You’re not alone. As consumer demand grows for larger, heavier vehicles—including powerful SUVs, trucks, and electric vehicles (EVs)—the towing industry faces new challenges. These modern vehicles are heavier than ever, especially with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, which can weigh significantly more than traditional gas-powered models. While the appeal of these larger vehicles lies in their power, spaciousness, and advanced features, their weight poses challenges for towing companies and unique recovery needs following accidents.
This trend of weightier consumer vehicles brings two critical concerns to the forefront: the heightened potential for damage during an accident and the logistical difficulties in safely and effectively recovering them. Collins Dollies, known for their durable and versatile towing solutions, offers equipment designed to manage these demands, making the job safer and easier for tow operators working with today’s bulkier vehicles.
The Rising Trend in Heavier Consumer Vehicles
In the past decade, the automotive industry has seen an unprecedented rise in the weight of consumer vehicles. Large SUVs and trucks continue to be among the best-selling vehicles, with consumers favoring their rugged look and capacity for both passenger and cargo space. However, the increase in popularity of electric vehicles has also significantly contributed to the trend.
Electric vehicles carry heavy batteries, essential to their operation, and weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. This added weight could make EVs several hundred pounds heavier than comparable gas-powered models, contributing to their overall mass and impacting their center of gravity and handling. This added weight isn’t limited to luxury models, as many mainstream EVs fall into similar weight categories.
Here are just a handful of examples of 2024 models that are tipping the scales in terms of weight:
- GMC Hummer EV Pickup: This electric pickup truck weighs approximately 9,063 pounds, making it one of the heaviest consumer vehicles on the market.
- Rivian R1T: An electric adventure vehicle, the Rivian R1T has a curb weight of about 7,148 pounds.
- Tesla Cybertruck: Tesla’s futuristic pickup truck is estimated to weigh around 6,603 pounds.
- Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic SUV: This luxury electric SUV has a curb weight of approximately 6,228 pounds.
- Ford F-150 Lightning: The electric version of Ford’s popular pickup truck weighs about 6,015 pounds.
The Impact of Heavier Vehicles in Accidents
When heavier vehicles are involved in accidents, they cause more extensive damage to other vehicles, pedestrians, and infrastructure. The momentum and force involved in collisions increase with a vehicle’s mass, resulting in severe damage. Even minor accidents can lead to considerable challenges in removing these vehicles safely from the scene, especially if they are damaged to the point where they cannot be driven.
This increased force not only affects the damaged vehicle but also complicates recovery. Traditional towing equipment may not be suited to handle these loads, increasing the risk of equipment failure and operator injury. Moreover, the damage inflicted on heavier vehicles often requires specialized equipment to secure them, as their components might be damaged to the extent that conventional methods are no longer safe.
Towing Challenges Posed by Heavier Vehicles
The shift towards larger, heavier vehicles presents various challenges to towing companies. Standard towing dollies and equipment may not be sufficient to handle the weight and size of these vehicles. As the consumer trends continue, your towing company will face more challenges for towing heavier vehicles. Here are some specific issues faced by towing operators:
- Weight Limitations: Towing equipment has weight limits, and heavier vehicles like large EVs or SUVs can exceed those limits, putting undue stress on the equipment.
- Distribution of Weight: The batteries in electric vehicles are typically located on the bottom, creating a lower center of gravity and causing uneven weight distribution that affects the stability of towing.
- Increased Safety Risks: Heavier vehicles are more challenging to control when being towed. Tow operators must be careful with braking and maneuvering to avoid accidents or equipment failures.
- Tire and Suspension Strain: Heavy vehicles exert more pressure on towing equipment’s tires and suspension, leading to faster wear and the need for robust, high-quality solutions that can withstand these forces.
Collins Dollies are your Solution for Towing Heavier Vehicles
Collins Dollies has recognized the challenges presented by these weightier consumer vehicles and developed specialized equipment to meet these needs. Our dollies are known for their durability, reliability, and ability to accommodate the demands of modern vehicles, including larger trucks, SUVs, and EVs.
Here’s how Collins Dollies offers valuable solutions to towing companies dealing with the rise of heavier vehicles:
High Weight Capacity
Collins Dollies are built with a robust frame and high-strength materials that can handle the increased weight of modern vehicles. This allows towing companies to rely on our equipment for a wider range of vehicles without compromising safety.
Enhanced Stability
Collins Dollies feature advanced engineering that ensures stability even when carrying heavy or unevenly weighted vehicles like EVs. This stability reduces the risk of tipping and improves control during recovery.
Quick and Secure Attachment
Collins Dollies are designed to be easy to attach and detach, reducing time spent at accident scenes and improving operator safety. Their straightforward operation allows for a quicker setup, even when dealing with vehicles that are difficult to access or severely damaged.
Durable, Long-Lasting Tires
Given the strain that heavier vehicles place on towing dollies, Collins Dollies are equipped with durable tires designed to handle high loads without excessive wear. This means operators can complete more jobs without constantly worrying about maintenance or replacement.
Collins Dollies Makes Recoveries Safer and More Efficient
Recovering a heavier vehicle from an accident or breakdown site requires strength, precision, and control. Collins Dollies provides towing operators with confidence in both. By handling the increased demands of modern vehicles, our dollies allow operators to perform recoveries with less risk of equipment failure or instability. Collins Dollies are designed to distribute weight evenly, which is especially valuable when dealing with electric vehicles that have unconventional weight distribution.
Additionally, Collins Dollies are versatile, fitting various vehicle sizes and types, making them a practical choice for towing operators who encounter different types of vehicles daily. They are engineered with safety features that allow towing companies to transport these vehicles over short or long distances with minimal risk.
You Can Count on Us Today and Tomorrow
As the automotive industry continues to shift toward larger vehicles, towing companies must stay ahead of these changes with equipment capable of meeting the rising demands. At Collins Dollies, we’re dedicated to providing towing solutions that equip operators to handle even the heaviest loads easily and safely.
Our commitment to quality and safety ensures Collins Dollies will withstand the demands of modern towing. As consumer preferences evolve, we’ll continue to innovate, offering towing companies the reliable equipment to support their clients effectively.
Choose Collins Dollies To Overcome Challenges of Towing Heavier Vehicles
The trend toward heavier consumer vehicles, including electric vehicles, SUVs, and trucks, presents unique challenges for towing companies. From the increased potential for damage in accidents to the need for specialized equipment to safely transport these vehicles, towing operators must adapt to a new reality. No matter where you’re located, you’ve likely experienced the struggles of towing heavier vehicles.
Collins Dollies is here to help. With high-weight capacity, enhanced stability, and durability, our dollies are equipped to meet the demands of today’s market, making vehicle recovery safer and more efficient. For towing companies looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, Collins Dollies is the trusted partner you need to support your team and provide exceptional service to your clients. Contact us today to learn more about our product line and how Collins Dollies can enhance your towing operations.
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