Towing companies buy trucks and bodies from towing equipment distributors, wear items like winch cable, straps, chains and wheel-lift parts from towing supply companies, and lighting and safety gear from specialty suppliers. Equipment must be rated for the vehicles you tow, inspected daily and maintained on the manufacturer's schedule, because a failed strap or cable can injure people and damage cars.
Equipment list
| Item | What to check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rollback (car carrier) | Bed length, capacity, tilt angle for low cars | Best for AWD, damaged and luxury cars |
| Wheel-lift truck | Lift capacity, reach | Fast for parking and short tows |
| Go-jaks or skates | Wheel condition | Moving cars in garages and tight spots |
| Tow dollies | Tires, lights | For AWD when no rollback |
| Winch cable and hooks | Fraying, kinks, hook wear | Replace on any damage |
| Straps and chains | Working load ratings | Rated for the vehicles you tow |
| Lockout kit | Tools for modern vehicles | Training to avoid damage |
| Jump pack and air compressor | Capacity | Roadside service |
| Light bar and scene lighting | Visibility | Follow state rules on colors |
| Cones, flares, vests | High-visibility | Traffic incident safety |
Worked example: choosing the second truck
Ray's first truck is a wheel-lift that handles most parking and short tows. His call logs show he is turning down all-wheel-drive and damaged vehicles that need a flatbed. He compares new and used rollbacks by bed length, capacity, chassis mileage and service history, and chooses a used rollback with a recent hydraulic service after an independent inspection. The new truck lets him take dealer transport accounts too.
Daily inspection routine
- Walk around: tires, lights, leaks
- Check winch cable, hooks and straps for damage
- Test hydraulics and controls
- Stock check: cones, vests, lockout kit, jump pack
- Log the inspection with date and driver
Mistakes when buying
- Buying a truck too light for common vehicles
- Skipping wheel-lift attachments for tight spaces
- Cheap straps without ratings
- No backup lighting
Start-up equipment
- Tow trucks (flatbed, wheel-lift)
- Safety lights and equipment
- Dispatch system
- Storage lot
Where owners usually buy
- Tow truck dealers
- Equipment suppliers
- Dispatch software providers
Free tools
Common questions
Should my first truck be a rollback or a wheel-lift?
A rollback handles more vehicle types safely; a wheel-lift is faster and cheaper for many tows. Look at the calls in your area.
How often should winch cable be replaced?
Replace it when inspection shows damage such as broken wires, kinks or crushing; follow the manufacturer's guidance.
Do I need special lockout training?
Modern vehicles are easy to damage; training helps avoid costly claims.
Should I buy used trucks?
Used trucks can work with an independent inspection and service records.
Do I need wheel dollies?
They help with AWD vehicles when a flatbed is not available.
How often should straps be replaced?
Replace when worn, cut or damaged; inspect them before each use.
Should we carry a fuel can?
Yes, for fuel delivery calls, following safety rules.
Should we keep spare tires for roadside calls?
Customers usually use their own spare; carry tools and an air compressor.
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