RPM heavy duty tow truck doing a recovery tow on a huge tractor boom in Springfield MO.

Recovery Towing: How to know when you need it

When we think of towing, we often picture a tow truck hooking up a car parked illegally or a vehicle that has broken down on the side of the road. However, there are situations where regular towing methods just won't suffice. That's where recovery towing comes in. Recovery towing uses specialized equipment and techniques to safely move vehicles that are stuck off-road or that have been involved in accidents. In this post, we'll take a closer look at recovery towing, the types of recovery towing, and how to know if you need recovery services.

What is recovery towing?

Recovery towing is a type of towing that uses specialized equipment to move vehicles that cannot be towed by traditional methods. It is commonly used for vehicles that have become stuck off-road, such as in mud, sand, or snow, as well as vehicles that have been involved in accidents and have sustained damage that makes regular towing difficult or dangerous. Recovery towing can also be used for vehicles that have gained so much momentum that they have slid off the road or rolled over.

Types of recovery towing:

There are several types of recovery towing, each designed for specific situations. Some of the most common types include:

- Winching: This type of recovery towing uses a winch to pull a vehicle out of a situation where it is stuck, such as a ditch, mud, or snowbank.

- Rollback towing: Rollback towing involves using a flatbed truck to load a damaged or disabled vehicle onto the bed and safely transport it to its destination.

- Off-road recovery: Off-road recovery involves using specialized equipment such as chains, straps, and winches to extract a vehicle that has become stuck in an off-road situation.

- Air cushion recovery: This technique uses air cushions to lift a vehicle that has flipped or rolled over back onto its wheels.

When do you need recovery towing?

If you're unsure whether you need recovery towing, it's always best to consult with a professional towing service. However, there are a few situations where recovery towing is typically necessary:

- When a car is stuck in mud, sand, or snow and regular towing methods are unsuccessful.

- When a car has flipped or rolled over.

- When a car has gone off the road and is in a difficult-to-reach location.

- When a car has sustained severe damage in an accident.

- When a car is too heavy for regular towing methods.

Who to consult for recovery services?

If you find yourself in a situation that requires recovery towing, it's important to consult with a reputable towing service that specializes in recovery. Look for a company that has experience in recovery towing and has a range of specialized equipment that can be tailored to your specific situation. Make sure to also ask about their rates and availability in case of emergencies. At RPM Towing, we possess the necessary expertise, understanding, and diverse fleet of tow trucks to adeptly manage any recovery task you may require.

While regular towing is often sufficient for most situations, there are times when specialized equipment is required to safely move vehicles. Recovery towing is a valuable service that can help move vehicles that are stuck off-road or have sustained severe damage in an accident. If you find yourself in a situation where regular towing methods won't work, make sure to consult with a professional towing service that specializes in recovery, like RPM Towing ;) By doing so, you can ensure that your vehicle is moved safely and efficiently back to safety.