Things To Consider When You Need To Tow Your Semi Truck
Posted on: 15 January 2021
Towing a large truck like a semi-truck requires some special equipment and a company that offers heavy wrecker towing services. The size and weight of the semi-truck mean that the wrecker used needs to be able to support it, and the operator needs to be trained to deal with these large trucks.
Towing Semis With Trailers
In many cases, a semi-truck that breaks down on the side of the road will have a trailer still attached to it. The heavy wrecker towing service may be able to haul the semi-truck and the trailer simultaneously if they have large enough equipment, but it is crucial that you let them know how much weight you are hauling when you call for the wrecker.
If the cargo is too heavy, most heavy wrecker towing services can send a semi to bring the trailer in separately while the wrecker tows the semi in for service. If the load is critical freight, another driver may need to come and get the load, but it can not be left on the side of the road when your truck is towed into the shop.
Roadside Recovery
If your semi-truck is off the road, a heavy wrecker towing service may need to send several trucks out to get the truck back on the road. In some cases, the semi-truck is still driveable after, and recovery is only required because the truck cannot get the traction it needs to return to the road.
It is vital for the tow company to check the semi out before recovering it because there could be something under the truck that could snag a brake line or the fuel crossover line between the fuel tanks. If the operator begins to tow the truck out of the ditch or onto the road without checking it first, a fuel spill or damage to the truck could happen during the recovery. If you have looked under and around your truck and see something you think the wrecker operator may have missed, be sure to let them know. It might be something they are already aware of, but it is better to let them know just in case they did not see the obstacle.
Breakdowns and Repairs
Some situations involving semi-truck breakdowns do not require the truck to be towed to the service center but still need some large equipment to fix. A tire blowout, for instance, is challenging to deal with because semi-trucks weigh a lot and require large jacks and tools to change a tire.
Often a heavy wrecker towing company will offer roadside assistance as well, but let them know what kind of breakdown you are dealing with when you call so they can be sure to bring the right equipment to assist you. Reach out to a heavy wrecker towing company to learn more.
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