Used tow trucks
The first question you should answer before looking at used tow trucks for sale in Atlanta is, “What do I need the truck for?” There are many types of tow trucks and each has its own purpose. Some tow trucks excel in recovering passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Other trucks are better suited for towing all-wheel-drive vehicles, vans, SUVs and other larger vehicles.
Choosing the Right Type of Truck
Do you need to tow commercial trucks and vans? There are tow trucks specifically designed to tow larger vehicles and equipment. If you’re going to be doing a lot of long-distance hauling you may want a different type of truck than you would need if you’re performing quick tows of disabled vehicles for a local roadside assistance service. Some tow trucks perform best when used to transport low-clearance vehicles or vehicles out of confined parking situations while others are ideal for transporting disabled vehicles that aren’t drivable.
If you plan on using a carrier body for towing, you may find that this type of tow truck is more versatile than wheel-lift trucks when it comes to transporting all-wheel-drive vehicles, low-clearance vehicles and vehicles that aren’t drivable. If you’ll be using your tow truck to transport larger commercial vehicles and equipment, keep in mind that these types of tow trucks can be costly to operate because of fuel, maintenance and other costs. Larger trucks and used tow trucks available in Atlanta may also require special licensing and insurance that could affect your bottom line.
Skip This if You Only Need a Backup Truck
If you’re looking for a backup tow truck that you’ll only use on occasion, a specialized truck probably isn’t necessary. Look for a truck that has a good service history.
What Should You Inspect?
Tow trucks live a tough life so it’s important to perform due diligence before purchasing one to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Don’t just look at the mileage, condition of the paint, how shiny the rims are or how clean the cab is. These things don’t tell you much about how well the truck will perform or how much longer the truck will last.
Inspect the Hydraulics
Tow truck hydraulic and recovery components
Hydraulics are one of the most abused components on a tow truck so inspect them carefully. Make sure that the hydraulic system operates smoothly and doesn’t jerk or move slowly. This could indicate a bigger problem that will cost you money to repair. Inspect all of the hydraulic components including the hoses, cylinders, control valves, fittings and pumps for any signs of leaking. Some leaking is normal but you don’t want to purchase a truck that has major hydraulic leaks.
Inspect the Bed
If you’re looking at a carrier body, make sure that the bed raises and lowers smoothly and evenly. Inspect the bed for cracks, excessive flexing, bent areas and rust. Pay particular attention to the tie-down points and make sure they’re in good shape. Listen for any unusual sounds while the bed is operating.
Inspect the Boom, Wheel Lift, Winch, Locks, etc.
If you’re looking at a wrecker make sure that the boom, wheel lift, winch and other components operate smoothly. Inspect the cables to make sure they’re not kinked, rusted or frayed. Make sure that any cable repairs were done properly.
Inspect the Chassis
Capacity, Equipment, and Ownership Costs
Confirm the Payload Capacity
If you plan on towing larger vehicles with a carrier, make sure that the truck has adequate payload capacity to handle the carrier, recovery equipment, fuel, driver and other tools/accessories plus the weight of the vehicle(s) being transported. Check the chassis, axle and payload ratings to determine the truck’s overall capacity.
Make Sure That Recovery Equipment is Included
Some used tow trucks for sale may include chains, straps, dollies, skates, tie-downs and other recovery accessories. This can save you some money if you don’t already have this equipment but don’t count on this extra equipment to sweeten the deal as it may need to be replaced.
Factor in Repair Costs
Remember that even a well-maintained tow truck may need new brakes, tires, filters/fluids and other routine maintenance when you purchase it. Add these expenses to the purchase price of the truck to determine the actual cost of owning the truck (look at https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/totalcostofownership.asp if you want numbers). It may be worth paying a little more for a used tow truck that has complete maintenance records and is in good mechanical condition than saving a few hundred dollars and having to make major repairs to the chassis and body.
Get a Complete Inspection Done
Before purchasing a used tow truck make sure that you take it in for a complete inspection to ensure that everything is operating properly. Make note of any repairs needed during the inspection and add that to the truck’s purchase price to determine whether or not it’s worth buying.
