There are many reasons why you might need to tow a vehicle. It's common for motorists to require a tow service after collisions or other vehicular incidents. Other times a vehicle owner may need their car transported to them for another area of the country. Whatever the reason, vehicle towing is a versatile service that is highly suited to getting your vehicle where it needs to be. However, not every towing service is appropriate for every vehicle. If you need a large or heavy vehicle towed, you'll need to work with a company that offers heavy-duty towing services. Heavy-duty towing companies have sturdy vehicles with specialized heavy-duty equipment. But, how do you know if your vehicle is large or heavy enough? Here's how to determine if heavy-duty towing services are right for you.

Use the GVWR Classification System

The GVWR or gross vehicle weight rating system is a standard that categorizes vehicles based on their maximum operating weight as specified by their manufacturer. To calculate this weight measurement, you must include the vehicle's chassis, body, engine, accessories, occupying personnel, and carrying capacity. There are nine levels in the GVWR classification system.

Determine if You Have a Light-Duty Vehicle

Everyday consumer transports such as cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs do not require heavy-duty towing. If your vehicle fits into one of these categories, it is safe to assume that light-duty towing will suffice. These vehicles generally occupy levels 1 - 3 of the GVWR system and require light-duty towing. Light-duty vehicles have a GVWR of up to 14,000 pounds.

Determine if You Have a Medium-Duty Vehicle

Small commercial vehicles like vans and small buses generally do not require heavy-duty towing. However, certain buses may skirt the line between levels, so it is best to evaluate them on a case-by-case basis to determine if heavy-duty towing is applicable. These vehicles occupy levels 4 - 6 of the GVWR system and require medium-duty towing. Medium-duty vehicles have a GVWR of 14,001 - 26,000 pounds.

Determine if You Have a Heavy-Duty Vehicle

Levels 7 - 9 contain heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, semi-trailers, tractors, garbage trucks, and industrial vehicles, which require heavy-duty towing. Heavy-duty vehicles have a GVWR above 26,000. You can find your car's weight by consulting your vehicle owner's manual, looking for a sticker on your driver's side door, looking for an informative plate on the vehicle's engine, or contacting your vehicle's manufacturer.

Conclusion

Knowing these class breakdowns provides a basic rule of thumb for learning your vehicle's GVWR classification. If you've determined that you need heavy-duty towing, contact a heavy-duty towing company, like Jensen Towing, today.