Used Ford Tow Trucks For Sale
Shop used Ford tow trucks including F-450, F-550, F-600, and F-650 wreckers and rollbacks with diesel power and proven towing setups.
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Have used ford tow truck to sell? List it here to reach thousands of buyers.
About Used Ford Tow Trucks
On Ford tow trucks, chassis choice matters as much as the wrecker body. F-450 and F-550 models are common in light-duty service and are often equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, automatic transmissions, and 4x2 drivetrains. F-600 and F-650 trucks move up in GVWR, frame strength, axle capacity, and bed options, making them more suitable for 19.5-foot carriers, larger wheel-lifts, and higher daily payload demands. Many used units run spring suspension and single-rear-axle configurations, which are straightforward to service and well suited to urban and regional towing routes.
The upfit details drive real-world productivity. On a rollback, pay attention to deck length and width, bed material, dual-angle tilt and slide operation, winch rating, tie-down layout, and wheel-lift capacity. On a wrecker, check drag winch capacity, boom design, L-arms, dollies, PTO setup, and rear work-light placement. Toolboxes, backup cameras, LED light bars, and clear work lighting add value for day-to-day operation. If the truck will spend time loading in tight lots or on busy shoulders, turning radius, cab visibility, and control placement are worth close review.
For a used Ford tow truck, condition should be judged as a combination of chassis history and body wear. Review engine hours where available, transmission behavior under load, PTO engagement, hydraulic response, deck or boom corrosion, cable condition, pivot-point wear, and signs of previous frame or body repair. A truck with a strong service record, clean hydraulic operation, and a body sized correctly for the work is usually the better buy than one with a longer feature list but mismatched capacity. For most operators, the goal is simple: enough chassis under the body, enough winch and wheel-lift for the jobs you actually run, and a setup that can stay productive without constant downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Ford rollback and a Ford wrecker tow truck?
A Ford rollback uses a tilt-and-slide deck to carry the vehicle fully off the ground, which is ideal for all-wheel-drive vehicles, low-clearance cars, accident recovery, and equipment transport. A Ford wrecker, including self-loaders and wheel-lift units, lifts one end of the vehicle for towing and is generally faster for short-distance recovery, parking enforcement, and local service calls. The right choice depends on the type of vehicles you move most often and how much non-running or damaged equipment you handle.
Which Ford chassis is most common for used tow trucks?
The Ford F-450 and F-550 are common in light-duty towing, especially for self-loaders and smaller rollback carriers. The F-600 and F-650 are more common when buyers need higher GVWR, a larger carrier bed, or a heavier-duty wrecker setup. In the used market, chassis selection should match the body size and the average load, not just the badge on the hood.
What should I inspect first on a used Ford tow truck?
Start with the PTO and hydraulic system because they directly affect revenue-producing functions such as lifting, sliding, winching, and tilting. Then inspect the deck or wrecker body for corrosion, cracked welds, cable wear, and pivot-point play. After that, evaluate the chassis like any working truck: engine performance, transmission shifting, brake condition, tire wear, suspension, and evidence of hard commercial use or incomplete repairs.
Is the 6.7L Power Stroke a common engine in Ford tow trucks?
Yes. The 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is widely found in Ford F-450, F-550, and F-600 tow truck applications because it delivers strong low-end torque and is well suited to PTO and towing work. Buyers still need to evaluate maintenance history, idle time, cooling system condition, and how the truck performs under load, since tow service often involves frequent stop-and-go use and extended idle periods.
What bed length is typical on a Ford rollback tow truck?
Many Ford rollback tow trucks in the medium-duty range are equipped with beds around 19 to 22 feet, depending on chassis class and body builder. A 19.5-foot carrier is common on F-550 and F-600 applications, while larger F-650 setups may carry longer beds with higher capacity. Bed length should be matched to the vehicles or equipment you intend to haul, along with deck width, winch rating, and wheel-lift specifications.