Heavy-Duty Towing: What You Need to Know About Big Rigs

When a semi-truck breaks down or is in an accident, it takes more than a standard tow truck to handle the situation. Heavy-duty towing requires specialized equipment, training, and experience.

What is Heavy-Duty Towing?

Heavy-duty towing involves vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVWR, including:

• Semi-trucks and tractors
• Full trailers (flatbed, reefer, tanker)
• Buses and motorcoaches
• Large RVs and motorhomes
• Construction equipment
• Farm equipment

Why Regular Tow Trucks Can't Handle Heavy Equipment

Weight Capacity

Standard tow trucks can handle 10,000-20,000 pounds. A loaded semi can weigh 80,000 pounds or more.

Equipment Differences

Heavy-duty recovery requires:

• Rotator wreckers with 50+ ton capacity
• Air cushion recovery systems
• Specialized rigging and chains
• Multiple units for complex recoveries

Training Requirements

Heavy-duty operators need additional training in:

• Load distribution and balance
• Multi-unit coordination
• Cargo handling and securing
• Hazmat awareness

Common Heavy-Duty Towing Situations

Mechanical Breakdowns

• Engine failure
• Transmission problems
• Electrical issues
• Air brake system failures
• Tire blowouts

Accidents and Rollovers

Recovering an overturned semi requires careful planning to:

• Protect the cargo
• Prevent environmental damage (fuel spills)
• Clear the roadway safely
• Document for insurance

Off-Road Recovery

Trucks stuck in mud, ditches, or off-road require winch-out services and sometimes multiple pieces of equipment.

What to Expect During Heavy-Duty Towing

Assessment

We first evaluate:

• Vehicle weight and dimensions
• Load type and condition
• Terrain and accessibility
• Safety concerns

Equipment Selection

Based on assessment, we deploy appropriate equipment. Complex recoveries may require multiple trucks.

Recovery Process

• Secure the area and manage traffic
• Stabilize the vehicle
• Execute the recovery
• Load and secure for transport

Documentation

We provide thorough documentation for insurance claims and records.

Heavy-Duty Towing Costs

Heavy-duty towing costs more than standard towing due to:

• Specialized equipment required
• Additional personnel often needed
• Longer time for complex recoveries
• Higher insurance and operating costs

For commercial operators, the cost of towing is typically far less than the cost of downtime.

Dolooma Towing Heavy-Duty Services

We provide semi-truck towing and heavy equipment services throughout the Triangle:

• 24/7 emergency response
• Experienced heavy-duty operators
• Modern recovery equipment
• Load shifting and cargo protection
• Coordination with law enforcement and DOT

Heavy equipment down? Call 1-877-47-PULSE for professional heavy-duty towing.