Used 2018 Tow Trucks For Sale

Start with the body type and intended workload, then confirm the chassis and towing equipment match that job. A rollback carrier is better for transporting disabled vehicles, specialty cars, and units that should not be towed by the axle. A wheel-lift or self-loader is better for quick hook-ups and shorter tow cycles. After that, verify GVWR, front and rear axle ratings, bed length, wheel-lift rating, winch capacity, PTO operation, hydraulic function, and brake type. Service history matters on both the chassis and the towing body.

A rollback tow truck uses a tilting bed, usually 19 to 22 feet on medium-duty units, to load the entire vehicle onto the deck. That makes it ideal for collision recovery, low-clearance cars, and all-wheel-drive vehicles. A wrecker uses a boom and wheel-lift to raise one end of the vehicle and tow it behind. Self-loader wreckers speed up hook-and-go work, especially in tight urban environments. The right choice depends on the type of calls, vehicle mix, and how often damage-free transport is required.

Some are and some are not. Many light-duty and certain medium-duty tow trucks can be configured under CDL thresholds, while larger carriers and heavier wreckers often run at 26,000 GVWR or above, or well beyond that on heavy-duty chassis. Buyers should confirm the truck’s GVWR on the door tag, body rating, and local licensing requirements. If the truck will handle heavier pickups, vans, commercial units, or dual-use recovery work, a higher-rated chassis may be the better long-term fit.

Bed length, bed width, deck capacity, wheel-lift rating, and winch capacity are the core working specs. Many medium-duty rollback carriers in this market use 21 to 22 foot decks, around 102 inches wide, with capacities in the 6-ton class and wheel-lifts around 3,500 pounds. Buyers should also check low-angle loading geometry for cars with limited ground clearance, deck material, tie-down setup, toolbox configuration, and lighting. On the chassis side, engine type, transmission, suspension, tire size, and brake system all affect operating cost and drivability.

Inspect the truck as two machines: the chassis and the towing body. On the chassis, review engine and aftertreatment records, transmission service, brakes, suspension wear, tires, steering components, and any PTO-related driveline issues. On the body, inspect hydraulic cylinders, hoses, pump operation, winch condition, cable or synthetic line wear, wheel-lift bushings, pivot points, bed rails, crossmembers, lighting, and controls. Rust, prior frame repair, and uneven deck wear are worth close attention because they can affect both safety and resale value.