Though it seems that almost every driver will need a tow truck sooner or later, these vehicles rarely get much attention except after an accident. Yet, the tow truck has an interesting history all of its own. Here’s a closer look at how this essential vehicle came to be.

The Top 3 Tow Truck History Facts

1. It All Started With an Accident

It perhaps shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the invention of the tow truck occurred after a Ford Model T was overturned in 1916 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After Ernest Holmes Senior and six other men spent over eight hours attempting to pull the overturned vehicle out of a creek, he decided there had to be a better way. He went home and began designing a towing modification for his Cadillac, and the tow truck was born.

2. The Original Tow Truck Was an Attachment

The original tow truck wasn’t a specially designed vehicle. Instead, Holmes designed a wrecker that could be mounted to the chassis of his vehicle. The towing winch was stabilized with a pair of outriggers, ensuring the vehicle could still function properly when pulling a car or navigating a steep slope. By 1919, Holmes secured a patent for his invention.

3. New Innovations

The towing industry has hardly remained static since Holmes introduced his design. Today, there are several types of tow trucks available. Flatbed trucks carry damaged vehicles above the ground, while wheel lifts only raise the front part of the car. Boom lifts and hook and chain systems are also used for retrieving vehicles — and of course, heavy-duty tow trucks have been introduced to help semis and other large vehicles.

If you find yourself in need of a modern tow truck to get you out of a tight spot, contact Bolster’s Towing. Serving Montana’s Greater Flathead Valley area since 1971, their experienced and certified staff is always ready to help with 24/7 roadside assistance — even on holidays. To learn more about how this towing company can help you, visit them online or call (406) 752-4528.