2019 Tow Trucks For Sale in Florida

A rollback tow truck uses a hydraulic tilting bed that slides back to load a vehicle completely onto the deck. This setup is preferred for collision work, exotic cars, inoperable vehicles, and all-wheel-drive units that should be carried rather than pulled. A wrecker uses a wheel-lift and often one or two winches to tow a vehicle with two wheels off the ground. That makes it quicker for short tows, tight urban recoveries, parking enforcement, and repossession work. The right choice depends on the percentage of transport jobs versus quick-hook towing in your operation.

Common 2019 tow truck chassis include medium-duty platforms such as the Ram 5500, Ford F-650 or F-750, Peterbilt 337, Kenworth T270 or T280, and similar Class 5 through Class 7 trucks. Smaller self-loaders often sit on diesel or gas 4500 to 5500 chassis, while heavier rollback carriers are commonly built on 26,000 GVWR non-CDL chassis with air brakes or hydraulic brakes depending on the build. Buyers should compare wheelbase, front axle capacity, rear axle rating, suspension type, and brake system because body capacity alone does not tell the full story.

In Florida, buyers usually focus on corrosion condition, cooling performance, A/C operation, and the condition of hydraulic and electrical systems that see year-round use. On the body side, important specs include deck length and width, wheel-lift rating, winch capacity, recovery boom rating if equipped, and toolbox layout. On the chassis side, look closely at engine hours, PTO operation, transmission behavior, brake type, tire size, and whether the truck has spring or air ride suspension. Lighting packages, wireless remotes, backup cameras, and low-profile deck designs can also make a noticeable difference in day-to-day usability.

Many 2019 tow trucks are built to a 26,000 GVWR rating, which is often targeted by operators who want to stay in non-CDL territory, though licensing requirements depend on the exact truck, combination weight, and local regulations. This is especially common on medium-duty rollback carriers and some heavier wreckers. Buyers still need to verify GVWR, axle ratings, body weight, and the actual payload available after the upfit is installed. A truck can be legally non-CDL on paper and still be poorly matched to the vehicles you plan to move if the body, wheel-lift, or axle capacities are too light.

Start with the hydraulic system, winches, wheel-lift, bed operation, PTO engagement, and all safety lighting because those components directly affect revenue and compliance. Next, inspect the frame, crossmembers, deck floor, L-arms, chains, and tie-down points for hard-use wear. Review engine and transmission service history, confirm there are no active fault codes, and check for leaks around hydraulic lines, cylinders, and pumps. On Florida trucks in particular, sun exposure and constant outdoor storage can age wiring, seats, switches, weather seals, and paint faster than mileage alone might suggest.