What is a Rollback Truck?

A rollback truck may look like a flatbed truck but is usually classified as a tow truck. A rollback truck is a type of towing truck where the flatbed can move up or down. Using a hydraulic system, the flatbed can be angled so that a car can drive up it easily, and then the flatbed is lowered into a horizontal position. If a car can’t drive up the ramp itself, then it can be lifted and put into place.

Why is it called a rollback tow truck?

A rollback tow truck gets its name from the way the whole bed of the truck moves. It can roll its way back to a severe angle, and then be moved back into its original position.

The angle of steepness will vary by different trucks. Usually, you can get at least a 25-degree angle. However, some trucks can be moved even more, making them more versatile if a vehicle is in an odd position after an accident.

What is a rollback tow truck used for?

A rollback tow truck is primarily used to transport cars or other small equipment. It is often used in a tow truck capacity because you are able to lift the entire bed of the truck so that a car can drive straight onto the truck bed before being lowered in a horizontal manner.

Advantages of a rollback tow truck

• Easy to connect with car

The beauty of a rollback truck is that it is very simple to get a car onto the flatbed. If the car can still move, you simply drive it up the ramp. If not, a chain pulls it up.

With an older tow truck, you need to attach a system of hooks and chains to secure it, which can be difficult, especially if the car is in an awkward position.

• Less damage to the car

Older tow trucks would attach a hook to the front of a car and then tow it behind them. Unfortunately, this method can cause damage to the car as the hook and chain can scrape the car.

There is also the chance that the towed car can go over potholes or obstacles, which can damage the undercarriage of the car, especially if it is very low to the ground.

Having the towed car up on the flat deck means it is secured without a hook scraping it and there is no need to worry about the state of the road it is driving over.

• Don’t need to worry about tires

With traditional tow trucks, a car needs working back tires. The front of the car is lifted by a hook and towed with the back tires on the road.

But what happens if a car has damaged back tires? A rollback truck eliminates this worry as the entire car is transported on the flatbed.

• How much does a rollback tow truck cost?

A used rollback tow truck will cost about $48,000. A new rollback tow truck will cost between $75,000 and $130,000.

The angle of the rollback truck, along with the hydraulic system, will be two major factors in the price.

While a rollback truck does have a specific purpose, it is a good addition to a fleet of trucks. If you own a towing company, having a rollback tow truck can diversify the types of calls you can take.

What is the difference between a rollback truck and a flatbed truck?

• Lifting capability

While both a flatbed truck and a rollback truck have a flat appearance on them, the difference is in the movement of this area. A rollback truck has a hydraulic system that can lift the entire flat area, which then allows a vehicle to either drive up or be towed onto the base. Then, the hydraulic system returns the flat service to a horizontal position.

In contrast, a flatbed truck does not have a hydraulic system. You will need to use a forklift or an extra ramp to load goods onto a flatbed truck.

• Towing capability

While both a flatbed truck and a rollback truck are used in the towing industry, their purpose is a bit different. A flatbed truck is very sturdy, so it can definitely tow cars and other vehicles. However, it needs a ramp or pulley system to load the cargo.

With a rollback truck, cars can get on the bed much easier. If the car is still working, it can be driven up but if it is broken, a pulley is needed to move it onto the bed of the truck.

Purpose

Technically, the two types of trucks can be interchanged but it is better to take advantage of each truck’s features.

A flatbed truck is better used for cars that don’t have as many issues with it. You will still need an extra ramp, so having a car that can drive itself up such a ramp makes the whole process easier.

A rollback truck is often used for very damaged cars as the angle is easier to get a damaged car on the back, especially if there is tire damage. A rollback truck is often used in emergency situations as the angle of the truck makes it easier to remove broken cars from rough terrain or obtuse angles.

Rollback trucks are becoming more popular thanks to their versatility. They should be a staple for any towing truck as it is much easier to transport broken cars on a rollback truck.

Source: Trison Tarps