When operating a heavy-duty rig, encountering unexpected issues like a broken driveline, seized transmission, or fried air system can lead to a need for heavy-duty towing.
Being unprepared for heavy-duty towing can result in significant financial burdens and stress. Understanding the towing process, associated costs, and safety measures can protect both you and your finances.
This guide provides comprehensive insights into heavy-duty towing, best practices, and essential information to safeguard yourself, your cargo, and your finances.
Heavy-duty towing is the process of recovering and transporting large commercial vehicles like semis, buses, and heavy construction equipment. Unlike your standard roadside rescue, these vehicles require specialized tow trucks, reinforced hook-and-chain or wheel-lift setups, and operators who know their way around high GVWRs (Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings).
Most Class 7 and Class 8 vehicles fall under the heavy-duty towing umbrella, with weights exceeding 33,000 pounds. That’s not something you move with a run-of-the-mill wrecker—this calls for serious equipment like integrated boom trucks and rotators with high-capacity winches.
Heavy-duty towing isn’t cheap. But it’s also not always predictable, since multiple factors influence your final bill.
When things go sideways on the road, safety’s not just a good idea—it’s law. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Before you even think about hooking up a tow, secure the perimeter with cones, flares, or reflective triangles. Use hazard lights and notify authorities if the rig is blocking traffic or leaking fluids.
If there’s a risk of movement or fluid pressure, it’s critical to lock out and tag out components like the parking brakes and airlines.
Towing a heavy-duty unit improperly can wreak havoc on the suspension, driveline, or frame rails. Always use the right lift points and spreader bars when necessary to avoid overstressing the chassis.
Want to do it right the first time? Here's your heavy-duty towing checklist:
For Class 8 rigs or loaded trailers, you’ll need:
Give your tow operator as much info as possible:
If you’ve lost a brake chamber or damaged a pushrod, make sure airlines are properly sealed or capped to prevent system drain and protect the air compressor.
Avoid damaging critical parts like the driveshaft or differential. Use frame tie-downs or dedicated tow hooks when possible. Disconnect the driveline on longer tows to prevent transmission damage—especially for automated manual transmissions and automatic transmissions.
Take photos, record vehicle condition, and document the towing route. This is insurance gold if any disputes or damage claims pop up later.
DOT and state-specific regulations require that certain steps be followed during heavy-duty towing operations. In Colorado, for instance, any tow over 10,000 lbs must adhere to commercial towing regulations, including driver certification, proper equipment registration, and often a second escort vehicle for oversized loads.
If you're under a BIT inspection program, towing or roadside repair history may be part of your 90-day compliance audit. Be sure to maintain towing records and proof of repairs.
Not every breakdown demands a tow. But if any of these apply, it’s time to phone it in:
Heavy-duty towing is part of the job when you’re operating in the big leagues. But with the right knowledge, a touch of preparedness, and a trusted local partner, it doesn’t have to be a financial or logistical nightmare. From understanding costs to executing a safe recovery, every step matters.
Need an expert tow in Denver, CO? Call us at Iron Buffalo today.
JE-CO was founded by Jim Egli over 40 years ago. Over the years, diesel maintenance and repair became the primary revenue stream, with ancillary services in metal fabrication (Trailer Flatbeds, Pup Trailers, and Racks).
Austin White and Mike Schwarz purchased the business in 2019 with an aim to build a brand based genuine customer service, honesty, and quality.
