What Is Considered Light Duty Towing?

If you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a broken-down car, a flat tire, or a dead battery, you’ll need a reliable towing service to help you out. But did you know that not all towing services are the same? Depending on the type of vehicle and the situation, different types of towing may be required. One of the most common types is light duty towing — but what exactly does that mean?

In this guide, we’ll explain what is considered light duty towing, what types of vehicles it covers, how it differs from medium and heavy-duty towing, and why choosing the right towing service is essential. As a trusted towing company in Halethorpe, we provide professional and affordable light duty towing services to get you back on the road quickly.

What Is Light Duty Towing?

Light duty towing refers to towing smaller, lighter vehicles using standard tow trucks such as flatbeds or wheel-lift tow trucks. This service is commonly used for everyday vehicles that require roadside assistance due to mechanical failures, flat tires, accidents, or other issues.
Examples of Light Duty Vehicles:
Passenger cars (sedans, coupes, hatchbacks)
Motorcycles and scooters
Small SUVs and crossovers
Pickup trucks (light-duty models)
Vans (minivans and compact cargo vans)
Light duty towing is ideal for short-distance tows, emergency roadside assistance, and vehicle transportation needs within urban areas.

Light Duty vs. Medium & Heavy Duty Towing

Not all vehicles can be handled with a light duty tow truck. The type of towing service required depends on the weight and size of the vehicle.

What is a Light Duty Tow?

Handles vehicles under 10,000 lbs
Uses flatbed tow trucks or wheel-lift tow trucks
Ideal for motorcycles, cars, and small SUVs

What is Considered a Medium Duty Tow?

Handles vehicles between 10,001–26,000 lbs
Uses larger tow trucks with more powerful winches
Common for delivery trucks, RVs, and larger work vans

What is Considered Heavy Duty Towing?

Handles vehicles over 26,000 lbs
Requires heavy-duty wreckers and rotator tow trucks
Used for semi-trucks, buses, and large construction equipment
Choosing the right towing service is important to prevent damage to the vehicle and ensure a safe towing process.

Types of Light Duty Towing Services

Our light duty towing services in Halethorpe cover a wide range of roadside assistance needs.
1. Motorcycle Towing
Motorcycles require special handling during towing. We use motorcycle tow dollies, flatbed trailers, and wheel chocks to ensure safe transport.
2. Car Lockout Assistance
Locked your keys inside your car? Our quick-response team can unlock your vehicle without causing damage.
3. Jump Start Services
If your car battery dies, we provide mobile jump start assistance to get you back on the road fast.
4. Flat Tire Changes
We help with tire replacements, repairs, and inflation for light duty vehicles.
5. Fuel Delivery Service
Ran out of gas? We deliver fuel to your location so you can continue your journey.

Understanding Light Duty Tow Truck Capacity

Light duty tow trucks have weight limits that must not be exceeded.

How Much Weight Can a Light Duty Tow Truck Handle?

Flatbed tow trucks: Up to 10,000 lbs
Wheel-lift tow trucks: Around 7,500 lbs

What Happens If You Tow Over Capacity?

Damage to the tow truck and vehicle
Increased risk of accidents and tire blowouts
Legal fines and violations
Always hire a professional towing company that follows safety guidelines.

Will My Insurance Cover Light Duty Towing?

Many car insurance policies offer towing coverage, but it depends on your plan.

Does AAA Plus Cover Motorcycle Towing?

Yes, AAA Plus and Premier memberships cover motorcycle towing.
Coverage limits vary, so check with AAA before requesting service.

How to Check If Your Insurance Covers Towing

Review your insurance policy’s roadside assistance benefits
Contact your provider and ask about towing reimbursement
Consider adding towing coverage to your policy if not included

How Much Does Light Duty Towing Cost?

The cost of light duty towing depends on several factors, including distance, vehicle type, and time of day.
Average Light Duty Towing Prices:
Motorcycle Towing: $50 — $150
Car Towing (Local): $75 — $200
Long-Distance Towing: $2 — $4 per mile
Jump Starts, Lockouts, Fuel Delivery: $50 — $100
For affordable light duty towing in Halethorpe, contact us for a quote!

Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles for Towing

If you tow frequently, choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle can save money on gas.
Top Fuel-Efficient Tow Vehicles:
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — Great for towing small trailers and motorcycles
Honda CR-V Hybrid — Fuel-efficient option for light duty towing
Ford Maverick Hybrid — Small truck with excellent towing capability
Subaru Outback — AWD system helps with off-road towing

Choosing the Right Towing Company in Halethorpe

With many towing companies to choose from, it’s important to hire a reliable and professional service.


What to Look for in a Towing Company:
Licensed & Insured: Protects you from liability
24/7 Availability: Emergency towing services anytime
Fast Response Times: Quick arrival for roadside assistance
Affordable Rates: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Experienced Drivers: Professionals who handle vehicles safely
At Ali Towing in Halethorpe null, we meet all these criteria and provide top-rated light duty towing services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What vehicles are considered light-duty for towing?
Light-duty towing typically includes passenger cars, motorcycles, SUVs, small trucks, and vans. These vehicles generally weigh less than 10,000 pounds.
2. How much does light-duty towing cost?
The cost varies depending on the towing distance, location, and service provider. On average, local light-duty towing can cost between $50 to $150.
3. Can motorcycles be towed with light-duty towing?
Yes, motorcycles fall under light-duty towing. Special motorcycle trailers or dollies are used to transport them safely.
4. Does insurance cover light-duty towing?
Many insurance policies offer roadside assistance, which may cover towing services. Check with your provider to confirm coverage.
5. What is the difference between light-duty and heavy-duty towing?
Light-duty towing is for smaller vehicles like cars and motorcycles, while heavy-duty towing is for large trucks, buses, and industrial vehicles.

Conclusion

Light duty towing plays a crucial role in roadside assistance, helping drivers with smaller vehicles get back on the road safely and efficiently. Whether you need help with a motorcycle, compact car, or light truck, choosing a reliable towing service ensures your vehicle is handled with care.
At Ali Towing, we specialize in providing professional and affordable light duty towing services in Halethorpe. From vehicle breakdowns to lockouts and jump-starts, our team is available 24/7 to assist you. If you ever find yourself in need of towing or roadside assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help when you need us the most!

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