy-duty truck, but for transporting larger trucks or equipment, you’ll need a high-capacity rollback tow truck with a powerful engine and a more robust bed.

When choosing the right rollback tow truck, be sure to look at the flatbed and truck dimensions.

A large flatbed is ideal for long vehicles, but this means the truck will be heavier and potentially harder to maneuver.

A smaller, more compact rollback truck is great for maneuvering through tight spaces and urban areas, but it may not offer the same load capacity.

You also need to consider how much space you have in your towing yard. A large truck can be difficult to store and maintain in a confined area.

Weight capacity is another important consideration when choosing a rollback tow truck. Every truck has a specific weight limit, and exceeding that limit can cause damage to the truck or the vehicle being towed.

Make sure the truck you choose can handle the weight of the vehicles you plan to tow.

Light-duty trucks typically carry 5,000 to 10,000 pounds, while heavy-duty rollback tow trucks can transport more than 20,000 pounds.

The hydraulic system and winches play a critical role in the functionality of a rollback tow truck. Hydraulic systems allow the flatbed to tilt and level smoothly, which is important for safely loading and unloading vehicles.

The reliability and strength of the hydraulic system, as well as the winch mechanism, should be tested to ensure that it can handle the weight and type of vehicles you plan to tow.

Find a rollback tow truck that has a winch that has enough pulling power to handle stuck or immobile vehicles.

Best Top 3 Rollback Tow Truck

1. International MV Series Rollback Tow Truck

The International MV Series is a versatile, medium-duty truck designed for various commercial uses, including towing. It is part of International Trucks’ lineup, designed with the aim of providing strength and durability in towing operations.

Features:

Price:

Estimated starting price is around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on configurations and additional features.

2. Ford F-550 Super Duty Rollback Tow Truck

The Ford F-550 Super Duty is one of Ford’s most popular medium-duty trucks, ideal for businesses requiring reliable towing capability in a versatile, durable package.

 Features:

Price:

Starting around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on the configuration, features, and the specific model chosen.

3. Ram 5500 Rollback Tow Truck

The Ram 5500 is part of the Ram Heavy Duty truck lineup, designed for challenging towing tasks, with a focus on performance, towing capacity, and comfort.

Features:

Price:

Starting at approximately $55,000 to $75,000, depending on customization and features.

Key Differences:

Feature / Truck Model International MV Series Ford F-550 Super Duty Ram 5500
Engine Power 300 hp, 750 lb-ft torque 330 hp, 825 lb-ft torque 370 hp, 800 lb-ft torque
Transmission Allison 2500 RDS Auto TorqShift 6-speed Auto AISIN 6-speed Auto
GVWR (Max Weight) Up to 33,000 lbs 19,500 lbs 19,500 lbs
Towing Capacity Heavy-duty up to 33,000 lbs Medium-duty up to 37,000 lbs Medium-duty up to 37,500 lbs
Fuel Type Diesel Diesel Diesel
Price Range $70,000 – $90,000 $50,000 – $70,000 $55,000 – $75,000
Best For Heavy-duty commercial towing Medium-duty commercial towing Medium-duty towing with a focus on performance

Conclusion

To sum up, rollback tow trucks are an essential tool in the towing industry. Their ability to safely and efficiently transport vehicles, whether they’re operable or not, makes them a top choice for towing services.

The hydraulic system, winch mechanism, and flatbed design all come together to ensure that cars are transported without further damage. Whether it’s for accident recovery, breakdowns, or specialty vehicle

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