Collins Knowledge Base

EV towing challenges

EV Towing Challenges Every Towing Company Should Prepare For

Electric vehicles are changing the automotive industry - and the towing industry. Tow operators are now facing challenges like heavier vehicle weights, sensitive drivetrains, locked wheels, and high-voltage systems. In our...
towing equipment improves profitability

How Upgrading Towing Equipment Improves Long-Term Profitability

When towing companies seek to improve profitability, one aspect they often overlook is their towing equipment. The equipment you use affects every aspect of your profitability: labor efficiency, maintenance costs, insurance...
close up of flat tire on car

Best Practices for Towing Vehicles with Flat Tires or Damaged Wheels

Not every roadside recovery is straightforward. A flat tire, bent rim, or broken suspension component all quickly turn a would-be routine tow into a vehicle-damage risk. This means that operators need...
Collins Blog Post (2)

How to Choose the Right Tow Dolly for EVs, AWD, and Luxury Vehicles

Finding a tow dolly that fits between the wheels is just the start when it comes to towing modern vehicles. EVs, AWD vehicles, and luxury models have heavier curb weights, sensitive...
Collins Blog Post (1)

Why Professional Towers are Embracing Modern Towing Methods

More and more professional towers are realizing that while traditional towing methods may have worked for decades, today’s vehicles call for a different approach. Towing equipment can no longer be judged...
professional tow dollies

How Professional Tow Dollies Work and Why They’re Worth It

Every company looks for ways to trim expenses, but for towing companies, tow dollies shouldn’t be one of them. Professional tow dollies may cost more upfront, but they provide superior durability...
towing mistakes vehicle damage

Common Towing Mistakes That Cause Vehicle Damage

Advanced drivetrains. Sensitive electronics. Low ground clearance. Modern vehicle features have made it easier than ever to cause damage during routine recoveries. Without the right equipment and consistent towing procedures, even...
improve towing efficiency

How Collins Tow Dollies Improve Towing Efficiency

Thanks to labor shortages, rising operating costs, and stagnant motor club reimbursement rates, towing companies are under increasing pressure to do more with less. This leaves many operators turning to equipment...
towing EVs and AWD vehicles

Equipment Considerations for Towing EVs and AWD Vehicles

In just a few short years, EVs and AWD vehicles have completely changed the towing industry. Being able to handle the weight of lithium-ion batteries and hyper-sensitive drivetrains is now a...
towing equipment reduces claims

How the Right Towing Equipment Reduces Insurance Claims

Towing companies face mounting pressure to protect drivers, reduce vehicle damage, and control rising insurance costs. Today’s vehicles weigh more, include advanced drivetrains, and require precise handling during recovery and transport....
upgrade towing equipment

When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Towing Equipment?

You know it’s time to upgrade your towing equipment when you’re faced with perpetual safety issues, structural wear, or your current equipment is no match for today’s EVs. The difference between...
electric recharging point for electric cars painted on ground

Why Modern Vehicles Need Specialized Towing Equipment

Collins has been the towing industry’s leader for over 50 years. We’ve seen the shift to automatic transmissions, the advent of ABS, the surge of AWD/4WD, and more. Now, we’re witnessing...
evaluate towing equipment

Key Features to Look for When Buying a Professional Tow Dolly

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...
Tow Dollies Protect Vehicles

How Collins Tow Dollies Protect Vehicles from Damage During Transport

For towing professionals, every call carries a significant weight of responsibility. Beyond the immediate task of clearing a roadway or recovering a stranded motorist, there is an underlying promise made to...
tow dolly vs flatbed

Collins Tow Dolly vs Flatbed: Choosing the Right Equipment

For professional towing companies, equipment decisions directly impact safety, efficiency, and profitability. One of the most common comparisons operators and owners evaluate is tow dolly vs flatbed. Both serve important roles...
What is a Collins tow dolly

What Is a Collins Tow Dolly and When Should You Use One?

For those working in the towing industry, the job is rarely predictable. One call might be a disabled vehicle in a tight parking lot, and the next could be a roadside...
Towing in Dark and Rainy Conditions

Towing in Dark and Rainy Conditions: Priority Employee Safety Tips

Few parts of the job test a towing operator like towing in dark and rainy conditions. Visibility drops, traction changes, and traffic becomes less predictable. Yet recoveries still have to be...
Future Proof Your Towing Business

How to Future-Proof Your Towing Business in the EV Era

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the entire automotive landscape—and the towing industry is no exception. These changes aren’t theoretical or far off in the distance. They’re here...
make your towing business stand out

Make Your Towing Business Stand Out From the Competition

When every tow truck looks the same, and every dispatcher answers the phone, what really separates a towing business that fades into the background from the one customers remember? In today’s...
Towing Repossessed Vehicles

The Ultimate Equipment for Towing Repossessed Vehicles

When a towing company takes on the specialized task of towing repossessed vehicles, efficiency, safety, and reliability are not optional—they are essential. At Collins Dollies, we understand this better than most....
towing equipment inventory

Expand Your Towing Equipment Inventory Before Year-End

As we approach the final quarter of the year, towing and recovery companies face a critical decision: whether to delay equipment purchases until next year or to move now. At Collins...
lightest dolly available

The Lightest Dolly Available Makes Every Tow Easier and Safer

Every towing operator knows that the right equipment can make all the difference between a smooth, safe tow and a difficult, time-consuming job. While strength and durability have always been key factors...
Widest Dolly

Discover the Widest Dolly for Today’s Towing Demands

In today’s towing landscape, operators aren’t just dragging compact cars anymore. Between wider SUVs, stretched trucks, EVs with battery packs, and crossover-coupes with electronic steering, modern vehicles demand more from towing...
Preferred Towing Equipment

Why Collins Hi-Speed® Dollies Are the Preferred Towing Equipment

When every minute matters on the side of the road, towing professionals reach for tools that are fast, safe, and reliable. That is why Collins Hi-Speed® Dollies have become the preferred...
Collins Blog Post

G7X Differentiators: It Leaves the Competition in the Dust

When it comes to professional towing, equipment is more than just a tool—it’s the foundation of reliability, safety, and performance. Every operator knows that roadside recovery can present some of the...
The G7X Hi-Speed Dolly Built for Extreme Conditions

The G7X Hi-Speed® Dolly: Built for Extreme Conditions

In the towing and recovery industry, jobs rarely happen in ideal conditions. Vehicles get stranded in snowbanks, break down on gravel roads, or require long-haul transport after collisions. Equipment failure is...
g7Blog

G7 Hi-Speed® Dolly: Built for Speed, Strength, and Smarter Towing

For decades, towing professionals have trusted Collins Manufacturing for reliable, innovative dollies that get the job done—especially when working in tight, high-pressure situations. Now, we’re proud to introduce our most advanced...
DamagedWheels

Tips to Safely Tow Vehicles with Damaged Wheels

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,...
towccarweb

Managing Your Google Business Profile for Towing

If you own or manage a towing business, you're likely focused on being responsive, reliable, and efficient in the field. But even the most dependable towing services need to be discoverable...
MObile

How Towing Companies Transformed Their Marketing in the Mobile Era

The towing industry, like many service-based sectors, has undergone a dramatic transformation in how it attracts and retains customers. One of the most significant catalysts for this change has been the...
Towing Newer Vehicles- Five Reasons to Upgrade Your Equipment

Towing Newer Vehicles: Five Reasons to Upgrade Your Equipment

Towing isn't what it used to be. Vehicles have changed—and dramatically so. From heavier electric vehicles (EVs) to larger SUVs packed with technology, towing newer vehicles now requires more than just...
Maximizing Profit in an Uncertain Economy in the Towing Industry

Maximizing Profit in an Uncertain Economy in the Towing Industry

As the economy continues to send mixed signals and businesses everywhere face increasing pressure to reduce expenses while maintaining — or even growing — revenue, towing company owners and managers are...
helpignfamiliy

Helping Families Through Roadside Emergencies

For families with young children, experiencing a roadside emergency is more than inconvenient—it can be frightening, confusing, and emotionally overwhelming. A sudden breakdown or accident can leave parents scrambling to stay...
tarrifs

The Impact of New Tariffs on Vehicle Longevity

New tariffs recently enacted on imported goods—including key components used in vehicle manufacturing—are expected to have far-reaching consequences on the automotive industry and consumer behavior. As the cost of new vehicles...
Giving Towing Customers Peace of Mind with Collins

Giving Towing Customers Peace of Mind with Collins

When customers need their vehicles towed—whether due to a breakdown, accident, or relocation—the situation is often stressful and uncertain. They want assurance that their vehicles will be treated with care and...
EV Brakdow

Common Reasons for EV Breakdowns

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity with drivers around the world, and towing and recovery professionals are frequently called upon to assist stranded EV drivers. Although EVs are generally reliable,...
Towing

Investing in Quality Towing Equipment Leads to Success

Collins Manufacturing understands the demands of towing professionals and has built a reputation for superior towing equipment that delivers unmatched performance and durability. Investing in quality towing equipment, like Collins' industry-leading...
Collins Dollies to Your Customers

Showcasing the Key Benefits of Collins Dollies to Your Customers

As a towing equipment retailer, you play a critical role in helping tow truck operators choose the best tools for their trade. When it comes to dollies, Collins stands out as...
towingindustrytar

How will Tariffs Impact the Towing Industry in 2025

The global automotive industry is a complex network of manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers, all interconnected by a web of supply chains that stretch across continents. In 2025, recently proposed tariffs imposed...
BestQuipment

Why You Need the Best Towing Equipment for Snow and Ice

Winter presents some of the most challenging conditions for vehicle recovery for towing operators. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create hazardous driving conditions and significantly complicate roadside assistance and towing operations....
TowingIndustry

FTC’s Junk Fee Rule Exemption Impacts the Towing Industry

In late 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released its much-anticipated "Junk Fee" rule. Initially, the proposal raised concerns across various industries, including towing and recovery, due to its broad potential...
InspectUpgrade

The Importance of Inspecting and Upgrading Your Towing Equipment

As the automotive industry evolves, so too must the tools and equipment used by towing companies to serve their clients effectively. Today's tow trucks and dollies face increasing demands, including the...
Keystomodenr

Keys to Towing Modern Vehicles

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with heavier and more complex vehicles entering the market at an unprecedented rate. Electric trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck, larger SUVs, and extended...
EVs

The Unintended Consequences of EVs

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) represents a significant shift in the automotive landscape, driven by growing concerns about climate change, energy sustainability, and the pursuit of innovative technology. While the...
New Sale Growth

Gaining New Sales Prospects to Drive Growth

For towing equipment retailers, gaining new sales prospects is essential for sustained growth and success in a competitive market. While having a strong digital presence and high-quality products are important, proactively...
OnlienReviews

Managing Online Reviews and Testimonials

Today, online reviews and testimonials hold immense power in influencing purchasing decisions. For towing equipment retailers, these reviews can be a driving force in attracting new buyers and boosting sales. Studies...
TowingWebsites

Leveraging Towing Equipment Retailer Websites

In the competitive towing equipment market, standing out requires more than just high-quality products. Equipment retailers need a robust digital marketing strategy centered around a professional website and strong Search Engine...
2024-09_Impound Yards and Vehicle Auctions

The Evolving Landscape of Impound Yards and Vehicle Auctions

As the towing industry continues to adapt to the rapidly evolving market landscape in the U.S. and Canada, the performance of impound yards and unclaimed vehicle auctions is becoming increasingly critical...
How That Impacts Towing

Americans Are Keeping Their Cars Longer: How That Impacts Towing

In recent years, Americans are holding onto their cars longer than ever before. According to the latest industry data, the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads has reached a record...
negative

Beware of How You Respond to Negative Reviews

Many marketing surveys indicate that 70% to 95% of consumers rely on online reviews or feedback when making purchasing decisions. For instance, it's common for potential customers to quickly check a...
2024-09_CollinsBlog_EVs

Challenges of Towing Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered cars. As EV adoption increases, towing companies encounter new challenges unique to these vehicles. Unlike conventional vehicles,...
2024-09_CollinsBlog_TowingCompany

Is Your Company Struggling with Towing Heavier Vehicles?

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...
2024-09_CollinsBlog_Special Guidelines

Special Guidelines for Towing Vehicles from Fuel Stations

Fuel stations are a common place where vehicles experience mechanical issues or other problems requiring towing services. Whether due to fuel pump issues, a flat tire, or engine trouble, towing from...
2024-09_CollinsBlog_AutoREpair1

Win-Win: Your Towing Business and an Auto Body Repair Shop

Two services become essential when your vehicle breaks down, or you're involved in an accident: towing and auto body repair. For customers, the stress of arranging these services separately can be...
2024-09_CollinsBlog

Upfitting Your Towing Business For Success

Success hinges on efficiency, safety, and reliability in the towing industry. One way owners and managers can ensure their business thrives is through the process of upfitting—not only modifying individual fleet...
Handsome middle age man working in towing service on the road. Roadside assistance concept.

Growing Your Towing Business: 5 Strategies

In the towing industry, success often feels like an uphill battle, with long hours and demanding work that tests your resolve daily. At Collins Manufacturing, we understand these challenges firsthand and...
towing expertise

Showcase Your Towing Expertise Online

Potential customers often turn to the internet to find the services they need, making a strong online presence for your towing company essential. Whether you're an established business or a new...
better prepared for tax season

How to Be Better Prepared for Tax Season Next Year

How are you surviving tax season? The reality is that many business owners and managers get to the first quarter of the year and feel lost about documentation, receipts, records, and...
Cold Stress

Cold Stress: A Guide for Tow Truck Operators

It is crucial for tow truck owners and managers to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees working in cold-weather environments. One of the significant risks faced by towing operators...
Address Unsafe Behavior in the Workplace

How To Address Unsafe Behavior in the Workplace

The towing industry is one of the most dangerous for our employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 1,280 tow truck workers are injured each year. In fact,...
Tow Truck Driver Gets Hurt

What to Do If Your Tow Truck Driver Gets Hurt on the Job

In the realm of occupational hazards, few professions are as fraught with danger as towing. Tow truck drivers work tirelessly, often in adverse conditions and high-pressure situations, to clear roadways and...
Car with American Flag in honor of Fourth of July Holiday

Fourth of July Holiday Travel Blitz: Keys to Towing Success

The Fourth of July, celebrated as Independence Day in the United States, is synonymous with fireworks, barbecues, and a spike in vehicular travel. As millions of Americans hit the roads to...
Culture of Safety

Creating a Culture of Safety in the Towing Industry

The tow truck industry faces numerous daily hazards, making a robust safety culture essential. Fostering a culture of safety goes beyond mere compliance; it's about nurturing an environment where every individual...
EVs Impact the Towing Industry

How EVs Impact the Towing Industry

The dawn of electric vehicles (EVs) heralds a transformative chapter in transportation, yet it also brings forth distinct safety considerations and challenges for tow truck operators entrusted with the care of...
Managing Summer Vacations

Tips for Managing Summer Vacations in your Towing Company

Summer is typically the busiest time of the year for towing companies, with increased traffic, more vehicles on the road, and higher demand for towing services due to vacations and road...
SBA Loans vs. Private Financing

SBA Loans vs. Private Financing for Expanding Your Towing Fleet

Expanding a tow truck fleet can be a pivotal step for towing businesses aiming to scale operations and meet growing demand. Whether it's to enhance service coverage, improve response times, or...
towing semi-trucks

Essential Safety Tips for Towing Semi-Trucks

Towing a semi-truck is a complex and potentially dangerous task that requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of safety protocols. Unlike towing a standard vehicle, semi-trucks have unique challenges due...
summer safety tips

Summer Safety Tips for Tow Truck Operators

With increased travel and road trips, summer can be one of the busiest times of the year for tow truck operators. Combining that high traffic volume with scorching summer heat can...
clear customer communication

Clear Communication: The Key to Customer Trust

Clear and transparent communication are critical components of customer satisfaction and trust, especially in the towing industry. When your vehicle breaks down or you find yourself in need of a tow,...
Hiring Practices Lead to Enhanced Safety

Great Hiring Practices Lead to Enhanced Safety and Less Risk

The towing industry is one of the most dangerous, so ensuring the safety and security of employees and customers is paramount. The tow truck industry faces unique challenges, from operating heavy...
methods to manage snow and ice

Innovative Methods to Manage Snow and Ice on the Road

As winter descends upon us, the challenge of keeping roads clear of snow and ice becomes a top priority for states facing harsh weather conditions. While traditional methods like rock salt...
Commercial Tow Truck Insurance

The Basics of Commercial Tow Truck Insurance

Towing company owners may be one of the biggest unsung heroes of our community: they take on risks from every angle to help people get out of precarious situations and move...
Common Winter Towing Mistakes

Navigating Hazards: Common Winter Towing Mistakes

Winter weather poses unique challenges for towing companies, requiring heightened attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. Failing to address specific considerations can lead to safety hazards, potential damage, legal...
High-quality towing equipment

The Indispensable Role of High-Quality Towing Equipment

When every call demands precision, reliability, and a quick response, the role of high-quality towing equipment cannot be overstated. Towing isn't just about hauling a vehicle from point A to point...
Practices of Successful Towing Companies

Top Five Practices of Successful Towing Companies

Towing companies play a crucial role in our everyday lives, helping us in times of distress and emergencies. Behind these indispensable services are towing company owners who navigate a challenging industry....
2023 Tow Truck Operator Labor Market

2023 Tow Truck Operator Labor Market Insights

The dynamic landscape of the 2023 tow truck operator labor market is experiencing a notable upswing, characterized by robust job growth, escalating demand, and evolving compensation trends. This article delves into...
Ergonomic Tips for Towing

Top Ten Ergonomic Tips for Towing Company Employees

Working for a towing company can be physically demanding. Towing professionals often find themselves in challenging conditions, whether dealing with a heavy load, working in adverse weather, or operating powerful machinery....
holiday bonuses

Creative Holiday Bonuses to Reward Your Employees

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. As a towing company owner or manager, you want to show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of your...
Grow Your Towing Business Using Social Media

How to Grow Your Towing Business Using Social Media

Social media has become essential for businesses to promote their products and services, and towing companies are no exception. With over 4.59 billion social media users worldwide, promoting your towing services...
Maintaining Your Towing Fleet

Maintaining Your Towing Fleet for Profitability and Safety

Running a towing company is no easy task. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting in the industry, you know the challenges of managing a fleet of vehicles and towing...
High-Quality Towing Equipment

The Power of High-Quality Towing Equipment

In the dynamic world of towing, the old adage "quality over quantity" couldn't ring truer. As owners and managers of towing companies, your fleet's success hinges not only on the number...
Towing Company Owner

From Tow Truck Operator to Towing Company Owner

Starting as a tow truck operator and eventually owning a thriving towing company is a remarkable journey that combines hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Making this transition requires navigating through...
Win-Win Partnerships for Towing

Win-Win Partnerships for Towing Companies

In the fast-paced world of towing companies, the road to success often involves thinking outside the tow truck. Towing companies, like any other business, can benefit immensely from strategic partnerships with...
Participation in Fueling Networks

Cut Expenses by Participation in Fueling Networks

Efficiency is the backbone of any successful towing company. As the demand for towing services continues to grow, it becomes crucial for these businesses like yours to streamline operations and maximize...
Vehicle Repossessions

Expand Your Business with Vehicle Repossessions

If you're like most business owners and managers, you're constantly on the lookout for ways to grow your revenue. Expanding a tow truck business into vehicle repossessions can be a lucrative...
Tow Truck Lighting Laws

Understanding Tow Truck Lighting Laws

As a tow truck company owner, it is crucial to be well-versed in the laws governing tow trucks and their lighting systems. No matter where you are in the world, these...
Get Organized for Next Year's Tax Filings

Five Tips to Get Organized for Next Year’s Tax Filings Now

Did you just take a huge sigh of relief as you filed last year's income taxes?  As a small business owner, tax season can be a stressful time of the year....
Qualifications of Tow Truck Operators

10 Essential Qualifications of Tow Truck Operators

Are you planning to expand your towing operations? Or perhaps you are still trying to fill positions that have been vacant for some time now. Whatever the case, hiring a qualified...
difficult vehicle owners

Is Dealing with Difficult Vehicle Owners a Challenge for Your Towing Business?

As a business owner, tackling challenges is an inevitable part of your journey. Whether running a small startup or a large corporation, you’re bound to encounter obstacles that test your skills,...
Repair or Replace a Tow Truck

Deciding to Repair or Replace a Tow Truck

When you’re running a towing company, your tow trucks are the lifeblood of your business. They’re what gets you out on the road to help stranded drivers, recover vehicles, and keep...
Vehicle Maintenance for Towing Companies

Keeping Your Towing Fleet Safe: The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance for Towing Companies

As a towing company owner or manager, your top priority is getting your customers’ vehicles to their destinations quickly and safely. However, did you know that regular vehicle maintenance is just...
Towing Company Expenses

Are You Optimizing Your Towing Company Expenses?

It’s time to prepare your tax returns for the prior year. Your first step should be to consult with a qualified tax professional in your area to ensure you are filing...

Investing in Quality Towing Equipment Leads to Profitability

You can implement many strategies as a small business owner to generate more revenue for your business. However, another surefire way to be more successful and profitable is by spending money: ...
how to tow an electric vehicle

How to Tow an Electric Vehicle

EV sales grew by 36% in 2022, and while experts don’t forecast this same high level of growth for 2023, we are sure to see more and more electric vehicles on...
Online Resources for Towing Businesses

Online Resources for Towing Businesses

Owning and managing a business requires attention to detail. Depending upon where your business is licensed and your area of operation, you must adhere to a broad spectrum of rules and...
Good Financial Habits

Start Your Year with Good Financial Habits

It’s a new year, which means new opportunities and goals for your business. Just like you may have a renewed focus on health and wellness as part of your new year’s...
Marketing Your Towing Business

Simple Ideas for Marketing Your Towing Business

Attracting customers to a towing business is an interesting challenge since many people don’t think about towing companies until they have a need.  Marketing to prospective customers means making your business...
Holiday Gift Income Tax

Holiday Gift Income Tax Implications

It’s that time of year when many employers want to do something extra special for their workers.  Sometimes holiday plans may include an after-work dinner party, end-of-year bonus, or a physical...
move-over laws

Education about Move-Over Laws Gains Traction

In 2020, AAA reported that a tow truck driver is killed every six days.  Those in the tow truck industry belong to one of the most hazardous occupations in the modern...