All drivers know what it means to get towed. What they may not know, however, is there are two main types: heavy-duty and regular vehicle towing. According to the vehicle transport experts at Platinum Towing and Transport in St. Louis, MO, there are key differences every driver should be aware of.

Vehicle Weight

The main difference between regular and heavy-duty vehicle towing is the size of the vehicle to be moved and the power requirements of the towing vehicle. Regular or “light-duty” vehicle towing can be done with a standard pickup truck or flatbed and is ideal for compact cars, sedans, and small SUVs. For heavy vehicles that are over 10,000 pounds, such as trucks or construction equipment, heavy-duty towing is needed.

What’s Involved in Heavy-Duty Vehicle Towing?

Aside from a large, powerful towing vehicle that can handle heavier loads, heavy-duty towing vehicles require special equipment and the hand of a skilled, careful operator. Their job is to ensure both the towing vehicle and the car to be towed don’t sustain any damage at any point in the process. This means not just any vehicle towing company can do the work. The transport service must specialize in truck towing and moving heavy-duty equipment.

The process for heavy-duty towing involves using winches and pulleys to ease the vehicle or equipment up onto a flatbed trailer or raised onto a hitch, where it is then secured with locking chains, pins, or heavy-duty straps. When the vehicle arrives at its location, the process is reversed to ease it back onto the ground.

If you need a heavy-duty vehicle towing company you can trust, talk to Platinum Towing and Transport in St. Louis. Their reliable, professional team specializes in moving large trucks and equipment using only fully trained, qualified, and certified staff. Call (314) 300-8694 to discuss your vehicle transport needs, or check out their Facebook page for images of their past towing jobs.