Tow truck for sale
There are many options to consider when shopping for a tow truck for your business. While you may be looking for a great deal on a tow truck for sale, it’s important to consider your needs carefully before purchasing. A cheaper tow truck that’s not right for your business won’t save you any money in the long run!
Match the Truck to Your Customer Base
Consider the types of vehicles that you typically need to tow:
- Cars with lower clearances
- Cars with all-wheel drive
- Pickups and other light trucks
- Vans
- Accident recovery
- Long distance towing
- Towing in tight spaces (parking lots, residential areas, etc.)
Different types of tow trucks work better for different jobs. Wheel lift tow trucks can often navigate tighter spaces than other options, while car carrier tow trucks can be helpful when you’re towing disabled vehicles. While more robust recovery equipment can be helpful for accident recovery, it can complicate the operation of your tow truck and may be overkill if most of your business is light duty towing. Consider outsourcing more difficult towing jobs instead of investing in a truck that’s more complex (and likely more expensive) than you need.
Inspect the Entire Truck, Not Just the Cab
When you’re shopping for tow trucks for sale, you’re likely paying attention to mileage, the make and model of the truck, the condition of the paint and interior, and making sure that the engine runs. And while all of that is important, don’t forget that you’re really shopping for a piece of shop equipment that just happens to be on wheels! Here are some things to look for:
- Cab configuration
- Lighting
- Storage
- Recovery equipment
- Chassis
If you’re shopping for a new tow truck for your growing towing business, make sure you consider all of your options – Columbia, SC towing trucks for sale is the page that matches this. You can learn more about different types of tow trucks here.
Check the Chassis and Recovery Equipment
Used tow truck equipment
The chassis is the foundation of any tow truck. Carefully examine the frame for any damage, rust, or signs of previous repairs. Pay attention to where the recovery equipment attaches to the chassis.
When you take the truck for a test drive, pay attention to any rattling noises when making turns, pulling, or braking. Uneven tire wear, steering problems, and vibrations can all be signs of problems with a truck’s steering (keep www.britannica.com/technology/automobile/Steering open if you’re going to need the details), suspension, brakes, or driveline that could require expensive repairs. Remember that a loaded tow truck puts a lot of wear and tear on these components!
When inspecting the cab of the truck, remember that it’s essentially your office. Make sure the controls are easy to use and understand, the seats are comfortable, the gauges are easy to read, and the climate control system works. All warning lights should illuminate when you turn the ignition on.
When shopping for used tow trucks for sale, ask the dealer or owner to demonstrate all of the functions of the winch, wheel-lift, or other recovery equipment. Look for leaking hydraulic cylinders and hoses, slow or uneven movements, and unusual noises when operating the winch or other equipment. Make sure all components clear the ground when in the stowed position.
Pay close attention to the following when inspecting a used tow truck:
- Bed surface
- Synthetic rope or winch cable
- Safety chains, restraints, and locks
- Straps, hooks, and chains
- Wheel-lift pivots
- Anchor points
While a worn piece of equipment isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, you should factor in the cost of any parts that will need to be replaced in the near future.
Verify Storage, Lighting, and Electrical Systems
Before buying a used wrecker, inspect the truck’s storage compartments and make sure there’s plenty of room for jumper cables, cones, hand tools, safety gear, straps, and any other equipment you plan to store on board. If there aren’t enough compartments, you should consider whether it would be possible to install additional ones later. Make sure the lighting is adequate but won’t cast distracting shadows or glare.
Budget for Inspection and Immediate Repairs
If you’re shopping on a tight budget, it’s important to keep in mind that you may need to spend some additional money to bring the used wrecker up to snuff once you buy it. Tires, fluids, hydraulic maintenance, electrical repairs, and replacement straps and equipment may eat into your budget. If possible, it’s a good idea to have the truck inspected by a qualified mechanic before you buy. Plan to spend $300 or more for a thorough inspection.
If possible, ask for the tow truck’s maintenance and repair records to get an idea of what kind of shape it’s in and how well it’s been taken care of. You can use this information to negotiate the purchase price. Be especially careful when purchasing a truck with little or no service documentation, as you won’t know what kind of repairs or maintenance it may need. Ask whether the tow truck has been in any wrecks and whether any major components have been replaced.