When a vehicle has missing or severely damaged wheels, towing becomes more than just a routine job—it becomes a challenge that demands specialized equipment and techniques. Whether due to a collision, vandalism, or extreme wear and tear, vehicles with damaged wheels are often immobilized in dangerous or awkward positions. For tow truck operators, ensuring a safe and efficient recovery while preventing further damage is essential.

In this article, we’ve compiled some of the best practices and tools for towing vehicles with damaged wheels, including how our tow cradles and ball joint cradles can make these jobs faster, safer, and more efficient.

The Risks of Towing Damaged Vehicles

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why towing vehicles with damaged wheels is such a high-risk operation. Damaged wheels can:

Compromise vehicle stability during loading and transport
Damage tow truck equipment if not properly cradled or supported
Lead to safety hazards on the road, particularly at high speeds
Make recovery from tight or obstructed spaces more difficult

Improperly towing these vehicles can result in further damage to the suspension, undercarriage, or body—potentially leading to disputes with vehicle owners or insurance companies.

6 Tips to Safely Tow Vehicles with Damaged Wheels

Tip 1: Always Assess the Damage First

Before attempting any recovery or tow, carefully inspect the extent of the wheel and suspension damage. Look for:

Missing wheels or lug nuts
Bent or broken control arms
Collapsed suspensions
Detached or hanging components
Fluid leaks near the wheel wells

Use this assessment to determine which tools and cradles you’ll need, and whether the vehicle needs to be lifted from both axles or just one end.

Tip 2: Use a High-Quality Tow Cradle for Wheel Support

When a vehicle is missing a wheel entirely or has a wheel that is too damaged to rotate, a standard tow hook or strap is not enough. That’s where Collins Manufacturing’s Tow Cradle (TC-D) comes in.

Our Tow Cradle (TC-D) is designed for versatility in towing front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles with one or more missing or inoperative wheels:

Built with high-strength steel and powder-coated for durability
Secures easily to most tow dollies, minimizing lateral movement
Compact and easy to store, making it ideal for mobile use

The Tow Cradle supports the damaged end of the axle, cradling the suspension or hub where the wheel should be. This prevents dragging and protects both the vehicle and the roadway from damage.

Tip 3: Use Ball Joint Cradles for Front Suspension Damage

When the ball joint or lower control arm is broken or compromised, the suspension may collapse. In this case, the hub may fall below the plane of the dolly or cradle, making traditional cradling impossible.

In these situations, our Ball Joint Cradle (TC-BJC) can be used in conjunction with our tow cradle to safely transport vehicles.

Specially designed to support vehicles with severely damaged front suspension
Secures the lower ball joint and control arm area into a V-shaped cradle
Adjustable width accommodates a wide range of vehicles
Made with robust welds and durable coatings to withstand repeated heavy-duty use

The Ball Joint Cradle is a game-changer when it comes to severely compromised front-ends. Instead of struggling to lift and strap awkward angles, you can place the vehicle securely into the cradle and transport with peace of mind.

Tip 4: Distribute the Weight and Strap Securely

Towing vehicles with damaged wheels often shifts the center of gravity. Avoid tipping or swaying by:

Balancing the load between axles
Using axle straps or frame loops to keep the vehicle in place
Checking all points of contact between the dolly/cradle and the vehicle
Adjusting speed and route to avoid sharp turns or sudden stops

If in doubt, double-check manufacturer specs for towing capacity and equipment ratings. Collins Manufacturing’s cradles are designed for heavy-duty use, but proper strapping and technique are still essential.

Tip 5: Communicate with Dispatch and the Customer

Because these jobs can take longer or require more equipment, make sure to inform your dispatch team or the vehicle owner about what’s involved:

ETA adjustments
Equipment needs (e.g., bringing a Tow Cradle (TC-D) or Ball Joint Cradle (TC-BJC)
Any damage documentation before moving the vehicle
Pricing transparency for special equipment use

Clear communication avoids customer misunderstandings and helps your team coordinate properly for more complex recoveries.

Tip 6: Be Prepared for Multiple Recovery Scenarios

No two damaged vehicles are the same. Your equipment kit should include a variety of cradle types and accessories:

Tow Cradle (TC-D) for missing wheels or disabled axles
Ball Joint Cradle (TC-BJC) for front-end or suspension collapse
Heavy-duty straps for all axle sizes
Gloves, ramps, and lighting for night recoveries
Documentation tools for pre- and post-recovery images

Collins’ compact cradle designs allow you to store everything in your truck without sacrificing valuable space.

Protect Your Equipment, Vehicle, and Reputation with Collins Dollies

Towing vehicles with damaged wheels is one of the most demanding recovery scenarios in the field. It requires foresight, reliable equipment, and expert handling. At Collins Manufacturing, we understand the daily challenges faced by tow operators, which is why our products are designed by towing professionals for towing professionals.

Investing in the right equipment, such as our Tow Cradle (TC-D) and Ball Joint Cradle (TC-BJC), helps to reduce liability, improve safety, and ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved—from dispatch to driver to customer.

Browse our complete product line online or contact us directly to learn how our equipment can improve your recovery operations today.