2018 Peterbilt Tow Trucks For Sale
Shop 2018 Peterbilt tow trucks for recovery, rollback, and wrecker work. Compare chassis, GVWR, bed size, winch setup, and wheel-lift specs.
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About 2018 Peterbilt Tow Trucks
For buyers comparing 2018 models, the body and recovery equipment matter as much as the chassis. Common specs include 20 ft to 22 ft steel or aluminum rollback beds, 102-inch deck widths, 8,000 lb to 20,000 lb winches, and hydraulic wheel-lifts for towing a second vehicle or handling disabled units without full deck loading. Jerr-Dan bodies are common on Peterbilt chassis, and deck design details such as low center of gravity construction, dual-angle loading, removable rails, and wireless remote controls can make a real difference in loading low-clearance cars, pickups, and light commercial vehicles. Tool storage, work lights, dollies, chain racks, and underbody boxes also affect day-to-day productivity.
Powertrain choices on 2018 Peterbilt tow trucks often center on Cummins-based diesel platforms such as the PX-7, PX-9, or larger ISX-series engines depending on truck class and intended duty cycle. Automatic transmissions are popular in urban towing because they reduce driver fatigue and improve consistency in stop-and-go service, while manual transmissions still show up in heavier applications. Buyers should pay close attention to rear axle ratings, wheelbase, double-frame construction, PTO setup, suspension type, and axle ratio. A long wheelbase can improve deck length and ride quality, but it also affects turning radius in tight city recovery work. DEF-equipped 2018 emissions systems are standard, so service history and fault-free aftertreatment operation should be part of any evaluation.
The best 2018 Peterbilt tow truck for sale depends on whether the truck will spend most of its time on private property impounds, dealer transport, accident recovery, light-duty roadside service, or mixed commercial towing. A carrier with a 6-ton class bed and wheel-lift can cover a wide range of passenger cars, SUVs, and some work trucks, while a heavier 348-based setup is better suited to more frequent high-load recovery and chassis stress. Cab condition, engine hours, hydraulic condition, winch operation, bed alignment, cylinder performance, and signs of frame reinforcement or repair all deserve close inspection. On a tow truck, the upfit condition is every bit as important as the odometer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Peterbilt 337 tow truck and a Peterbilt 348 tow truck?
The Peterbilt 337 is commonly used for light-duty rollback and car carrier work, often in a 26,000 lb GVWR range. It is well suited for passenger vehicles, SUVs, pickups, and routine roadside service. The Peterbilt 348 is a heavier chassis with more front axle, frame, and suspension capacity, making it a better fit for larger rollback bodies, heavier wheel-lift use, and more demanding recovery applications. The right choice depends on the weight of the vehicles you move and how hard the truck will be worked each day.
What should I look for on a used 2018 Peterbilt tow truck?
Focus on both the chassis and the towing equipment. On the truck side, check engine hours, transmission operation, brake condition, suspension wear, frame integrity, and emissions system history including DEF and aftertreatment performance. On the body side, inspect the rollback deck for twist, corrosion, cracked welds, uneven wear pads, leaking hydraulic cylinders, and proper winch function. Wheel-lift components, L-arms, controls, lighting, PTO engagement, and remote operation should all be tested because the upfit often determines the real working value of a tow truck.
Are 2018 Peterbilt tow trucks good for rollback service?
Yes. A 2018 Peterbilt tow truck is a strong platform for rollback service because the chassis offers good cab ergonomics, solid frame options, and compatibility with popular carrier bodies from manufacturers such as Jerr-Dan. Many 2018 units are spec'd with automatic transmissions, air ride suspension, and low-profile decks that help with urban towing, dealer transport, and low-clearance vehicle loading. The key is matching deck length, winch capacity, and wheel-lift configuration to the type of vehicles you handle most often.
What bed size is common on a 2018 Peterbilt rollback tow truck?
Common rollback bed sizes on a 2018 Peterbilt tow truck are typically 20 ft, 22 ft, and in some heavier applications up to 28 ft. Width is often around 100 to 102 inches. A 20 ft or 22 ft bed is a common fit for light-duty and medium-duty towing because it balances load space, maneuverability, and chassis packaging. Buyers should also look beyond length to deck height, low-angle loading design, side rail configuration, and wheel-lift integration because those details affect real-world use more than length alone.
Do 2018 Peterbilt tow trucks usually have automatic or manual transmissions?
Many 2018 Peterbilt tow trucks in light-duty and medium-duty service are equipped with Allison automatic transmissions because towing work involves frequent stops, tight maneuvering, and repeated loading cycles. Automatics help reduce driver fatigue and are generally preferred for urban recovery and roadside calls. Manual transmissions still appear in heavier tow applications, especially where buyers want direct control and simpler driveline specs, but automatics are very common in rollback service from this model year.