Light Duty Towing Service: What It Is, Types of Vehicles ,and When to Use it?

Light-duty towing service is the service of transporting smaller vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, and small SUVs. It is designed for vehicles that weigh less, making it a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to heavy-duty towing.

With a towing capacity ranging from 7,000 to 11,000 pounds, light-duty tow trucks are ideal for everyday vehicles, including sedans and small vans, which weigh between 2,600 and 3,000 pounds. The cost of light-duty towing falls between $50 and $250 per hour, depending on factors like distance, time of day, and location.

What is Light-Duty Towing?

Light-duty towing service is the process of transporting smaller and lighter vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and small SUVs. It is designed for vehicles that weigh less and are easier to tow. It a more efficient and cost-effective option compared to heavy-duty towing.

The equipment used for light-duty towing service are flatbed trucks, tow dollies, and hook and chain systems. They all are designed to handle the lighter vehicles. Whether you’re dealing with a roadside breakdown, a minor accident, or simply need to move a vehicle from one location to another, light-duty towing provides the necessary support to get your vehicle where it needs to go safely and efficiently.

What is the Capacity of Light-Duty Towing?

The capacity of light-duty towing is range from 7,000 to 11,000 pounds. Light-duty tow trucks are ideal for handling everyday vehicles like sedans, small vans, and light trucks, which generally weigh between 2,600 and 3,000 pounds.

With a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds, these trucks are particularly effective in urban environments, where their smaller size allows for easy maneuverability.

Light-duty towing is commonly used for tasks such as roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and towing lighter vehicles, offering a practical and efficient solution for everyday towing needs.

What is the Cost of Light-Duty Towing?

The cost of light duty towing ranges from $50 to $250 per hour. However, the final price can vary based on several conditions:

• Distance: Longer tows generally incur higher charges. Many towing companies have a base fee that covers a certain distance, with additional fees for every mile beyond that.
• Time of Day: Rates may increase during nighttime hours, weekends, or holidays due to higher demand for services during these times.
• Vehicle Weight: The weight of the vehicle being towed can also impact the cost. Light duty towing is generally designed for vehicles weighing up to 10,000 lbs, and heavier vehicles may require a different pricing structure
• Location: Prices can vary significantly depending on the region or city. Urban areas may have higher rates due to increased operational costs.
• Type of Service: Some towing companies may offer additional services such as roadside assistance, which can add to the overall cost.
• Company Reputation: Established towing companies with good reviews may charge more for their services, but they often provide better reliability and customer service.

What Types of Vehicles Come Under Light-Duty Towing?

The types of vehicles comes under the light duty towing service are smaller and lighter vehicles. There are the list of vehicle comes under the light duty towing:

• Passenger Cars: This includes sedans, hatchbacks, and compact cars, which are the most common vehicles on the road.
• Small SUVs and Crossovers: These vehicles are slightly larger than passenger cars but still fall within the weight and size limits for light-duty towing.
• Motorcycles and Scooters: Light-duty towing can efficiently handle two-wheeled vehicles, ensuring they are transported safely.
• Small Pickup Trucks: These vehicles, although designed for some heavy lifting, are still light enough to be classified under light-duty towing.
• Vans and Minivans: Compact and standard-sized vans and minivans, often used for family transportation or small businesses, also come under this category.

What Type of Equipment is Used in Light-Duty Towing Service?

The equipment used in light duty towing service are:

• Flatbed Tow Trucks: These trucks feature a flat platform where the vehicle is securely placed and transported. Flatbeds are ideal for preventing further damage to vehicles, especially those with low ground clearance.
• Tow Dollies: Tow dollies lift the front or rear wheels of the vehicle off the ground, allowing it to be towed with the remaining wheels on the road. This method is often used for front-wheel-drive cars.
• Hook and Chain Systems: This traditional method involves using a hook to attach the vehicle by its axle or frame, with the vehicle’s wheels rolling on the ground. It is less common today due to the potential for vehicle damage but may still be used for specific situations.
• Wheel Lift Tow Trucks: Similar to the hook and chain system but with a metal yoke that lifts the vehicle by its tires rather than its frame. Wheel lift towing trucks provides a safer and more efficient way to tow vehicles with minimal risk of damage.

When is Light-Duty Towing Used?

There are some common scenarios where you can use the light duty towing service:

• Vehicle Breakdowns: When a car, small SUV, or motorcycle experiences a mechanical failure, light-duty towing is often the best option to get it to a repair shop.
• Minor Accidents: After a minor collision, light-duty towing can safely remove the damaged vehicle from the road without causing further harm.
• Roadside Assistance: Services such as jump-starts, flat tire changes, or fuel delivery sometimes require towing the vehicle to a nearby service station.
• Vehicle Relocation: Light-duty towing is also used for moving vehicles short distances, such as relocating a car from one parking lot to another.
• Parking Violations: In cases where a vehicle is parked illegally or in a restricted area, light-duty towing is often utilized to remove it.

What Are the Benefits of Light-Duty Towing Service?

Light duty towing service comes with several benefits:

• Cost-Effective: When we compare the light duty towing and heavy duty towing service in terms of cost. Light-duty towing is more affordable than heavy-duty towing because it involves smaller vehicles and less equipment. This makes it a budget-friendly option for everyday towing needs.
• Quick Response and Service: Because light-duty tow trucks are more common and easier to deploy they can often reach your location faster, providing prompt assistance when you need it most.
• Versatility: Light-duty towing is suitable for a wide range of vehicles from cars to small trucks and vans. This versatility ensures that most vehicles on the road can be accommodated.
• Less Risk of Vehicle Damage: The equipment used in light-duty towing, such as flatbeds and wheel lifts, is designed to minimize the risk of damage to your vehicle during the towing process.
• Ideal for Urban and Suburban Areas: Light-duty tow trucks are smaller and more maneuverable, making them well-suited for navigating tight spaces and congested city streets.

How Our Towing Rescue Team Can Help with Light-Duty Towing?

If you looking for efficient and reliable light-duty towing services to meet your needs. Whether your sedan, small van, or light truck needs to be towed, our fleet of light-duty tow trucks is equipped to handle vehicles weighing up to 11,000 pounds. Our experienced drivers ensure that your vehicle is transported safely and securely, whether it’s a short-distance tow or a roadside assistance call.

We pride ourselves on quick response times, professional service, and transparent pricing. Whether you’re dealing with a breakdown, accident, or need your car relocated, Towing Rescue Team is here to help—24/7, across the USA. Our expertise ensures your vehicle is handled with care, minimizing stress during those unexpected situations.