For towing company owners and operators, purchasing new equipment is one of the most significant capital investments you’ll make. But how do you effectively evaluate towing equipment to ensure you’re making the right investment?
As vehicle complexity increases and labor costs remain a constant pressure, choosing the right tools is more than just a transaction—it’s an investment in long-term operational efficiency and safety. In our experience, the best way to grow a profitable towing business is to prioritize equipment that minimizes risk and maximizes the capabilities of every truck in your fleet.
What should you look for when evaluating new towing equipment?
When you evaluate towing equipment, you should prioritize three core factors: safety features like integrated ratcheting systems, durability through high-quality materials such as zinc-plated steel or aluminum, and versatility for modern vehicles, including EVs and AWDs. Equipment should be lightweight to reduce operator strain and freeway-rated to withstand long-distance recovery without speed or distance restrictions.
Assess Safety Standards and Operator Protection
The towing industry remains one of the most hazardous professions, with injury rates that are significantly higher than those in other sectors. As you evaluate towing equipment, your first priority should be your operators’ safety. Look for equipment that features ergonomic handles to reduce physical strain and mechanical systems that help prevent common roadside accidents.
At Collins, we developed the Safety Ratchet System specifically to address these risks. This system allows operators to safely and comfortably raise heavy vehicles even on slippery surfaces like snow, ice, or gravel. It acts as a secondary safety mechanism, preventing the vehicle from dropping and protecting the operator from slipping grips. A tool designed to prevent physical harm doesn’t just protect your crew—it protects your business from costly workers’ compensation claims and downtime.
Evaluate Versatility for EVs and Modern AWD Vehicles
Towing isn’t what it used to be. The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the prevalence of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems mean that dragging a vehicle on two wheels is often no longer a viable option. Modern towing demands equipment that can handle heavier battery-electric frames and locked drivetrains without damaging the customer’s property.
We’ve found that a high-performing Carrier Dolly or Hi-Speed® Dolly is essential for damage-free electric, foreign, and luxury vehicle towing. For example, our Collins Carrier Dolly lets you effortlessly glide a vehicle onto a flatbed with the winch force applied to the dolly itself, rather than the vehicle frame. This white-glove service not only reduces insurance claims but also helps your business earn better reviews by showing customers you have the specialized tools required for their assets.
Compare Weight, Capacity, and Speed Ratings
When you’re on the side of a busy freeway, every minute matters. Equipment that’s too heavy to deploy quickly or that restricts your travel speed can eat into your profit margin. That’s why you need to consider the price-for-performance ratio when you evaluate towing equipment. The lightest equipment with the highest load capacity is always the superior investment.
Collins Dollies are the lightest dollies on the market and also maintain industry-leading capacities. For instance, our G7X Super Dolly® features an industry-leading capacity of 5,120 lbs and is speed rated for 75 mph. Furthermore, Collins Hi-Speed® Dollies are the industry’s only approved dollies for highway and freeway use with no distance restrictions. Being able to tow from Point A to Point B at highway speeds without stopping to check for overheating parts is a massive competitive advantage.
Review Long-Term Durability and Maintenance Requirements
Equipment represents a significant investment in your towing business. This means you have to consider the total cost of ownership when evaluating towing equipment. Cheaply made equipment often requires frequent repairs, replacement parts, and expensive grease maintenance. Look for low-maintenance designs that use corrosion-resistant finishes, such as zinc plating, rather than standard powder coats, which can chip and allow structural rust.
Our 7th generation G7 Dolly comes standard with self-lubricating, fully enclosed bushings and a zinc-plated finish. That means less time in the shop and more time on the road. We also pioneered greasable aluminum hubs and serviceable components, so if a part wears out, you can replace just the specific part rather than the entire unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of a self-loading dolly?
Self-loading dollies, like the Collins Hi-Speed® system, allow a single operator to lift and secure a vehicle in seconds without the need for heavy pan dollies or jacks. This significantly increases recovery speed and roadside safety.
Are Collins Dollies freeway approved?
Yes! Collins Hi-Speed® Dollies are the only towing dollies approved for highway, freeway, and interstate use. They’ve been tested for up to 1,600 miles in a single tow with no distance or speed restrictions.
When it Matters, Choose Collins
Choosing the right towing equipment is the foundation of a successful, safe, and efficient towing operation. By focusing on safety, versatility, and durability, you ensure that your team is equipped to handle any job, in any condition.
At Collins, we design our products based on the real-world feedback of people working on the roadside. That’s why we’ve been the Towers Choice™ for over 50 years. If you’re evaluating towing equipment to upgrade your fleet, visit our website or reach out to your authorized dealer or distributor to see the Collins difference for yourself.
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