Towing is the process of pulling a vehicle or object with another vehicle, using a rope, chain, or other form of coupling. It is a common practice in various industries such as transportation, construction, and agriculture. Towing also plays an essential role in emergency situations and in moving heavy objects from one place to another. Today, we at KB Towing Service would like to share some interesting facts about towing that you may not have known.
Towing Facts
1) The earliest recorded use of towing dates back to ancient Egypt, where oxen were used to pull heavy loads.
2) In the United States, the first towing company was established in 1916 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
3) The world’s largest tow truck is the Rotator, built by the American company Jerr-Dan. It has a lifting capacity of 75 tons and is used to tow large commercial vehicles such as buses and tractor-trailers.
4) The Guinness World Record for the heaviest tow by a production car is held by the Tesla Model X, which towed a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner weighing over 287,000 pounds in 2018.
5) The first tow truck with a hydraulic lift was invented in 1916 by Ernest Holmes Sr. after he witnessed a car accident in which six men had to lift a car to remove a trapped driver.
6) In the 1930s, tow trucks were equipped with a device called a “wheel-lift,” which enabled them to lift a vehicle by its wheels rather than by its frame, reducing the risk of damage to the car.
7) The most common type of tow truck is the flatbed truck, which has a hydraulic platform that can be lowered to the ground to allow the vehicle to be loaded and transported.
8) The term “towhead” originally referred to a person who was hired to pull a boat along a riverbank using a rope or towline.
9) In the United States, there are laws that regulate the maximum weight and size of the vehicle that can be towed, as well as the speed at which a towed vehicle can be driven.
10) The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the towing industry.
11) In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, tow trucks are called “recovery vehicles” or “breakdown trucks.”
12)The first tow trucks were not equipped with radios, so drivers had to use hand signals to communicate with each other while towing a vehicle.
13) Some modern tow trucks are equipped with cameras and sensors that allow the driver to monitor the towed vehicle and ensure that it is being transported safely.
14) In some states, tow truck operators are required to have special licenses and training to ensure that they can safely operate their vehicles and handle emergency situations.
15) Towing can be a dangerous job, as tow truck operators are often called to work in hazardous conditions such as heavy traffic, inclement weather, and accident scenes.
Towing & Roadside Assistance Services & More in Rowlett, Garland, Mesquite, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse & Greater Dallas, Texas
Towing has a long and fascinating history, and the industry continues to evolve as new technologies and safety regulations are introduced. From ancient oxen to modern flatbed trucks and hydraulic lifts, towing has played a crucial role in transportation and logistics for centuries and will likely continue to do so for many years to come. When you need towing services in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas, call KB Towing Service and let us assist you. We also provide quality towing and roadside assistance services.
