Rollback Trucks For Sale

Rollback trucks, also known as flatbed tow trucks or car carriers, use a hydraulically tilting and sliding deck to load vehicles and equipment with minimal risk of driveline damage. The first choice that affects capability and maneuverability is deck length and material. Common lengths are 19, 21 and 22 ft, with 24 ft used for larger vans, box trucks and equipment; shorter decks turn tighter and fit urban routes, while longer decks improve load flexibility and resale. Steel beds are rugged and cost-effective but add weight and can corrode in salt regions. Aluminum beds reduce tare weight, resist rust and can gain a few hundred pounds of payload, though they cost more and may be slick when wet. Look at load angle, LCG frames and 102-in width if you frequently handle lowered cars or long wheelbase vehicles. Pair the deck with the right winch, typically 8,000-12,000 lb single-line on light-medium duty and up to 20,000 lb on heavier carriers.

Chassis choices span Class 5 through Class 7-8, most commonly Ford F-650/750, Ram 5500, Freightliner M2, International MV, Kenworth T270-T280 and Peterbilt 337. Diesel power with an Allison automatic dominates for durability and PTO compatibility; some gas options exist in lighter classes with lower upfront cost and simpler emissions systems. GVWR ranges from about 19,500 to 33,000 lb. Under 26,001 lb GVWR often avoids CDL requirements, but air brakes, underlift ratings and state rules can still trigger CDL needs, so verify your lanes and payloads. Hydraulic brakes are common on Class 5-6; air brakes show up on heavier Class 7 units and aid control on grades. Wheelbase must match deck length and CA, and tire size matters: 19.5-in rubber rides lower for garage access, while 22.5-in tires deliver longer tread life and higher load ratings.

Productivity features separate a capable carrier from a crew favorite. An integrated wheel-lift lets you tow a second vehicle and maximize revenue on dealer, auction or roadside hauls; check underlift static and tow ratings, L-arms and crossbar geometry for modern SUV frames. Dual-side controls, wireless remote winch operation, LED work lights and clear beacon packages speed safe loading at night. Side-puller options expand recovery capability without fully blocking a lane. Specify ample tie-down points, J-hooks, soft straps and scuff protection to meet securement rules and reduce claims. Stainless or aluminum toolboxes keep gear organized and resist corrosion, and a reliable PTO-hydraulic system with quality valves, filters and hose routing reduces downtime.

Operating environment drives spec. In snowbelt fleets, aluminum beds, stainless hardware, sealed wiring and undercoating pay off. Hot climates benefit from heavy-duty cooling, deep-transmission pans and synthetic winch rope that sheds heat. City routes favor shorter wheelbase, low-profile decks and backup cameras; rural and interstate work leans toward higher GVWR, air brakes and 22.5-in tires. Modern safety tech like ESC, collision mitigation, lane cameras and bed tilt interlocks reduces risk and insurance costs. Major bed brands include Jerr-Dan, Century, Vulcan and NRC, each with distinct control layouts, LCG designs and parts networks that affect uptime and resale. Match deck length, material, GVWR, winch and underlift to your typical vehicle mix and legal weights, then factor chassis service support and emissions strategy to keep the truck earning day and night.